Webinar: Mobilizing Local Resources for Women's Rights Prepared for WINGS December 2, 2015 Sociedad Mexicana Pro Derechos de la Mujer, A.C.

Overview of Semillas Founded in 1990 First women’s fund established in the Global South Only women’s fund in Mexico Over the past 25 years, Semillas has invested over US$16.6 million in approximately 745 projects, transforming the lives of more than 2.2 million women and girls

Overview of Semillas Semillas invests in women’s groups in three key ways: 1) providing seed funding, 2) capacity building and 3) alliance building Examples of grantees include: indigenous midwives, domestic workers, factory workers, youth health promoters, and indigenous women operating artisan cooperatives, among many others.

Local Resource Mobilization Support from local sources comprised approximately 16.5% of Semillas’ 2014 total revenue Semillas’ Network of Women and Men Investing in Women was founded in 2001; now made up of over 400 members In 2014, Semillas raised over US $75,000 through from individual donors Other sources of local support: national private and corporate foundations as well as corporate sponsors

Biggest Challenges Lack of strong culture of social change philanthropy Limited time and experience among staff members Lack of start-up capital for fundraising strategies “Preaching to the choir” Fear of failure

What’s working Innovation and fun Broad visibility and a modern public image Strategic partnerships, particularly across sectors Bold actions: clear and ambitious goals, confidence in the mission Building relationships with long-term potential Professionalization of Semillas’ Development team

Recommendations for international funders Help promote local cultures of philanthropy Engage in dialogue with local foundations and other donors in the Global South and East Invest in institutional development (including board engagement) and experimental strategies regarding fundraising Provide funding to ensure long-term financial stability, such as investments in endowment funds