Because while women are 51% of the U.S. population, they still make up less than 30% of our country’s elected leaders — even accounting for recent and historic gains.
When women run, women win, but the current pathway to elected office is often unclear, riddled with barriers and diversions, or worse, altogether inaccessible. As a collaborative fund, The Ascend Fund pools philanthropic capital and invests in nonpartisan, nonprofit organizations. Increased investment, in historically underfunded organizations, help them more effectively. Without additional investment, it could take more than 100 years to achieve gender parity in U.S. politics.
We have a plan for women to reach 50% representation in all 50 states by 2050.
for more women to see themselves as candidates and normalize women’s leadership.
by providing women with the tools, training, and resources to successfully run for office.
by dismantling roadblocks so elected officials reflect the diversity of the population
Because when women lead, our nation is transformed
The Ascend Fund is committed to realizing a representative democracy within 30 years, not merely because we believe it’s what’s fair – but because we believe it’s what’s smart. When women win elections, they:
Change the agenda and are more likely to prioritize legislation that benefits women, children, and families.
Govern differently by building coalitions, working across the aisle, and reaching compromise on divisive issues.
Disrupt systems and normalize women's leadership, which positively affect the political ambitions of younger women and women of color.
