The Foundation for Women (FFW) was founded in 1997 by Deborah Lindholm and received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status the following year.

After a visit to Southern India, Deborah saw first hand the power of microfinance - she met a poor industrious woman whose life had been changed by $4.  In Deborah's own words: "I met a woman who borrowed $4 - she had never seen $4 in her life. She bought a comb, a pair of scissors and a mirror and she put her husband in business as a barber and became the cashier. Now she has a home and her children are in school. All because of $4."

There and then, Deborah made a commitment to helping impoverished women around the world reach their full potential by providing them access to credit and an opportunity to start income generating activities.

Since its inception, the Foundation for Women has touched the lives of thousands in the San Diego area as well as nationally and internationally through its microfinance programs. FFW programs have helped poor, entrepreneurial women (including those in transition, at risk, or in crisis) improve the quality of life for themselves and their families.