Frequently Asked Questions
Terrewode Women's Fund + Worldwide Fistula Fund
ABOUT THE MERGER
What's happening?
Terrewode Women’s Fund (TWF) and Worldwide Fistula Fund (WFF) are merging to become a single organization—combining our strengths to build even greater momentum toward our shared mission to end obstetric fistula and related childbirth injuries.
Why are two organizations merging?
Both organizations share the same purpose: to end obstetric fistula and related childbirth injuries in sub-Saharan Africa. By merging, we can make more progress toward our goal: to increase access to high-quality fistula surgery and holistic treatment, and dramatically expand prevention efforts, moving us more quickly to a fistula-free future for all women. Merging will allow us to be more efficient, give us a stronger financial foundation, and allow us to direct more funding to local partners, expand treatment and prevention, and strengthen the reintegration and community support that makes care whole—moving us more quickly toward a fistula-free future for all women.
Is one organization shutting down?
No. Two longtime partners are combining into one. Our people, partnerships, and decades of collective experience all carry forward.
What does each organization bring to this new partnership?
Terrewode Women’s Fund led the effort to build Terrewode Women’s Community Hospital, Uganda’s first and only hospital dedicated exclusively to treating fistula and related childbirth injuries. Terrewode also elevates care beyond the hospital by training healthcare providers across the region through a community-rooted model.
Worldwide Fistula Fund is one of the longest-standing organizations dedicated to ending obstetric fistula, with decades of clinical and prevention expertise and established partnerships in five countries across sub-Saharan Africa. WFF has been a major funder of Terrewode for more than a decade.
When does the merger take effect?
October 1, 2026
What will the new organization be called?
We’re going through a collaborative process to choose a new name and look that reflects the mission, vision, and strengths of the unified organization. We look forward to unveiling the new brand soon.
MISSION & APPROACH
Is anything about the mission changing?
No. We have worked toward the same mission for years: to end fistula through prevention and holistic treatment. The same work continues. What’s changing is our capacity. Together, we can reach more women, moving us more quickly toward a fistula-free future.
How do you work with locally-led partner organizations?
We will continue our long-term partnerships with visionary African leaders who are deeply embedded and committed to their local communities. They are the experts delivering holistic fistula treatment, designing prevention programs, and leading reintegration in their own communities. The merged organization’s role is to resource, connect, and support our partners so they can do more of what they do best—helping women heal, rebuild their lives, and thrive.
What are the partner organizations?
Terrewode (Uganda), ARENA (Burkina Faso), Let’s End Fistula Initiative (Kenya), Danja Fistula Center (Niger), and Mekelle Urogynecology Fellowship (Ethiopia)—across five countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
Will the work continue in the same countries?
Yes. Every existing partnership continues, and the model is built to grow and welcome new partners over time.
LEADERSHIP
Who will lead the new organization?
Bonnie Ruder will be the executive director. Bonnie is a midwife with a doctorate in medical anthropology, a master’s in international public health, and the current executive director of Terrewode Women’s Fund.
Tracy Spitznagle will chair the new board. Tracy is a Washington University professor, expert in physical therapy for pelvic floor injuries, and chair of Worldwide Fistula Fund’s board.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR DONORS
Is donor support still needed?
Yes. We are doubling down on our commitment to preventing and treating fistula and related childbirth injuries. Your continued generosity will fuel this vital work, empowering more women with high-quality treatment and support that restores dignity and hope.
Do donors need to do anything?
It depends on how you currently give:
If you have a recurring gift set up with Worldwide Fistula Fund, you’ll need to re-enroll your gift in the new giving system. Someone from our team will be in touch personally to walk you through it.
If you have a recurring gift set up with Terrewode Women’s Fund, no action is needed. Your giving carries over automatically.
If you give via mail or online, you can give to the new organization on October 1. On that day, we will be launching a new website and donation page with all the information you need to make your gift, however it works best for you.
How do recurring donors re-enroll their gifts for automatic monthly, quarterly, or annual giving?
Our team will reach out to recurring Worldwide Fistula Fund donors to help transfer monthly, quarterly, or annual gifts to the new platform. If you have any questions, please contact Dayna Stock at dayna.stock@wffund.org. Terrewode Women’s Fund’s recurring donors will be automatically set up to continue donating to the new organization.
Will donors' giving history be recognized?
Yes. Your relationship and your history of support carry forward.
Are gifts still tax-deductible?
Yes, the new organization is a 501(c)(3) so gifts are tax-deductible. Our EIN number is 47-2304060.
What about planned giving, donor-advised funds, matching gifts, or stock/wire gifts?
We would be happy to accommodate any type of gift. Please reach out to Executive Director Bonnie Ruder at bruder@terrewodewomensfund.org for more information.
Will donors still receive receipts and tax documentation?
Yes. You’ll continue to receive acknowledgments and the documentation you need. After October 1, gift receipts will come from the new organization.
STAYING CONNECTED
How will supporters hear from the organization going forward?
You’ll continue to receive updates as usual. Around the launch, we’ll share the new name, brand, and website. Our email and social accounts will be consolidated so you hear from us in one place. You don’t need to do anything to stay connected.
Who can supporters contact with questions?
Please reach out to Bonnie Ruder at bruder@terrewodewomensfund.org or Tracy Spitznagle at spitznaglet@wustl.edu with any questions.