WCA
Foundation

Women changing the lives of women
Pictures from WCA's history

Founded in 1866, the WCA Foundation was the first benevolent nonprofit organization in Minnesota. Now a Signature Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation, WCA makes grants to a diverse group of nonprofit human service agencies and programs, stewarding an endowment of approximately $18 million.

WCA is run by up to 50 volunteer members, all women. Members are responsible for investigating grant requests and making award recommendations to the foundation’s board.

We believe...

  • That when women are secure, entire communities are stronger.
  • That in the grantmaking process, the needs of the community and grantees prevail.
  • That focusing our work will increase our impact in the community.
  • In a world where structures and systems are equitable.

Our values are Legacy, Stability, Community, Fairness, Accountability, and Hope.

Learn about the pioneering women who founded WCA in 1866. They addressed housing and other social and economic challenges of the underserved – especially women of all ages and races.

Funding Opportunities

That WCA Foundation runs a spring and fall grant round each year. We typically make general operating and project grants ranging from $10,000 to $30,000. We fund organizations in the seven-county metro area that address the fundamental needs of women in the areas of education, economic stability, shelter, safety, or health.

If you have questions about WCA Foundation’s grantmaking after reviewing the application guidelines, please contact us.

Related Stories

Two women sitting on a window sill and talking
March 23, 2023
WCA Foundation Spring 2023 Grant Round
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Two women smiling and having a conversation at a small, round table.
March 13, 2023
Women Fueling Change
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August 15, 2022
WCA Foundation Awards $441,800 in Grants
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Become a Member

Members of WCA are organized into three grantmaking departments that are named for three of our founders – Kate Dunwoody, Mabeth Paige, and Mahala Fisk Pillsbury. Members’ primary responsibilities are to review grant applications, conduct site visits, and make funding recommendations.

Individuals interested in becoming members can contact Julia Ruther at jruther@mplsfoundation.org. She will forward your name to the WCA Membership Committee, and a committee member will contact you to share more about joining WCA.

Advisory Board Members

Amy Fistler 2023 Chair
Stacey Royal 2023 Vice Chair
Brita Midness 2023 Strategy Committee Chair
Peg Keenan 2023 Membership Committee Chair
Pam Badger 2023 Communications Committee Chair
Erin Elliott 2023 Grants Committee Chair
Katherine Sill 2023 Paige Department Chair
Wendy Wehr 2023 Pillsbury Department Chair
Nancy Gunderson 2023 Dunwoody Department Chair