2021 — 2026
Five years ago, WFS was an idea: a regional foundation built for the South, by the South. Today, we are moving capital, backing leaders, and changing what philanthropy can look like across the region.
The Story So Far
From a New Orleans launch to a wider regional footprint, each milestone has been built through the leadership and trust of the people closest to the work.
WFS opens its doors in August. Weeks later, Hurricane Ida makes landfall at the height of the pandemic, and Louisiana's women leaders carry their communities through two disasters at once. WFS responds with the launch of WOC @ REST® — a retreat and restorative grantmaking rooted in the belief that the women doing this work deserve rest, resources, and care.
WŌC @ Rest® grows to Mississippi, we produce the first impact video series “Learn with Us,” and host the inaugural CRESCENDEAUX Gala.
Expansion to Texas and Georgia. WFS is selected as a Call to Action for the Clinton Global Initiative, hosts CRESCENDEAUX Gala: A Carnival of Culture, and is recognized by Southeast Philanthropy as a Truist Award recipient for Innovative Use of Philanthropic Capital.
Expansion to Arkansas. WFS releases the impact video “As We Are,” launches the Grapple and Grow capacity-building program, hosts the inaugural “Honor Her Awards,” produces Shift the South: Why Change Can’t Wait for Women and Girls of Color, and receives the 2024 Outstanding Foundation Award from the Greater New Orleans Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).
WFS is listed in “Inside Philanthropy – Five Regional Women’s Foundations to Know,” produces “Shift the South: 2025 Legislative Recap,” regrants across five states, and responds to grantee partner requests for in-state capacity-building and strategy sessions in five states.
WFS marks five years of building health, wealth, and power with its anniversary brunch, while preparing the next chapter of regional growth.
Five years in, just beginning. The next chapter: every Southern state, 2.5 million women and girls in reach.