Our commitment
Mission Aligned Investing
At WOMEN’S WAY, our mission is to achieve gender equity and ensure that women and all gender-marginalized people can thrive. We recognize that every decision we make—including how we steward and invest our financial resources—either reinforces or challenges existing inequities.
That is why we are committed to mission-aligned investing: ensuring that our endowment and assets are not only funding change through our grantmaking, education, research, and advocacy initiatives, but are also invested in ways that reflect and advance our values of equity, self-determination, and liberation.
"We recognize that every decision we make as WOMEN'S WAY—including how we steward and invest our financial resources—either reinforces or challenges existing inequities."
Traditional philanthropic models have often separated how money is made from how it is given away, sometimes generating wealth through extractive systems that perpetuate the very inequities philanthropy seeks to solve. We believe it is important not only to give grants that support equity, but also examine the ways in which we invest.
By aligning our investments with our mission, we are participating in the broader movement to prioritize companies and managers that align with equity-based practices. This is one step we can take in a broader strategy toward reimagining philanthropy as a practice rooted in reciprocity, repair, and shared prosperity.
Our Approach
putting values into practice
WOMEN’S WAY is taking intentional steps to ensure that our financial resources reflect our values at every level.
We assess where our funds are invested and intentionally shift capital away from industries and companies that exploit people or the planet. Our portfolio is intentionally aligned with five sustainability pillars central to WOMEN’S WAY’s mission
We work with financial managers who understand mission alignment and share our commitment to equity and social justice.
We actively seek opportunities to invest in women-led, BIPOC-led, and community-centered enterprises that are building inclusive and sustainable futures.
We track the social and financial outcomes of our investments to ensure they are creating positive change alongside sustainable returns.
We know that mission-aligned investing is a journey. We are committed to ongoing education, transparency, and collaboration with peers to deepen our impact.
Impact Areas
where we invest
In Action
impact in action
WOMEN'S WAY's mission-aligned investing is already showing up in how we invest and how we use our voice as investors. Click below to explore.
Investing that reflects WOMEN’S WAY values
We built the portfolio to align with WOMEN’S WAY’s commitment to gender equity and racial justice.
Intentional exclusions tied to mission
In our custom stock portfolio, we intentionally avoid companies with exposure that conflict with WOMEN’S WAY priorities, including private prisons and border and detention-related activities, as well as companies with poor track records on gender equity and racial equity.
Leaning toward stronger leaders on gender equity
Where possible, we emphasize companies and investment funds that demonstrate stronger policies and governance related to gender equity.
Using our shareholder voice
We vote on company proposals and board elections (proxy votes) in ways that support fairness, accountability, and gender and racial equity priorities.
Collaborative Learning
We stay connected with peers and partners to learn what is working in mission-aligned investing and bring those ideas back to WOMEN’S WAY.
