Women and girls’ specific issues receive just 1.9 percent of U.S. philanthropic funding. That lack of investment often leaves organizations addressing issues that impact women and girls vulnerable, and leaders in the sector without resources and professional development to be successful.

The Fundraising Development for Organizations Serving Women and Girls program, a partnership with The Fund Raising School at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, is designed to strengthen the resilience of nonprofits, as well as the people who lead them.

Participants in the program earn a customized certificate in fundraising fundamentals and a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credit through a customized program tailored to fit the demanding schedule of working adults leading grassroots nonprofit organizations. Sessions explore fundamental fundraising strategy, grant writing, storytelling, engaging women as donors, and other topics. This learning is supported by office hours with skilled Fund Raising School staff.

This program is made possible, in part, through funding from the Indiana University Foundation's Affinity Grant Program and Cummins Powers Women.

In 2026, in recognition of the intrinsic connection between the well-being of women and youth, Women’s Foundation partnered with Arthur Dean Family Foundation (ADFF), which supports organizations providing opportunities, experiences, and relationships to help young people thrive. With ADFF’s support, we have enhanced this program. The partnership added an accelerated virtual cohort, making this program available beyond the borders of Central Indiana. Each cohort will be strengthened by two working sessions featuring peer-to-peer support and guidance from foundation fundraising professionals. And the partnering foundations will offer two resilience-building webinars open to all nonprofit leaders across Indiana.