ABOUT US OUR STORY

EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH EDUCATION

The Women's Careers Foundation (WCF) exists to support the education and vocational or professional training of girls and women who need financial assistance to complete their studies. Our founders believed that "What is Worth Having is Worth Sharing". The charity works to raise and distribute funds in the form of grants to aspiring and talented girls and women who otherwise would lack the financial means to reach their educational goals.

SUPPORTING SCHOLARS OR
VOCATIONAL WOMEN CHARITIES

OUR STORY

OUR STORY: A LEGACY OF EMPOWERMENT

From humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of women's education support in the UK

1890

GIRLS' REALM MAGAZINE IN 1896

S.H. Leader founded the Girls' Realm Magazine in 1896, which subsequently gave its name to the charity founded in 1900 by Ms Leader and Dr Winnington-Ingram. As the Bishop of Stepney, later to become a charismatic Bishop of London, Dr Winnington-Ingram was keenly aware of the terrible conditions in the East End of London and suggested to the editor of the magazine that its readership, girls of the leisured classes, might be persuaded to help their poorer fellows.

1939

1939, THE GUILD HAD OVER 5,000 MEMBERS

By 1939, the Guild had over 5,000 members and centres throughout the country and in Australia. The girls raised money through a variety of social events and a trust fund was set up to educate and train "poor girls of gentle birth".

1980s

NEW NAME ADOPTED

In the 1980s, the working title of Women's Careers Foundation was adopted to reflect the change of emphasis away from single daughters of gentle folk and loans at a low rate of interest were introduced in addition to grants.

POST-WAR ERA

Today

CONTINUING OUR MISSION

Today, WCF continues to support women from all backgrounds who demonstrate academic potential and financial need. We've adapted to modern times, supporting women in STEM fields, vocational training, and professional development. Our grants have helped thousands of women achieve their educational goals and build successful careers.

MODERN STUDENTS

What is Worth Having is Worth Sharing - this principle has guided our foundation for over a century, and continues to inspire our work supporting women's education today.

— Our Founders' Motto