When we co-founded Women’s Foundation California, I was just 28 years old — young, determined, and driven by the belief that feminist philanthropy has the power to reshape the future. Our first year, we set out to raise $300,000. A small group of us — all volunteers — made it happen. And with that, WFC’s story began.
For the first 13 years, I worked as a volunteer: fundraising, organizing, and engaging other women with wealth in conversations that were often new — sometimes uncomfortable — about money, power, and purpose. I believed then, as I do now, that philanthropy grounded in feminist values and leaders is one of the most transformative forces we have.
As a proud lesbian and lifelong feminist, I’ve always understood the fight for gender justice as inherently intersectional — and inseparable from the leadership of queer, trans, and gender-expansive people. That belief has shaped my work and WFC’s vision from the beginning.
In 2019, I joined WFC in a formal role, advising donors, leading legacy giving efforts, and helping grow our community of supporters through tools like FreeWill and the Ruth McGuire Legacy Circle. For six years, I’ve had the honor of helping people weave their values into long-term commitments — crafting an inheritance for the next generation of feminists leading California’s movements for racial, economic, environmental, and gender justice long after we are gone.
Now, at age 74, Women’s Foundation California remains at the center of my heart — and my will. I’ve committed to leaving a legacy gift of $250,000 or more to WFC when I die. That commitment brings me great joy and peace. It means my values will continue to speak for me, even after I’m gone.
August is National Make-A-Will Month. If you haven’t yet created a will, I invite you to start or update yours today — not just for yourself, but for your community, and for the feminist future we’re building together. Our partners at FreeWill have created a free, secure, step-by-step tool to guide you through the process. It’s simple. It’s empowering. And it’s a chance to protect what — and who — you love most.
You don’t need to be wealthy to leave a legacy. A gift of any size in your will, or naming Women’s Foundation California as a beneficiary, helps accompany the next generation of feminist leaders, policy shapers, and changemakers across California.
Legacy is about more than what we leave behind. It’s about the values we invest in — and the world we believe is possible.
Join me.
P.S. If you’ve already included a gift to Women’s Foundation California in your will or trust, please let us know here. We’d love to express our gratitude for your commitment to our movement and welcome you into the Ruth McGuire Legacy Circle!