Your Money at Work
Small Gifts. Big Impact!
EWI artist members participate in a felting workshop. Pictured from right: mother and daughter, Maha and Zaineb (Iraq).
We are a small non-profit, which means that you will be able to see firsthand the impact of your involvement on our organization. Even a small gift has a mighty impact!
Below, we’ve offered an example of two giving levels that are affordable for you and make a big difference for us. Whether you are able to donate $35 to sponsor an EWI artist’s membership or $50 to contribute twenty percent of an Entrepreneur Training for Success Program scholarship, we thank you for your support and all that you do to keep our programs going!
$35
Enable a low-income immigrant or refugee woman in your community to enroll in self-sufficiency programs.
Services include:
- Case management and career/business assessment
- Comprehensive career readiness plan
- Income generating activities through EWI’s micro-enterprise program
- Opportunity to present/sell art to established venues and targeted audiences
- Participation in service and educational programs
- Market linkages and marketing assistance
- Job links and referrals
$50
Contribute to a scholarship for business and career readiness courses for a low-income immigrant or refugee woman in your community.
Training includes:
- Intensive training courses of 4-6 weeks with classes lasting 2.5 hours
- Presentation, networking and marketing skills
- Job readiness skills: resume building, biography and job interview skills
- One-on-one coaching and mentoring with career professionals and entrepreneurs
- Product development, market readiness and marketing plan
- Legal and financial knowledge for running small business
- Referrals and follow-up
- Continued professional development and support for graduates
What We Have Accomplished
Each year, EWI trains, presents and gives access to the market to more than 200 immigrant and refugee women each year. Artists serve, teach and present art in schools and in community organizations.
In 2008, 235 immigrant women benefited from our services, and more than 1,500 people participated in our culturally diverse arts programs. More than 120 volunteers donated 12,000 hours in service valued at $90,000
Women artists participating in our programs report gaining life-long business, entrepreneurial and leadership skills in addition to hands-on work experience that facilitates their entry into the workforce.
- 80% report they increased their income, changed jobs for better positions and/or enrolled in college and other educational programs.
- 70% report they taught art in schools, volunteered in educational and community organizations or partnered with EWI to sell and promote immigrant women artists.
- Many have gone on to exhibit, perform and sell their creative works in upscale private galleries, shops and arts centers such as: The Smithsonian, The World Bank, The Torpedo Factory Arts Center, The Kennedy Center, the Strathmore Center and various embassies in Washington, DC.