Community Friends of Women’s Studies (CFWS) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded by community members who value the role the Women’s Studies Program of Purdue Fort Wayne plays in northeast Indiana.

In October 2005, CFWS began our service to the students of the Women’s Studies Program (at the campus then known as Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne) with a benefit jazz concert by Lucy Shropshire.  Since then our role has broadened significantly. Community contributions and fundraising efforts have enabled us to empower students enrolled in the Women’s Studies Program in a variety of ways, from small grants to assist them with the cost of their textbooks to scholarships that are guaranteed to majors who maintain a 3.5 GPA.

From its beginnings as a fledgling nonprofit nearly fifteen years ago, CFWS has grown into a force for good in our community. We have expanded our membership base, increased our community engagement through feminist-themed events, and encouraged academic excellence in women’s studies by raising funds for an increasing number of awards and scholarships.

Today, CFWS is a thriving collective of community members taking steps to empower students of the Women’s Studies Program of Purdue Fort Wayne. We believe the program enables students to meaningfully confront social problems while working toward lasting change that will benefit everyone in northeast Indiana.

If you share this belief, we encourage you to donate, become a member, or ask about joining our Board of Directors.