Philanthropy as Protest: Why Investing in the Future of Women and Girls Is Hope in Action

By: Patty Dunn, Women’s Fund Development Specialist

“You have to choose hope. Hope comes from feeling that you’re on the side of right and fighting for it. If you’re a passive observer to what’s going on, it’s easy to give in to despair.” —Judy Chicago

Before the Women’s Fund was launched five years ago on the centennial of women’s right to vote, our Founders and Architects partnered to create change because they knew that hope is not passive. Hope is a decision to act. For our members, hope is a reason to show up, time and time again.

At the Women’s Fund, we choose hope every day: hope for equity, safety, opportunity, and visibility for women and girls in Allen County. But we can't create lasting change based on hope alone. This kind of hope, which acts as a catalyst to strengthen our community, requires bold action. It will take all of us.

Community connection and collaboration are more vital than ever. Cuts to federal funding and attacks on DEI are impacting Allen County locally. Members and partners of the Women’s Fund have shared with us news of sudden job losses and program changes. Uncertainty weighs heavily. At times, it can feel overwhelming and inescapable.

It can be easy to give in to despair, but philanthropy’s role in creating change reminds us that beauty is found in action. Still, we must face a harsh reality: Less than 2% of philanthropic giving in the U.S. directly benefits women and girls. Half of our population's futures are underfunded, undervalued, and often overlooked. In Allen County, we can do better. I believe this because we have a vibrant legacy of visionaries who have shown us how.

Investing in women and girls in Allen County builds on a rich, interconnected history of women who have left a legacy in the community. Women like Corrinne Mudd Brooks, who organized the first African American Girl Scout troop in Fort Wayne and dedicated her life to empowering Black youth. For Corrinne, hope meant mentorship and creating spaces for collaboration and connection.

Community activist and suffragette Alice Harrison Foster McCullough Mullins Harper Hill championed women’s voting rights, public health, and civic participation. As a founder of the Fort Wayne Women's Club and member of the Indiana League of Women Voters, she demonstrated that hope is rooted in committed advocacy by using her voice.

We are inspired by Margaret Ann Keegan, a dedicated servant leader in the community, whose passion for nurturing the arts endures in institutions such as Arts United, Fort Wayne Youtheatre, and the Philharmonic Women’s Committee. Margaret’s hope through service has left a lasting impression of beauty and selfexpression for generations.

Bold courage fueled Elma Alsup’s hope. She refused to be discouraged by segregation and instead worked tirelessly for educational equity, employment opportunity, and community unity at what is now known as the Urban League. Elma wielded significant influence across racial boundaries within the community when segregation was widespread.

Helene Foellinger’s legacy is a powerful reminder that change begins at the local level. As publisher of the News-Sentinel, she dedicated her life to supporting nonprofit organizations, helping these groups grow through the Foellinger Foundation. Her lasting impact shows that when hope is combined with bold generosity, it can shape a city. Helene’s hope was an unwavering belief in this community.

These women understood that hope is active, not passive. They didn't wait for the economy, political climate, or civil rights to solve the issues in our community. They knew that with courage and leadership, they could meet the needs of women and girls. They chose hope.

If you've felt despair in recent months and aren't sure where to start, remember that this is precisely when philanthropy must step up bravely and boldly to meet the challenge. Start by supporting women and girls. Increasing your gift and commitment to the Women’s Fund today helps us reach more women and girls with the resources, safety, and support they deserve. Every dollar, every action, and every voice advocating for our mission makes a difference.

This is our time to stand up for what’s right. To leave the sidelines behind. To reject despair.

By turning hope into action, we can prove that when women rise, we all rise. Like Corrinne, Alice, Margaret Ann, Elma, and Helene, we must pour into our community with urgency and heart.

When you invest in the Women’s Fund, you support systemic change that lasts generations. Whether through a one-time gift, a monthly donation, sponsoring a new member, or becoming an event sponsor at our upcoming fifth anniversary fundraiser, your support creates a brighter future where every woman and girl has the power, resources, and opportunities to thrive. Please give with purpose. Invest in the future. Together, we are the legacy. Together, we are the hope.