While many searches for grants start with the federal government, the best place to begin looking for philanthropic grants to assist women is on the local level. There is a long tradition in the U.S. of women being involved in philanthropy, and many local and regional organizations now specialize in awarding philanthropic grants to women or to organizations dealing with issues that have a special impact on women. Other granting organizations are regionally based but are part of national and even international networks, giving grant seekers numerous opportunities to find a funding source well suited to their aims.
Women in Philanthropy
Women in Philanthropy is the umbrella name of a number of local community organizations created by women that deal primarily with women's issues and philanthropic needs. The Chicago WIP was founded in 1981 and now has nearly 300 staff and trustees, with a goal of increasing funding to organizations that serve women and girls. The WIP of the central Savannah River area of Georgia and South Carolina, with membership of more than 130 women of the region, awarded a total of $217,500 from 2009 to 2011 for causes affecting women. WIPs exist across the United States.
Women's Funding Network
The Women's Funding Network is a global directory of 165 regional women's funding organizations across six continents; many are in the U.S. These organizations, according to the WFN, contribute $65 million annually for programs dealing with women and girls worldwide. The networks lists member women's foundations by country and name, and links to each member's website.
Foundation Center
The Foundation Center, with support from nearly 550 foundations, maintains a comprehensive database on grant makers in the U.S. and on a growing list of grant makers globally. A subscription is required for access to the database. Its search tools allow grant seekers to filter results by keywords, foundation names and types of grants.
Online Grant Listings
Several websites compile free aggregate listings of grant sources, some specializing in funding sources for women. Grant Woman compiles a long list of organizations that regularly offer philanthropic, corporate and government grants. Fundsnet Services offers a free listing of granting organizations that specialize in a wide range of categories, including grants for women.
