Mary J. Blige Launches $100K Fund for Women—And Her Reason Will Move You

Mary J. Blige, the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” has long been a beacon of resilience and empowerment, particularly for women overcoming adversity. Now, as of June 2025, she has taken her commitment a step further by launching a $100,000 community fund dedicated to supporting underserved women in her hometown of Yonkers, New York—a gesture rooted deeply in her personal journey and lifelong mission to uplift others.

Blige’s path to philanthropy is inseparable from her own struggles. Rising to fame in the early ’90s with What’s the 411?, her raw, honest lyrics chronicled battles with depression, substance abuse, and an abusive relationship. These experiences fueled her desire to give back, especially to women facing similar hardships. Her 1997 album Share My World cemented her as a voice of strength and healing, a legacy she has expanded beyond music.

In 2022, Blige launched the Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit, an event designed to empower women through panels, concerts, and community fellowship. The 2024 edition moved to New York City—her hometown—signaling a homecoming filled with personal significance. Presented by Pepsi and Live Nation Urban, and curated by an all-Black, all-woman team, the festival showcased not only Blige’s star power but also her dedication to elevating Black women across industries.

Highlights included a summit with workshops, a comedy show at the Apollo Theater headlined by Tiffany Haddish, jazz sets at Blue Note, and headline performances at Barclays Center featuring Blige herself alongside Jill Scott, 50 Cent, and others. This celebration of culture and empowerment was met with acclaim, spotlighted by Forbes as a pivotal platform uplifting BIPOC women.

Building on this momentum, Blige partnered with Pepsi to establish the Pepsi x Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Community Fund, channeling $100,000 in grants to local Yonkers organizations focused on education, financial stability, and food security for women in need. Administered through United Way of Westchester and Putnam, the fund embodies Blige’s desire to make tangible change where it matters most. “It’s so fulfilling… It’s everything that my movement is about. I always wanted to give back, especially to the women in Yonkers,” Blige said during a surprise appearance at Westchester Community College.

Since founding the Mary J. Blige Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now Inc. (FFAWN) in 2007, she has championed scholarships, career training, and personal development for women—particularly in Westchester. Though recent updates on FFAWN’s activities are limited, Blige’s ongoing work continues to inspire.

While specific new initiatives for 2025 remain under wraps, Blige’s latest album Gratitude and her For My Fans Tour signal a continued engagement with audiences—likely including her advocacy for women’s empowerment.

Mary J. Blige’s efforts resonate far beyond the stage. Through her festival, foundation, and now a dedicated community fund, she is living proof that personal struggle can fuel powerful change. For women facing adversity, Blige’s message is clear: you can survive—and you can thrive.