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2023 Top-Rated Nonprofit

MARYS PENCE

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Civil Rights, Economic Development, International, International Economic Development, Microfinance, Women, Womens Rights

Mission: Mary’s Pence invests in women in the U.S., Mexico and Central America by funding community initiatives and fostering collaborations to create social change. Our commitment to justice motivates our work. We are grateful to walk alongside people of all faiths and beliefs on this journey toward justice. Dignity-We recognize the inherent dignity of every person, especially women and others who are marginalized. Equity for all must include the right to health care, education, productive and meaningful work, food security, shelter, and freedom from violence. Justice-Each person has the right and responsibility to participate economically, politically, and culturally in society and in the home. Women’s full participation is essential for strong communities and a just society. Solidarity-Mary’s Pence has privilege and influence. It is our responsibility to accompany women working for justice by listening deeply and providing funding and responsive support. We believe in collective power. Change happens when those most impacted by injustice are integrally involved in creating solutions.

Community Stories

30 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

z1234 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/03/2025

Such a thoughtful organization, putting funding towards women-led initiatives at the local level.

OlyMama Client Served

Rating: 5

04/02/2025

I am a grant writer for a small non-profit. Mary's Pence is the best organization I have worked with as far as the support and guidance they offer as well as the community I have built with Mary's Pence staff as well as members of other Mary's Pence grantee organizations.

bolsoc Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

01/03/2025

Mary's Pence continues to impress me as an organization. They provide flexible funding for U.S. grantees that is responsive and transparent. Their work in Central America and Mexico is helping organizations thrive and individual women thrive as well. Hats off to Mary's Pence for investing in women, trusting women and making the world a better place with their work.

1

sisL Board Member

Rating: 5

01/02/2025

Mary’s Pence cares a lot for communities. They provide opportunities for upcoming non-profits to learn how to qualify for the many grants available to those who want to be change-makers. People invest in Mary’s Pence and Mary’s Pence invest in women who are changing communities for the better.

1

AnneBetzner Board Member

Rating: 5

01/02/2025

I am very impressed with Mary's Pence's commitment to women and trust-based philanthropy. Their grant process is truly centered on maximizing support for organizations led by women, for women and are designed to change systems to promote social justice. They do this with great efficiency and commitment. I am very impressed with Mary's Pence!

1

ZoeRh Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/26/2024

I am so impressed by the thoughtfulness of this organization. They fuel important work in a mutualistic way. They are the best!

1

zgabriel Client Served

Rating: 5

01/08/2024

I co-founded a new organization, the Alyssa Rodriguez Center for Gender Justice, dedicated to building gender justice movements across prison walls. We work with trans people and cis women in prison to amplify, support, and resource their advocacy, and we build dialogue and connections among people working for gender justice inside and outside prisons. As a brand new organization, it was tricky to find funders who believed in us enough to support our work. Mary's Pence was one of our first funders. Their support--and especially that first grant--made it possible for us to get going and start to attract other funders. And beyond the financial support, they organized a retreat that allowed us to build with other grantees, think deeply about communications strategy, and take a step back to think about the work we're doing. We love Mary's Pence!

LoriSturdevant Donor

Rating: 5

10/30/2023

I've just learned about Mary's Pence in the last few months, and I'm impressed! It sees the the power of women working together, and it understands the importance of early funding if women's dreams are to become reality. The relationships Mary's Pence builds with its grantees were much in evidence at the event I attended. Those relationships enlarge the organization's impact, and warrant support.

jxwriter Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2023

I am so amazed at the work that Mary's Pence does for women-led non-profits and organizations. It is so wonderful to see a nonprofit work so hard to ensure that woman can follow their dreams even if they feel as if they don't have the resources to get off the ground. What a wonderful way to pay it forward and create a world where those barriers are minimized for minorities.

cmcgowan General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/30/2023

I'm newly familiar with Mary's Pence, and I'm incredibly impressed by the impact this small organization has had on the lives of so many women around the globe. Their unwavering commitment to empowering and supporting women, especially those often overlooked, is truly inspiring. They achieve so much significant change with limited resources, providing women with the tools and support to overcome adversity, build community and pursue their dreams. Mary's Pence embodies the spirit of community, compassion, and empowerment.

3

dimarcomf Donor

Rating: 5

09/05/2023

Mary’s Pence works to empower women with grants and community lending pools. This support lifts women out of poverty along with their families and communities. They work with organizations in the Americas to promote social justice and change with continued support, education and encouragement. The stories from the grantees and Espera, lift my spirit and give me hope that unjust systems will be changed. I am a compañera with Mary’s Pence because empowering women will change the world for the better.

Please consider supporting Mary’s Pence

1

theostar Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/28/2023

I've had an internship with Mary's Pence for the past 6 months or so and I love being here. My internship is through a program at my university (St. Kate's) called Community Leaders which allows students career development opportunities with nonprofits in the Twin Cities. I felt drawn to Mary's Pence because of their emphasis on solidarity and have realized through my work with them that they go above and beyond to connect what they are doing with their values. Mary's Pence believes that women have the power and knowledge to make systemic change within their communities and they help support those women to achieve that. They do this in a number of ways, but mainly through funding women-led organizations and programs. I'm so grateful for my experience here and I've learned a lot about the non-profit world and what it means to work from your values.

2

jmcherek Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/28/2023

Having worked in the non-profit sector for 45 years, I came to Mary's Pence three years ago as a volunteer through the Ignatian Volunteer Corps. What a gratifying three years it has been. I have had the honor and privilege to work with a staff of extremely competent and dedicated women who wholeheartedly embrace the mission of Mary's Pence to support women's organizations in the US and Central America. That support encompasses communication to the public about the initiatives of the organization, raising funds to promote the mission and programs, and, most importantly, accompanying women in a holistic manner on the journey to economic and social well-being. I can proudly say that I am a witness to the phenomenal work of Mary's Pence and can assure anyone that their financial support of Mary's Pence directly impacts the lives of women in the US and countries of Central America. After 35 years of service, Mary's Pence remains strongly committed to furthering social justice in this world. I feel most fortunate to have contributed in a small way to their work.

2

NoaDaphne Client Served

Rating: 5

08/25/2023

Mary's Pence has been incredibly supportive of our work as a small growing project. They've provided us with seed money to launch our first campaign to help women with chronic pain. We've benefited immensely from their support and mentorship!

2

mecampb Board Member

Rating: 5

08/23/2023

Dreams Are Possible is a training center designed to bring women into more sustainable employment with a livable wage, benefits and dignity. Mary's Pence has provided funding, mentoring and the connection to a larger national and international network of providers, all of whom are striving to improve the lives of women. Mary's Pence has been a resource of ideas, financial support, encouragement and education which has greatly enriched the development of our work on behalf of local women.

1

mdolowin Donor

Rating: 5

08/14/2023

For years I have been a monthly donor to Mary's Pence, pleased not only that worthy grantees are being supported by this group that seeks social justice, but also that the money donated is invested in socially responsible funds. This isn't charity -- it's a commitment to justice. I'm confident that the monthly donations are used wisely to fund organizations I would never have learned of on my own. When appropriate, grantees receive collaborative support beyond funds, such as aid in business acumen, personal development opportunities, or community-building. Mary's Pence listens, respects, and honors its grantees.

1

glendamarsh Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/29/2023

I attended the 2023 Grantee Workshop where Mary's Pence U.S. -based grantee organizations gathered for introductory level sessions and exercises on nonprofit administration, marketing, programing, and strategic planning, and also got to create marketing material with help from a professional videographer to share the story of their purpose, vision, and impact. All the organizations are small and locally focused on advocacy and services to women and girls from different types of populations and communities. Mary's Pence provided practical training to support their amazing work to serve important members of their communities who are often overlooked or underestimated.

1

nsilva1092 Board Member

Rating: 5

07/24/2023

In October 2022 I was able to attend one of Mary's Pence's events in El Salvador. The event, called - Encuentro was 5 days of workshops and group discussions. These sessions empowered the women to learn about themselves and from one another. They attended sessions focused on creating business strategies, where they were encouraged to use their voices and challenge the limitations imposed on them by circumstances and the prevalent machismo culture. Many of these women endure high levels of political violence, domestic violence, gang violence, and poverty. Consequently, the Encuentro also provided sessions to equip them with tools to handle stress, grief, and trauma. They actively engaged in group sessions, sharing their stories, fears, scars, and, most importantly, their resilience. Other workshops focused on building their self-confidence, which was truly remarkable to witness. It was an inspiring transformation to observe these women disembark from the arrival buses on the first day, timid and looking down, only to see them leave on the final day with radiant confidence in their eyes and smiles on their faces. By the end of the Encuentro, they were equipped with resources not only to improve their economic situations but also to become leaders in their communities and challenge the social injustices they faced.

1

jperro Donor

Rating: 5

09/27/2021

I have been a supporter of Marys Pence for over 20 years. I first met them when they visited a grant site where I was working in Mexico. I am most impressed at how the lives of so many women and children have been changed by the micro loan program. Marys Pence will always be in my prayers.

1

azana Donor

Rating: 5

09/21/2021

I have been a donor with Mary's Pence since 2014 and I just absolutely love the mission and work of this organization. Mary's Pence does their work with intentionality and care and is so unique in the ways they work with women across the Americas. They center the women affected by injustice and marginalization and support leadership at the most grassroots level. What I also really love about Mary's Pence is that they have been proactive in implementing decolonization in the way they do their work, especially in how they support the organizations they provide funding to. If you want to fund real and lasting change for women and their communities, a donation to Mary's Pence is a great investment!

1

CarolFendt Board Member

Rating: 5

09/09/2021

I have been a supporter of Mary's Pence for many years and am currently serving on the Board. As a donor, I loved not having to worry about what my donation was being used for. It was clear that it was empowering women and changing lives--changing communities!

As a Board member I am truly in awe of the multifaceted ways that staff (both in US and Mexico/Central America) work together to develop programs and accompany women in their efforts to develop themselves and their communities. This organization gives the most impact for my monthly donation. Seriously, I can see my donation as ~ $100,000 is given annually to grantees!

3

JoanMBH Donor

Rating: 5

09/08/2021

I have been a Mary’s Pence donor and volunteer for many years. Mary’s Pence is a faith-based nonprofit that honors my values: self-sufficiency, training, collaboration, investment, coaching, empowerment of and for women and nonbinary people of diverse race, religion and class seeking social justice and betterment for themselves and their families. I have watched with admiration how Mary’s Pence has grown the number of grantees and the ESPERA fund and received awards and honors from their grantees and peers. Mary’s Pence is a Minnesota treasure doing U.S. and international work “Funding Women. Changing Lives.”

3 MaryLL

MaryLL Board Member

Rating: 5

09/07/2021

It is an honor to serve as a current Board Member of Mary's Pence. As a former Grantee, I applaud the mission of Mary's Pence in centering the voices of women and "envisioning a world where empowered women and their communities flourish in solidarity and justice." Mary's Pence is committed to "walking the walk" by providing resources to grantees who serve those who are the most marginalized. I appreciate how this group of women "thinks outside the box" in order to build the Beloved Community.

2

KatieLacz Board Member

Rating: 5

09/07/2021

I had the privilege of serving as a board member for Mary's Pence for 6 years. I can attest that the work this organization does is vital, prophetic, feminist, and cutting edge. It works from the grassroots and sees the investment of financial resources to women-led organizations not just as a need but a ministry. I have been moved by the stories of women and their organizations who are empowered by the resources - and many layers of support - that Mary's Pence provides. They are a stellar nonprofit.

2

Karen H.26 Donor

Rating: 5

09/07/2021

As a former board member for six years, I learned how creative—and effective—Mary’s Pence is in addressing the unmet needs of women in Mexico, Central America and here in the US. This organization provides women with financial resources, training in using those resources wisely and a voice in shaping their own future and that of their community. I continue to support Mary’s Pence financially as a compañera, and encourage others to do so as well.

2

nancyanddean Donor

Rating: 5

09/06/2021

I began supporting Mary's Pence almost from its inception and for the past several years have made a regular monthly gift. Why? Because they fit every definition I have of love, mercy and justice for women in the Americas. I also know that my donations are not spent on fancy offices, high salaries, and unnecessary administrative perks. From my perspective Mary's Pence is thoughtfully run and managed . And I am inspired to continue donating because Mary's Pence supports their grantees in holistic ways, caring for their emotion and mental well-being as well as their financial security. It feels like grantees are friends and that makes a world of difference. I must say that I (and my husband) have never had a second thought or a moment's hesitation about being supporters of Mary's Pence!

1

Prairie_Girl_Elizabeth Donor

Rating: 5

09/05/2021

Hi. If there were 10 stars, I would click on that! I've been supporting Mary's Pence for quite some time. I'm not a mega-donor, mind you, but I can connect my modest donation to projects and grants that Mary's Pence oversees. Projects like the Espera fund which helps women start their own businesses, e.g., I feel like my monthly donation helps a woman buy a chicken to start an egg business. It's very personal for me as a donor. And the grants provided to smaller women's organizations are important too because those organizations KNOW what is needed in their community and how it should be structured. I know my donation is used wisely and benefits woman in ways that go beyond the day to day or what I can imagine. Mary's Pence is a grace-filled organization.

2

SisterPat Donor

Rating: 5

09/05/2021

Empowering women in the U.S., as well as other countries, is vital to local and world improvement. Women are the prime life givers and nourishers in a society. Given the opportunity to develop small businesses, the women contribute to their families not only monetarily, but by their example of responsibility, leadership, and creativity. They grow in confidence and self esteem. Thus, they set the example of what CAN BE done in a responsible and just manner for the good of all.

I visit Central America regularly. Thus, I see these women in action, pregnant, breast feeding, nurturing,
and working´to make a better place for all.

Sister Pat Rogucki, SFCC

2

Roxanne21 Donor

Rating: 5

09/04/2021

I've been a long time supporter of Mary's Pence. In addition to support for community changing groups in the US, it was heartening to watch Mary's Pence develop and then create ESPERA Funds, yet another way to leverage resources allowing women to improve their lives in Central America, Mexico and Haiti. ESPERA Funds recently celebrated its 10th anniversary! Dozens of community lending pools fostering hundreds of loans that make a sustainable improvement in people's lives.
With my Mary's Pence donations I've seen how my resources go further than anything I could arrange on my own.
As a Mary's Pence Legacy Member I will help shape the continuation of sustainable social change and improve people's lives well beyond my life time.
I can't imagine a better way to make a difference.

1

Susan90 Donor

Rating: 5

09/01/2021

I have been a donor-investor in the work of Mary's Pence since their founding. I deeply admire their work with women's grassroots initiatives, working to support and promote the empowerment of women struggling to improve themselves, their families, and their communities. This is an organization of great merit, worth supporting!

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