Each year, we share this update to keep you connected to the impact of the MDW Fund—highlighting the progress of our graduates and what’s next on the horizon.
In a time of uncertainty, we remain focused on progress.
For those working toward gender equity, it can feel as though hard-won gains are at risk. We hear this from our community—and we feel it too. But at the Million Dollar Women Fund, we believe in the power of action. Even small steps can create meaningful momentum.
Over the past year, we’ve welcomed new board members, advisors, and rising leaders who are actively shaping the future of our work. Their contributions are already making a measurable difference, and their journeys reflect the transformative potential of engaging in this mission.
Join Us in Advancing Equity
There are several meaningful ways to support our work:
Contribute – Every donation, from $25 to $250 or more, helps us expand our reach and deepen our impact.
Volunteer – Serve as a mentor to women entrepreneurs and help guide their growth.
Connect – Introductions to potential funders, partners, or advocates are invaluable. Every new sponsor in 2025 came through a personal connection.
Over the past year, the MDW Fund has taken bold steps to meet the moment:
35 scholarships awarded.
Hosted 5 Women. Work. Wealth. events, reaching 5,000+ women leaders, executives, professionals, and business owners.
Launched Advisory Council of investors, executives, and entrepreneurs, and have worked closely with five active members.
Launched a new Rising Leaders Council - a pipeline of next-gen changemakers who are championing our mission (Know someone in NYC who wants to join? Just reply to this email!)
Now, as scholarship demand continues to rise, we’re hoping you’ll consider a gift to Bridge the Gap Campaign with goal of raising $25,000 by September 30th.
What’s new?
Women.Work.Wealth.
In May In May, we hosted a fundraising event at the Yale Club in NYC. This annual event fosters a sense of community and helps make it possible for more women to build scalable, profitable businesses and close the economic gap. A cornerstone of this event is our fireside chat, which included the unstoppable Petrushka Bazin Larsen, Co-Founder of Sugar Hill Creamery, and the inimitable Ann Shoket, CEO of TheLi.st this year.
Why this matters:
Women of color continue to start businesses at the highest rates, but are often left behind when it comes to funding, mentorship, and growth opportunities:
Women of color founders earn $25K–$50K annually, compared to $100K–$140K for white women
Fewer than 1% of WOC entrepreneurs ever reach $1M in annual revenue
Only 4% of Black female founders and 2% of Latinas raise equity financing
Women with disabilities are nearly twice as likely to be self-employed, but face higher barriers to capital
Veteran women founders often lack access to gender- and military-specific entrepreneurial support networks
MDW Fund exists to change these stats, one founder at a time.
83% of our graduates increase their revenue, 74% expand their teams, 50% double their revenue, and 15% go on to generate $1M+ annually - that’s 5x the national average.
