Since then, we formed the 
In 2016, we launched the 
Equity and Impact By Design
Since 2015, we’ve produced more breakthrough research on the well-being of young women of color, launched the Young Women’s Initiative, directed grants to nonprofits and individuals, and worked with powerful leaders and young women to advance equity.
In 2015, in partnership with the White House Council on Women and Girls, we hosted the very first young women’s listening session.
Since then, we formed the Young Women’s Initiative of Minnesota Council of cross-sector leaders from government, business, higher education, philanthropy, and the community, whose role – in partnership with the Young Women’s Cabinet – is to sequence the Blueprint for Action and catalyze resources to move the recommendations forward.
In 2016, we launched the Young Women’s Initiative of Minnesota in partnership with the Governor’s Office, centering the leadership and solutions of young women of color, American Indian young women, young women from Greater Minnesota, LGBTQ+ youth, and young women with disabilities.
In 2018, we awarded our first grants to organizations working in the intersecting areas of economic opportunity, safety, and leadership with and on behalf of young women and girls.
In 2018, we launched the first cohort of WFMN Innovators, 22 young women who received WFMN funding to support their leadership and to drive their ideas and solutions that advance key recommendations in the Blueprint for Action.
$1.5 Million
invested in 58 organizations, 80% led by women of color.
78 Grants
78 “I Believe in You” grants, direct investments in WFMN Innovators.
72 Women
engaged as members of the Young Women’s Cabinet to build their leadership and ground the Young Women’s Initiative in their lived experiences.
10 Reports
10 original research reports published focused on young women’s leadership and solutions.
From the Blog
Young Women’s Cabinet
Co-led with the Governor’s Office, the 32 young women on the Cabinet ensure that the Young Women’s Initiative of Minnesota remains grounded in young women’s lived experiences and their community-specific challenges and solutions. YWCA St. Paul is funded by WFMN to provide leadership development and payment to the young women who share their influence and perspective on grantmaking committees, advocacy at the Capitol, through narrative shifting communications, and as a cohort dedicated to creating a Minnesota where every young woman thrives.
WFMN Innovators
Young women are the future of Minnesota. That’s why we’re making direct investments in the ideas and solutions of the WFMN Innovators – 23 young women (ages 16-24) whose leadership advances key recommendations from the Blueprint for Action.
The Innovators program incorporates mentoring and coaching at each step and is being replicated by the eight women’s foundations participating in the National Philanthropic Collaborative of Young Women’s Initiatives.
Innovator Coaches
Black Visions, a direct service community partner, is coordinating 15 coaches representing YWI MN’s target communities who have extensive professional experience working with young women. Coaches mentor the Innovator cohorts through one-to-one coaching and convenings on project management, process and professional and leadership development.
Field Partners
YWI MN is committed to strengthening the infrastructure of organizations serving young women. To that end, WFMN awarded $580,800 in grants to 20 youth-serving organizations working in the intersecting areas of economic opportunity, safety, and leadership with and on behalf of young women and girls to advance Blueprint for Action recommendations.
Teen Tech Centers
WFMN approached Best Buy to use a gender lens in programming at their Teen Tech Centers to increase pathways for young women into STEM fields. We partnered to invest in young women-focused programs at two Minneapolis Teen Tech Centers located in communities experiencing the greatest barriers to STEM careers. The centers increase hands-on exposure to STEM subjects and provide mentorship, professional training, and networking that will help young women feel prepared for the workplace.
National Partnership
The Women’s Foundation is the founding member and host of the National Philanthropic Collaborative of Young Women’s Initiatives. Women’s foundations across the country are leading young women’s initiatives in their communities – and replicating the successful WFMN Innovator program – so young women everywhere can thrive.
Together, we are building a powerful, cross-sector movement led with and by young women driving solutions and change now, community by community, across Minnesota.
You can make a difference for young women in Minnesota with a gift today.