Our Initiatives
The Fund for Women and Girls sets priorities that steer our work towards systemic change to improve equity in education, strengthen health and safety, and support economic stability for those facing gender discrimination and disparities.
To maximize The Fund’s limited resources, we focus on specific initiatives aligned with these priorities.
Most part-time, retail, and hospitality roles are held by women, especially Black and Latina women. These jobs often provide little support during pregnancy, medical issues, or caregiving. To address this gap in health, safety, and economic security, we joined a statewide coalition lobbying for a state-run medical and family leave program. Alongside coalition strategies, The Fund has built a grassroots, volunteer-powered campaign with over 70 volunteers spreading awareness, distributing materials, enlisting business/community support, and contacting legislators.
Started by students in The Fund's civic engagement program, this initiative lobbies for legislation to allow 16/17-year-olds to vote in school board elections. Currently, 18 Chester County youth drive the work. Through our new grantee partner approach, Chester County LGBT Equality Alliance joins us to include LGBTQ+ students, ensuring their voices lead, as trans students face heightened hate and discrimination at school boards.
Launched during the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, this initiative equips youth and adults to participate in civic life, especially in voter education, turnout, and advocacy. Our mural (installed 2020) in West Chester commemorates this history and continues raising awareness of civic engagement’s role in gender and racial equity. The initiative emphasizes issues such as healthcare cost/access, abortion and reproductive rights, equity in public education, and civil liberties in the upcoming elections.
