The National Organization for Women (NOW) is a U.S.-based feminist advocacy organization founded in 1966 to advance gender equality through grassroots organizing, public education, litigation, and lobbying. NOW works to eliminate sex discrimination and promote reproductive freedom, economic justice, an end to violence against women, LGBTQ+ equality, and racial justice.
Reproductive rights and access to abortion and contraception, equal pay and workplace equity, enforcement of Title IX and anti-discrimination laws, paid family leave and caregiving supports, prevention of violence against women and related criminal justice reforms, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights and civic participation, and racial and economic justice policies.
Primarily funded by membership dues and individual donations, supplemented by grassroots fundraising, events, and support from allied progressive organizations and small grants.
National, state, and local NOW chapters; prominent historical leaders and allies include founder Betty Friedan and former presidents Eleanor Smeal and Patricia Ireland; Legal Momentum (formerly the NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund) and other women's and progressive advocacy groups.
Non-profit advocacy organization (federated membership organization; historically organized as a 501(c)(4))
