PhilANTHROPY

IWF Chicago Championess Grant

IWF Chicago is proud to support women and girls throughout our community through our time, talent, and funding.   Each year, we award one IWF Chicago Championess Grant, which supports an organization that impacts women and girls, advances women’s leadership, and champions equity.  IWF Chicago members make nominations for the grantee, who is announced at IWF's December Holiday gathering and celebrated at IWF Chicago’s Signature Event each March.  Selection criteria include organizations that work with women and girls and have an annual budget under $3 million. The Fall 2025 application is due October 24, 2025, with the announcement to be made in December 2025.  The nomination form can be found in the member portal. For additional information, please reach out to Peggy Parenoff, Chair of the Philanthropy Committee, at peggy.parenoff@gmail.com.

2025 Grantee:  Polished Pebbles

Kathleen Carroll Leadership Fellow 

The Kathleen Carroll Leadership Fellow underwrites a young woman leader from our community to participate in the renowned International Women’s Forum Leadership Fellows year-long leadership development program. This award is made in honor of the late Kathleen Carroll, an IWF Chicago leader and IWF Global Board member, for her outstanding contribution to supporting women leaders.

IWF Service Program 

Each year IWF Chicago members participate in a hands-on volunteer activity to support a Chicago non-profit organization working with women and girls. If you have an organization that needs volunteers for a one-time activity, please reach out to info@iwfchicago.org.