International Women’s Day 2019

Every day we hear about amazing groups and individuals who are determined to make a real difference to the lives of women and girls across the UK and who epitomize exactly what IWD is all about

According to the United Nations, “International Women’s Day (IWD) is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.” Every day we hear about amazing groups and individuals who are determined to make a real difference to the lives of women and girls across the UK and who epitomize exactly what IWD is all about. We’re incredibly proud to be part of a network of Community Foundations that enables such vital work.

Community Foundations and women’s projects

January saw us announcing details of organisations supported through the Tampon Tax Community Fund. More than 400 local projects across the UK working with some of society’s most vulnerable women and girls received a much needed £3.4 million cash injection. The projects funded are tackling a range of issues, including: period poverty, domestic and sexual abuse, mental health and long-term unemployment to build their skills, confidence and self-esteem. See some examples what the money funded. Whilst we were thrilled to see the money go out the door to such amazing projects, we were oversubscribed all over the country for applications. Community Foundations could only fund around one quarter of the 1,500 applications received which meant that some really worthy projects had to miss out.

And this is only part of the picture of what our network does to support women and girls. Our members are always looking to match their donors with important local causes and some Community Foundations are now looking at dedicated Women’s Funds to support crucial projects and services run by grassroots organisations.

Take a look at what Community Foundation have been doing to celebrate #IWD19

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