Five Years. Forward.
Five years ago, WFS was an idea: a regional foundation built for the South, by the South. Today, we're moving capital, backing leaders, and shifting policy across the region. This is the story of how — and what's next.
5
Years
13
Southern states in our 2031 vision
2.5M
Women & girls in our long-term reach
The Story So Far
A 5-year timeline.
Founding moments, grantmaking milestones, Shift the South releases, CRESCENDEAUX and Honor Her, awards and honors, regional expansion, and the milestones still ahead.
- 2021Aug 2021Founding
WFS launches in New Orleans
Founded by Carmen James Randolph as the only regional foundation dedicated to women, girls, and gender-expansive people across the U.S. South.
- 2022Initiative
WŌC @ Rest takes root
A signature initiative funding rest, healing, and sabbatical for movement leaders across the region.
- 2022Grantmaking
First multi-year, unrestricted grants
Trust-based capital begins moving to Southern women-led organizations — long-horizon funding, no hoops.
- 2023Regional Expansion
Southern State Cohort launches in MS, GA & TX
Grantmaking grows beyond Louisiana into Mississippi, Georgia, and Texas, deepening place-based partnerships.
- 2023Research
First Shift the South report
WFS publishes the inaugural research brief documenting conditions for women and girls across the South.
- 2024Event
CRESCENDEAUX New Orleans
A signature WFS production celebrating Southern women artists, leaders, and culture-makers.
- 2024Recognition
National recognition for Southern philanthropy
WFS and Carmen James Randolph honored for leadership in regional philanthropy. [Awards & honors — placeholder copy.]
- 2025Media
Impact film series released
Short documentary portraits of grantee partners across the four-state cohort.
- 2025Event
Honor Her
Annual gathering honoring the Southern women whose work makes the movement possible.
- 2025Aug 24Publication
Shift the South · Annual Legislative Recap
Year-in-review tracking the policies and bills shaping women's lives across the Southern states.
- 2026Aug 1, 2026Anniversary
Five Years Forward · Seed the South
5th anniversary brunch and the public launch of Seed the South — the campaign building WFS's long-horizon endowment.
- 2026Vision
Toward all 13 Southern states by 2031
Five years in, just beginning. The next chapter: every Southern state, 2.5 million women and girls in reach.
The Anniversary Campaign
Seed the South.
Our 5th anniversary campaign — building the endowment that makes long-horizon investment possible. At year-end, it transitions into the Camellia Campaign.
Give to Seed the South