Opportunity to access the Women First International Fund
Women First invites organisations to submit a profile form to indicate their interest in applying for funding from Women First International Fund. Candidates who we believe are a strong fit for our unique model of grantmaking will be asked to submit a full proposal for funding.
For new grants, Women First’s application process is a networked approach. Potential partners are identified through an extensive network of current and alumni grantee partners, peer funds, and advisors, as well as groups that they have met through regional and in-country networking opportunities.
Eligibility
- Located in one of their current priority countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, or India
- Dedicated to improving the lives of women, girls and/or trans people, as evidenced by the group’s mission and/or activities. Groups’ activities should also indicate a significant focus on the economic empowerment of women, girls, and/or trans people.
- Small and emerging organizations with little or no access to larger donors or institutional funding. We give priority to organizations that have annual budgets less than $50,000 USD.
See full list here.
Grantmaking program
Women First partners have the opportunity to receive up to six years of flexible funding (a mix of core and programmatic support) totaling $95,000 USD. The grants are made through three stages:
- Opportunity: 12-month commitment from Women First in the amount of $10,000 USD
- Investment: 3-year commitment from Women First in the total amount of $45,000 USD
- Leverage: 2-year commitment from Women First in the total amount of $40,000 USD
Funding priorities
Women First has an active partnership grantmaking model. They are committed to providing more than just grant dollars, and seek organizations who are just as excited as we are about collaboration. Grantee partners are expected to:
- Implement on programmatic work within the thematic focus of women’s economic empowerment. The funding is flexible and they partner with organizations with whom they share goals to improve women’s livelihoods and financial independence.
- Invest in capacity building, utilizing resources provided by Women First where appropriate and identifying other opportunities for organizational strengthening. Partners are encouraged to prioritize key areas for organizational effectiveness and growth. Partners must complete the Grassroots Organizational Capacity Assessment Tool to do this, and will have opportunities to participate in Women First-led capacity building activities.
- Commit to measuring (and learning from) programmatic and organizational results.
Submit your profile form here.
