WOMENS WAY

GRANTMAKING PROGRAMS In FY25, we distributed a total of $634,270 to 36 organizations through four grantmaking programs described below. IMMEDIATE RESPONSE ACTION FUND (IRAF) IRAF addresses urgent and unanticipated needs of organizations or programs that primarily serve women, girls, and the gender expansive community. From receiving a completed application to communicating a decision -the IRAF grant review process is completed in 10 business days. In FY25, 15 grant totaling over $149,270 were given out, impacting over 32,500 individuals. RAPID RESPONSE GENERAL OPERATING FUND The Rapid Response General Operating Fund was created to fund organizations serving communities disproportionately impacted by the current socio-political climate: immigrant and refugees, LGBTQIA+, people seeking reproductive healthcare and/or organizations anticipating a significant decrease in funding. From receiving a completed application, to communicating a decision, the grant review process was completed in 10 business days. In FY25, 16 grants totaling $160,000 were given out, impacting over 90,875 individuals. GENDER ECONOMIC EQUITY FUND The first cohort of the Gender Economic Equity Fund was launched in FY25 and consists of 4 organizations focused on the care sector. Over the three-year grant period, each organization will receive $235,000: $50,000 / year in general operating support, $25,000 / year in wellness funds to support staff, and a one-year accelerator grants of $10,000. In FY25 the 4 organizations each received the first installment of $75,000 for a total of $300,000 disbursed. TRANS RESILIENCE FUND In partnership with the Gender Justice Fund, WOMEN'S WAY invested $25,000 in their Trans Resilience Fund, a pooled fund to invest in organizations addressing the needs of trans populations. The Fund utilizes a participatory grantmaking process in which a committee of trans and non-binary community members set guidelines and makes funding decisions.

PUBLIC EDUCATION: GENDER EQUITY DESIGNER PROGRAM In 2025, we launched the Gender Equity Designer Program (GEEP) whose purpose is to advance the efforts, knowledge, and impact of organizations, coalitions, and grassroots groups from the care sector who are working to strengthen alternative care models that are equitable, inclusive, and contribute to long-term social transformation. GEEP includes three components: multi-year general operating support, a wellness fund, and the Gender Equity Designer Program which is a 6-month learning collaborative that empowers practitioners to design and evaluate effective equity strategies that center individuals and communities historically impacted by gender and racial inequities by adopting an equity mindset. Participants learn best practices, powerful techniques, key performance indicators and meaningful milestones for designing equitable organizations, communities, and systems. The first cohort includes four nonprofit organizations in the care sector. CLOSING THE GENDER WEALTH GAP EDUCATION SERIES In 2025, we hosted four virtual forums exploring the steps needed to build a more inclusive economy and the alternative models and initiatives that can serve as its foundation. Topics addressed the different dimensions of the Gender Wealth Framework, a process and toolkit that different stakeholders can use to design and evaluate strategies to incorporate gender equity into their organizations. A total of 565 individuals attended and/or viewed the recordings of the sessions, and more than 300 individuals were mobilized to act in pursuit of advancing gender and racial equity. Of those who completed the post-session survey, 89% of respondents rated each session "very good or better." ANNUAL GENDER WEALTH SUMMIT Each year, WOMEN'S WAY conducts the Annual Gender Wealth Summit that brings together funders, advocates, and community members for a half-day experience focused on reimagining our economy and expanding collective well-being. Through a mix of panels, mini-lectures, and interactive breakout groups, we deepen our understanding of the gender wealth gap, explore innovative economic models, and build momentum towards lasting systems change. In 2025, WOMEN'S WAY conducted the 4th Annual Gender Wealth Summit during which 100 stakeholders came together to discuss strategies to strengthen and reimagine the social safety net. A report was created that included lessons learned from the Summit and action steps cross-sector stakeholders can take to strengthen the social safety net. In addition, 35 individuals signed up to join the WOMEN'S WAY Advocacy Community which launched in January 2026. ADVOCACY In 2025, we designed and launched the Speakers' Bureau to empower women with lived experiences of economic insecurity to use narrative change skills for advocacy. Over seven months, ten participants explored writing, art, public speaking, organizing, and social media through expert-led workshops. Each participant received a small budget to advance their advocacy work, resulting in collaborations with local colleges and engagement with policymakers in Harrisburg. Their advocacy work plays a vital role in shaping a new cultural narrative - one grounded in the wisdom and lived experiences of all marginalized genders that takes root in communities, organization, and the halls of power. YOUNG WOMEN'S INITIATIVE (YWI) Now in its 28th year the WOMEN'S WAY Young Women's Initiative (YWI) is a dynamic group of people between the ages of 21 and 45 who identify as women or gender expansive / gender non-conforming / non-binary. This volunteer-led young friends' group is composed of individuals who are focused on social justice and dedicated to advancing gender equity. YWI works to develop its members as community and business leaders, advocates for social change, and civically engaged philanthropists raising critical funds for WOMEN'S WAY. It also serves as a way to connect with progressive peers and make a difference in the community.