NOON is changing the story about women age 50+ to something more positive and fit for purpose – for ourselves and the women who come behind us. We are a pioneering generation, but society hasn’t caught up.
We've got loads of exciting plans – informed by your ideas and suggestions – on how to grow and expand (see details below). But to do that, we need some investment … and your help.
We're showing what Queenager-hood can be
We need each other
You – our community of Queenagers – are key to ensuring the future of our Circles, Retreats, Book Clubs, walks, events, webinars, as well as our new 2025 plans.
That's why I'm asking you directly:
Will you please commit to helping NOON by giving us a one-off donation to fund our activities and work?
What will this fund?
We've set our Crowdfunder goal at £20,000, which will put us on the road to realising ambitious plans for the community in 2025:
- A wider offering of free NOON Walks around the UK, to welcome more Queenagers into the fold
- Expanding NOON Circles. Currently our generous hosts volunteer their time and homes; we would like to be able to pay them a stipend. We also want to host Circles in more central venues to make them more accessible – that requires covering venue costs
- More campaigning, lobbying and engaging with government and policymakers
- A NOON Forum so you can connect with each other
- More content from and about the Queenager perspective – so important as women’s voices and possibilities feel seriously in retreat globally
- More expert help through the pinchpoints of midlife, with insights from experts, coaches and in-the-know Queenagers. We'll do this via Workshops, Webinars, Panel Discussions and Courses (online and IRL)
- Specific Newsletters catering to your midlife collision issues
... and that's just for starters.
We hope ultimately these initiatives will become self-funding. In the meantime, we need help to get them going.
It all ties into our larger mission together ...
NOON articulates and amplifies valuable Queenager viewpoints and voices
Challenging the conversation around older women
“Out there” in the boardrooms and with sponsors, this new conversation goes against the grain. It's frequently a hard sell.
I’ve spent the last 4 years trying to fund NOON through alliances with sympathetic brands and investors – but the reality is the commercial cavalry are not coming, at least not yet.
If we want to continue to create this safe, supportive, fun, optimistic Queenager space, we need to do it ourselves and fund it ourselves!
What people are saying about NOON
Here are just a few of the wonderful things people have shared with us about how we've made an impact in their lives:
"NOON is everything a midlifer needs: friends, advice, how-tos, socialising, networking and so much more! A rare environment." – Lalita Taylor, Chair Wis-Stem BBC and NOON Advisory Board Member
Comments from the community
- "Joining NOON has been transformative. Amidst a host of challenges, I found a safe haven where I could share my struggles without judgment. It has helped me rediscover my strength and resilience." – NOON Queenager
- "You can find a space to think, to listen and to plan a brighter future. I couldn’t recommend Noon more highly." – NOON Queenager
- "I found NOON while searching for support and guidance on my glide path to retirement. I discovered a new tribe and fresh experiences that made me realise I’m not retiring but actually rewiring." – NOON Queenager Fiona
- "Connecting with women I wouldn't otherwise meet has made me realise how much we Queenagers have in common and can learn from each other. I've shed a tear or two, it's true, but I haven't laughed this hard in a while either!" – NOON Queenager
- "I joined NOON after I had lost my mother ... I was retired but wanting to continue freelancing. I'd entered my fourth quartile (aged 75 plus). I wanted to find a community of women who I could relate to, not ladies who lunch, play bridge and tend their gardens. NOON has been a lifeline." – NOON Queenager
Wherever we are, whatever we're doing, it's all about community and this new tribe of amazing women
Why we decided to crowdfund
The business experts and our Advisory Board have all told us: Successfully growing NOON and its community requires keeping control of our voice and mission (which includes purpose, creativity and – of course – fun!).
All the experts tell us: We'll get there not by taking money from disinterested investors – but by raising money from the people who get us.
You get us ... and we've got you!
Why we need your help now
Another fact of life: Funding often overlooks Queenagers.
Research from MIT and Wharton suggests 50-year-old founders are twice as likely to build a thriving enterprise than 30-year-olds. But the funding rates for female entrepreneurs (let alone Queenagers) is dire.
Less than 2% of venture capital funding goes to women (yes, you read that right). And given the very real nature of gendered ageism, the sums going to older female founders are minimal.
We can't bootstrap the next phase – which is why I am asking all of you to help us over this hump.
'How much are people giving?'
The Crowdfunder campaign is set up to suggest particular amounts. But please don't feel constrained. You can go higher or lower, depending on what works for you. Whatever the donation, we appreciate it!
You could think of it as a Christmas present to the NOON Community.
Or – if you’ve been hesitating about becoming a Paid Member – you could take the plunge and join us with an Annual or renewing Monthly Membership. It gives you access to more benefits and content in 2025 as well as this amazing tribe of women via NOON Circles, Book Club, parties and so much more.
Anything, no matter how small, will help the NOON Queenager project. And do leave a comment telling us why you're supporting NOON.
You'll be playing an even bigger part of this exciting midlife tribe. And as we know: When we women support each other, we all rise!
All the best – and thank you.
Xx
Eleanor