Kentucky Foundation for Women: Empowering Women and Girls Through Grantmaking and Advocacy

Introduction

The Kentucky Foundation for Women (KFW) is a powerful force for change in the lives of women and girls across the Commonwealth. Since its inception in 1985, KFW has invested over $40 million in grants to organizations working to improve the health, safety, and economic well-being of women and girls. Through its strategic grantmaking and advocacy efforts, KFW has played a vital role in advancing gender equity in Kentucky.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To improve the lives of women and girls in Kentucky by promoting their health, safety, and economic well-being.

Vision: A Kentucky where all women and girls have the opportunity to thrive.

Guiding Principles

KFW’s work is guided by the following principles:

• Equity: All women and girls deserve fair and just opportunities.
• Empowerment: Women and girls have the power to change their lives and their communities.
• Collaboration: KFW works in partnership with other organizations to achieve its goals.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: KFW uses data to inform its grantmaking and advocacy efforts.

Key Programs and Initiatives

KFW’s work is focused on three key areas:

1. Health and Safety: KFW supports organizations that provide healthcare, mental health services, and programs to prevent violence against women and girls.

2. Economic Well-Being: KFW invests in initiatives that promote financial literacy, workforce development, and entrepreneurship for women.

3. Leadership and Advocacy: KFW empowers women and girls to become leaders and advocates for themselves and their communities.

Impact and Accomplishments

Over the past 35 years, KFW has made a significant impact on the lives of women and girls in Kentucky. Some of KFW’s most notable accomplishments include:

• Providing over $40 million in grants to organizations working to improve the lives of women and girls.
• Launching the Women’s Health Fund, which has provided over $1 million in grants to support access to healthcare for underserved women.
• Establishing the Women’s Business Center of Kentucky, which has helped over 1,000 women start or grow their own businesses.
• Advocating for legislation to protect women and girls from violence, including the passage of the Rape Kit Backlog Reduction Act.

How You Can Help

There are many ways to support the work of the Kentucky Foundation for Women:

• Donate: Your financial contributions help KFW continue to make a difference in the lives of women and girls.
• Volunteer: Share your time and skills to help KFW achieve its mission.
• Advocate: Speak out for the issues that matter most to women and girls.
• Spread the Word: Follow KFW on social media and share our stories with your friends and family.

Conclusion

The Kentucky Foundation for Women is a vital resource for women and girls in the Commonwealth. Through its grantmaking, advocacy, and leadership development programs, KFW is making a real difference in the lives of women and girls across Kentucky.

Additional Resources

• Kentucky Foundation for Women website
• Women’s Health Fund website
• Women’s Business Center of Kentucky website

Tables

Table 1: KFW Grantmaking by Program Area (2019)

Table 2: Women’s Health Fund Grantees (2018-2020)

Table 3: Women’s Business Center of Kentucky Clients (2019)

Table 4: KFW Legislative Advocacy Priorities