Community Fund for Women & Girls

The Community Fund for Women & Girls is Greater New Haven's only endowment dedicated to promoting the social and economic advancement of women and girls.

Fund for Women and Girls past staff and members
Past and present Community Fund for Women & Girls Advisory Board Members and Staff


We work to improve the quality of life for women and girls in our region through education, research, advocacy and – most importantly – by encouraging women's philanthropy. Join us!

EVENTS

Disrupting Gender Inequity

On Nov. 14, The Fund co-hosted a panel discussion at Quinnipiac University on the economic inequities faced by women, especially women of color, since the start of the pandemic.

The panel coincides with the release of a new report, "Elusive Equity: Continuing Effects of the Pandemic on Women’s Economic Security," funded by Aurora Women and Girls Foundation and the Community Fund for Women & Girls. The live event was recorded for broadcast on the CT Public podcast Disrupted, hosted by Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean.

NEWS

Elusive Equity: Continuing Effects of the Pandemic on Women’s Economic Security (2023)

In 2021, the Connecticut Data Collaborative issued a report, Essential Equity: Women, COVID-19 and Rebuilding CT, examining the impact of COVID-19 on women and girls in our state. Released in 2023, Elusive Equity: Continuing Effects of the Pandemic on Women’s Economic Security is an update and extension of the Essential Equity report. The new report was funded by Aurora Women and Girls Foundation and the Community Fund for Women and Girls.

Stay connected with the Community Fund for Women & Girls by signing up for our newsletter, invitations to events and more.

The Tina Yao Fund is one of many funds created to honor a beloved family member and support The Fund's activities for perpetuity. Credit: Contributed photo

Leaving a Legacy

Women & Philanthropy

In 1995, a founding group of committed women established The Community Fund for Women & Girls. See The Fund's founders. Women of all backgrounds have joined to build the endowment over the years. Learn more about some of these WaveMaking Women. Some have chosen to establish individually named funds to be a permanent resource for women and girls' programs in Greater New Haven. Read their inspiring stories.

Special Edition Newsletter

Celebrating 25 Years

Journey back in time with us to the beginning of The Community Fund for Women & Girls. Read about all we've accomplished together!

Advisory Board

Officers

Christine Kim - Chair
Cynthia Watson - Treasurer
Karen Peart - Immediate Past Chair
Valarie Shultz Wilson - Community Foundation Board Liaison

Members

  • Nilda Aponte
  • Keisha Blake
  • Barbara Chesler
  • Laurie Desmet
  • Adele Edgerton
  • Barbara Ellinghaus
  • Kelli Ray Gibson
  • Miriam James
  • Adriana Joseph
  • Maribel Lopez
  • Elizabeth Nearing
  • Terri Rioux
  • Tressa Spears Jackson
  • Janna Wagner
  • Jessica Westbrook

Get in touch for more information.

Sharon Cappetta, CAP®
Director of Development