Investing in Women and Girls

December 2011

Bay Area women and girls hold the keys to many of the solutions we need in business, government, and in our communities. But they often lack opportunities to thrive. "Helping many more women attain leadership positions yields benefits way beyond the correcting of past inequalities and injustice," says Jane Baker, a donor to The San Francisco Foundation. "With more women shaping and leading the world, it will be a more peaceful, creative, and strong place for all."

That’s why Baker has invested in the Women and Girls Impact Fund, a new strategy that supports the success of women and girls. While women often make major decisions for their families, and make their voices heard in schools and community groups, they still hold too few positions of influence in corporate and government spheres—where innovative ideas and collaborative solutions are needed most. Only one of the 12 women who run Fortune 500 companies nationally resides in California, and only 28 of the 120-member California state legislature are women.

The Women and Girls Impact Fund focuses on changing this reality by improving possibilities for women and girls. It targets women’s leadership capacity, self-expression, and business ownership. With support and critical opportunities, women and girls can exercise their strengths and transform themselves, their families, and our region.

The Fund also supports women’s health, safety, and economic sustainability through investments and partnerships with community organizations that effectively promote change.

Learn more about the Women and Girls Impact Fund and view testimonials from the launch during TSFF’s Second Annual Women Changing the World Luncheon.