Women’s Fund El Dorado Grant

The Women’s Fund El Dorado (WFED) is a philanthropic organization rooted in El Dorado County, California, dedicated to uplifting the community by empowering women and supporting impactful nonprofit efforts. As part of their mission, WFED offers annual grant funding to nonprofit entities that serve the western slope of El Dorado County. The 2026 grant cycle is now closed, and applications are currently under review by the WFED Grants Committee. The review and voting process involves a detailed series of events including a Ballot Showcase and member voting, culminating in the awarding of grants at the annual Grants Gala. WFED offers three main types of grants in its annual cycle: Inspiration Grants, Acorn Grants, and Impact Grants. The specific scopes, funding levels, or distinctions between these categories were not detailed in the public-facing materials, but they are part of the structured annual offerings. Nonprofits are limited to applying for only one grant per cycle. Organizations that have received funding in two consecutive years must sit out the following year but may reapply thereafter. This policy is designed to ensure equitable access to funding across the nonprofit community. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, schools, churches, and service organizations that directly serve the western slope of El Dorado County. All grant funding must be used exclusively for programs that benefit this defined geographic area, which spans from El Dorado Hills to Silver Fork. Organizations that do not have a physical office in the region or lack their own nonprofit status may still apply by partnering with a qualifying fiscal sponsor. These fiscal sponsors must formally acknowledge their responsibilities during the application review phase. The 2026 grant calendar began with the release of the Request for Proposals on January 5, 2026. An applicant workshop was held on January 8, 2026, to guide prospective grantees. Completed applications were due before midnight on January 29, 2026. The Grants Committee met on March 9 to finalize the ballot, with nonprofits notified of their ballot status by March 16. The Ballot Showcase is scheduled for April 2, 2026, providing WFED members the opportunity to interact with finalist organizations. Voting closes on April 17, with award announcements to follow at the Grants Gala on May 14, 2026. Finally, funding checks will be distributed on May 29, 2026. Grants are evaluated by the WFED Grants Committee using a predefined scoring rubric. The process is designed to be transparent and community-driven. Recipients are required to submit interim and final reports on January 31, 2027, and June 30, 2027, respectively. These reports must document the measurable impact of the funded programs. Furthermore, awardees are encouraged to publicly acknowledge WFED’s support in their materials and media to help promote the fund and encourage future membership and donations. Communication and logistical questions regarding the application process can be directed to WFED via email at [email protected] or by calling +1 530-622-5621. Workshops and showcases are held at local venues including the PATRA building in El Dorado Hills and the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, ensuring accessibility for all participating organizations. This structured and transparent approach demonstrates WFED’s ongoing commitment to community growth, equity in funding distribution, and local impact.

Highlight measurable outcomes; clearly document community impact within El Dorado’s western slope.