The Women’s Fund is a philanthropic initiative of The Winston-Salem Foundation focused on building economic security for women and girls in Forsyth County, North Carolina. The fund addresses systemic gender and racial disparities by supporting nonprofit organizations that aim to improve economic, educational, and health outcomes for women and girls. The initiative highlights the importance of supporting smaller, women of color-led organizations and those that engage women and girls in the design or delivery of their programs.
Annual grants of up to $15,000 are available to organizations working to build economic security for women and girls through a broad range of initiatives. Programs can address immediate needs or aim to dismantle systemic barriers, such as access to healthcare, employment opportunities, and educational support. The fund emphasizes work that ensures dignity and economic growth for women and girls and encourages applications from groups with annual revenues under $250,000.
The application for the 2025 cycle opens on May 12 and closes on June 16. Applicants will be notified of proposal status by the end of July. If applicable, virtual site visits occur between August 4 and 29. Notifications regarding advancement to member voting are issued by September 8, followed by the member voting period in September and October. Final decisions are communicated by October 27, and awards are announced at an annual luncheon on November 13. Funded projects may begin January 1, 2026, or later.
Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations operating within Forsyth County, NC. While all eligible proposals will be considered, priority is given to organizations that meet three specific criteria: annual revenue of $250,000 or less, leadership by women of color (over 50% of decision-makers), and active engagement of women or girls in the project design or implementation. Proposals not meeting these criteria may still be funded, though with lower priority.
Applicants are encouraged to reach out before submitting proposals. Contact Shamika Munnings, Director of Strategic Initiatives, at smunnings@wsfoundation.org or (336) 714-3453 for more information. There is no listed pre-application deadline, and application details are accessible through the foundation’s website. Applicants should prepare for a thorough review process that includes site visits and member voting.
Previous grantees include organizations such as LEAD Girls NC, Shelter at St. Timothy’s, and The Wells Center For Women in Transition. These recipients exemplify the fund’s commitment to fostering impactful, community-led initiatives that support women and girls in meaningful and sustainable ways.
Applicants can discuss proposal ideas prior to submission.
