Why the Women’s
Foundation of the South?
Our Mission
Building Health,
Wealth & Power.
Shifting the South.
The Women's Foundation of the South is the first permanent public foundation in the United States dedicated to investing in the health, wealth and power of women, girls and gender-expansive people of color in the US South. Women-of-color-led organizations have historically received a fraction of philanthropic capital. We exist to change that — moving trust-based, healing-centered, multi-year capital directly to the grassroots leaders already transforming Southern communities. Founded in 2021 in New Orleans by Carmen James Randolph and leaders across the South to build durable economic, civic and cultural power that lasts for generations.
The HEAL Strategy
How the work moves.
HEAL gives WFS a shared discipline for deciding where resources, relationships, and public voice can create lasting change.
See our approachHasten
Move resources and attention toward women and girls across the South with urgency.
Energize
Strengthen the organizations, networks, and leaders that sustain movements.
Amplify
Lift authentic Southern narratives through research, policy, and storytelling.
Leverage
Bring capital and partnership together so every investment can travel further.
Our region · Southern States
From 6 states
today, to all
13 states by 2031.
From 6 states today,
to all 13 states by 2031.
From
6 states
today, to
all 13 states
by 2031.
Today, our Southern State cohorts includes Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, Texas, Arkansas, and Alabama. By 2031: every Southern state. Click a state to explore our regional work.
Shift the South
Empower the South, transform the future.
Empower the South, transform the future.
Join our newsletter or donate to support the health, wealth, and power of women, girls, and gender-expansive people across the South.
Join our newsletter or donate to support the health, wealth, and power of women, girls, and gender-expansive people across the South.