Women's Fund of Rhode Island invests in women and girls through research, advocacy, grant making and strategic partnerships designed to advance gender equity through systemic change. Our work lays the foundation for a more equitable Rhode Island and has made our state a national leader in public policies that are good for women and families.
In 2017, we returned to our roots as a grant source for local programs that positively impact the lives of women and girls, empowering people to make real changes in the world around them.
The Ms. Foundation for Women was the first national women’s fund, launched in the 1970’s. Today, hundreds of women’s funds operate throughout the United States and in countries around the world. Their shared purpose is to improve the lives of women and girls. What do they accomplish? A lot, including:
In 2001, the Rhode Island Foundation, together with founder Simone Joyaux, established a fund specifically for women and girls in Rhode Island. In 2005, Women’s Fund of Rhode Island became an independent charitable organization and has been working to create a more equitable state ever since.