International Womens Writing Guild

What it reported doing in 2024

The International Womens Writing Guild IWWGs annual conference and retreat stands as the cornerstone of our year-round programming-a vibrant multi-day gathering that brings together women and nonbinary writers of all ages backgrounds and experience levels. Now entering its fifth decade the conference has evolved into a transformative space for creative exploration professional growth and intergenerational connection. Held over five days in August the conference offers over 40 workshops in a range of genres including fiction poetry memoir screenwriting playwriting nonfiction and hybrid forms. Participants select sessions tailored to their writing journey with instruction provided by award-winning authors seasoned educators editors and literary agents. Workshops are both craft-focused and generative giving writers the tools and time to draft new work and refine existing projects. Many instructors return year after year creating a sense of continuity and mentorship that strengthens the Guilds sense of community. Beyond the workshops the conference includes a vibrant book fair where attendees can browse purchase and celebrate published works by fellow Guild members and instructors. This not only promotes peer recognition and support but also creates opportunities for emerging writers to learn about the publishing process and develop professional confidence. Our open mic series held nightly allows writers to share their voices in an encouraging and welcoming environment. These sessions often become emotional touchstones where participants reveal deeply personal stories and receive affirming applause from a room of fellow creatives. A unique aspect of the IWWG conference is its integration of wellness and holistic support into the writing experience. Attendees are invited to participate in yoga meditation soul collage nature walks and mindfulness sessions-acknowledging that creativity flourishes in an atmosphere of rest reflection and emotional connection. We view writing as both an intellectual and a healing practice and our conference structure reflects this dual commitment to craft and care. The 2024 conference attracted 120 participants including 25 teachers with attendees ranging in age from teens to women in their 80s. Over 25 scholarships were awarded to writers from low-to-moderate-income backgrounds ensuring equitable access. The conference also piloted an intergenerational mentorship model this year where student writers collaborated with seasoned Guild members on editing projects and community readings. Above all the IWWG conference is a celebration of the power of words to connect heal and inspire.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 100%; rating input score 100
• Program expense ratio: 100%; rating input score 100
• Fundraising efficiency: Limited

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 91.7%; rating input score 92; 19th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Limited
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 6 of 7 controls in place; rating input score 86
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Other executive compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Fail
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -0.6%; rating input score 37; 37th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: -0.01; rating input score 0; 0th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: Limited
• Officer compensation ratio: 0%; rating input score 69; 69th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 0.6% per year; rating input score 100; 33rd percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: -1.2% per year; rating input score 0; 19th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: -30% per year; rating input score 0; 2nd percentile among comparable filings