Women's Fund for the Fox Valley Region

Today marks the 50th anniversary of a woman being able to get a credit card, bank account, and mortgages WITHOUT the signature of a man. LET THAT SINK IN. 50 years ago, President Gerald Ford's signed the Equal Credit Opportunity Act into law on October 28, 1974. The ECOA prohibits creditors from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, or age. Prior to 1974, banks required married women to have their spouse's signature on credit applications and could deny credit cards to single women. 50 years is still young and why we need to continue to fight for equity for women.

For many years, federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding has been a lifeline for nonprofit organizations serving victims in our community, particularly survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault (DV/SA). However, significant reductions to this funding beginning in 2024 have created challenges for many agencies to maintain the level of services needed. On October 25, community members joined us for a powerful conversation with leaders from Diverse & Resilient, Harbor House, Reach Counseling Services, and People of Progression who were affected by the reductions of VOCA funding and discussed how these changes will impact victim-serving organizations in our area. If you missed this educational panel, you can revisit the recorded event here: https://lnkd.in/gWeBqGBg

Today marks 36 years since the Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 was signed into law. The Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 helped change the way women do business in America – most importantly by empowering them to start up on their own. The rise in U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lending to women-owned businesses reflects the leading role of women entrepreneurs in small business growth: women-owned firms now employ more than 10 million workers and add more than $2 trillion to America’s GDP each year, and women-owned employer firms are growing at more than three times the rate of their male counterparts. Do you have a favorite women-owned business? Tag them below!

Your estate plan is a reflection of your values and the legacy you want to leave behind. 🌿 Consider including charitable giving in your plan to support causes you believe in, like empowering women and families in our community. Learn more about supporting the Women's Fund for your legacy here: https://lnkd.in/gB73s9mZ #LegacyOfGiving #EstatePlanningAwareness #WomenPhilanthropy

Estate planning doesn't have to be overwhelming! Start small: list your assets, choose trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf, and consider talking to a financial advisor. 📝 It’s a step toward peace of mind. Visit our website to learn more about how to include the Women's Fund in your estate planning and steps to take with our What You Have and Where to Find it sheet here: https://lnkd.in/gB73s9mZ #EstatePlanning101 #PlanYourFuture #WomenAndWealth

We're excited to host our latest Connection Matters event, Funding Cuts, Human Costs THIS Friday at the Women's Fund office. Join us for a powerful conversation with leaders from state and local DV/SA organizations such as Reach Counseling Services, Harbor House, Diverse & Resilient, and People of Progression that were affected by the reductions of Victim and Crime Act (VOCA) funds and explore how these changes will impact victim-serving organizations in our area. 8:00am registration and light breakfast 8:30-10:00am program Networking and connection time following Save your seat here: https://lnkd.in/gDrMpxAE

Are you a caregiver? Estate planning helps secure the future of the ones you care for. 🏡 Having a will, healthcare directives, and a financial plan in place ensures that your loved ones are taken care of, even if you're not there to make the decisions. #CaregiverSupport #EstatePlanningAwareness #PlanForTheFuture

Why estate planning matters for women: Did you know women tend to live longer than men but often earn less over a lifetime? Estate planning can ensure your financial future and protect your loved ones. 💪👩💼 It's more than a will—it's about legacy, security, and empowerment. #WomenInFinance #LegacyPlanning #SecureTheFuture

For many years, federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding has been a lifeline for nonprofit organizations serving victims in our community, particularly survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault (DV/SA). However, significant reductions to this funding beginning in 2024 have created challenges for many agencies to maintain the level of services needed. Join us THIS FRIDAY for a powerful conversation with leaders from state and local DV/SA organizations affected by the reductions and explore how these changes will impact victim-serving organizations in our area. Registration and light breakfast will be provided at 8 am with the program beginning at 8:30 am. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gyrkjPSe

Did you know that this week is Estate Planning Week? Tune in to learn about the importance of estate planning and how your impact can make a lasting difference in the lives of many throughout the week or check out our latest blog post here: https://lnkd.in/gM3ejZ-a