Chicago Foundation for Women Turns 25

A look back at the forward-thinking organization

In 1984, four pioneering women observed an absence of female issues among Chicago philanthropies. Aiming to create a better opportunity for women and girls to achieve their potential and live in safe, just and healthy communities, Marjorie Craig Benton, Sunny Fischer, Iris J. Krieg and Lucia Woods Lindley established a group to fill the void; and so the Chicago Foundation for Women was formed. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the renowned organization, and after a quarter century of service, its work is only growing more visible throughout the community.

Still Thriving

Since CFW’s inception, the basic concept of grantmaking and advocacy for women’s issues like economic security, freedom from violence and access to health services has remained unchanged, but output has swelled. The Foundation’s total grants to nonprofit organizations have grown from $50,000 to about $1 million annually, and the overall amount of money being donated for women’s causes in Chicago has doubled, in large part due to the immense work of CFW, says Board Chair Gail Ludewig. “What we’ve accomplished in Chicago has been a model for other organizations around the country,” affirms Co-founder Marjorie Craig Benton.

Women Employed, a nonprofit organization that promotes full and fair economic opportunities for women, is one of many Foundation grantees. Executive Director Anne Ladky says CFW has provided critical support on major work her organization has undertaken. “The Foundation has a commitment to advocacy unlike many organizations,” she says. “We think it’s a tremendous asset to the community.”

Legacy of Leaders

In addition to helping the underrepresented women of Chicago, the foundation is on a mission to build future leaders. Five Leadership Councils (African American, Asian American, Latina, Lesbian and Young Women's), a more recent aspect of the Foundation, expand grantmaking while engaging diverse women in philanthropy, teaching them to be leaders, explains Sharmila Rao Thakkar, a CFW board member and member of the Asian American Leadership Council. Over the years, leadership councils have grown in membership, activity and involvement, helping the Foundation reach larger goals.

Still Striving

Despite many great successes, the issues CFW is working toward are not solved. “It’s a long process,” Sharmila says. “But we are building an environment where issues remain at the forefront.”

Among difficulties the Foundation faces now and in the future are raising money to support its causes and developing new talent, Marjorie says. She explains that by strengthening the board, increasing public outreach and gaining more volunteers, CFW can overcome these obstacles.

Gail asserts that until there is no longer a need to help underrepresented women – until the disparity between the haves and the have-nots is eliminated – the Foundation will never stop serving the Chicago community.   

The Chicago Foundation for Women celebrates its 25th anniversary on Thursday, September 30 by hosting a luncheon featuring CNN personality Soledad O’Brien at the Hyatt Regency on 151 East Wacker Drive. The event begins with a networking reception at 11AM, which will be followed by lunch at noon. Tickets are on sale now and start at $150 and tables start at $2,500.