Women-focused nonprofit organizations in Greater New Haven can now apply for Women & Girls Grants through the Community Fund for Women & Girls, which offers funding of up to $15,000 to support programs that empower women and girls. Applications are currently open and must be submitted by 23 March 2026 at 5:00 PM.
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven launched this grant initiative to strengthen programs that improve the economic security, leadership opportunities, education, and health outcomes of women and girls in the region. Through this funding opportunity, nonprofit organizations can receive financial support to expand their services, strengthen advocacy efforts, and implement initiatives that address structural barriers affecting women and girls.
The Women & Girls funding initiative prioritizes programs that demonstrate measurable community impact and focus on long-term empowerment and equity. Nonprofit organizations working in areas such as economic autonomy, leadership development, educational advancement, and health and wellness are encouraged to apply.
About the Women & Girls Grant Opportunity
The Community Fund for Women & Girls was established to invest in programs that address systemic inequalities affecting women and girls across Greater New Haven communities.
Through this grant program, nonprofit organizations can receive funding of up to $15,000 to support direct services, advocacy initiatives, or community organizing efforts that improve opportunities and outcomes for women and girls.
The goal of the fund is to empower organizations that are actively creating pathways toward economic independence, leadership opportunities, educational achievement, and improved health outcomes.
By investing in community-driven solutions, the program seeks to strengthen local initiatives that support gender equity and help women and girls thrive socially, economically, and educationally.
Benefits
Organizations selected for the Women & Girls grant program will receive several key benefits, including:
- Funding of up to $15,000 per project
- Support for direct services and community-based initiatives
- Opportunities to expand gender-focused advocacy programs
- Resources to strengthen community organizing and policy engagement
- Increased visibility and recognition through the Community Foundation network
This funding helps nonprofits scale their initiatives and deepen their impact in communities where women and girls face barriers to opportunity and wellbeing.
Focus Areas
The Community Fund for Women & Girls supports projects that align with four key impact pathways designed to improve the lives of women and girls.
Economic Autonomy
Programs focused on strengthening the financial independence and economic mobility of women and girls are strongly encouraged. Eligible initiatives may include:
- Access to safe and affordable housing
- Entrepreneurship programs for women
- Workforce participation and employment support
- Direct cash assistance initiatives
- Childcare innovations and family-friendly policy support
- Advocacy and community organizing for economic security
These initiatives aim to create sustainable economic opportunities and reduce financial barriers faced by women and families.
Leadership
Leadership development programs help women and girls become influential decision-makers in their communities and institutions.
Examples of supported initiatives include:
- Leadership training and mentorship programs
- Women’s leadership development in business, government, and nonprofit sectors
- Advocacy and community organizing skill-building
- Programs promoting equity-centered policy leadership
These initiatives aim to empower women and girls to shape policies and decisions that affect their lives.
Education
Educational programs supported by the Women & Girls grant program focus on increasing access to learning opportunities and academic success.
Eligible initiatives may include:
- Support for women and girls entering underrepresented academic fields
- Programs assisting first-generation or nontraditional students
- Educational access initiatives for student parents
- Advocacy and policy initiatives supporting educational equity
Education remains a critical pathway to long-term economic and social empowerment for women and girls.
Health & Wellness
Health and safety programs that improve the wellbeing of women and girls are also a key funding priority.
Examples include:
- Access to reproductive health education and services
- Maternal health and postpartum support programs
- Initiatives preventing violence against women and girls
- Services supporting survivors of gender-based violence
- Advocacy programs promoting women’s health rights
These initiatives help ensure women and girls have the resources and support necessary to live healthy and safe lives.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Women & Girls grant funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a nonprofit organization serving Greater New Haven communities
- Have at least 18–24 months of continuous programming experience
- Align with at least one of the four impact areas outlined in the program
- Serve residents within the Community Foundation’s 20-town region
- Be up to date with reporting requirements if previously funded by the Community Foundation
The fund supports organizations serving women and girls, including individuals who identify as cisgender, transgender, or nonbinary.
Duration & Location
The funding supports nonprofit programs operating within Greater New Haven, Connecticut (United States).
Key timeline details include:
- Application deadline: 23 March 2026
- Award announcements: May 2026
- Funding amount: Up to $15,000 per project
How to Apply
Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for funding by completing the official grant application before the deadline.
Application steps:
- Review the Community Foundation’s general eligibility guidelines.
- Prepare a proposal aligned with one of the four impact pathways.
- Submit the application through the official grant portal.
- Await the evaluation process and funding decision.
Applications must clearly demonstrate how the proposed program will benefit women and girls within the Greater New Haven community.
Deadline
23 March 2026 at 5:00 PM
Final Note
Investing in programs that empower women and girls is essential for building stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities. By supporting nonprofit organizations working on economic independence, leadership development, education, and health initiatives, the Community Fund for Women & Girls aims to create lasting change and expand opportunities for future generations.
Organizations working to improve the lives of women and girls in Greater New Haven should consider applying for this funding opportunity to expand their impact and strengthen their community initiatives.
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