Barriers to Care Grants Program for Individuals

The Fund for Women of the Southern Tier provides a critical lifeline for girls and women residing in Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Yates counties in New York State who seek to continue their education and pursue career goals. Established in 2009, the Fund is the region's only philanthropic entity exclusively dedicated to helping women and girls achieve self-sufficiency and life fulfillment. The Fund operates through the power of community support and philanthropy to eliminate persistent barriers that limit educational and economic advancement for women in the Southern Tier. As part of its mission, the Fund offers annual educational grants directly to individuals and also supports community nonprofit programs that align with its mission to empower women and girls. The educational support offered by the Fund for Women includes two distinct individual grant types: the $2,500 FFW Scholarship Grants and the $500 FFW Individual Grants. The scholarship grants are geared toward girls and women who have clear career goals and a demonstrable path to achieving them, particularly those facing financial hardship. Priority is given to first-generation college students, non-traditional students aged 25 and older, individuals pursuing technical certifications in high-demand local fields, and applicants who have overcome significant personal challenges. Each year, up to four scholarships are awarded. The $500 individual grants, meanwhile, serve to alleviate financial stress related to ongoing educational expenses. These may include textbook purchases, technical supplies, overdue tuition bills, or licensing exam fees, with up to ten grants distributed annually. Applicants must be female and live in one of the four designated counties. The application process is conducted through the Fund's online grant management portal at communityfund.org/grants-and-applications. In addition to answering required form questions, applicants must submit a 1–2 page essay detailing their educational motivation, two letters of recommendation, and a recent tax return—either their own or a parent/guardian’s. The selection process is highly confidential and managed by an experienced volunteer panel of the Fund’s Grants Committee, which evaluates applications based on demonstrated financial need, personal motivation, and alignment with eligibility priorities. The Fund’s annual grant cycle opens on November 1 and closes on March 1. Awardees are notified and funds are distributed in June of the same calendar year. The structured timeline allows applicants several months to prepare and complete submissions, while also ensuring a consistent review and notification period. There are no stated restrictions on how recipients must spend their grants beyond the requirement that funds address educational barriers. While there is no matching requirement or cost-sharing obligation, the Fund emphasizes financial need and the potential for the grant to be transformative. By investing in educational pathways, the Fund believes in the power of lifting individuals out of systemic economic hardship, thereby fostering broader community impact. Additional inquiries about the application process or grant criteria can be directed to the Vice President of Programs via email at [email protected] or by phone at (607) 739-3900. For general information, the Fund for Women can also be reached via its main email at [email protected] or by phone at (607) 542-7558.

The Fund encourages applicants to apply either online or by mail and provides contact information for assistance.