CFUW National Initiatives You Can Support Today

If you’ve ever wondered how to make your volunteer hours or donations stretch beyond your neighborhood, the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) offers a pretty powerful answer. While its local clubs drive book sales, scholarships, and community programs, CFUW also runs national initiatives that push for systemic change across Canada—and even internationally. Supporting these efforts means you’re not just helping one person at a time; you’re backing movements that reshape policies, education, and opportunities for women everywhere.

Advocacy for Gender Equality

One of CFUW’s most visible national initiatives is advocacy. The organization consistently lobbies on issues such as pay equity, universal childcare, reproductive rights, and gender-based violence. With consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council, CFUW also adds a Canadian voice to global gender equality conversations.

When you support these initiatives—whether by writing to your MP through CFUW’s action alerts or donating to their advocacy fund—you’re amplifying campaigns that hold governments accountable. These efforts aren’t just symbolic; they’ve been part of major policy discussions in Ottawa for decades.

Scholarships and Fellowships for Women

Every year, CFUW distributes over $1 million in scholarships and bursaries to women pursuing higher education. On top of local club awards, the CFUW Charitable Trust funds prestigious national fellowships, supporting graduate and doctoral students across disciplines.

According to CFUW’s Charitable Trust reports, these awards have supported thousands of women since 1919, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in academia, business, and public service. By donating or fundraising for these scholarships, you’re literally investing in the next generation of Canadian trailblazers.

Initiative	Impact	How to Support
Advocacy for Gender Equality	Policy influence on pay equity, childcare, women’s rights	Join campaigns, write to MPs, donate funds
National Scholarships & Awards	$1M+ distributed annually to women in post-secondary education	Contribute to Charitable Trust, run fundraisers
Education & Literacy Programs	Local and national projects improving access to education for women/girls	Volunteer time, join program committees
International Partnerships	Amplifies Canadian voices at UN and global advocacy networks	Support global campaigns, attend events

Education and Literacy Programs

Education has always been CFUW’s heartbeat. Nationally, the organization backs initiatives that promote literacy, STEM opportunities for girls, and accessible education at all levels. Members have championed everything from early childhood learning resources to lifelong education opportunities for seniors.

For volunteers and donors, this is an area where even small contributions go a long way. You might mentor a student, provide funding for books, or support national programs that ensure women and girls aren’t left behind in education policy debates.

International Partnerships

Though rooted in Canada, CFUW doesn’t stop at national borders. It’s a founding member of Graduate Women International (GWI), which works on global projects tackling girls’ education and women’s empowerment. Through these partnerships, CFUW members participate in UN forums, share best practices across countries, and fund international initiatives.

Supporting this work means your efforts ripple outward—helping not only Canadian women but also communities worldwide struggling with barriers to education and equality.

How You Can Get Involved Today

• Donate to the CFUW Charitable Trust or specific campaigns.
• Volunteer with your local CFUW club, contributing time to national projects.
• Raise awareness by sharing CFUW advocacy initiatives on social media or with your community.
• Participate in national CFUW webinars, petitions, and letter-writing campaigns.

The beauty of CFUW is that it offers multiple entry points. Whether you have $20 to donate, an afternoon to volunteer, or a passion for advocacy, your contribution plugs into a national network that makes a measurable impact.

So if you’re looking for a way to move from “I want to help” to “I’m making a difference,” CFUW’s national initiatives are an open door.

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