The mission of Women for Women (WFW) is to improve the lives of women and girls in Western North Carolina through women’s collective giving. Our vision is to empower women to take action, inspire hope and possibility, and strengthen Western North Carolina. WFW works to create opportunities through grantmaking, advocacy and advancing women’s philanthropy. Since 2006 and with additional support from the Women's Fund, WFW has invested more than $5 million in grants in WNC.
WFW seeks to contribute to a region of shared prosperity and belonging where all who identify as women and girls benefit from equitable opportunities and outcomes. To that end, WFW is committed to focusing our grantmaking on work that will reduce inequities in our region, address racial and other biases, and dismantle discriminatory systems that disadvantage marginalized members of our community.
What We Will Fund
For the 2024-2025 grant cycle, WFW will invest in programs that increase economic stability for women and girls in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. Proposals should address one of the following:
- Access to safe, affordable housing
- Access to quality, affordable childcare
- Access to affordable, nutritious food
Grant Characteristics
- $25,000 (single grant level)
- 1-year funding
- Available for direct service delivery (project funding) or organizational support
- WFW is targeting up to 4 grants in each focus area, dependent on final grant pool
As in the past, WFW will prioritize support for organizations and activities designed specifically to better the lives of women (including their children) and girls. In this grant cycle, we may also prioritize work in those counties most significantly affected by Hurricane Helene.
Deadlines and Dates
- On-line application portal opens on January 6
- Application due Friday, February 14, by 5:00 p.m.
- Final funding decisions made in early April
- Funding available by late April
Eligibility
Organizations are eligible to apply for Women for Women grants if they:
- have missions or programs focused on serving women and girls
- are financially sustainable
- are tax-exempt as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or governmental entities
- are located in and serving one or more of these WNC counties or territories: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, The Qualla Boundary, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey
If an organization has received WFW grants in the past, it must have successfully closed any previous WFW grants (final report submitted and approved) by the Application submission date to be eligible for funding in this cycle.
What We Do Not Fund
Women for Women does not offer grants for:
- capital support for new buildings or major expansions
- recreational equipment, including playgrounds
- private primary and secondary schools (except for projects or programs that are not directed toward the school's students or staff and that directly address community needs) and private clubs
- festivals or one-time events such as exhibits, performances or fundraisers
- scholarships
- activities taking place or expenses incurred before grant decisions are made
- sectarian religious purposes
- partisan political purposes
- endowment, deficit funding or debt retirement
- state or national organizations, unless (1) funding is sought for a portion of the program or project that directly benefits WNC, and (2) local people assume leadership of the program or project
How to Apply
1. Access Assistance
If you would like to discuss your proposal or have questions regarding eligibility, you are welcome to email the Women for Women program administrator at wfw@cfwnc.org. Please review this rubric as a guide.
2. Submit an Application-Application Portal will open January 6, 2025
Check back to access the online application process.
3. Review Process
Applications are screened for completeness, clarity and compliance with eligibility requirements. The Women for Women Grants Committee, made up of volunteer WFW members, oversees the grant review process with support and oversight from The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. Grants Committee members will review applications using this rubric as a guide.
CFWNC distributes grant payments by electronic funds transfer (EFT). Each grantee must have current banking information on file at CFWNC to receive payment.
View a list of Women for Women grant awards.