Ms Foundation for Women Inc
MS Foundation for Women Inc is a public charity based in Brooklyn, New York. Its mission is to build women’s collective power in the United States to advance equity and justice. The foundation supports women-led movements and grassroots, tribal, state, and national organizations working across economic justice, safety, and women’s health.
Ms Foundation for Women Inc at a glance
In short: Ms Foundation for Women Inc gave $7.6M across 208 grants in 2025 (avg $37K), top state New York. 32% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $7,623,000
- +5.6% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 208
- -3.3% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $36,649
- +9.2% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $25,000
- Total assets
- $129,254,649
- +13.1% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 32% first-time grantees (67 of 207, 2025)
- Primary geography
- New York (18% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Ms Foundation for Women Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. It primarily considers invited applications, with occasional open calls announced through its channels. Invited organizations receive instructions and a link to apply through the grants portal. The website identifies the Birth Justice Initiative, the Asian Women Giving Circle 2026 request for proposals, and the A-DI Grantmaking Initiative as currently open opportunities.
- Contact
Mailing address: 1 Willoughby Square 2000, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (212) 742-2300
Website: https://forwomen.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
4 open opportunities from Ms Foundation for Women Inc
A - DI - Grantmaking Initiative
Ms Foundation for Women Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Asian Women Giving Circle Grants
Ms Foundation for Women Inc
Amount
Up to US $8,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Asian Women Giving Circle Request for Proposals 2026
Ms Foundation for Women Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Ms Foundation for Women Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Ms Action Fund ($500K). Together the top 10 received $1.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
887 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 640 grants of 887 (72%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation describes its work as supporting organizations across the United States. Its 2025 grant dollars went to recipients in multiple states, with the largest reported shares going to New York (18%), Georgia (8%), California (7%), Alabama (5%), and North Carolina (5%). The Ms. South strategy covers Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 208 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Ms Foundation for Women Inc open to new grantees?
32%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 67 of 207 grantees (32%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $36K; repeat grants $37K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $25K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $2.9M (2020) to $7.6M (2025). In 2025 it made 208 grants totaling $7.6M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ms Action Fund Brooklyn, NY | General Operating Support | $500,000 |
| Freedom Center for Social Justice Charlotte, NC | General Operating Support | $130,000 |
| Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs Calabasas, CA | General Operating Support | $115,000 |
| Yellowhammer Fund Tuscaloosa, AL | General Operating Support | $108,500 |
| Refugee Community Partnership Carrboro, NC | General Operating Support | $108,000 |
| Al Coalition for Immigrant Justice United Irondale, AL | General Operating Support | $107,500 |
| Arkansas Community Foundation Little Rock, AR | General Operating Support | $107,500 |
| Dr Shalon's Maternal Action Project Atlanta, GA | General Operating Support | $107,500 |
| Griffin-Gracy Edu Retreat & Hist Ctr Little Rock, AR | General Operating Support | $107,500 |
| The Trans Latina Coalition Atlanta, GA | General Operating Support | $107,500 |
Ready to take the next step with Ms Foundation for Women Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The foundation states that its endowment is intended to provide long-term program support, with endowment income available for general operations.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $129,254,649 | $30,607,417 | $18,024,510 | $7,623,000 | 208 | $2,935,169 |
| 2024 | $114,322,777 | $59,397,719 | $18,016,461 | $7,216,425 | 215 | $2,805,756 |
| 2023 | $72,020,796 | $12,224,028 | $15,205,918 | $6,397,191 | 201 | $1,259,782 |
| 2022 | $62,619,698 | $14,324,349 | $12,409,698 | $5,258,605 | 133 | $2,345,465 |
| 2021 | $69,143,480 | $25,679,441 | $11,227,181 | $4,776,000 | 130 | $2,444,895 |
| 2020 | $48,461,151 | $4,155,759 | $8,821,764 | $2,944,500 | 70 | $1,140,835 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation says it invests in and strengthens the capacity of women-led movements to advance social, cultural, and economic change in women’s lives. Its stated grantmaking areas include economic justice, safety, and women’s health. The foundation’s filing also describes work related to ending gender violence, economic security, and health equity, with an emphasis on supporting women and girls of color, including trans and nonbinary people.
Its programs include a multi-year Ms. South strategy supporting organizations led by women and girls of color in 14 Southern states, and a Birth Justice Initiative focused on addressing racial disparities in birth experiences and outcomes through movement building and organizing. The foundation’s website also lists an Asian Women Giving Circle request for proposals for 2026.
Examples of 2025 grantees illustrate the range of organizations supported. The Freedom Center for Social Justice describes its work as advancing the growth, safety, and empowerment of marginalized populations. Dr. Shalon Maternal Action Project says it works to address the Black maternal health crisis through community-based strategies. Este Poder describes its work as building power in rural East Texas communities of color through civic engagement, organizing, and leadership cultivation.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation reported 208 grants totaling $7,623,000. Grants ranged from $7,500 to $500,000, with a median award of $25,000. The listed grants predominantly provided general operating support. The foundation’s website says grant cycles generally occur annually, though timing varies by program, and that the proposal process varies by program. After an application is submitted through its grants portal, applicants can expect a status update within 6–8 weeks.
Among the largest 2025 grants were $500,000 to MS Action Fund in Brooklyn, New York; $130,000 to Freedom Center for Social Justice in Charlotte, North Carolina; $115,000 to Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs in Calabasas, California; and $108,000 to Refugee Community Partnership in Carrboro, North Carolina.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Charline Gipson as chair, Kaberi Banerjee as vice chair, Diane Manuel as treasurer, and James White as secretary. It also lists Alex Busansky, Candi Castleberry, Danielle Moodie, Don Chen, Gwen Chapman, and Jenna Scanlan as directors.
Ms Foundation for Women Inc is led by Teresa Younger, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 9 of 25 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Teresa Younger
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
38.5 hrs/week
$241K (2020) → $304K (2025)
Charline Gipson
Chair
Director → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Anna Marlene Martinez
Senior Director of Finance & Administrator
Director, Finance & Administrator → Senior Director of Finance & Administrator, 2025
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$104K (2021) → $142K (2025)
Shawnda Chapman
Director of Girls Fund Initiative
Director & Girls Fund Initiative → Director of Girls Fund Initiative, 2025
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$110K (2021) → $155K (2025)
Bri E. Barnett
Director of Institutional Partnerships
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$117K (2023) → $133K (2025)
Calondra McArthur
Director of Communications
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$104K (2023) → $126K (2025)
Danielle Moodie
Director
Director → Secretary, 2022
Secretary → Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jenna Scanlan
Director
Vice Chair → Chair, 2023
Chair → Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lauren Embrey
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Yin Ling Leung
Director
Treasurer → Vice Chair, 2023
Vice Chair → Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Alex Busansky
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Candi Castleberry
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gwen Chapman
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Pamela Shifman
Director
Director → Secretary, 2023
Secretary → Director, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rene Redwood
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jenny Carrillo
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Don Chen
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mary McDaniel
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ruth McFarlane
Deputy CEO
Vice President & Advancement → Deputy CEO, 2025
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$195K (2021) → $252K (2025)
Russatta Buford
Former COO
COO → Former COO, 2025
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$89K (2023) → $128K (2025)
Samantha Franklin
Senior Program Officer
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$101K (2023) → $125K (2025)
Ellen Lui
Chief Programs Officer
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$211K (2025)
Diane Manuel
Treasurer
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
James White
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kaberi Banerjee
Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (23)
- Former: Ellen Liu (2020–2024) — Chief Programs Officer
- Former: Rinku Sen (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Angelica Garcia (2024) — Director of Major Gifts
- Former: Rosina Barba (2020–2023) — COO
- Former: Wade Davis (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Judi Rosenthal (2023) — Director
- Former: Alicia Lara (2020–2022) — Chair
- Former: Angela Glover Blackwell (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Catherine Yelverton (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Rosalyn Lee (2020–2022) — Former Vice President, Strategy & Development
- Former: Stephanie Blackwood (2020–2022) — Senior Director, Engagement & Major Gifts
- Former: Suzanne Lerner (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Cathie Hartnett (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Camille Kennedy (2022) — Senior Director & Advancement Strategy
- Former: Gail Wasserman (2020–2021) — Secretary
- Former: Jenna Bussman-Wise (2020–2021) — Treasurer
- Former: Jocelyn Frye (2020–2021) — Chair
- Former: Susan Dickler (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Tamara Vasan (2020–2021) — Director & Institutional Partnerships
- Former: Tom Watson (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Andrea Bradford (2020) — Director
- Former: Cathy Harnett (2020) — Director
- Former: Seth Rosen (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $304K, to Teresa Younger (President/CEO). 9 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Ms Foundation for Women Inc
How much does Ms Foundation for Women Inc give each year?
Ms Foundation for Women Inc gave $7.6M across 208 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $7.2M across 215 grants.
What is Ms Foundation for Women Inc's typical grant size?
Ms Foundation for Women Inc's median grant in 2025 was $25,000, and its average grant was $36,649, across 208 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Ms Foundation for Women Inc that year got $36K on average.
Where does Ms Foundation for Women Inc give grants?
Ms Foundation for Women Inc's top state is New York, with 18% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Georgia (8%) and California (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (19 grants), Washington, DC (12 grants), Chicago, IL (11 grants) and Atlanta, GA (10 grants).
Does Ms Foundation for Women Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Ms Foundation for Women Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (208 of 208) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Who are Ms Foundation for Women Inc's largest grantees?
Ms Foundation for Women Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Ms Action Fund ($500,000), Freedom Center for Social Justice ($130,000) and Social & Environmental Entrepreneurs ($115,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 10% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Ms Foundation for Women Inc?
Ms Foundation for Women Inc reported $129.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $30.6M.
What does Ms Foundation for Women Inc fund?
The foundation says it invests in and strengthens the capacity of women-led movements to advance social, cultural, and economic change in women’s lives. Its stated grantmaking areas include economic justice, safety, and women’s health. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Ms Foundation for Women Inc?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Ms Foundation for Women Inc's EIN?
Ms Foundation for Women Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-7252609. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does Ms Foundation for Women Inc accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS March 29, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS January 26, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS January 25, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 15, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 15, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Ms Foundation for Women Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Ms Foundation for Women Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/ms-foundation-for-women-inc-morg_84785ae737be4b59a0ca2c2c4eb41e36
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_237252609_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Ms Foundation for Women Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/ms-foundation-for-women-inc-morg_84785ae737be4b59a0ca2c2c4eb41e36},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Ms Foundation for Women Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Ms Foundation for Women Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?