Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) was awarded a $10,000 Connect4Impact Grant by Women Connect4Good at the 2026 Giving List Women (GLW) Summit.
The award was announced by two members of the Connect4Impact Class of 2026, a cohort of young women, ages 16-20, who evaluated multiple nonprofit proposals from around the country; conducted their own review process; and selected the awardee themselves.
The GLW Summit, held recently in Montecito, brings together some 200 philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, advocates, and policymakers united around advancing women’s philanthropy and increasing giving to women’s and girls’ causes globally.
The award was made during a panel session on intergenerational leadership, in front of a room filled with influential voices in women’s philanthropy.
WEV CEO Nicki Parr accepted the award from cohort members Chloe Irwin and Joanna Faucett.
The students said WEV’s focus on economic empowerment, and on building lifelong financial habits that strengthen women and their families, was what resonated most with them throughout their evaluation process.
“What a moment for WEV. To be recognized by the next generation of philanthropic leaders, in a room full of people who are shaping the future of women’s giving, this means everything,” Parr said.
WEV was selected as a top finalist through a competitive application process led by Women Connect4Good, a social impact organization founded by Nancy O’Reilly.
The Connect4Impact program was designed to give young women hands-on experience in leadership, civic engagement, and participatory grant-making — putting values, equity and impact at the center of the decision-making process.
The $10,000 grant will expand access to WEV’s free Financial Empowerment Program, offering bilingual workshops in English and Spanish on budgeting and credit building, one-on-one financial coaching, and participant support.
Based on past outcomes, 84% of WEV participants reported increased confidence managing a budget, 86% made at least one positive change to their savings behavior, and 87% reported reduced financial stress.