Strengthening Women-Led Organizations
To understand if our partners are getting what they need to drive lasting change in their communities, WomenStrong commissioned an independent outcome evaluation.
This isn’t a business-as-usual moment. Across the globe, women-led organizations face shrinking civic space, hostile laws, and funding shortfalls. Yet they continue to lead, innovate, and care for communities in crisis.
What are the most pressing needs of women-led organizations, how do they define resilience, and how are their priorities met with WomenStrong’s three-pronged approach?
We asked our grantee partners — women-led, grassroots organizations in 17 countries leading change across: women’s health, economic opportunity and security, girls’ education, and ending gender-based violence.
As a result of WomenStrong’s support, grantee partners shared that they were able to:
- diversify their funding sources
- formalize their fundraising strategies
- embrace long-term strategic planning
- deepen their engagement in networks
- invest in both specialized roles and continuous organizational learning
- prioritize staff wellbeing
- pursue innovative organizational strategies – from social enterprises to hybrid financing structures
More than half said partnerships and networks are essential for weathering challenges, gaining visibility, and staying rooted in shared value
97% of partners said WomenStrong’s support was either “vital” or “very helpful” in helping them achieve both internal and external change
Over 80% of partners said unrestricted funding was the most critical piece of WomenStrong’s support
94% of partners reported strong mission, vision, and strategy, and say targeted organizational strengthening support helps them adapt and respond in times of crisis
Why It Matters
The evaluation doesn’t just tell us that WomenStrong’s model works — it shows why it matters for the future of philanthropy.
Most funding models still treat resilience as reactive: a scramble to survive the next shock. But WomenStrong’s partners are demonstrating something different.
With multiyear, flexible funding, tailored organizational support, and opportunities to learn and share solutions with other women leaders, they are building stronger, more sustainable organizations. They’re designing resilience in advance — embedding wellbeing into operations, fostering participatory leadership, and setting their own agendas with confidence.
Resourcing core strength rather than short-term projects builds organizations that are adaptable, innovative, and self-sustaining. When women-led organizations can invest in their people, systems, and strategies, they attract new resources, scale their ideas, and deliver deeper, longer-lasting impact in the communities they serve.
Infographic
Executive Summary
Full Report
Impact in Action
The Grant That Disappeared Overnight
Mujeres Aliadas lost two major grants — one was canceled the day before submission. Instead of collapse, the organization used WomenStrong’s support to survive layoffs, rebuild morale, and chart a new future for women’s health in Mexico.
The Book That Changed Disability Rights in Kenya
An unfinished manuscript. A funder who wouldn’t let it die. Reclaiming Power went from a shelved draft to a national conversation starter on disability rights — even leading to new legal aid desks for women and girls with disabilities.
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