Teresa Younger is stepping down after a defining run as head of the Ms. Foundation for Women, closing a chapter that spanned #MeToo, the fall of Roe, and a tense political climate. In an interview, she warned that the push for equal political power “is currently not in the best shape,” even as she affirmed that “feminism is still alive and well.” Her exit comes as activists reassess strategies for gender equity under new national leadership.
Background On A Pioneering Institution
The Ms. Foundation for Women, founded in 1973 by Gloria Steinem and others, is widely recognized as the first national philanthropy led by women for women. It funds grassroots groups, advocates for reproductive and economic justice, and lifts up women of color at the community level.
Younger, who took the helm in 2014, positioned the foundation to back local leaders during a period of major cultural and legal shifts. Her approach emphasized movement building and unrestricted support for frontline groups.
Women’s philanthropy remains a small slice of charitable giving. Studies from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute have found that less than 2% of U.S. foundation dollars go to organizations focused on women and girls. That funding gap has made strategic grants and long-term support a central concern for advocates.
A Tenure Marked By #MeToo And Dobbs
Younger’s leadership overlapped with the viral rise of #MeToo in 2017, which pushed workplace misconduct and power abuses into the open. Many donors redirected funds to legal aid and survivor services. The Ms. Foundation boosted groups working on harassment prevention, survivor support, and accountability policies.
The Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs ruling, which overturned Roe v. Wade, reshaped reproductive health access. Since then, more than a dozen states have enacted near-total abortion bans or severe limits. Providers and patients have faced cross-state travel, legal risks, and clinic closures.
“We are currently not in the best shape,” Younger said, describing the state of political equality. Yet she added, “I believe feminism is still alive and well.”
Her comments reflect a movement juggling urgency and resilience. On one side are court rulings, state laws, and political headwinds. On the other are energetic local networks, mutual aid, and policy work at city and state levels.
Supporters And Skeptics On Strategy
Supporters credit Younger with placing resources closest to those affected by policy shifts. They argue that flexible grants let local leaders adapt quickly, especially in states with fast-changing rules on reproductive care and voting.
Skeptics say philanthropy alone cannot fill gaps created by court decisions and state restrictions. They want clearer national coordination, more pooled funds, and a stronger legal defense infrastructure. Others press for broader agendas that include childcare, paid leave, and pay equity as core reproductive and economic issues.
- Grassroots groups seek stable, multi-year funding rather than short-term campaigns.
- Policy advocates push for state-by-state wins while planning for federal change.
- Donors debate how to balance rapid response with building durable institutions.
Measuring Impact In A Shifting Climate
Movement groups point to local gains: municipal abortion shield laws, clinic support funds, and workplace policies against harassment. Voter engagement efforts have also expanded, with attention to court elections and ballot measures. Yet access remains uneven across states, and legal fights continue to consume resources.
Analysts note that small organizations often carry outsized workloads. Flexible grants can help them hire staff, cover security, and sustain litigation support. Public pressure, media attention, and donor engagement also shape outcomes, especially on corporate policy and state legislation.
What Comes Next For Women’s Philanthropy
Younger’s departure coincides with a polarized national scene and renewed activism at the state level. The foundation’s next leader will face fundraising pressures and heightened legal risks for grantees. Coordination across funds, rapid legal support, and cross-state networks are likely to be priorities.
For many advocates, the path forward blends persistence and pragmatism. They aim to shore up care networks, defend voting rights, and strengthen survivor services. At the same time, they seek longer planning horizons and stronger infrastructure for the years ahead.
Younger’s words capture a movement under strain, but not retreat. The immediate tasks are clear: protect access where possible, invest in local leaders, and prepare for slow, steady policy work. As the Ms. Foundation turns the page, donors and organizers will watch whether resources move fast enough—and last long enough—to meet the moment.
