The New York Women's Foundation®

Volunteer Opportunities

Committee for the Future (CFF)
This volunteer committee introduces younger women, who may be new to philanthropy, to the work of The Foundation. The CFF supports the Foundation’s commitment to low-income women and girls in New York City by educating new Foundation supporters about women’s issues and by engaging others in activist philanthropy. Committee members plan and participate in events, help produce special projects and garner Foundation support through the Celebrating Women’s® Breakfast and other initiatives.

Circle of Sisters for Social Change (COS)
This is The Foundation’s newest giving circle; it enables working women from diverse backgrounds and professions to come together and learn about the Foundation, to network with each other and to build community within The Foundation. Like the CFF, the Circle of Sisters for Social Change broadens the Foundation’s philanthropic reach through the annual Celebrating Women® Breakfast (CWB), special campaigns and personal networks. You can enlarge the circle, by becoming a contributing member of COS.

Grants Advisory Committee (GAC)
Become involved in our participatory grant-making process through GAC, a group of experts from varied professions, working with the Foundation’s staff.

Events and Special Projects Volunteers
Each year the foundation hosts several events including our signature Celebrating Women® Breakfast, Neighborhood Dinner and public education forums. Additionally, there are opportunities to work on special projects throughout the year. These events and projects provide unique ways to contribute and be involved with the Foundation and our constituencies.

For more information or to join the Circle of Sisters, please email us at volunteer@nywf.org

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Alice Tan has been volunteering with the Foundation since February 2009. Below she elaborates on her experience serving on the Grants Advisory Committee (GAC).
Alice’s interview

There are so many worthy organizations in New York City, why did you choose the Foundation?
I choose to support the Foundation with my resources and time for many reasons. I believe deeply in the Foundation’s mission to create an equal and just future for low-income women and girls and think it plays an important philanthropic role by supporting grassroots community-based organizations that serve some of the City’s most under-resourced, vulnerable, and marginalized women and families. I admire how the Foundation does its work, leveraging financial and human capital to strengthen its grantee partners. And I feel that the Foundation offers numerous meaningful ways to volunteer and get involved for people with limited time in their schedules.

What attracted you to the Grants Advisory Committee?
I took a look at the list of grantee partners on the Foundation’s website and was inspired. The Foundation’s funding supports an impressive array of programs and organizations – from training programs that empower participants to secure employment and support their families to grassroots organizing initiatives that give voice to marginalized communities to support services for survivors of domestic violence to youth development programs that provide young women with positive role models and skills to improve their lives. I wanted to be a part of this effort and to gain a greater understanding of the nonprofits and people doing work in this area.

How has the experience of being a GAC member impacted your ideas about social change and philanthropy?
I’ve worked with several large, progressive nonprofits that promote social change through targeted litigation or work with public policymakers. While I still believe these “grasstops” efforts are important and can be very effective, I’ve gained greater insight into the power and richness of grassroots, community voices and how essential it is to have at the table those people whose lives are most affected by changes in social policies or programs. At many of the organizations funded by the Foundation, past or current program participants are involved in the organization’s program development or leadership. In these instances, I believe that the Foundation is making a strategic investment not only in the programs or organizations funded, but also in developing the leadership talent of individuals, who then in turn serve as role models and effective advocates for their communities.

Tell me about site visits? What are they like? Is there any particular experience that stands out to you?
The site visits are my favorite part of the GAC work. They provide an opportunity for committee members to meet with the leaders and program staff of the organizations applying for funding; in some instances, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with program participants, hear how a program has impacted their lives, and see programs in action. This interaction brings the grantmaking to life and has been personally meaningful to me.

I’ve been deeply impressed by the vision, strategic thinking, and determination with which the leaders and staff of funded organizations approach their work; I’ve also been inspired by the resilience and aspirations of the women who run these programs and those who participate in them.

How many times have you volunteered with GAC? What keeps you coming back?
I have volunteered for two cycles and hope to continue for as long as I’m needed. Aside from the Foundation’s focus on its mission and its incredible grantee partners, two things keep me coming back: the Foundation’s unique grantmaking approach and its commendable staff and leadership.

The GAC truly is a cross-cultural alliance of women – women from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, ages, and professions. As part of the Foundation’s participatory grantmaking approach, GAC volunteers work in small teams with Foundation staff on the proposal and budget review process and lead the site visit interviews. As a team, we develop and present funding recommendations that are shared with the Foundation’s board. This participatory approach is really rare in philanthropy; I believe it makes for a more transparent process.

I’ve also been impressed by the Foundation’s dedicated, knowledgeable, and accessible staff and leadership. They approach their grantees as “partners” rather than “charities”, and treat them with respect and an honest appreciation for the tough work these organizations are doing in the trenches. They make the volunteer experience a meaningful one by providing the right amount of guidance and support to get us started and enabling volunteers to engage thoughtfully with the grant applicants and their work.

What has been the most rewarding experience about volunteering at the Foundation?
The most rewarding experience I’ve had so far was during the GAC Recommendation meeting for 2009’s First Grant Cycle. There I watched each GAC team describe the organizations reviewed and offer their recommendations for funding. It was powerful to see one group after another – women of all ages and races working together – speaking with conviction about nearly 40 organizations, mostly led by women that strive to improve the lives of low-income women in every borough of this City. In that moment, I felt I was among kindred spirits and very privileged to be part of this work.

Angela Dickens is a Corporate Counsel at American Civil Liberties Union and has been volunteering with the Foundation since 2003. She is currently a member of affinity group Circle of Sisters for Social Change (COS).
Angela’s interview

Tell me about your volunteer experiences at the Foundation. What kinds of things have you done or are doing?
I first became involved with the New York Women’s Foundation several years ago when I served as a volunteer on the Foundation’s Allocation’s Committee. I evaluated small grassroots organizations and learned a great deal about the importance of funding groups working with women and girls. I recently began volunteering with the Foundation again as a member of the Circle of Sisters for Social Change

Why did you decide to join the Circle of Sisters for Social Change?
I joined the Circle of Sisters for Social Change because I wanted to help the New York Women’s Foundation reach out to women from diverse backgrounds to support the Foundation which funds important work being done by women in diverse communities.

What is the mission and the goals of the committee?
The mission of the Circle of Sisters is to increase awareness and raise funds for the Foundation. We seek to introduce a new group of women (and men!) to the Foundation in hopes that the will become supporters of the Foundation by volunteering their time and becoming financial supporters of the Foundation. We plan parlour meetings in COS members’ homes to highlight the work of grantees and encourage women to give at a level that is affordable to them.

What is most important about your work with COS?
The most important part is to galvanize new support for the Foundation. Many of the women who come to COS events have never been involved with the work of the Foundation. So with each event we introduce new audiences to the Foundation.

In these economic times, why is it important to continue your engagement in social change philanthropy?
The recession is really hitting women and children particularly hard. The organizations that the Foundation supports are working tirelessly every day to create economic sufficiency and develop positive outlooks for girls from low income communities. As the economy worsens more women and girls seek assistance from the organizations the Foundation funds. Because many of these organizations are quite small the funding that the Foundation provides allows them to continue to provide these needed services.

Toya Williford is the Program officer at Independence Community Foundation and has been volunteering with the Foundation since 2002. She has served on the Grants Advisory Committee (GAC) several times.
Toya’s interview

Rachel Gerstein is a Counsel at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP and has been volunteering with the Foundation since 2003. She is a member of the affinity group Committee for the Future (CFF).
Rachel’s interview

There are so many worthy organizations in New York City, why did you choose to volunteer at the New York Women’s Foundation®?
After attending my first NYWF® Breakfast, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the NYWF®. The energy and enthusiasm to get things done for women and families was contagious. As a woman and as a mother, I’m convinced that the Foundation’s belief that a woman can lift up her family and her community is true.

What has been the most rewarding experience about volunteering at the Foundation?
The greatest reward has been the opportunity to meet women and girls, in all fields and at all socioeconomic levels, who are working together to better themselves and their communities. I have been inspired by their courage and motivation.

What attracted you to the CFF?
I attended my first NYWF Breakfast about 5 years ago. I was sold after that. Hearing the stories of the Foundation’s grantee partners really motivated me to get involved, both from a fundraising and a volunteering perspective.

What is rewarding/challenging about engaging in social change philanthropy?
What has been most rewarding is knowing that I’m part of an organization that is striving to make historic change for women and girls in the city in which I live. Also rewarding is the fact that I believe in the mission and believe we will succeed. The challenge is to convince others, when there are so many worthy organizations, to get involved with the NYWF®.

In these economic times, why is it important to continue your engagement in social change philanthropy?
In these economic times, it is even more important to continue to engage in social change philanthropy. All of the economic hits are trickling down to the organizations that rely on contributions. If those dry up, they can’t serve the communities that are most in need.

Jennifer Weidenbaum is the Associate Executive Director of Girls Incorporated of New York City and has been volunteering with the Foundation since 2008. Below she elaborates on her experience serving on the Grants Advisory Committee (GAC). Jennifer’s interview

When did you develop an interest in philanthropy?
I have always wanted to live in a society where all community members support each other. Through working in the non-profit sector for the past 10 years, I have seen the personal and community impact of programs that benefit from philanthropic efforts. Until a few years ago, I thought that the opportunity to be involved in philanthropy was for someone of a much higher socio-economic status! This misconception shifted once I learned that donating my time was a philanthropic act that could contribute to shaping the type of society that I have always envisioned was possible.

What attracted you to the Foundation and specifically the Grants Advisory Committee?
My professional life has been focused on working with girls and young women. I have seen, first-hand, the work of the New York Women’s Foundation in action. One thing that sets NYWF apart from others is the view that groups receiving funds are “grantee partners” rather than “beneficiaries.” Viewing funded organizations as “grantee partners” is a bold way to empower the diverse women who are working toward making an equal and just future for girls and women throughout our community.

How many times have you volunteered with GAC? What keeps you coming back?
I have volunteered with the GAC for two cycles (so far!). I was originally attracted to the volunteer opportunity because it seemed well organized and time specific in addition to being of value to the Foundation. I was not disappointed. I will volunteer for future cycles because contributing to the Foundation and the grantee partners in this unique and meaningful way is very rewarding.

What do you like about site visits? Is there any particular experience that stands out to you?
New York City is a diverse and vibrant place with many resources and many challenges. Participating in site visits with fellow GAC members is a great way to get to know other neighborhoods and see different aspects of our city. Being a member of the Grants Advisory Committee and participating in site visits has deepened my understanding of my neighbors and has opened my eyes to how I can support social change and expand opportunities for low-income girls and women.

Carol Schlitt is the Principal of CES Consulting. She has been a volunteer of the Foundation since 2003. Carol’s interview

There are so many worthy organizations in New York City, why did you choose to volunteer at the New York Women’s Foundation?
Yes, there are many worthy organizations in NYC, but the New York Women’s Foundation has impressed me as one of the most worthwhile and best organized places to contribute one’s time and talents. The energy and vision of the staff, the genuine care and concern Board members and volunteers have for each other and the groups that benefit from the Foundation’s support, and the chance to contribute to an organization that puts women and girls first attracted me to the New York Women’s Foundation and makes it a place for which I am delighted to volunteer.

You seem like a busy woman, why is it important to you to volunteer your time and talents?
Like so many women juggling a career, a family and time for themselves, I am busy. And yet it is absolutely critical to me that I make time for the causes that I care deeply about. I have been active in the women’s movement internationally, nationally and locally for a long time and I wanted to volunteer with an organization that would benefit women and girls. I was very impressed with the NY Women’s Foundation’s philosophy of working to support programs that build women’s self–esteem and skill sets, not merely provide them services. Supporting organizations that teach elderly women financial literacy, or young girls to take themselves seriously is critical to improving the health and well–being not only of those individuals but of their families and their communities. In addition, I have always felt that it was important to volunteer and to “give back” to society. I have been lucky. When I was an attorney in a law firm, I always did pro bono work. They were some of my most meaningful cases. I recognize that I have learned so much from volunteering my time and energy. I have met wonderful people and get a great deal of personal satisfaction from doing what I love….whether I am paid for it, or not.

What attracted you to the Grants Advisory Committee?
I was attracted to the Grants Advisory Committee because it would allow me to be an integral part of what the Foundation is all about. The way in which grants are decided upon at the New York Women’s Foundation is one of the most democratic, thorough and participatory processes that I have ever seen. I consult for foundations on issues of strategic grant making and evaluation, and have my own consulting firm CES Consulting, but I have never witnessed a process quite like the one that the Foundation has structured to involve so many people in the process of grant making. It is very empowering. The GAC is the “eyes and ears” of the Foundation and allows it to get into the community and observe how a potential grantee is working, speak to their clients, meet with their staff and Board members and walk through their offices. GAC members collect information and report back to the Grants Committee both orally and in writing. Conducting site visits in teams is a very bonding experience as team members share impressions, debate what they have seen and heard, analyze proposals and budgets together and share in the process of reporting back to the larger group. It is a process that demands that we be honest and rigorous with ourselves and the grantees. All the volunteers take it very seriously. Yet, we have a wonderful time too. My team always made a point of debriefing before and after site visits with food and drinks. We worked hard, but we played hard, too.

How has the experience of being a GAC member impacted your ideas about social change and philanthropy?
The GAC has impacted my ideas about social change and philanthropy in many ways. I have learned a lot about the importance of supporting organizations in their early stages of The GAC has impacted my ideas about social change and philanthropy in many ways. I have learned a lot about the importance of supporting organizations in their early stages of development and coupling small grants with technical assistance to help them grow. I appreciate the risks that the Foundation takes funding new organizations at the grassroots and being adventurous in seeking out small programs in parts of the City that do not receive much attention. I have learned that we can all be socially responsible philanthropists even those of us without much disposable income. By volunteering, attending a Neighborhood Dinner, getting a friend or colleague to come to the Breakfast, we can all do our part to make this a better society. There are so many ways to participate at the Foundation. I am now part of the Circle of Sisters and learning more about our individual capacity to be active in a women’s giving circle.

Tell me about site visits? What are they like? Is there any particular experience that stands out to you?
For me, the site visits were the best part of my experience of volunteering with the New York Women’s Foundation. Going into the community, meeting the staff and clients of innovative organizations, and traveling to parts of the City I did not know well were a real treat. It was a great bonding experience for me and my teammates as we learned about the organizations and the people they served. My favorite site visit was in Chelsea at a center for women living with HIV/AIDS. The program was amazing and the chance to talk with the clients was eye–opening. One woman spoke eloquently of the first time she had visited a bookstore with the founder of the program who took women on field trips through the City and exposed them to places they had never been before. The client talked about the sense of dignity she had from being treated so well by the staff of this program as opposed to the case workers with whom she had worked in the past. We not only recommended this program for a grant from the Foundation, but we recommended this woman to speak at the Breakfast that year. She did. And she brought the house down.

Yvonne Moore is the Executive Director of the Daphne Foundation. She has been a volunteer and supporter of the Foundation since 2006 Yvonne’s interview

You seem like a busy woman, why is it important to you to volunteer your time and talents?
That is pretty simple; I don’t like, nor want to enable, injustice. You can sit in front of the television, shake your head, fuss and scream (like I often do), or you can try and do something – anything – to help.

There are so many worthy organizations in New York City, why did you choose the Foundation?
Oddly, working for a grant-making entity has, in the past, been overwhelming because I constantly saw the needs my grantees and their communities faced. I would leave every site visit saying to myself “I really need to give that organization some money.” But giving to every one of my grantees was not really a feasible plan especially as a single, working woman living in New York City. I would stress myself to the point of doing nothing! I felt sad and powerless. The New York Women’s Foundation’s mission and commitment to fighting economic injustice, whether through advocacy, organizing, or direct services, provides me with a strategic way of managing my own philanthropy. The Foundation’s work frees up the grantee partners to do what they do best – meeting the needs of New Yorkers.

Tell me about your volunteer experience at the Foundation. What kinds of things have you done or are doing?
For the past two years I have served on the grants allocation committee and in 2008 I served on the steering committee for the Celebrating Women® Breakfast. Currently I am working with the Circle of Sisters for Social Change as we move toward helping women of every background shape their own philanthropy to create social equity throughout New York City.

What has been the most rewarding experience about volunteering at the Foundation?
For me it is seeing the work being done by our grantees. I am constantly amazed and humbled by the boundless energy and commitment of our grantee partners. They could easily give up and decide to ‘sit in front of the television,’ but they keep doing the work in spite of the many challenges.

Rupande Mehta is a current volunteer at the NYWF. She works as a researcher in a media company (Ziff Davis Enterprise) and most recently was the co-chair of the NYWF Volunteer committee. Rupande’s interview

Sarah Finklea works at a film company (Janus Films) distributing films to theaters and television. She is a part of Committee for the Future (CFF) at the Foundation, and this is her 4th year with us. She was the Co Chair of last year and will be taking the same position this year. Sarah’s interview

You seem like a busy woman, why is it important to you to volunteer your time and talents?
Part of it is because the way I was raised was that it’s expected to give to something you believe in. Also my mom did a lot of volunteering when I was younger so it came naturally to me, and I’m so grateful for the NYWF because I’ve been able to learn about a lot of things that I wouldn’t be able to learn about at my job.

There are so many worthy organizations in New York City, why did you choose the Foundation?
Well because they don’t just put a band-aid on the problem to cover it up, anyone can help do that, they actually work on fixing the root of the problem. And they’re honest, these organizations they give money to know what they are doing, the Foundation is simply giving them the money to do so.

Tell me about your volunteer experience at the Foundation. What kinds of things have you done or are doing?
I am the Co-Chair of CFF at the Foundation, the 1st year I worked doing outreach events. I also worked with the Lehman Brothers which was real interesting because my office is small so it was nice to work with a big company. The 2nd year I focused on fundraising and on holding parlor meetings, which was when we would get a group of friends together with a NYWF person to reach out to them and learn how to spread the word about the Foundation.

What has been the most rewarding experience about volunteering at the Foundation?
I would have to say, working hard to get together a group of people who know nothing about the Foundation, and have a Grantee Speaker address them about topics like welfare lobbying, domestic violence, girl support, I mean there was a huge range of topics. And people would come to me and say wow that’s amazing and it was very rewarding to actually hear them tell me that.

Interviewer: Chantal Zuñiga, Communications Summer Intern

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