AAUW Philanthropy Briefing

AAUW Current Topics Briefing #22
April 10, 2009

AAUW’s mission is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. Philanthropy through the charitable work of AAUW, a 501(c)(3) organization, in support of equity for women and girls is a deeply embedded value — a proud legacy honored by AAUW members for more than 121 years. A hallmark of our organization, philanthropy in support of our vision of a "fair chance for all women" has always brought us together as one nationwide community of AAUW, generously contributing financially, emotionally, and physically to help make our vision of equity for women a reality.

All we have to do to see the difference our charitable contributions have made in the world is imagine the lives of the many women we have educated over the years. These women have gone on to advance science, care for families, educate future generations, lead and inspire communities, demand civil rights, advocate for equitable change, and so much more.

Today, our charitable contributions continue to open doors for women to higher education, career achievement and advancement, and civil rights protections. We also use philanthropy to fight injustice, discrimination, and victimization — through support of our Legal Advocacy Fund plaintiffs, Capitol Hill and grassroots lobbying, attitude-changing research, campus-based programs, community-based education, and all our election-related activism to ensure that policy-makers join our fight for equity. Philanthropy is our way to "be there" everyday, on the battle lines for women’s equity.

As individuals, we are not always able to participate personally in each equity battle, but through our donations to AAUW, we are always there — as we have always been — right on the frontlines for women's equity. So, although we are transitioning to a 21st-century organizational structure, AAUW’s philanthropic purpose, goals, processes, and activities will remain exactly the same — including all the fellowship and grants funds, the Legal Advocacy Fund, and the funds to support the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders, Campus Action Projects, research, and all the other programs that help us advance equity for women and girls. The only thing that will change is the terminology we use to refer to the destinations for our charitable giving, which will now be known as the AAUW Funds (rather than as the Educational Foundation or "EF").

Exactly as we have always done, we will continue to be able to designate our tax-deductible gifts to one or more of the AAUW Funds, and we can use the same fund names and fund identification numbers that are used currently. Undesignated (unrestricted) giving will continue to be especially appreciated, since this type of donation makes it possible to use your contribution where it is most needed. Wherever your philanthropy is directed, just as now, your gifts will be acknowledged and recognized according to your intent and designation — and they will be immensely appreciated.

In these hard times, we know that it is even harder for those who do not have access to high-quality education, who are not paid fairly, and who lack opportunities to make life better for themselves and their families. During difficult times, AAUW members have always "stepped up," done a little more, and reached further to give a helping hand. Today, through a renewed commitment to support our AAUW Funds with tax-deductible gifts,* we reaffirm our Value Promise:

By joining AAUW, we belong to a community that breaks through educational and economic barriers so that all women have a fair chance.

This is briefing #22 in our AAUW Current Topics Briefing Series issued by Linda Hallman, CAE, Executive Director.