Driving Change Through the Women’s Impact Initiative

The Women’s Impact Initiative (WII) was created to address one of the most persistent challenges in fundraising: gender inequity. While women represent the majority of professionals in the nonprofit and fundraising sectors, systemic gaps in pay, leadership opportunities, and workplace safety remain. WII brings together researchers, educators, leaders, and advocates to confront these inequities and create a more equitable future for fundraisers everywhere.

According to AFP’s 2025 Compensation and Benefits Report, women make up most of the fundraising workforce, yet men earn an average of 18.1% more. Women are also still underrepresented in senior leadership roles, and nearly 44% of women fundraisers report experiencing sexual harassment during their careers. These inequities affect more than individuals. They limit innovation, restrict opportunities, and impact the nonprofit sector’s ability to achieve its mission effectively and sustainably.

WII exists to change this. Through research, education, mentorship, and advocacy, WII is committed to ensuring that fundraisers have safe, equitable workplaces and fair access to leadership opportunities.

Our Accomplishments

Since its launch, WII has made meaningful progress toward advancing equity in the fundraising profession. Each step forward represents not only an investment in fundraisers but also a commitment to strengthening the sector as a whole.

Groundbreaking Research
WII has led important studies that shine a light on gender disparities in fundraising, exploring issues like the pay gap, barriers to leadership, and workplace harassment. These findings have shaped conversations across the profession and informed policies that create safer, more inclusive environments. By providing data-driven insights, WII equips organizations to recognize inequities and take actionable steps toward change.

Mentorship That Builds Leaders
The AFP/Alford Group Women’s Impact Initiative (WII) Mentor Program connects emerging fundraisers with experienced professionals who guide them in building their skills, expanding their networks, and gaining confidence to lead. These relationships help create pathways into senior roles where women are still underrepresented. For many participants, this program has been transformative, opening doors to opportunities they might not have otherwise accessed.

Advocacy for Safer Workplaces
WII has been at the forefront of conversations about workplace safety and inclusion. Through education and awareness campaigns, the initiative advocates for stronger protections against harassment and fosters environments where fundraisers can thrive free of fear and bias. This work has elevated WII as a trusted voice on issues that deeply affect fundraising professionals.

Educational Resources and Training
Recognizing that systemic change requires practical tools, WII develops resources to help organizations embed equity into their culture and operations. From toolkits on pay equity to guides on inclusive leadership, these offerings give fundraising professionals and organizations the knowledge they need to create workplaces where everyone feels valued and supported.

What’s Ahead

While WII has made significant progress, the work is far from over. The inequities we face require sustained effort, collaboration, and innovation. Looking forward, WII is investing in initiatives that build on our momentum and deepen our impact.

One of the most exciting developments is the launch of the inaugural WII Education Track at AFP LEAD 2025. This first-of-its-kind track will feature sessions designed to elevate women’s voices, showcase emerging research, and provide fundraisers with the tools to drive change in their organizations and communities. By creating spaces where equity is intentionally prioritized, WII is helping to shape the future of fundraising.

We are hoping to expand WII-related offerings at future AFP events. Embedding these critical conversations into AFP Global’s events and educational opportunities ensures that equity is not treated as a side conversation but as an integral part of how the profession grows and evolves.

Join the Conversation

WII’s success depends on the collective power of fundraisers coming together to learn, share, and advocate. Your voice matters, and there are opportunities in the coming days to be part of these important conversations.

• August 21 – Tune in to the AFP Emerging Leaders Podcast, hosted Emily Leitzinger, CFRE, CNP, to hear guests Dr. Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier, CFRE, ACNP, GPC, CAP, and Chris Evans, CFRE, share their experiences as working moms and emerging leaders in the fundraising profession. They reflect on their involvement with the AFP Women’s Impact Initiative, discuss how the nonprofit sector can better support parents through flexibility and a people-first approach, and offer practical advice for setting boundaries to achieve better work-life balance.
• August 26 – Join us for Women’s Equality Virtual Town Hall. This event will bring together fundraising professionals from around the world to reflect on progress, share perspectives, and discuss next steps in advancing gender equity. Register Now!

These events provide space to listen, learn, and connect with others who share a commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable profession.

A Call to Action

As chair of the Women’s Impact Initiative, I invite you to join us in this work. Together, we can amplify voices, challenge systemic barriers, and drive meaningful change across the nonprofit sector. Every conversation, mentorship, and policy shift matters.

Through education, mentorship, research, and advocacy, WII is helping reshape fundraising into a profession where all fundraisers, regardless of gender, can thrive. With your engagement, we can close the gaps, create safer workplaces, and build a stronger, more inclusive sector for generations to come.