Call for Proposals: Women Grant Program (US)

Deadline: 16-Oct-2026

The Women Grant Program provides funding to U.S.-based women developing transformational projects or ideas that create a clear public benefit for women and girls. For its 2026 inaugural cycle, the program will award up to five grants of up to $90,000 each, with recipients also participating in mentorship and cohort programming for 24 months.

About the Women Grant Program

The Women Grant Program supports women in the United States who are developing innovative projects, ideas, or initiatives designed to create meaningful public benefit for women and girls. The program is intended to help remove barriers that prevent women from advancing important work and to accelerate projects led by courageous and innovative women. Funding is available across a broad range of charitable and public-benefit fields, including: - Arts - Community development - Education - Economic mobility - Employment development - Finance - Health - Media - Science - Technology 2026 Grant Funding

The 2026 inaugural cycle will provide:

- Up to five grants - Up to $90,000 per grant - A 24-month award period - Participation in Pave HER Way programming - Mentorship and cohort activities - An estimated commitment of five hours per month The grant is intended to provide both financial support and access to programming that can help recipients develop and advance their work. What Projects Does the Grant Support? The Women Grant Program is designed for transformational projects or ideas that deliver a clear public benefit for women and girls. Eligible work can span multiple charitable sectors. Applicants should be able to clearly explain: - What problem their project addresses - How the project benefits women and girls - Why the proposed work is transformational or innovative - What barriers the funding will help remove - How the grant will accelerate the project or idea - What outcomes the project is expected to achieve Who Is Eligible? Applicants must meet the program’s individual eligibility requirements.

To apply, an applicant must:

- Identify as a woman. - Be at least 18 years old. - Be a U.S. legal citizen or permanent resident. - Be developing a project or idea that provides a clear public benefit for women and girls. Ineligible Applicants Certain individuals are excluded from the program. Relatives of officers, employees, or members of the Pave HER Way Board of Directors are not eligible to apply. How Is the Grant Paid? The payment structure depends on whether the project has a nonprofit fiscal sponsor. Projects Sponsored by a 501(c)(3) Charity If the project is sponsored by a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charity, the grant will be paid to that organization. Projects Without a Charity Sponsor If the project is not sponsored by a qualifying public charity, the grant can be paid directly to the individual recipient. Direct grants to individuals are considered taxable income. Applicants should therefore understand the potential tax implications of receiving a grant directly before accepting an award. What Is the Pave HER Way Program Requirement? Grant recipients are required to participate in Pave HER Way programming throughout the 24-month award period.

This programming includes:

- Mentorship - Cohort activities - Program participation - Peer engagement and development activities The estimated time commitment is approximately five hours per month. Applicants should consider this commitment before applying because participation is part of the overall grant award. Why the Women Grant Program Matters Women-led projects can face financial, professional, and structural barriers that limit their ability to grow or create broader social impact. The Women Grant Program combines financial support, mentorship, and cohort participation to help selected women move transformational ideas forward. Its broad charitable focus means that applicants can come from different fields, provided their projects demonstrate a meaningful public benefit for women and girls. How to Apply and What to Expect Applicants should prepare their project information and ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before submitting an application. The selection process includes several stages.

1. Confirm Eligibility

Before applying, verify that you:

- Identify as a woman. - Are at least 18 years old. - Are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. - Have a qualifying transformational project or idea. - Are not excluded because of a qualifying family relationship with Pave HER Way leadership or personnel.

2. Define the Project

Clearly describe the project or idea and explain its public benefit.

Focus on:

- The problem being addressed - The women and girls who will benefit - The proposed solution - The expected impact - Why the project needs funding - How the grant will accelerate the work

3. Prepare for the Selection Process

Selected applicants will participate in a virtual interview with the Selection Committee. Applicants should be prepared to explain their project, its significance, expected impact, and how the grant would help advance the work.

4. Provide Eligibility Documentation

Semifinalists must provide documentation verifying their eligibility.

Acceptable documentation may include:

- U.S. passport - Birth certificate - Certificate of naturalization or citizenship - Permanent resident card Applicants should have appropriate documentation available if requested during the selection process.

5. Participate in the 24-Month Program

Grant recipients must participate in Pave HER Way programming for the entire 24-month award period, including mentorship and cohort activities. Tips for Applicants Applicants can make their proposals stronger by presenting a clear connection between the project, the problem being addressed, and the benefit to women and girls.

Consider the following tips:

- Clearly explain the project’s public benefit. - Identify the specific barrier the project is addressing. - Show why the idea is innovative or transformational.