Community-Powered
Why We’re Different
The Women’s Foundation of Massachusetts’ steady growth is funded by generous donors who share our commitment to closing the philanthropy gap that is at the core of our well-defined mission.
Domino Solutions
Why Women and Girls
Only 1.3% of all philanthropic dollars go to MA nonprofits…
Dedicated to women and girls—yet the return is exponential. Investing in women uplifts families, strengthens communities, and creates ripple effects that last for generations.
WFMA Timeline
Building Our Impact
January 14, 2017
January 14, 2018
January 14, 2019
January 14, 2020
January 14, 2021
January 14, 2022
January 14, 2023
January 14, 2024
January 14, 2025
Women’s Foundation of Boston Established
Motivated by the massive gap in philanthropic giving to nonprofits dedicated to serving women and girls, longtime Boston philanthropists and businesswomen Kim Boucher, Ami Kuan Danoff, Christina Gordon, and Christina Suh start the Women’s Foundation of Boston dedicated to the economic empowerment of underresourced women and girls.
First Grant Made
After raising over $2 million in seed funding, the Women’s Foundation made its first grant to Science Club for Girls.
Launched Women in Nonprofit (WIN) Network
The Women In Nonprofit (WIN) Network began as a joint initiative between the Women’s Foundation of Boston and the Red Sox Foundation to better connect female leaders of Boston-area nonprofits.
Created Only COVID Response Fund for Women & Girls
Established the only COVID Response Fund specifically benefitting women and girls in Greater Boston, directly impacting over 5,000 women and girls during the pandemic.
Expanded Into MA Gateway Cities
Program grants expanded the Foundation’s impact into Massachusetts Gateway Cities such as Lowell, Lynn, Lawrence, New Bedford and Worcester. Previously solely run by volunteers, the Foundation also hired its first employee.
Fundraising and Grantmaking Milestones
Foundation reaches first $1 million grant cycle and introduces additional Catalyst Grants. $275,000 Catalyst Grants (one-year funding opportunities) additionally awarded to 11 nonprofits. Inaugural Make Her Mark fundraising event at the Museum of Science raises over $1.1 million.
First Multi-Year Grants Conclude
First multi-year grant initiative concludes. Grants impact nearly 2,000 local women and girls with $800K in funding despite pandemic challenges. Foundation awards over $1.7 million to 10 local nonprofits in the 2023 grant cycle.
First $2 Million + Grant Cycle
Foundation commits $2.2 million across multiple funding streams—multi-year grants, Catalyst Grants, sponsorships, and STEM kits. With 24% of 2024 awards in Western MA, geographic expansion is solidified. Foundation earns Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency.
Becomes the Women’s Foundation of MA
The Women’s Foundation evolves its name to reflect its statewide impact and the growing needs of women and girls across the Commonwealth. The Women’s Foundation annual grant cycle awards over $3 million for the first time. Research begins with the Wellesley College Center for Women to better understand the challenges facing women and girls in the state.