Since 2001, we’ve been investing in programs that promise real social change in our community– enhancing economic self-sufficiency for women, leadership for women, and lifeskills for girls. We’ve invested $1 million in 104 root-cause programs that create long-term solutions.
Our grant partners are diverse- ensuring that we reach all women and girls in our community. Programs like CRIS, which helps helps immigrant women understand their rights under the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, so they may leave abusive relationships, still remain in the United States and retain custody of their children.
Our grant partners fuel social change- empowering women like Kristy, who graduated from the Getting Ahead program and said “I am a 32-year-old single mom who lives in poverty and who has struggled most of my life, depending solely on public assistance and never motivated to want more. Until now. The Getting Ahead program gave me a lot. I became very motivated to change my life.”
Social change goes beyond providing direct service and creates change in the larger system of how we live, work and learn.
But what evidence do we have that an organization’s program has been successful? That it’s really making lasting, systemic change? How do we measure social change?
We believe the evidence comes in the form of a shift. Five shifts, actually.
A Shift in Definition. The issue is defined differently in the community or larger society.
A Shift in Behavior. People behave differently the community.
A Shift in Critical Mass or Engagement. People in the community are more engaged in the issue.
A Shift in Policy. Specific organizational, local, regional, state, or national policy has changed.
And sometimes a Shift can simply mean holding the line. Earlier progress made on the issue has been maintained in the face of opposition.
To access our Letter of Intent, click here: Fall 2010 Annual Letter of Intent Application
To find a grantwriting workshop in your area, click here: Fall 2010 Grantwriting Workshop Calendar