Women for Women Grants

Women for Women began in January 2005 as a way for women to join together to give back to their community in a meaningful and engaging manner. As of November 2007, more than 300 women from our region have become participating members by investing $1,100 per year for three years to improve the lives of women and girls.

The 2007 Women for Women Grant Program aims to improve the lives of women in Western North Carolina by offering grants of $35,000 to $100,000 to help the most vulnerable women in crisis situations. Women for Women Grants will focus on helping economically disadvantaged women rebuild their lives and be more self-sufficient. The fund will assist women of all ages who are at a turning point and are facing an unforeseen combination of circumstances that calls for strategic support. An emphasis will be placed on investing in social change that prevents reversals and setbacks such as homelessness, joblessness, hunger or other negative circumstances.

Priority will be given to organizations that show heightened collaboration and cooperation. Every effort will be made to distribute these funds throughout the Western North Carolina region. Our goal is to support programs that provide the greatest community impact.

Women for Women Grants will be made for one or two years. The process will be highly competitive and only a small number of grants will be approved.

Deadline to Apply

Applications are due Friday, January 18, 2008. Final funding decisions will be made in May for projects that begin after June 1, 2008.

Eligibility

Nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code and public agencies are eligible to apply for these grants. Organizations must be located in or serving one or more of these WNC counties: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, or Yancey.

Grant Objectives

Demonstrate sustainable and measurable social change for women through the provision of services that provide a safety net for basic needs including, but not limited to, food, housing, childcare or financial literacy.
Collaborative or cooperative projects that demonstrate strategic partnerships with other organizations and groups that yield larger-scale impact than either organization could achieve alone.
Programs that address causes rather than symptoms and encourage women to build their own support systems are particularly appealing.
Programs should have great potential for increased impact or "human gain" that will make a long-term difference in the lives of women.
Advocate for social change through shifts in individual and community behavior and engagement, or through shifts in institutions, systems and policies.

Funding Restrictions

Women for Women does not make grants for: recurring operating or technology expenses (except for specific costs that are directly related to the project and given that the majority of the project budget is allocated to service provision); capital support (except where modest requests can immediately and significantly increase an organization's capacity and impact); recreational programs and equipment; festivals or one-time events; equipment for EMS and/or fire departments; scholarships or funding to individuals; activities taking place before grant decisions are made; endowment; sectarian purposes; private schools and clubs; veteran affairs; deficit funding or debt retirement. Statewide or national programs will not be considered unless funding is sought for a portion of the program that directly benefits WNC, and local people are involved. Organizations may not submit more than one Women for Women grant application for funding at a time.

How to Apply

Recent Women for Women Grants