HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2025

WEALF Became a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

In 2025, WEALF reached a major milestone by becoming an independent 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. This achievement represents a significant step in the evolution and sustainability of our work.

This goal was accomplished with the generous pro bono assistance of the law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP. We extend our sincere thanks to our champion Alan Beller and WEALF Board of Directors member Stephanie Neville for facilitating this relationship and guiding us through the process.

With our nonprofit status, all contributions to WEALF are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. We continue our long-standing partnership with Accompany Capital, a community development financial institution (CDFI) that has served as our lending partner for more than ten years. Accompany Capital administers our loans, while WEALF funds the loans and designs and implements the programs that support our participants.

Making It: 10th Anniversary Photography Exhibition

In October, WEALF celebrated its 10th Anniversary with Making It: Portraits of Women Entrepreneurs & WEALF Mentors, a photography exhibition by portrait photographer Claire Holt, hosted at Canvas 3.0 Gallery in Manhattan, New York.

The exhibit and accompanying reception were a powerful visual tribute to the women of WEALF who have overcome systemic barriers to build thriving businesses, as well as to the mentors who have supported them along the way. Claire Holt did an extraordinary job capturing the spirit, strength, and individuality of our entrepreneurs—bringing their stories vividly to life and inspiring all who attended. We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported and joined in celebrating what can be accomplished when women are part of a community that provides the necessary tools and encouragement for success.

Expanded Access to Capital Through Larger Add-On Loans

WEALF has provided more than $1 million in loans to over 100 women businessowners. We continue to be one of the few organizations providing loans to women entrepreneurs without a guarantor. As businesses grow, access to capital becomes increasingly critical, particularly for inventory and other short-term operational needs. The majority of our participants do not qualify for traditional lines of credit, the common vehicle for such needs.

In response, WEALF has explored offering larger add-on loans on a case-by-case basis. In 2025, for the first time, we issued two $15,000 loans to businesses experiencing significant growth and advancement. At the same time, we continued to provide our traditional loan offerings and welcomed several new women entrepreneurs into the WEALF network.

Exanded Peer-to-Peer Engagment

Building a supportive community of women with shared goals remains a core priority for WEALF. As our community grows the opportunity for collaboration and peer assistance becomes a valuable resource for our women. In 2025 we enriched our peer-to-peer engagement activities both in person and online.

We launched monthly Meet-Ups for mentees and mentors, chaired by longtime WEALF mentor Joan Lipitz. These sessions provide a collaborative forum where participants can seek guidance, share experiences, and exchange ideas and resources, further strengthening our community.

Increased Financial Support and Volunteer Engagement

In 2025, WEALF experienced its highest annual fundraising total to date, building a strong base including individuals and foundations. This growth was driven in part by increased visibility in the many activities surrounding our 10th Anniversary Photography Exhibit and our newly achieved tax-exempt status.

We also saw an increase in volunteer engagement, with more professionals stepping forward to mentor our women entrepreneurs, thus further expanding and strengthening our network of support.

Expanded Educational Opportunities

Financial literacy remains a critical need for women entrepreneurs at every stage of business development. WEALF continues to emphasize the importance of profitability as a foundation for long-term sustainability.

In 2025, we expanded our educational offerings, sponsoring programs designed to address identified gaps. And we increased the number of partnerships with likeminded organizations, such as SCORE New York Women in Business to provide education across a range of business topics and in person networking opportunities.

Website Enhancements

In anticipation of our 501(c)(3) status and related compliance requirements, WEALF began updating its website in 2025. Enhancements included new information highlighting our 10th Anniversary Making It exhibition, as well as improvements to the application process, including prototype financial forms to support applicants.

Additional website improvements are planned for 2026, with the goal of making the site a more effective way to engage visitors to the site and a stronger reflection of WEALF’s impact.

Looking Ahead

As WEALF enters its next decade, we do so with renewed momentum, a stronger foundation, and a growing community committed to women’s economic empowerment. The milestones achieved in 2025 reflect not only organizational growth, but the collective power of women supporting women—through access to capital, mentorship, education, and trust.

None of this work happens in isolation. It is made possible by the entrepreneurs who take courageous steps to build their businesses, the mentors who share their time and expertise, and the donors and partners who believe deeply in what is possible when women are given equitable opportunities to succeed.

We enter 2026 with optimism and purpose, committed to expanding our impact, deepening our programs, and continuing to stand alongside women entrepreneurs as they build resilient businesses and stronger communities.

“Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back.” - Anonymous