In May of this year, philanthropist Abigail E. Disney issued her 90-day “I Declare My Interdependence!” challenge at the Celebrating Women’ Breakfast: participants were challenged to make two gifts, one to The New York Women’s Foundation® (NYWF) and another to an organization that reflected his or her deepest passion about justice and social change. Not one for idle talk, Disney promised she would match these gifts, up to one million dollars, in the form of a grant to the NYWF®. We are astounded at the impact of this challenge on so many organizations and on so many donors. It certainly has the effect that Abby Disney intended, to “unleash new dollars” to support organizations who fight “hard to get their share of a finite pool of charitable dollars.” The challenge raised over $1,621 million in pledges and contributions of which $444,263 went to 84 local, national and international organizations.

The third and equally important part of the challenge was that the gift had to be a stretch, in lieu of something else — “a pair of shoes, a car, even a house”. We have been inspired by the stories of what people gave up for their stretch gift: a family vacation, a week of childcare costs, needed car repairs, birthday parties, mother’s day gifts, new dresses or dinner with friends.

The New York Women’s Foundation® thanks all the participants of the “Declare My Interdependence!” challenge. In particular, we thank Abby Disney for her vision, generosity and inspired leadership for providing this unique opportunity to demonstrate further our commitment to creating a just society.