“The issue is not knowing how to fish. The issue is that there is a gate to the river.” Last week during our State of Women & Girls Breakfast, Jennifer Iverson, Executive Director of Child Resource Connect, shared: “The issue is not knowing how to fish. The issue is that there is a gate to the river.” It is a powerful reminder that the challenges facing women and families are not about effort or ability. They are about barriers to access and historically inequitable systems. At Washington Area Women’s Foundation, our grantmaking focuses on removing those barriers, from advancing maternal health and birth equity to investing in early childhood educators and expanding access to quality, affordable care. This work determines whether a mother survives childbirth, it shapes whether a child enters school ready to learn, and it impacts whether families can establish economic stability. April 11-17 is Week of the Young Child and Black Maternal Health Week. Join as we celebrate our grantee...

Soft heart. Sharp mind. Unbreakable backbone. Women carry a rare balance of strength and care. The soft heart that checks on a neighbor, nurtures a child, and builds community; the sharp mind that leads organizations, shapes policy, and drives solutions; and the unbreakable backbone that keeps moving forward even when the weight of families, workplaces, and communities rests squarely on her shoulders. Women’s History Month invites us to reflect not only on the trailblazers who paved the way, but also on the responsibility we share today to build systems where women are supported, valued, and able to thrive. That’s why investing in women is not just the right thing to do, it’s essential to the health of our communities. When we support early childhood education, we strengthen families and give children the foundation they deserve. When we advance maternal health and birth equity, we ensure that every mother has the dignity, care, and safety she deserves during one of life’s most profound...

The Early Care and Education Funders Collaborative (ECEFC) is proud to announce our 2026 Early Care and Education (ECE) Grantee Partners This year, ECEFC is investing $305,000 across 11 organizations serving Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia. These funds support advocacy organizations, grassroots partnerships, and coalition models working to strengthen the early childhood ecosystem across our region. Meet Our 2026 Grantee Partners: Together, this cohort reflects a powerful commitment to: Advancing pay equity and professional respect for early childhood educators Strengthening family child care and workforce sustainability Expanding...