Mission Statement

The mission of the Arizona Foundation for Women (AFW) is to fund projects and programs that fulfill the unmet needs of Arizona's women and children. AFW focuses on the prevention and intervention of domestic violence and child abuse.

About Us

The foundation was created when a group of local businesswomen learned that only 4 percent of traditional philanthropic dollars went to programs addressing the needs of women and children. It was clear that we needed a foundation specifically to address the needs of abused women and children in Arizona. Today, through their fund-raising efforts and innovative programs, AFW is a leader in creating change on all issues surrounding domestic violence and child abuse in our state.

The Arizona Foundation for Women is a not-for-profit corporation and all contributions are tax-deductible. It is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of influential female leaders in the Phoenix area.

Currently, there are 90 women's funds in the United States, including AFW. Women's funds are by, for, and about women. Women raise the dollars and decide how they will be spent. By educating others about the barriers that women and children face, and by involving members of the community in the efforts to remove those barriers, the Arizona Foundation for Women helps enable all women and children to reach their full potential. AFW also demonstrates that the power of many financial contributions can result in progressive change.

What's more, the Arizona Foundation for Women conducts extensive research on existing services to identify unmet needs in the community. Then the foundation works with the agencies to build upon and improve existing services and create new programs when necessary. Two such programs that resulted from this research include:

Emergency Crisis Transportation: provides women and children a free, safe ride to a shelter to help them escape their abuser.

Childhelp Second Opinion: arms prosecutors with the necessary tools to fight child abuse.

Women and children in Arizona are in jeopardy. It is with your help that the Arizona Foundation for Women can continue to make a difference.

AFW is supported by a dynamic group of women called the "Angels of AFW," who assist the organization in fulfilling its mission.