Every March since 1987, Women's History Month serves as a dedicated time to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of women throughout American history. Despite making up half of the world's population, countless women have had their accomplishments ignored, their credit usurped, or their work diminished and excluded from historical accounts. Nevertheless, women have consistently played a crucial role, tirelessly championing the cause of equality. 

“Historically, women in the United States have participated voraciously in civic life, registering and voting at higher rates than men in every presidential election since 1980,” Jennifer Weiss-Wolf wrote for TIME. And yet, “[t]he U.S. pales in comparison to women’s political authority in much of the world, too, including among peer democracies.”

This ongoing struggle is supported by the crucial work of the following Give Lively member nonprofits. Some are women-led nonprofits and while each differs in its area of focus, religious affiliation and methods, all are striving to establish and defend women’s human rights.

Whether you're a donor looking for impactful causes to champion or a nonprofit peer seeking inspiration for effective online fundraising, these high-impact organizations are worth exploring.

This article is the latest in our Breakthrough Nonprofits series, named after our monthly newsletter, which offers inspiration and wisdom for nonprofits. These pieces highlight nonprofit power and persistence, celebrating organizations that eliminate barriers to drive meaningful change. The groups featured here are true "breakthrough" nonprofits, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in their sectors. By supporting them, you are investing in the future of women internationally.

Nonprofits to donate to for Women’s History Month

Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles (WINTER)

Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles (WINTER) works to prepare, place and retain women in skilled, high-wage, high-demand trades, such as construction, utility and maintenance. Through pre-apprenticeship training, job placement services and support programs, WINTER breaks down barriers to entry and helps women achieve economic independence in industries where they are typically underrepresented. 

WIN for KC

WIN for KC is dedicated to inspiring girls and women through sports and fitness. As a division of the Kansas City Sports Commission, WIN for KC creates a platform for connection and opportunity through programs, events and a robust network of support. It aims to promote an active lifestyle, build self-esteem and encourage leadership development, ensuring that girls and women in the Kansas City area have access to the benefits of participation in sports.

The Women's Bakery

The Women's Bakery empowers women through entrepreneurial education and bakery creation. By training women to launch and manage profitable, local bakeries, the organization provides access to business skills, employment and nutritious food sources, thereby nurturing economic independence and community-level change. Its model focuses on sustainability, helping women overcome poverty by building successful, woman-owned businesses.

Women's Ordination Conference

Women's Ordination Conference advocates for the ordination of women as priests, deacons and bishops in the Catholic Church. Through education, advocacy and community-building, the organization works to achieve gender equality within the church structure and ensure that all baptized Catholics, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to follow a vocation to ordained ministry.

Rise Up Woman International

Rise Up Woman International uplifts women globally through leadership training, mentorship and community-building. Its mission focuses on activating the potential of women leaders to drive positive change in their families, communities and the world. The organization achieves this via programs designed to foster personal development, spiritual growth and a network of support, helping women lead with greater influence and impact.

Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project

As the U.S.’s largest national, independent, nonprofit abortion fund, Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project provides urgently needed financial assistance nationwide to individuals seeking abortion services or emergency contraception. It also makes funds available directly to pre-screened, pre-qualified health clinics and doctors. Its highly trained volunteers staff a telephone hotline five days a week, work directly with over 700 clinics, hospitals and doctors across the country, and get funds to women in need. 

The Brave House

This New York City organization cultivates a community of support for young immigrant women and gender-expansive youth, ages 16-24, with a focus on survivors of gender-based violence. The Brave House programs free legal aid, community events and holistic services, including leadership training, one-on-one advocacy, wellness classes, job and school assistance, help for new and expecting moms and much more.

Girl Talk Inc

The mission of this organization is to empower girls to become their best selves. Girl Talk aims to help young women connect to their purpose in whatever field they choose, lower the incidence of teen pregnancy and achieve educational goals through a combination of 1:1 mentoring, school- and site-based programs for 4th- and 5th-grade girls, and a four-year LIFE Prep Academy for high schoolers.

Kiran Anjali Project

The Kiran Anjali Project envisions a bias-free world in which all children are given a high-quality education and job skills to be self-sufficient. It extends guidance and financial assistance to educational institutions for children from underserved communities, especially girls, in India. Cultural traditions such as dowries and a preference for boys can make girls seem like a burden to some families, particularly those already struggling economically. These girls are less likely to be educated or receive medical attention when sick, more likely to be malnourished because they are fed less than their brothers and are at high risk for early marriage, child labor and trafficking. 

Daring Girls

Daring Girls mentors girls who dare to do something different, who choose to prioritize their education and take control of their futures. Every week, these girls learn together in a supportive environment from a successful, university-educated woman mentor who exemplifies what they can become. As a result, girls become more resilient, more confident and more prepared to set and reach their goals.

Cambridge Women's Center

Cambridge Women’s Center is a safe and caring community where women can find resources, develop skills and build confidence to make positive changes in their lives. The center offers support groups, educational workshops and access to essential resources, all aimed at guiding women to overcome barriers and achieve self-sufficiency and personal growth.

Ikram Foundation for Empowerment of Muslim Women

Ikram Foundation for Empowerment of Muslim Women works to uplift Muslim women in education, social awareness and economic independence. The organization puts forward resources, mentorship and programs that address the unique challenges faced by Muslim women, fostering their personal development and enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and society at large.

Women’s Resource Center for the Grand Traverse Area

Women's Resource Center for the Grand Traverse Area provides safety, shelter and resources to survivors of domestic and sexual violence around Traverse City, Michigan. The center operates an emergency shelter and a variety of support services, including counseling, advocacy, legal assistance and prevention education. Its mission is to clear a path to live lives free from violence and promote a community culture of respect and nonviolence.

HERA Women's Cancer Foundation

The mission of the HERA Ovarian Cancer Foundation is to eliminate ovarian cancer  through health, empowerment, research and awareness. It funds and inspires researchers and medical professionals, and targets cutting-edge research to encourage early detection, find improved treatments and work towards a cure. HERA is committed to informing women, their loved ones and health professionals about the symptoms and treatments of ovarian cancer. 

Financial Women of San Francisco

Financial Women of San Francisco endeavors to advance the careers and increase the influence of women in finance and financial services. Through its Scholarship Fund, FWSF helps to cultivate the next generation of female leaders in the financial industry via financial aid and mentorship to promising women students who are pursuing finance-related degrees. The organization also offers professional development programs, networking opportunities and community engagement to support its members' career growth and promote gender equity within the sector.

Saheli – Support and Friendship for South Asian Women and Families

Saheli is dedicated to ending violence against South Asian women and families in New England. The organization’s culturally specific services include a confidential helpline, crisis intervention, shelter assistance, legal advocacy and support groups for survivors of domestic violence. Saheli also engages in community outreach and education to raise awareness about domestic abuse and empower women to live safe, healthy, and economically independent lives.

Pass The Torch for Women

Pass The Torch For Women reinforces women's professional advancement through mentorship and networking. The organization’s various programs include structured mentorship initiatives, professional development resources and networking events that connect women across different career stages. By fostering a strong community and providing the tools for career growth, Pass The Torch for Women aims to increase the presence and impact of women leaders in every sector.