History

In the summer of 1985, dreams of a women's foundation for Colorado began to take the shape of conversations...then meetings...then planning sessions. These dreams were fueled by the realization that less than 4 percent of foundation funds were being allocated to programs targeting the needs of women and girls even though women and children represented 73 percent of Americans living in poverty.

To help alleviate this inequity, the Women's Foundation of Colorado was founded in 1987 with an initial endowment of multi-year pledges totaling $2 million. Most of these early gifts were from individual women who gained their own voice and power by investing their collective dollars to make a difference in the lives of women and girls.

Several early decisions shaped the Foundation profoundly. It would be a statewide organization representing rural and urban concerns; incorporate as a public foundation committed to the inclusiveness of all women and girls; raise an endowment large enough to secure its permanence and effectiveness; and include in its mission statement a focus on women and girls at greatest risk.

Since 1987, the Foundation has invested more than $9 million and partnered with more than 180 agencies in 75 communities statewide. One of the oldest and largest women's funds in the nation, the Women's Foundation is Colorado's only major statewide philanthropic organization investing exclusively in women and girls.