08/24/2026
In the late 1890's and early 1900's a Women's Club movement swept through the country. In 1868, a journalist named Jane Cunningham Croly was denied entry into a Press Club event honoring Charles Dickens, simply because she was a woman. She decided to form a Woman's Club, so that women could have the opportunity to get out of their homes and have a voice and influence over the issues that affected them. Women's Clubs started popping up all over the nation, and in 1890 the General Federation of Women's Clubs was formed to unite all these clubs. Most of the early clubs focused on literature and education, as women were craving the opportunity to learn. In fact 75% of libraries were started by Women's Clubs.
Being federated with California and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs gives a local club access to a much larger network, resources, and support system while still allowing the club to keep its own identity and local focus.
Some of the Benefits:
Greater community impact — Affiliation with a national and international organization gives local clubs more credibility, visibility, and influence when pursuing community projects, partnerships, grants, and advocacy efforts.
Leadership development — Members gain opportunities to enhance their leadership skills through certifications and online training, as well as leadership workshops, conferences, and leadership roles at district, state, regional, and national levels. These experiences can also strengthen professional and organizational skills.
Networking and fellowship — Federated clubs connect members with thousands of clubs across the U.S. and internationally, creating friendships, mentorships, and collaboration opportunities beyond the local club.
Project resources and program ideas — Clubs receive access to manuals, toolkits, educational materials, service project templates, and guidance from federation leadership and staff. This helps clubs avoid “reinventing the wheel.”
Advocacy and public policy influence — Federated clubs can participate in coordinated advocacy efforts and legislative initiatives with a stronger collective voice than a single local club would typically have alone. Use your collective voice to influence and affect positive change.
Recognition, awards, and grants — Clubs and members can apply for federation awards, scholarships, contests, and grants that may not otherwise be available independently.
Educational and personal enrichment — Members often participate in arts programs, reading programs, public speaking, volunteer training, and cultural activities that support lifelong learning.
Autonomy with support — Most federated clubs maintain their own traditions, bylaws, and local priorities while benefiting from the backing of the larger federation
Access over 350 exclusive resources on the GFWC Member Portal Digital Library.
Possibility of insurance savings, depending on your area.
Financial/Tax Resources - Every Year the CFWC Financial Team will educate clubs on how to properly file taxes, update their information with the Secretary of State and Department of Justice/Attorney General's offices to protect your non-profit status and to be legally compliant.
Clubhouse Funding Ideas - As our clubs' beautiful clubhouses age, the costs of maintenance soar. Some clubs have successfully received large grants and have accessed other resources to keep their clubhouses in tip top shape, and are happy to share their strategies.
Personal assistance when hard times come to your club. You are not alone.
Contact. [email protected] for more information.
