Mission:
The Ms. Foundation for Women supports the efforts of women and girls to govern their own lives and influence the world around them. Through its leadership, expertise, and financial support, the foundation champions an equitable society by effecting change in public consciousness, law, philanthropy, and social policy.

Background:
A group of women started the Ms. Foundation for Women in 1972 to redistribute profits from Ms. Magazine to the grassroots women's movement. After becoming independent from the magazine and securing nonprofit status, in 1976 the organization became the first funder to support projects focused on domestic violence. The foundation has continued to fund cutting-edge projects that benefit women; it's also developed its own programs, including Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day and the Women and AIDS Fund.

Outstanding Feature:
The foundation recently redesigned its Web site and spruced up its home page with a poll that focuses on current issues. Visitors can also sign up on the home page for e-mail updates of the foundation's news and link to an online donation page. Other links on the home page direct visitors to the main areas of the site — Ways to Give, Our Mission, Press Room, Our Work, Grants, Events, and Publications & Reports — and to special programs such as Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day.