Get involved

There are many ways to support Accelerate Together and fund the progress women-led organizations are making around the world.

Join us in our work!

There are many ways to support Accelerate Together and fund the progress women-led organizations are making around the world. Learn which approach makes sense for you—whether your driving issue is human rights, climate action, technology or conflict resolution; whether you’re a longtime funder or new to the space.

Some guiding principles for giving

Research shows that the most effective way to fund social change often follows a few simple principles:

It supports those closest to the issues

It provides flexible support

It provides long-term support

We encourage you to consider these guidelines wherever possible as you decide the funding path that is right for you.

Where to give

Here are some of the funding mechanisms that support women-led movements. The right one for you will depend on myriad factors, from geography to capacity. Please reach out to us at info@accelerate-together.org if you’d like to discuss your options, or understand the landscape better.

Women’s organizations at every level

1.

Tens of thousands of feminist and women-led groups around the world, including local, national, regional, and global bodies, constitute the universe of women’s movements. They are wildly diverse—operating everywhere from Mexico City to Mariupol; in urban, rural, and conflict-affected communities—they offer solutions as varied as domestic violence prevention and digital literacy programs. Some provide direct services, like shelters or legal aid, while others organize communities or advocate for policy change on everything from technology laws to pay equity. This category also includes networks of women’s organizations—which can provide infrastructure and community to individual groups. Grounded in local knowledge, these organizations shape solutions and are deeply connected to the communities they serve.

Women’s and feminist funds

2.

For decades, these funds have been one of the most important catalysts in the growth of women-led movements. With reach in every corner of the world, they can direct resources where they matter most—including in times of crisis or emerging needs—and help sustain locally-driven women’s organizations with long-term support and shared knowledge. Women’s and feminist funds can also redistribute grants from large funders, aggregate individual donations, and may fundraise on behalf of the organizations they partner with. These funds offer the opportunity to put resources into the hands of movements, to ensure funding reaches initiatives that are high-impact and locally led.

Other collaborative giving vehicles

3.

Like women’s funds, philanthropic efforts like region- or issue-specific funds that prioritize the interests of women, and collaborative groups of donors, can direct donations to the places where they can make the greatest difference. As this 2023 report outlines, they can “bring donors together, provide deep subject matter expertise, and channel resources to the people and groups (e.g., non-profits/NGOs) best positioned to accelerate progress on complex issues.”

These mechanisms create community for donors, and offer specialized expertise in regions or on issues.

Impact investment

4.

Some funders may wish to support women-led movements through new, for-profit instruments, like loans, equity, guarantees, and other financial mechanisms. These investments (intended to be repaid) will not be counted toward Accelerate Together’s goal, but can be innovative solutions appropriate for certain funders and women-led enterprises interested in diversifying their operations.