Mary's Pence

WHAT WE DO

Women working together in their local communities have the power to create effective and lasting change. Mary’s Pence supports grassroots women’s organizations in the Americas in two ways: Mary's Pence Grants and ESPERA.

MARY'S PENCE GRANTS

Mary’s Pence funds women’s organizations in the US and Canada that are working with their local community to create long-term systemic change. The organizations we fund are all small, with budgets under $200,000. Yet they collaborate with diverse populations, advocate to change unjust policies, and educate to build skills and increase capacity.

ESPERA COMMUNITY LENDING

ESPERA is a unique take on a micro-lending program. Mary’s Pence has partnered with seven grassroots women’s organizations across Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador to start community lending pools. The funds are collectively-owned by the women and they are the decision-makers. This increases their empowerment and commitment to the work.

OUR MISSION

Mary’s Pence invests in women across the Americas by funding community initiatives and fostering collaborations to create social change.

OUR VISION

We envision a world where empowered women and their communities flourish in solidarity and justice.

OUR VALUES

Our commitment to justice motivates our work. We are grateful to walk alongside people of all faiths and beliefs on this journey toward justice.

Dignity

We recognize the inherent dignity of every person, especially women and others who are marginalized. Equity for all must include the right to health care, education, productive and meaningful work, food security, shelter, and freedom from violence.

Justice

Each person has the right and responsibility to participate economically, politically, and culturally in society and in the home. Women’s full participation is essential for strong communities and a just society.

Solidarity

Mary’s Pence has privilege and influence. It is our responsibility to accompany women working for justice by listening deeply and providing funding and responsive support. We believe in collective power. Change happens when those most impacted by injustice are integrally involved in creating solutions.

Learn more about Mary’s Pence at www.maryspence.org, and see our annual report at https://www.maryspence.org/about/financials/.