AWDF and the Women Raising Millions Campaign

It was very exciting to find out at the Women Funding Network's (WFN) annual conference (held in Atlanta, Georgia between the 30th of April and the 2nd of May) that the Women Raising Millions Campaign had surpassed it's US$150m target and raised more than US$175m. What is even more significant about the campaign is that for the very first time in history high networth women are giving huge amounts of financial resources (US$1m or more) to women's funds. This has never been done before, the North American suffragette movement for example was funded mainly by men.

Today the official press release on this momentous achievement was announced in New York and San Francisco. AWDF is proud to be one of the women's funds recognised for participating in the Women Raising Millions campaign at WFN's "Changing the face of Philanthropy Awards" luncheon.

Picture below: Abigail Burgesson, Special Programmes Manager and AWDF's donor who contributed to Women Raising Million's campaign

Highlights from Women's Funding Network's Conference

It's Day 2 of the Women's Funding Network's annual conference for 2009 and there have been so many highlights. My personal highlights have included:

* Lynn Huntley's introductory speech at the conference on "Enemies and Victory". A memorable quote she shared was "May my enemies live long so they may see my victory".

* Hearing from Helen and Swanee Hunt who inspired the Women Moving Millions campaign which surpassed it's target of US$150 million and raised over US$170 million. The African Women's Development Fund (AWDF) alongside other women's funds was honoured with an award for our participation in this innovative campaign.

* Being inspired by Asha who whilst still a law student at Spelman College in Atlanta started a grassroots movement which has fought back against the negative depiction of black women in rap and hip hop videos.

Love from Atlanta,

Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah
Programme Officer
Fundraising & Communications

Women's Funding Network: 2009 Annual Conference

Arrived in Atlanta yesterday for the Women's Funding Network's annual conference on the theme "Investing in Women: Worldwide Return". Participated in 2 pre-conference activities today - Women Raising Millions Capacity Building Training which had Helen Hunt, one of the lead donors to the campaign present. The training event was unique because it was an opportunity to interact with donors who had given US$1 million or over. Some of what stuck with me from this training event included:

Helen Hunt's comment that donors are actually grateful to women's funds for enabling them to give these significant gifts.

Donors want to be involved in the work and not just provide the cheques.

Bringing donors together is really empowering (for donors).

The second event was a meet and greet for new attendees to WFN's annual conference.

Will keep you posted.

Love from Atlanta,

Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah
Programme Officer
Fundraising & Communications