Grants for Nonprofits - Women & Girl Services

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition, funded through the Gender Equity and Equality Action Fund, for organizations interested in advancing the role of women in the global labor movement.

The Scherman Foundation’s Core Fund for Reproductive Rights and Justice supports organizations working within a comprehensive reproductive justice framework that addresses the impact of race, class, gender, and sexual identity on women’s reproductive health and autonomy. The Foundation prioritizes funding for innovative national and state-based organizations using strategies such as base building, leadership development, public education, policy advocacy, voter engagement, and culture change. General operating support is emphasized for state-based and local organizations, while larger and policy-focused groups may receive project-specific support.

Executive Summary The U.S. Embassy Ashgabat, Turkmenistan announces an open competition to implement a program to operate three (3) American Corners in Turkmenistan in Dashoguz, Mary and Turkmenabat. Other American Corners may be developed at the direction of the Public Diplomacy Section. American Spaces in Turkmenistan is a network of PD-funded cultural centers, which are a global network of over 600 State Department-sponsored cultural centers. The American Spaces in Turkmenistan conduct youth-oriented cultural and experiential learning programs to improve skills in English, STEM, entrepreneurship, and climate change awareness. The primary audience for these programs will be Turkmen youth, including girls and women, school and university students, teachers, young professionals, especially from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and USG alumni. The award recipient will be responsible for overseeing administrative aspects of the American Spaces program, to include staffing of selected corners, training logistics, and equipment and facility maintenance. The recipient will also assist in implementing American Spaces programming with significant Public Diplomacy Section input and assistance to ensure the programming meets Mission goals and objectives. Potential implementor will also be responsible for planning, executing, closing, and monitoring and evaluation of all the activities and programs conducted at the American Corners. The expected date range for implementation of this project is May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026. Please follow the instructions below for the application. Background American Spaces are the premier public diplomacy platform of the U.S. Embassy Ashgabat in Turkmenistan that has been strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between the people of Turkmenistan and the United States of America for almost 20 years. American Spaces are located in Ashgabat, Dashoguz, Mary and Turkmenabat and offer English resources and development opportunities to meet interests of diverse audiences, while also serving as gateways for the Turkmen citizens to learn about American society, culture and education. The American Spaces are well known in the community for their regular English-language activities, such as conversation groups with native speakers, workshops with visiting specialists, and regular presentations by Americans on U.S. life and culture. American Spaces also partner with international and local organizations (e.g., the Smithsonian Institution) to conduct highly impactful programs, such as the Academy for Women Entrepreneurship in partnership with Arizona State Universitys School of Global Management, a variety of STEM programs to introduce local youth to web design and app development, as well as book festivals and eco festivals. Project Audiences The primary audiences for American Spaces in Turkmenistan are: a. School and university students b. School and university teachers c. Young professionals, such as current/aspiring entrepreneurs d. Girls and women e. Civil society representatives f. USG programs alumni Project Goal To deepen mutual understanding, foster collaboration and cultivate partnerships between the people of the United States and Turkmenistan through free-of-charge cultural and experiential learning programs conducted at American Corners in all the regions of Turkmenistan: Dashoguz, Mary and Turkmenabat. Project Objectives Objective 1. Oversee and administer American Corners operations within the allocated budget over a 12-month period, demonstrated by implementation of innovative solutions to technical and logistical challenges, maintenance of staffs high professional standards, and cost-efficient maintenance of spaces, while maintaining the modern aesthetic and accessibility standards of American Spaces. The implementer will maintain the American Corners physical space in safe, accessible, and welcoming and inspiring environment that is designed in accordance with modern American Spaces branding recommendations; provide logistical support with procurement, shipping and technical and Internet service to meet the Corners programming needs; and constantly seek opportunities to reduce the cost of rent; hire and retain top talent to work at American Corners, provide professional development to staff; and ensure publicity of Corner offerings and programs via social/print media. The American Spaces standards mandate that all American Corners maintain collections of books, magazines, computer workstations, and an area for programs. All materials at the American Cornersto include internet accessmust be free and open to the public. American Corners may vary in size, but have the following minimum characteristics: Secure location with public access; Minimum size of approximately 100 square meters; Library containing a minimum of 500 English books selected and provided by the U.S. Mission; Program venue to accommodate 20 people; Open and accessible to women and girls; Accessible to people with disabilities; Furniture, such as: o 1520 chairs o 23 reading tables o 58 computer desks o 2 office desks with chair Equipment, such as: o 1 printer o 1 copier o 1 scanner o 1 digital camera o 12 gas heaters as required o 1 air conditioner as required o 510 computer workstations o 58 uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units o 1 laptop o 5-10 iPads o 1 projector screen o 1 sound system (speakers + mic for public programs) o 3D Printer o MakerSpace robotic and technology materials The three existing American Corners in Dashoguz, Mary and Turkmenabat already have the equipment and furniture mentioned above, which will be made available for the new implementing partner. Objective 2. Design and execute a range of diverse programming activities across six core areas of American Spaces (explained below) in alignment with Mission goals, demonstrated by sustained participation and increases in participant turnout. American Spaces operate based on the global standards of the American Spaces program. These standards mandate that every American Corner offer programming in six core areas free of charge for all the participants: 1. English language teaching and learning: Increase English language proficiency and instructional skills of English language learners and English language teachers, particularly for underserved audiences by facilitating a wide range of programs that build the skills of English language teachers and promote English language learning. American Corners provide access to English language speakers and professional development/teacher training resources provided by the State Department. 2. Information about the United States: Increase awareness and understanding of our primary audiences about American history, culture, and society through people-people diplomacy. American Corners also offer collections of English books, videos, newspapers, magazines, photo galleries, and Internet access and ensure these collections remain accurate, up to date, and audience appropriate. 3. Educational advising: Increase the knowledge and skills of high-school students on higher education opportunities in the United States by providing accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date guidance on applying to U.S. colleges and universities. 4. Alumni engagement: Support continuing engagement with alumni of U.S. exchange programs and cultural enrichment programs, connecting them to local audiences by sharing their U.S. experience and expertise to benefit the local communities. 5. Skills Building: Develop skills and increase capacity of the Turkmen population to meet global challenges, mitigate crises, increase trade, support inclusive and sustainable economic growth and opportunity and strengthen resilience to economic, technological, environmental and other global challenges. American Corners continue offering programs to meet interests of diverse audiences in the regions especially by organizing projects that promote English language, innovation, entrepreneurship, environmental protection, and gender equality in STEM, as well as teach skills such as critical thinking and media literacy, resume writing and job promotion, how to launch entrepreneurial or social development projects, how to use makerspace equipment to conduct projects. 6. Strategic Cultural Programs: Foster people-to-people connections, increase understanding and build respect towards the United States with Turkmenistan audiences through cultural programs, that can include visual and performing arts, film, literature, health, food culture/cuisine, sports, science and technology, volunteerism, makerspace activities, environment, civil society, and entrepreneurship introducing Turkmen audiences to virtually any aspect of culture, from an American perspective. American Corners are encouraged to take advantage of the full scope of cultural programming resources offered by the State Department, including arts, sports, and science envoys; speaker programs; films; the GLOBE program (Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment); Model UN programs; and print and digital offerings developed by the State Department and the Smithsonian Institution. Objective 3. Establish sustained partnerships with local organizations to curate and implement cultural and experiential learning initiatives for local communities, demonstrated by increased number of joint outreach efforts. Examples of those public engagement initiatives can include joint Book Festivals, Cultural Concerts, Eco Festivals, film screenings, and regional and national competitions. Objective 4. Increase participation of primary audiences from the regions in U.S. Embassy programs by facilitating access to exchange programs, training opportunities, and study tours, demonstrated by the increase in qualified applicants from the regions.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations and public entities in Georgia to provide vital intervention services for sexual assault victims and promote community education on prevention strategies.

The Ash Grove Community Foundation in Missouri is offering a $2,000 grant with a deadline of 10/03/2024, prioritizing projects in the Ash Grove area and inviting 501(c)3 organizations or other IRS approved entities serving Ash Grove to apply, with the aim of improving the community's quality of life.

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks is inviting applications for its Impact 100 Perry County Grant Program, aimed at delivering transformative grants within Perry County, Missouri. This program aligns with the foundation's mission by empowering local organizations and fostering significant community impact through collective giving. The model for this initiative originated in Cincinnati, Ohio, established by philanthropist Wendy Steele, and has been adopted locally to maximize the effectiveness of donations. The Impact 100 Perry County program specifically targets 501(c)3 organizations, public schools, or government entities within Perry County. The primary impact goal is to enable these organizations to undertake projects that might not be possible with smaller, individual donations. The program emphasizes the "Power of Women Giving as One," highlighting how combined contributions can create substantial change for local non-profits. This year, the program has $18,000 to award. The focus is on providing one lump sum grant of $18,000 to a single local non-profit organization. Organizations are encouraged to precisely describe projects that could effectively utilize this amount and detail how these projects would benefit the community. The priority is to fund a project with a clear, direct, and significant positive effect on Perry County. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of a high-impact project by a local non-profit. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the implicit expectation is that the funded project will achieve its stated objectives and contribute tangibly to the well-being and development of the community. The foundation's strategic priority, as demonstrated by this program, is to facilitate substantial local investment and empower community-led initiatives through a collaborative philanthropic model.

The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) is pleased to announce the Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant Program, an open and responsive grantmaking opportunity designed to offer flexible funding to organizations. This program aligns with OCF's mission to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion by supporting Oregon's diverse regions and populations. The Foundation is committed to funding across all regions of Oregon, including remote, rural, suburban, and urban communities, and prioritizes investments that creatively address needs and position entrepreneurs to thrive. The Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant specifically targets entrepreneurs who are women, people of color, living in under-resourced rural communities, or working in under-resourced sectors such as consumer products. The program's impact goals include providing flexible funding and prioritized support to organizations serving these priority populations. OCF anticipates awarding $750,000 in 2024, with each grant lasting for one year (12 months), aiming to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem for these underserved groups. Key priorities for the Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant include addressing clear and compelling business community needs, with goals relevant to Oregon's entrepreneurs, including small and micro businesses. Proposals that demonstrate cultural expertise of staff and board when serving specific populations, show meaningful leadership or influence from people with lived experience, reflect realistic goals and solid planning, and demonstrate strong potential to build organizational stability, effectiveness, or capacity are highly valued. Strong community support, a clear communication of OCF's impact, and a realistic plan for securing remaining funds are also critical considerations. The OCF's strategic priorities and theory of change are reflected in its guiding principles: valuing Oregon’s diverse regions and populations, advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion through funding, and prioritizing investments that demonstrate strong community support, solid planning, and wise stewardship. Expected outcomes include positioning entrepreneurs to thrive in Oregon and fostering positive, substantive change. The Foundation prioritizes organizations that primarily serve one or more of the identified priority populations, are reasonably positioned for long-term organizational viability, support OCF in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and reflect a strengths-based orientation.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Vancouver for events and programs that promote cultural enrichment, tourism, and community engagement, aiming to attract visitors and enhance the local tourism economy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that deliver comprehensive family planning services to help reduce unintended pregnancies and improve reproductive health for individuals in Texas.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and local government agencies in Ohio to enhance and sustain sexual assault services for survivors.

This program provides $5 million in funding to nonprofit organizations in New York State to support mental health, workforce development, or housing initiatives for individuals aged 0-24 in communities disproportionately impacted by past drug policies.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit arts organizations in South Florida for innovative visual and performing arts programs and K-12 arts education initiatives.

This grant provides funding to organizations working on environmental protection, women's economic rights, and accountability in public and private institutions, focusing on initiatives that drive meaningful public policy change.

The Business Women’s Giving Circle (BWGC) of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia awards grants to support innovative STEM opportunities for girls and young women in the region. Since 2014, the BWGC has awarded over $520,000 in grants, aligning with the Foundation's mission to foster positive community impact by supporting initiatives in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Leadership, and Entrepreneurship. This grant program is a key part of the Foundation's strategic approach to investing in the future workforce and leadership within Northern Virginia. The target beneficiaries are girls and young women, from preschool through college-age, residing in Northern Virginia. Specifically, organizations providing services in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, as well as the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park, are eligible. The impact goal is to create measurable positive changes in the lives of these girls and young women by providing them with exciting and enriching experiences in STEM, leadership, and entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to their educational and career development. The BWGC grant cycle prioritizes nonprofit organizations and schools that offer STEM programs with an emphasis on innovative components such as entrepreneurship, leadership, or mentorship. Funding is considered for both existing and new programs that directly support these areas. Applications for general organizational support, capital improvements, endowments, or scholarship awards are not considered, highlighting the program's focus on direct program delivery and innovation. Expected outcomes include increased participation and engagement of girls and young women in STEM fields, enhanced leadership skills, and the development of entrepreneurial mindsets. Measurable results are demonstrated by the impact on over 3,500 girls and young women since 2014. The Foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in innovative STEM, leadership, and entrepreneurship programs for girls and young women, they will empower the next generation of leaders and innovators, contributing to the economic vitality and social well-being of Northern Virginia.

The City of Vallejo received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to establish a grant program aimed at supporting local small businesses severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative directly aligns with the city's commitment to economic recovery and resilience, seeking to mitigate the negative financial repercussions experienced by its business community. The program's core mission is to provide crucial financial assistance, specifically targeting security improvements, thereby fostering a safer and more stable operating environment for eligible businesses within Vallejo. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are for-profit and non-profit brick-and-mortar businesses situated in Vallejo. To qualify, businesses must possess a valid Vallejo business license, employ 20 or fewer individuals, and provide receipts for purchases made between January 1, 2023, and September 24, 2024. The program's impact goals are focused on enhancing the physical security of these businesses, thereby reducing vulnerability to crime and creating a more secure commercial landscape. The program prioritizes funding for security improvements, with grants available up to $3,000 for items such as cameras, locks, and window enhancements. This focus addresses a critical need for small businesses that may lack the resources to invest in such protective measures independently. The expected outcomes include a tangible increase in the security infrastructure of participating businesses, leading to a safer environment for employees, customers, and business assets. Measurable results will be directly tied to the utilization of grant funds for approved security upgrades. Success will be determined by the number of businesses receiving grants, the types of security improvements implemented, and potentially, a reduction in reported incidents related to security vulnerabilities among grant recipients. The City of Vallejo's strategic priority through this program is to strengthen its local economy by supporting its small business sector, recognizing that a resilient business community is vital for overall city prosperity and recovery from the pandemic's economic downturn. The underlying theory of change is that by providing targeted financial aid for essential security enhancements, the city can empower small businesses to protect their assets, maintain operations, and contribute to the broader economic stability and revitalization of Vallejo.

This grant provides funding to health departments and nonprofit organizations in Illinois to improve patient navigation services for individuals facing breast cancer, ensuring they receive equitable support throughout their care journey.

Cindy's Wind Fund for Women and Girls Grants, part of the Community Grants Program by the Community Foundation of Greene County, awards two $500 grants annually during the Community Grant cycles with deadlines on June 1 and October 1. This fund focuses on supporting projects that help women and girls in Greene County, Pennsylvania, reach their full potential through information programs, direct services, special activities, and more. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organizations, including churches, educational organizations, and government agencies, with proposals aimed at empowering women and girls. Grant renewed every year. Grant Fall Annual deadline: October 1st

This program provides financial assistance to licensed child care providers in Connecticut for urgent repairs needed to ensure safe operations.

This grant provides funding to empower and support women entrepreneurs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by equipping them with essential business skills, resources, and networking opportunities to help grow their businesses.

This program provides financial assistance to breast cancer patients in Yolo County, California, to help cover essential needs during their treatment journey.