What's happened
The Ms. Foundation's CEO, Younger, announces her departure in June but affirms ongoing commitment to feminism and racial equity. The foundation has expanded its focus on women of color, raised over $100 million, and advocates for flexible funding for grassroots groups. Its history dates back to 1973, with significant donations like a $50 million estate gift in 2023.
What's behind the headline?
The foundation’s focus on women of color and grassroots activism highlights a strategic shift in philanthropy towards more inclusive and flexible funding models. Younger’s leadership has emphasized racial and gender equity, aligning with broader societal calls for social justice. The foundation’s advocacy for long-term, adaptable funding challenges traditional grantmaking practices, potentially transforming how grassroots groups operate. The recent $50 million estate gift underscores the foundation’s growing financial stability and influence. However, its relatively small share of overall philanthropic funding indicates that systemic change remains limited, and the foundation’s impact will depend on sustained advocacy and broader sector shifts. The story also underscores the importance of leadership transitions in maintaining momentum for social causes, with Younger’s departure seen as an opportunity for new strategies to continue this trajectory.
What the papers say
The Independent highlights Younger’s ongoing commitment to feminism and racial equity, emphasizing her leadership in expanding grassroots investments and advocating for marginalized women. AP News echoes this, noting her confidence in future leadership to sustain the foundation’s mission. The New York Times provides historical context, illustrating the foundation’s origins and its evolution from supporting women’s health and feminist movements to championing women of color and grassroots activism. The articles collectively portray a foundation deeply rooted in social justice, with a legacy of pioneering funding models and community support, now poised for future growth under new leadership.
How we got here
The Ms. Foundation was founded in 1973 by prominent feminists to support women's movements and feminist causes. Under Younger’s leadership, it shifted focus toward women of color and grassroots activism, raising substantial funds and advocating for inclusive philanthropy. The foundation’s strategic emphasis on marginalized groups reflects broader social justice movements and evolving philanthropic priorities.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Margaret Julia "Marlo" Thomas is an American actress, producer, author, and social activist. She is best known for starring on the sitcom That Girl and her children's franchise Free to Be... You and Me.
-
Melinda Ann Gates is an American philanthropist and a former general manager at Microsoft. In 2000, she co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation with her husband Bill Gates, the world's largest private charitable organization as of 2015.
-
Gloria Marie Steinem is an American feminist, journalist, and social political activist who became nationally recognized as a leader and a spokeswoman for the American feminist movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s.