The Women’s Fund of Rhode Island was founded 25 years ago by the late Simone P. Joyaux, a globally respected fundraising mentor and social justice advocate. In 2000, the Rhode Island Foundation partnered with Joyaux to launch the organization with a clear mission: close the opportunity and equity gaps facing women and girls.
Today, WFRI continues that work through research, advocacy, grant-making, and strategic partnerships that drive systemic change. According to the organization, these efforts have positioned Rhode Island as a national leader in public policy that supports women and families.
WFRI’s all-women staff is helping usher in a wave of policy momentum in the state, using a design-systems approach to address root causes rather than symptoms. Development Director Debra Honor explains it this way: “What makes Women’s Fund of Rhode Island stand out is our deep, unapologetic focus on systemic change. While many organizations do incredible work supporting individual women and girls, WFRI goes a step further by investing in research, advocacy, policy change, and strategic partnerships to shift the systems that create inequality in the first place.”
She adds, “We’re not just putting a Band-Aid on gender injustice—we’re building a new framework for equity.”
WFRI’s programs are intersectional, inclusive, and laser-focused on empowering all women, including those from historically marginalized communities. “We don’t just empower, we educate, elevate, and activate,” Honor said.
One recent example: WFRI awarded a grant to Amos House to support its Bridge to Career Opportunities program, which provides job training, financial coaching, and support services for low-income women. That grant directly helped 25 women facing economic insecurity.
WFRI also partnered with the Girl Scouts of Southern New England to produce the state’s first comprehensive report focused exclusively on girls, offering a data-driven snapshot of their current realities. Additionally, the organization awarded $75,000 in microgrants to nonprofits aligned with its mission, to name just a few programs.
Where the Funding Comes From
When asked about WFRI’s funding structure, Honor and WFRI CEO Kelly Nevins offered this breakdown:
- 31% from their endowment, managed by the Rhode Island Foundation, providing long-term stability.
- 28% from events, including corporate sponsorships, through gatherings such as Women Leading Change, Elevate Your Career, Galentine’s Regifting for Rights, and Drive Change.
- 18% from grants, with minimal government funding, allowing the organization to independently advocate for gender equity.
- 23% from individual giving, driven by supporters who believe in the community-wide benefit of empowering women and girls.
Nevins noted that while corporate support has been generous, some sponsors stepped back in 2025 due to internal shifts and tightened budgets. “That’s why individual contributions are more vital than ever this Giving Season,” she said. “Donation gifts ensure we can keep advocating, educating, and investing in women and girls across Rhode Island—no matter what the external climate looks like.”
A Transition from Using a Gavel to Laying the Groundwork
Former Newport City Councilor Angela Lima—long known as a social activist and advocate—left elected office last year to join WFRI as Policy and Advocacy Program Director. With her background in public service, she now channels her experience into driving policies that help women and girls thrive.
“The modernized practice of working for a feminist organization that centers intersectionality was a huge draw for me,” Lima said. “As a former elected official, I was looking for a way to focus on policy full-time.”
“In my work at WFRI, I’ve had the privilege of supporting advocates, training future policymakers, and helping build the next generation of leaders who will shape our state,” she continued. “From preparing emerging politicians to strengthening the voices of community advocates and coalitions, I see every day how transformational it is when people are given the tools, confidence, and support they need to create lasting change. Our work doesn’t just uplift individuals—it strengthens entire communities.”
Lima also highlighted a stark statistic: women-led organizations receive only 2% of philanthropic funding nationwide. “Imagine what women could do with more,” she said.
Looking ahead, WFRI is preparing for a major year in 2026. Key policy priorities will include voter rights, infrastructure investments, health and safety issues, and economic empowerment initiatives for individuals and families. The organization also plans to co-host another gubernatorial debate with the League of Women Voters, launch a Rhode Island Girls Coalition, and create a new volunteer committee focused on youth engagement.
To find out more about WFRI or to volunteer or donate, visit their website at www.wfri.org, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube.
Michele Gallagher isa dedicated supporter of local businesses and non-profits and is the founder of City-by-the-Sea Communications.