Red Deer and District Community Foundation celebrated International Day of the Girl on Monday by announcing a $165,000 Gender Lens Investment Program.
Gender Lens Investment is an opportunity to invest in local organizations that work toward the improved quality of life for girls, women, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse members of the community.
Gender Lens Investment is multi-layered and “considers gender but also intersectionality and the knowledge that the colour of one’s skin, or their religious beliefs also plays a role in gender equity and equality,” says the RDDCF.
“Vast amounts of research show that when people invest in organizations and businesses with mandates to promote gender equity and equality, communities begin to see a variety of both social and economic returns,” says the RDDCF.
Over the next six months, the RDDCF will open its program to applicants.
RDDCF says the $165,000 is just the beginning of the Gender Lens Investment commitment and it is inviting donors to help build the fund.
“We will work to grow this fund so that we can invest in even more Central Alberta girls and women. As a way to celebrate International Day of the Girl, we invite you to donate to this fund and play an active role in contributing to the empowerment of girls, women, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse members of our communities.”
RDDCF invests in projects, programs and organizations to build a stronger Central Alberta. Working as the community savings account, the foundation accept donations to support over 140 funds.