Women’s Fund Grant

Austin Community Foundation’s Women’s Fund grant opportunity is designed to advance the economic mobility of women and children in Central Texas, recognizing that addressing persistent economic and health disparities is essential for closing the opportunity gap in the region. The funder, Austin Community Foundation, has a longstanding commitment to supporting the well-being of women and children, with a focus on creating equitable access to opportunities and improving health outcomes. The 2025 Women’s Fund grant cycle will distribute $550,000 in unrestricted, general operating support to 15 nonprofit organizations across Central Texas. Grants will be awarded in five strategic areas: affordable housing, child care, education, unintended pregnancy prevention, and women’s health. The funding supports both direct services and systems-level change, such as public education, community organizing, and policy research, provided these activities are non-lobbying in nature. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations under sections 501(c)3 or 170(b)(1)(a)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code or units of government serving the Central Texas counties of Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Burnet, and Caldwell. Religious organizations may apply if their proposed work aligns with the Fund’s strategies, is secular in nature, and does not discriminate based on religion. The grant excludes endowment funds, fundraising activities, individuals, political lobbying, religious programming, scholarships, and umbrella organizations intending to re-distribute funds. Applications must be submitted through the Austin Community Foundation grant portal between June 2, 2025, and July 31, 2025, with all materials due by 5 p.m. CT on the closing date. The Foundation offers several applicant resources, including a strategy guide, a scoring rubric, and a webinar. Applicants are encouraged to review these materials and ensure alignment with the Women’s Fund’s strategic priorities. Office hours and technical assistance are available by appointment throughout the application period. After submission, semifinalists will participate in Zoom learning sessions from October 10 to October 31, 2025. Final award decisions will be announced by December 1, 2025. The grant program provides three levels of support in each strategy area: a $60,000 multi-year grant to the winning finalist ($35,000 in year one, $25,000 in year two), $30,000 to the runner-up, and $20,000 to the semifinalist. For more information, applicants can consult the 2023 research report “Women’s Issues are Community Issues,” review strategy statements, and reference the application question list. Detailed contact information is provided on the Foundation’s website for any inquiries or to schedule support appointments during the application window.

The Foundation offers webinars, a scoring rubric, and application resources; review all materials to strengthen your application.