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The Christopher Family Foundation proudly supports organizations through grantmaking. We’re honored to partner with organizations that address community needs and seek to better our world now and for future generations. People often speak of “capacity building” in the context of how to build and sustain an organization’s structure, finances, and processes. To do this, however, we must remember at the crux of this is the highest resource of all: people. We’ve heard our partners talk about the work needed to recruit, engage, and retain staff. Studies show that approximately 75% of workers in the nonprofit sector are women. How can we support these women? One way is through nonprofits such as Chicago Women in Philanthropy (CWIP). The Christopher Family Foundation is a proud member of CWIP, and over the years, CFF staff have served in numerous roles, from committee member to board co-chair.

CWIP is a community of philanthropic, corporate-giving, and nonprofit women founded in 1981. It strives for an inclusive community to educate and empower women’s personal and professional growth. One of its premiere programs, WLMP (Women’s Leadership Mentoring Program) is accepting applications until Monday, October 14.  WLMP is a one-year opportunity pairing female-identifying nonprofit professionals as mentors and mentees in two tracks: Emerging Leaders and Mid-Career Leaders. We hope some can take advantage of this no-cost professional development opportunity. You do not need to be a member of CWIP to participate.

At the Spring 2024 Annual Luncheon, WLMP’s committee co-chair and a mentor-mentee pair reported on its impact. It was uplifting to hear:

“As most of us in this room know, it’s difficult to find women in our field to mentor us, especially at no cost. And often what we learn about who we want to be as leaders comes from those who don’t demonstrate the kind of leadership we value. Mentorship in the nonprofit sector is invaluable when professional development resources and time are often limited. That’s why this program is so unique and important.” – Committee Co-chair

“I’ve asked mentees to open one door to what may occur through her initiative and close another to myopic thinking, negative self-talk, and self-imposed limitations. We can and must support each other both inside and outside of WLMP.” – WLMP Mentor

“Before joining CWIP, I had a vague sense that connecting with a mentor would be an important part of my professional journey, but I had no idea where to start! I was excited to apply to WLMP. My goals coming into the program included learning to network more effectively and to begin to identify and build skills that will serve me throughout my career. In addition to my conversations with my mentor, WLMP hosts professional development sessions and other opportunities to connect with our cohort of mentors and mentees. In addition to the useful content of these sessions, I’ve found these events to be great opportunities to learn and connect. The most surprising benefit of this program has been the structure. Setting aside time for internal reflection, conversation, and skill-building is never easy in our busy field, but regular connections have helped me to be intentional about my own career development.” – WLMP Mentee

If you’re interested in being a mentor or a mentee, you can apply here by October 14.

—Contributed by Monica Thorns, CFF Grants Manager and CWIP Board Member