The AAUW Gender Equity Fund of Illinois (GEF) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization formed in 1997 to support AAUW Illinois projects and IL AAUW Branch projects. The AAUW GEF of Illinois purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. It receives and distributes contributions from individuals, corporations, and AAUW Illinois for programs and projects that further education and equity for all women and girls in the communities served by AAUW Illinois branches.

GEF has two purposes:
1. The GEF may be used to fund state or branch projects or activities as approved by the Board.  2. It may also serve as a pass-through fund, enabling branches to collect tax-deductible donations from individuals and corporations, and from grants and endowments, without having to establish themselves as a separate non-profit entity. Most branches are 501(c)4 organizations; donations to those branches are not tax-deductible. [Read this handy sheet on the differences between 501(c)3 and 501(c)4 organizations.]

The GEF is governed by a Board of Directors (BOD). This BOD is independent of the AAUW-IL organization since the AAUW GEF of IL stands as a separate entity.

> Read the details on criteria to use GEF, types of projects eligible for GEF funds, how to use GEF as a pass-through, and much more.
> Download the GEF Application Form for your project
> Download the Branch Agreement Form for using GEF as a fundraiser

AAUW Gender Equity Fund of Illinois Board of Directors:

President: Donna Jean Simon
Secretary: Nann Hilyard
Treasurer: Ruth Holst
Director: Andrea Danis
Director: Laura Desmarais
Director:  Carolyn Schjelderup
Director:  Jennifer Urish

Your donations are welcome to support the Gender Equity Fund – please email the AAUW-Il Treasurer for details.  (Find emails on the Members Only page)

EQUAL MEANS EQUAL is a film that gives an unflinching look at how women are treated in the United States today. The Gender Equity Fund will provide a DVD or a theater-ready version of this movie with the completion of an agreement form and your payment of a modest fee.  Please contact the AAUW-IL President (email on the Members Only page) for more information.