San Francisco Women's Centers

What San Francisco Women's Centers does

San Francisco Women's Centers, operating as The Women's Building, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1971 that delivers direct human services to women, immigrants, refugees, and LGBTQIA+ communities from its owner-occupied building at 3543 18th Street in San Francisco's Mission District. The organization purchased the building (formerly Dovre Hall) in 1979 for $535,000 and transformed it into one of the first women-owned and operated community centers in the United States; the mortgage was paid off in 1994, the same year the iconic five-story MaestraPeace mural was completed by seven Bay Area muralists. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.

The organization's core service portfolio spans ten direct-service programs — financial coaching, Dahlia affordable housing support, food pantry, job search assistance, immigration legal aid clinics, Mobile Lab digital literacy, post-release services, resource clinic and referrals, tax preparation, and wellness — all delivered free of charge to community members. In FY 2024, these programs served 5,100 individuals, distributed 204,233 pounds of food, and facilitated $908,396 in federal and state tax refunds for low-income Bay Area households. The facility also functions as a non-profit hub hosting nine tenant organizations and as an event space rentable at $50–$279 per hour across three rooms (Auditorium, Audre Lorde Room, Room A).

Revenue is generated through individual donations, corporate and foundation sponsorships (Waymo, Dropbox, DoorDash, PNC Bank, Crankstart, multiple family foundations for the 2026 Threads of Hope fundraiser), facility rental income, and merchandise sales ($3–$30 per item). The organization is led by Executive Director Tania Estrada, governed by a board of directors, holds Candid Platinum Transparency 2026 certification, and operates under feminist, intersectional governance principles. No proprietary technology platform is disclosed; all services are delivered in-person or through bilingual English/Spanish channels.

Name

San Francisco Women's Centers

Legal name

The San Francisco Womens Center

Website

https://womensbuilding.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

San Francisco Women's Centers (The Women's Building) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1971 that provides free direct services — financial coaching, food pantry, immigration legal aid, tax preparation, housing support, and wellness programs — to women, immigrants, and LGBTQIA+ individuals in San Francisco's Mission District.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Social Services

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL)

Keywords

• Community social services
• Nonprofit community center
• Immigration legal aid
• Affordable housing support
• Financial coaching services

Headquarters

HQ city

South San Francisco

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute financially to support the organization's programs and operations. The organization runs annual fundraising campaigns and receives ongoing donations.
2. Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors provide financial support and in-kind donations. Featured sponsors for events include Waymo, Dropbox, DoorDash, and various foundations.
3. Space Rental: The organization rents out event spaces including an auditorium (2700 sq ft), Audre Lorde Room (1500 sq ft), and Room A (446 sq ft) to generate revenue. Hourly rates range from $50-$279 depending on space and time.
4. Tax Preparation Services: Free tax preparation services for low-income Bay Area households, with $908,396 in total refunds secured for clients in FY 2024.
5. Merchandise Sales: Sale of merchandise including t-shirts, tote bags, magnets, buttons, pens, and postcards available at the building.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

San Francisco Women's Centers (The Women's Building) is a nonprofit community center that delivers free direct-service programs, advocacy, and facility space in San Francisco's Mission District. Core services include financial coaching, affordable housing support (Dahlia), food pantry, immigration legal clinics, job search assistance, digital literacy (Mobile Lab), post-release support, resource referrals, free tax preparation, and wellness programming. Earned-revenue activities include event space rental and branded merchandise sales.

Product overview

The Women's Building is a women-led, women-owned community center nonprofit (founded 1971; building purchased 1979) providing a unified suite of direct-service programs and community facilities in San Francisco's Mission District. Its core offerings span financial coaching, affordable housing (Dahlia), food security (Food Pantry), career development (Job Search Assistance), immigration legal aid (Legal Help — Immigration Clinics), digital empowerment (Mobile Lab), post-release support, resource referrals, tax preparation (Tax Clinics), and wellness. These programs are delivered alongside facility services including community event space rentals (Auditorium, Audre Lorde Room, Room A) and a shared Non-Profit Hub for nine tenant organizations. Advocacy campaigns round out the organization's integrated approach to feminist social justice, combining direct services with community organizing and systemic change efforts.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Financial Coaching Bilingual financial coaching and education services helping women and immigrant families build financial literacy, budgeting skills, and economic stability.
• Dahlia Affordable Housing Affordable housing support and resources for women, immigrants, and families to secure and maintain stable housing.
• Food Pantry Weekly food pantry distributing fresh produce, canned goods, and essential nutrition to hundreds of low-income households in San Francisco.
• Job Search Assistance Career development program offering job readiness training and job advancement support, including resume development and career coaching.
• Legal Help — Immigration Clinics Immigration legal aid clinics delivered in partnership with attorneys Javier Rivera and JDC, providing guidance and support for immigrant community members.
• Mobile Lab Technology and digital literacy training for women and historically disadvantaged communities, providing access to devices, internet, and digital skills education.
• Post Release Services Services for individuals post-release including fingerprinting support and family reunification assistance.
• Resource Clinic & Referrals Bilingual orientation and connections to essential services for Spanish-speaking newcomers and community members seeking social services.
• Tax Clinics Free tax preparation and economic justice program delivering federal and state tax refunds to low-income Bay Area households.
• Wellness Emotional wellness and community support services for women and newcomers, including yoga, healing circles, and holistic well-being programming.
• Advocacy Organizing and advocacy campaigns advancing the rights and well-being of women, immigrants, and LGBTQIA+ communities through partnerships, coalitions, and public campaigns.
• Community Space Rental Rental of The Women's Building's historic event spaces — the Auditorium (2,700 sq ft), Audre Lorde Room (1,500 sq ft), and Room A (446 sq ft) — to community organizations and individuals for events, workshops, and celebrations.
• Non-Profit Hub Space Affordable office and meeting space for nine nonprofit organizations sharing The Women's Building, enabling cross-referrals and collaborative service delivery under one roof.
• Merchandise Branded merchandise including t-shirts, tote bags, magnets, buttons, pens, and postcards sold at the building to support the organization's mission.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5,100 individuals served annually through direct services
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Javier RiveracoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImmigration legal clinics provided at The Women's Building, offering immigration assistance services to community members.
• JDC (Jewish Democratic Committee)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImmigration legal clinics partnership providing immigration services to community members at the building.
• WaymominorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor for Threads of Hope 2026 fundraiser event.
• LDP ArchitectureminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor for Threads of Hope 2026 fundraiser event.
• DropboxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor for Threads of Hope 2026 fundraiser event.
• DoorDashminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor for Threads of Hope 2026 fundraiser event.
• Mission HousingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBridge Builder level sponsor for Threads of Hope 2026. Affordable housing development organization aligned with TWB mission.
• California Academy of SciencesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInclusive Ally level sponsor for Threads of Hope 2026.
• The Wright GardinerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor for Threads of Hope 2026.
• El:la Para TransLatinasminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEvent sponsor for Threads of Hope 2026. Trans Latinx advocacy organization.
• Monkey BrainsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBridge Builder Level sponsor for Threads of Hope 2026.
• La Raza Community Resource CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner and event sponsor. Mission-aligned Latino community organization.
• Rainbow GroceryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInclusive Ally level sponsor for Threads of Hope 2026.
• Mujeres UnidascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEvent sponsor and mission-aligned organization. Co-located tenant in the building.
• SF WeeklyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner featuring coverage on community partnerships and unused medical supply redistribution.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• YWCA San Francisco & Marin: Multi-service women's organization in the same Bay Area geography, offering housing, advocacy, and empowerment programs for women and families. Directly comparable mission, similar urban nonprofit operating model, and overlapping service lines including housing and economic empowerment.
• Compass Family Services: San Francisco-based nonprofit providing wraparound services to families experiencing homelessness and poverty. Comparable in operating a multi-program hub model in SF, serving overlapping populations (low-income families, immigrants), and combining direct services with housing support.
• La Casa de las Madres: San Francisco-based nonprofit serving survivors of domestic violence with shelter, advocacy, and wraparound support. Comparable in serving women and immigrant populations in the SF Bay Area with bilingual services and a community-based service-delivery model.
• GLIDE Foundation: Iconic San Francisco multi-service nonprofit providing meals, housing, and social services. Comparable as a long-standing, landmark SF community-services organization combining direct services, advocacy, and facility-based programs serving marginalized populations.
• Mission Neighborhood Centers: San Francisco Mission District-based nonprofit providing early childhood education, youth services, and family support. Comparable in operating a multi-program community hub in the same neighborhood, serving overlapping Latino immigrant and low-income populations.
• Huckleberry Youth Programs: San Francisco-based youth services nonprofit offering counseling, education, and housing support. Comparable in operating a multi-program community-services model in San Francisco with overlapping immigrant and low-income youth populations.
• Tenderloin Housing Clinic: San Francisco-based nonprofit providing housing, immigration legal services, and tenant advocacy. Comparable in combining affordable housing support, immigration legal aid, and community-based services in San Francisco.
• Catholic Charities of San Francisco: Bay Area faith-based social services nonprofit providing immigration legal services, housing support, and food programs. Comparable in offering immigration legal aid, food distribution, and multi-program wraparound services to overlapping populations in the same geographic market.

Regional players

• Sanctuary for Families: New York City-based nonprofit serving survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking with shelter, legal services, and economic empowerment. Comparable multi-service women's services model serving similar populations, but operating in a different geographic market.

Others

• Community Vision: San Francisco-based nonprofit financial intermediary providing capital, consulting, and advocacy to community-based nonprofits. Comparable as an ecosystem partner that has featured TWB in investor spotlight coverage, with overlapping funder/financial relationships in the Bay Area nonprofit community.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@thewomensbuilding
• Instagraminstagram.com/reel/DPNTUvbkeAK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/thewomensbuilding

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about San Francisco Women's Centers