Best Women & Girls Services Grants

The Visionary Women Grants support nonprofit organizations and initiatives that enhance the status of women and girls in the Greater Los Angeles area. Focus areas include the arts, education, economic empowerment, and social services, targeting programs that foster participation, improve academic outcomes, and provide essential services. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status, operate for at least three years, and serve predominantly women and girls. This funding aims to create impactful changes in the community.

The Theodore Edson Parker Foundation offers mini grants up to $7,500 to support organizations addressing community needs in Lowell, Massachusetts. Established in 1944, the foundation prioritizes assistance for children, disadvantaged young women, and the elderly. It encourages applications from non-profit organizations with tax-exempt status or fiscal sponsors that serve Lowell residents, ensuring balanced representation within their management. Mini-grant applications are reviewed quarterly, fostering a more equitable community.

The Indigo Oak Fund, a Colorado-based private foundation, focuses on empowering women and children through various initiatives. By funding organizations that address issues such as domestic abuse, food insecurity, and gender equity, the Fund aims to improve lives and foster lifelong learning. Their mission emphasizes recognizing individual potential and ensuring equal opportunity for all, making a significant impact in communities across Colorado and the Bay Area.

The Fund for Women & Girls Small Grants offers funding up to $5,000 for initiatives supporting women, girls, and non-binary individuals affected by systemic racial inequities. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis, with a streamlined process compared to competitive grants. Eligible organizations must not have received a small grant in the current fiscal year or have been denied within the last 90 days. This fund prioritizes projects that enhance access to resources and promote capacity building.

The Fund for Women of the Southern Tier grants support programs aimed at empowering girls and women through education and health initiatives. Managed by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, this fund offers competitive grants to eligible non-profits and individuals in Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Yates counties. Award amounts can reach up to $2,500, aimed at removing barriers to educational pursuits and enhancing overall community wellness.

Our Mission

East Bay Community Foundation partners with donors, social movements, and the community to eliminate structural barriers, advance racial equity, and transform political, social, and economic outcomes for all who call the East Bay home.

Our Vision

Achieving an inclusive, fair, and just East Bay will require transforming our region’s power structures to promote equity.

We strive to build a foundation that advances justice grounded in principles that are informed by the community and rooted in practices of anti-oppression.

Women’s Catalytic Fund

The Women’s Catalytic Fund (WCF) is an East Bay-based giving circle with a mission to fund California-based organizations working towards gender equity. The fund prioritizes investing in female-identifying, non-binary, and gender non-conforming leaders in primarily BIPOC communities. One of the main goals of WCF, made up of nine members, is to fund smaller organizations with budgets under a million dollars. They are also interested in catalytic projects that may not have received funding from other foundations.  

As a group of women who are passionate about intersectional feminism, WCF aims to provide funding for work happening at the grassroots level. Each biannual grant cycle, they allocate one-time $15,000 grants that can be put to use immediately, enabling innovative, experimental, and transformative work in California. They believe in supporting the many incredible individuals and organizations that are working to improve gender justice in their communities. 

By providing funding opportunities to those who may not have access to traditional philanthropic resources, the members of the Women’s Catalytic Fund strive to give these community-driven projects resources that can help them succeed.

Our intention is to give directly to frontline organizations when and where resources are most needed. To be considered for funding, initiatives, projects, actions or events must:

• Address gender-based inequity, gender-based violence, patriarchy, or transphobia. We define this as responding to the needs, or developing talent and leadership or independence of female-identifying, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming members of targeted communities.
• Be catalytic. We define this as having the potential to serve as a model or to have a ripple effect, accelerate change, be inventive or experimental
• Be intersectional and collaborative. We define this as crossing boundaries between organizations, issues, and identities in order to create change.
• Prioritize low-income women, women of color, or immigrant women, inclusive of all those identifying as female, and led by and representative of the community being served.

The Franklin Square House Foundation offers grants for capital improvements to shelters supporting women and their families. Since its inception in 2008, the Foundation has awarded over $13 million. Eligible organizations must be 501(C)3 nonprofits located in specific Massachusetts counties. Projects should enhance safety and capacity, demonstrating readiness for funding and matching contributions. Notably, the Foundation does not fund operating costs or projects already in progress. Interested applicants must contact the Executive Director prior to submission.

Flint Women and Girls Fund

Supports programs that encourage the advancement and full participation of women and girls in society by promoting the removal of barriers to their economic, educational, physical, emotional, social, artistic, and personal growth.

This means: (1) supporting programs that advocate policy and system change on issues that affect women/girls; (2) encouraging programs that will enable women and women's organizations to achieve economic self-sufficiency; (3) supporting organizations that increase the range of choices available to women and girls; and (4) giving high priority to organizations in which women are the primary decision makers.

The Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region offers Impact Grants to support projects that enhance the lives of women and girls. The fund focuses on education, life skills, and mental wellness. This year, applicants can choose between Single-Year Impact Grants of up to $10,000 or Multi-Year Innovative Pathways Grants of up to $20,000 per year for three years. The initiative aims to promote gender equality and empower women and girls in the community.

The WCA Foundation Grant empowers local women in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area by funding initiatives that address the urgent needs of women, including health, economic stability, shelter, and safety. This volunteer-led organization focuses on participatory grantmaking, inviting nonprofit proposals that align with their mission to foster a world where all women thrive. Their commitment to understanding and responding to community needs makes a significant impact on women's lives.

The Hadassah Foundation supports organizations enhancing the leadership roles of women and girls in the U.S. Jewish community. Grants of $80,000 are distributed over three years, focusing on program-based or unrestricted support. Eligible applicants must have specific legal statuses and align with the Foundation's gender equity mission. Proposals are accepted until June 11, 2025, through an online system, aiming to address challenges like financial security and mental health while promoting leadership advancement.

The Jewish Women’s Foundation of New Jersey (JWF-NJ) is committed to empowering women and girls through strategic grant-making and advocacy. With a focus on projects that significantly impact this demographic, JWF-NJ provides grants up to $5,000 for initiatives that support women and girls in New Jersey. Eligible organizations must demonstrate the potential for substantial impact and ensure that funds are used exclusively for women, girls, or women with children. Proposals are accepted from 501(c)(3) organizations.

The JWF-NJ’s Spring Cycle - Large Grants offers funding up to $25,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations supporting projects that empower women and girls in New Jersey. This initiative focuses on projects that specifically benefit women and their children, as applications from organizations promoting a majority of women will not be considered. Grants are awarded on a yearly basis, with reapplications permitted but not guaranteed. The foundation prioritizes areas within New Jersey, including counties like Essex and Morris.

The NJ Women and Minority Veterans in Construction Trades Grant Program aims to eliminate economic barriers for women and minority veterans by providing essential training and support for employment in construction trades. This initiative connects military members with quality career opportunities, ensuring they receive the skills necessary for success in registered apprenticeship programs and other industry occupations, ultimately enhancing New Jersey's workforce and economy.

The Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas, empowers women by funding initiatives that enhance their health and quality of life. Through its Women’s Giving Circle and Circle of Friends, the Fund has awarded over $350,000 since 2007, supporting projects focused on education and awareness. Grants range from $2,000 to over $2,000, ensuring vital resources reach nonprofits dedicated to women's health in Southeast Kansas.

The Fort Dodge Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, enhances community well-being through the County Endowment Funding Grant. By fostering partnerships and providing grants to local organizations, it addresses pressing community needs and promotes charitable causes. The Foundation emphasizes economic vitality, recreational development, and community betterment, ensuring that funds are allocated efficiently to improve the quality of life for citizens in Fort Dodge and surrounding areas. This initiative exemplifies their commitment to philanthropic engagement and sustainable community growth.

The Women's Fund Grant, established in 2006 by the Women for Women giving circle, aims to provide essential financial support to organizations addressing the needs of women and their families in Sangamon County and surrounding areas. This private fund, managed by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, prioritizes collaborative programs aligned with recommendations from the Sangamon Success report, ensuring impactful contributions to women and children's programs.

The F5 STEM Education and AI Grants for Women and Girls of Color aim to support nonprofit organizations that enhance access to STEM education and career opportunities for underrepresented groups. With a focus on women and girls of color, the grants provide $50,000 in unrestricted funding to organizations with a commitment to increasing representation in the tech sector. Applications from around the world are welcomed, with priority given to those emphasizing AI literacy and tool usage.

Moore Women – A Giving Circle, part of the North Carolina Community Foundation, empowers women through collective philanthropy. It supports organizations that address the needs of women and children in Moore County across health, education, and human services. The Circle offers grants typically ranging from $500 to $5,000, aiming to enhance women's leadership in philanthropy while fostering community impact. Applicants must be qualified charities or local government units, ensuring inclusive and equitable support.

The Currituck-Dare Women’s Fund Grant, established by the North Carolina Community Foundation, supports organizations that benefit women, children, and families in Currituck and Dare counties. Grants range from $500 to $2,500, promoting community engagement and social outreach. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt public charities and local government entities, with a focus on programs that operate without discrimination. This initiative seeks to enhance women's leadership in philanthropy and address critical community needs.

The Cary Women’s Giving Network is a philanthropic initiative of the North Carolina Community Foundation that empowers women through collective giving. Focused on supporting charitable organizations that serve women, children, and families in the Cary area, the Network offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. By fostering women’s leadership in philanthropy, the Network aims to address critical community needs while promoting social impact and engagement among its members.

The Bertie-Hertford Women's Fund Grant, operated by the North Carolina Community Foundation, empowers local organizations supporting women, children, and families in Bertie and Hertford counties. Grants range from $500 to $2,500 and prioritize initiatives in health, education, and human services. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt charities and local government units, with a focus on non-discrimination. The fund emphasizes women’s leadership in philanthropy and community engagement, making impactful contributions to enhance local lives.

The Women's Fund of North Carolina, a program of the North Carolina Community Foundation, aims to enhance the lives of women and girls across the state through grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. This fund prioritizes organizations that address diverse needs and challenges faced by women, especially those led by marginalized populations. Grant decisions are made by a committee, and applicants are notified within 90 days after the application deadline.

The MartinConnects Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, aims to empower employees through charitable initiatives. This grant program focuses on addressing homelessness, supporting STEM education, aiding veterans, and assisting women and children in need. Eligible recipients include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and governmental agencies within specific geographic areas, ensuring funds are directed towards impactful community projects and programs.

The FM Area Foundation's Community Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Cass County, ND, and Clay County, MN, addressing diverse community needs. Grants ranging from $500 to $15,000 are available for projects in areas like arts, education, and basic human needs. Applications are reviewed based on community impact, collaboration, and capacity. Nonprofits must be IRS-approved 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities, with one application accepted per year.

The Community Foundation of Marquette County is dedicated to funding impactful projects that empower local organizations to tackle community challenges. Eligible projects span various categories including education, environmental initiatives, and social services. With a maximum grant amount of $5,000, the foundation prioritizes innovative proposals that promote sustainable community development and collaboration among organizations. The foundation welcomes applications from both local and outside entities, provided they serve the Marquette County community.

The Girls with Goals Fund, established by Women Lead Change, aims to empower girls in Iowa from Kindergarten to 8th Grade. This fund supports non-profit organizations that inspire girls to recognize their strengths, celebrate individuality, and stimulate interest in traditionally male-dominated fields. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status are eligible to apply for funding to foster mentorship and leadership skills among young girls, ensuring they have the resources needed for personal and academic growth.