How does WLC benefit the community?
Women Leading Change empowers single-mothers in Santa Clara County to increase self-sufficiency through financial education and a matched savings program to acquire one or more of the following assets:

    • College education or advanced training
    • Starting a small business
    • Savings account/IRA
    • Home ownership

 What is the financial and time commitment required to be at the Founder member level of WLC?
To become a Founding Member of Women Leading Change, we ask that you contribute a minimum gift of $5,000 annually that will be used to sponsor one or more women in the community through the first year of their 3-year program commitment.

While not required, we recommend a 3-year donor commitment from Founding Members so they may sponsor these single-mothers through completion of their 3-year program.

The time commitment as a Founding Member is as little as making your annual contribution and voting on election of WLC Advisory Council Officers. You will be invited to quarterly WLC Founding Member educational and networking events and have opportunities to interact with the single-mothers in the program several times each year. There is also the opportunity to serve as an Officer on the WLC Advisory Council or on a sub-committee in support of Advisory Council work.

 Why should I join WLC over other Women’s Foundations and Donor groups?
Women Leading Change is unique in that your donation dollars are concentrated on supporting one issue; helping single-mothers achieve self- sufficiency.

Your donation dollars will be directly tied to successfully changing the lives of the single-mothers participating in our program. We have set measurable goals that allow us to ascertain the success of the program and our interaction with the program participants allows us to see first-hand the impact we have made in improving futures and changing lives.

You have the opportunity to interact with the single-mother participants in the program. Your friendship, mentorship and support are welcomed by the participants and is one of the most rewarding and valuable components of our single-mother self-sufficiency program.

You have the opportunity to network with fellow Founding Members, women leaders in business and the community, who are passionate about using their collective resources to improve the lives of women in Silicon Valley.

You have the opportunity to join WLC in “start-up” mode, helping to shape and refine the organization and improve the program for future participants.

WLC is supported and administered by United Way Silicon Valley, a respected and valued agency with resources supporting our program and name and brand recognition that provide powerful advantages for WLC.

Why are WLC beneficiaries single-mothers?
WLC is women helping women! Many single-mother households with children face significant barriers to attaining self-sufficiency because of low-paying jobs, inadequate training and lack of a college education. They struggle to succeed both in their careers and as mothers.

In Santa Clara County, 45% of single-mother-headed households fall below the self-sufficiency standards. A single-mother with two children needs to earn at least $34.36 per hour just to provide basic food, shelter and childcare.

 Is this self-sufficiency initiative run by United Way Silicon Valley?
Administered by United Way Silicon Valley, this self-sufficiency initiative is a collaborative of several community partners addressing the unique needs of our community. This program is modeled after successful programs run by United Ways and other organizations both local and nationwide.

How will WLC measure success?
WLC enrolled 100 single-mother participants by June 2007

At least 70% of program participants will complete financial training classes, utilize support services as needed, follow through on their Independent Development Account (IDA) matched savings plan and within 3-years are ready to purchase a specific asset.

When is my donation due?
United Way Silicon Valley can process your donation immediately; however, payments are not due in full until June 30th each year.