Equity through Development ↘
Changing the face of philanthropy in Western New York.
Equity through Development is designed to remove barriers and empower women of color to excel in fundraising and development careers, a field historically dominated by white professionals. Over the course of three months, experienced fundraising professionals will deliver an array of powerful sessions covering topics essential to success. In turn, each graduate will apply lessons learned to real world fundraising projects benefitting local organizations.
Applications for our 2025 cohort will open in November 2024.
If you are a woman of color and are new to the world of development, or have an interest in pursing a career in nonprofit fundraising, you are invited to apply.
Weekly discussions will take place on Wednesdays from 12:00-1:30PM via Zoom, February-April. Professional Day (early April) and Graduation (early May) will be in person. There will be no discussion during February and April school break weeks. Capstone projects should be completed by October.
To remove barriers, YWCA will be offering this course at zero cost and will provide necessary technology to attend the virtual sessions.
Questions? Contact Kim Smith at ksmith@ywcarochester.org or 585-368-2260.
We graciously acknowledge Nonprofit Support Group, Rochester Women’s Giving Circle, M&T Charitable Foundation, Paychex Foundation, Association of Fundraising Professionals Genesee Valley Chapter, and several individual donors who have generously underwritten the expense of this program.
Experienced fundraising professionals wishing to share their knowledge and lived experiences with our cohort, should apply here.