ABOUT US

Arizona Foundation for Women was founded in 1995 by community trailblazer and philanthropist Marilyn R. Seymann in response to the deficiency she found in the state’s philanthropic giving to women’s issues. At the time, just 4 percent was directed to women’s causes! AFW joined other Women driven foundations nationally to create a “Women’s Funding Movement.” As a result, Arizona Foundation for Women has contributed over $3.1 million to the community.

AFW has used its resources to support a myriad of projects bringing awareness to the issues most affecting women and children. This is achieved by maximizing the use of funds either by identifying an existing program that needed strengthening or starting a program where none existed.

What makes the work we do so effective is our flexibility to meet needs through multiple delivery channels. Our foundation excels at identifying unmet needs and developing initiatives and methods to address them. This approach allows us to address the issues of Arizona women from a broader perspective. Each year we strive to repeat our success by bringing together businesses, government agencies and non-profit organizations to achieve common goals with uncommon results.

HOW WE WORK

Research

For several years, the Foundation has completed an in-depth research study on the status of women in Arizona. Many community leaders, philanthropists and nonprofit organizations rely on this research to help fulfill their missions. The Status of Women in Arizona Report (first released in 2007) is a non-partisan resource tool valued by public policy and legislative decision-makers. Our research publications provide integrated and relevant information on Arizona’s women. 

 Philanthropy and Grants

Since 1995, the Foundation has provided millions of dollars to community nonprofit organizations through general grants and donor-advised funds. Local women are immediately and directly helped through these prevention focused seed funds. AFW hosts an annual awards fundraiser that provides grants to these nonprofits. In turn, we are making a difference in the lives of women by improving their safety, health and economic empowerment. 

OUR VISION AND MISSION

Our vision is to create an Arizona where women are safe, healthy and economically independent. We live out our mission by committing to advance the status of Arizona's women. We focus on these three areas — (S)Safety, (H)Health and (E)Economic Empowerment — to ensure SHE Counts®, and the women of our community are empowered to succeed. And we accomplish this in three ways — through Research, Advocacy and Philanthropy.

We connect hearts and minds to showcase leadership, share expertise, elicit responsiveness, build relationships, and foster a collaborative spirit. Our approach is a holistic strategy of research, advocacy and innovative grant-making that is both necessary and practical.

Economic empowerment is only possible with access to job opportunities with equitable and livable pay, quality healthcare, safe home environments and relationships, and quality education. Our research informs our stakeholders and is a community resource for all. AFW funds innovative programs that support these goals. In turn, our grant partners help us hone our research topics.  The objective is to improve systems affecting women and move the needle for overall systemic change.

FINANCIALS