Our Story

1969 - Today

Since 1969, Women First International Fund has collaborated with women-led grassroots organizations globally, championing community-led solutions for gender equality. Along our journey, we've fostered a community dedicated to listening and learning in pursuit of a world that works for everyone.

We embrace bold, value-aligned action to respond to the evolving needs of our partners, ultimately advancing social and economic systems designed for everyone to thrive. As a global organization with its early origins in New York City, we are dedicated to using our power and privilege to ensure that unheard voices dictate the agenda about decisions that directly impact their lives. We’re excited to continue our journey of mobilizing and moving resources so that women, girls and trans people experience gender justice and economic justice globally.

2019 - present

VGIF rebrands to Women First International Fund, expands grantee pool to welcome trans community members and adopts new longterm funder plus grantmaking strategy.

2011

First multi-year grants distributed. More than 4M disbursed since funding through 700+ grants in 94 countries, impacting more than 1M people.

2011

VGIF reaches United Nations ECOSOC Consultive Status.

1991

First Staff hired. The organization's focus shifts to funding women-led grassroots organizations and begins funding 8 grants per year. Read more about our current team. 

1969

Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund (VGIF) incorporated. Founded by a group of women from the International Federation of University Women to support international women's higher education.