Free Government Grants For Women In The US

Last Updated on January 19, 2024 by Lori Pace

The U.S. Federal Government Grants For Women has a variety of opportunities that address women’s issues, not just in America but all over the globe. Nonprofit organizations must be mature and stable entities that have been helping women for at most 3-5 years. They also need to have a track record of building community partnerships with other organizations. Before applying for federal grants, the agency must have case histories of women helped by the program. They should also record the number of women served in the past years.

It may be easier to get a grant through an organization that helps women than the United States government, as they primarily give grants to non-profit organizations. When contacting grant-giving organizations, keep in mind federal bank holidays as they might be closed on those dates.

There are programs available to aid individual women looking for grants to help them pay for their education. These Government Grants For Women are available from all walks and income levels. Many women can earn an online degree while caring for their children or working full-time.

Women’s Groups Grants

Womens Groups Grants
Women’s Groups strive to bring women up.

They are a group of women who meet regularly to discuss and organize campaigns. Women’s Groups strive to bring women up, and that is why they do their best to provide grants to other women. The following grants may be able to help you.

Eleanor Roosevelt Fund Award

So, AAUW (American Association of University Women) awards this grant to an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution over the past year toward the equality and education of women.

However, this award is currently on hiatus.

Eligibility

The award must be made in the United States. All recipients and organizational representatives must reside within the United States during the award period. This award is not available to AAUW state/branch program programs.

The work of the nominee should be in support of the AAUW Eleanor Roosevelt Fund’s goals:

  • Eliminate obstacles that prevent girls and women from pursuing education
  • Promote the value of cross-cultural communication and diversity
  • Learn more about the learning, thinking, working, and playing roles of women

How to Apply For This Grant

  • The completed nomination form. To begin the application process, visit the AIM page. However, you must create an account to start.
  • Three letters of recommendation/commendation. Notice: You must submit three letters of recommendation/commendation if you nominate yourself or an organization for whom you serve as an executive director (e.g., executive vice president).
  • Additional supporting documents, such as press clippings or curriculum vitae, may also be helpful.

WomensNet Amber Grant Foundation

WomensNet’s Amber Grant Foundation offers the following:

  • $25,000 yearly grant
  • Monthly grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. 

How to Apply For This Grant

So, fill out the application form to apply. It asks for your contact information, business idea, and what you will do with the grant money. However, the $15 application fee is a negative aspect of this grant.

In short, it is easy to apply. It takes only a few moments to tell them about you and your business dreams. There are no lengthy, complex forms to complete. Then, the grant recipients are announced on the 23rd day of each month.

Mary Kay Domestic Violence Shelter Grants for Women

Domestic Violence Shelter Grants For Women

Each year the Mary Kay Foundation awards grant money directly to domestic violence shelters. Last year, $3 million in grants was awarded to 150 shelters throughout the nation.

Eligibility

Applicants operating emergency shelters (immediate overnight housing) for survivors of domestic violence are eligible to apply.

How to Apply For This Grant

So, the grant cycle opens each year in January and applications close at the end of April. However, the applicants will need to provide details about the services/programs offered, the population served, and other pertinent questions. Each shelter can attach a letter from a Mary Kay Independent Sales Force member to their grant application attachments.

Visit this Your Cause Grants page for the application process.

Avon Breast Cancer Safety Net Program

For the treatment of cancer, healthcare institutions and organizations may apply for up to $100,000. Your location will determine the deadline. Avon also provides millions of dollars in grants through its Speak Out Against Domestic Violence initiative.

J.Jill Compassion Fund Grants for Women

J. Jill, a fashion retailer, offers this grant to help organizations that assist homeless and disadvantaged women by offering job training, education, and affordable housing.

Visit the J. Jill page to learn more about it.

The Kroger Company Community Rewards and Grants for Women

Kroger grants can help local charities feed the hungry, stop breast cancer, and provide disaster relief services. You can also apply for this grant if you are a non-profit that helps women living near Kroger stores. This grant is open to all women.

Open Meadows Foundation

Open Meadows makes grants of up to $2000 available to projects that assist, and are led by, women and girls. The goal is to promote the following:

  • Gender
  • Economic justice
  • Racial justice. 

Open Meadows also prioritizes small organizations over larger ones.

How to Apply For This Grant

Applicants must submit their application, 501C3 tax letter, budget, and any other supporting materials for their proposal. The following are what you’ll need to pass to openmeadowsfdn@gmail.com in one PDF:

  1. Visit the Google Site of Meadow Foundation for the Cover Sheet 
  2. A project narrative should not exceed three pages which includes specific information about the project, the community where it will be conducted, and information about the organization.
  3. A detailed budget detailing the project, including income and expenses
  4. Budget for the organization, including income and expenses. If possible, please include a budget from the previous year.
  5. A copy of your organization’s tax-exempt letter from the IRS giving 501 (c)(3) status, or a copy of the tax-exempt letter from the IRS giving 501 (c)(3) status to the fiscal agent. Also, international proposals require a copy of the registration.
  6. A complete list of employees (full- and part-time), including race and ethnicity.
  7. The current board of directors includes race, ethnicity, and gender.
  8. All art projects should be supported by supporting material via PDF, video link, or other online access. However, only after the film/video has been completed, will film and video projects be considered.
  9. Materials or samples.

Federal Government Grants For Women

There are over 900 federal grant programs available to the U.S. Federal Government. These grants assist women who have specific needs or live in particular geographic areas. If the mission of your non-profit agency is to assist women

The Office of Public Health and Science Grants for Women

As someone who understands the importance of awareness and support for HIV-affected women, I can highlight the significance of The Office of Public Health and Science Grants For Women. HIV, a virus affecting the immune system, can lead to AIDS if not treated effectively. This is why I want to stress the value of raising awareness and offering proper medical care.

These government grants, with a minimum allocation of $300,000, fund crucial pilot programs aimed at supporting women living with HIV/AIDS or at risk. To enhance transparency, please refer to the official source for detailed program information and application procedures. 

The U.S. Agency for International Development 

I recognize the urgency addressed by the U.S. Agency for International Development. This grave human rights violation knows no boundaries—social, economic, or national. Shockingly, one in three women worldwide becomes a victim of physical or sexual abuse, causing profound harm to their dignity, safety, and autonomy. The devastating repercussions include unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, trauma fistula, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, and even loss of life.

To promote transparency, it’s crucial to provide direct links to the official grant information, which can be found on the agency’s website. The agency offers Government Grants For Women ranging from $300,000 to $500,000 to support innovative approaches aimed at combating gender-based violence. Their noble goal is not only to address this issue creatively but also to empower victims to speak out without fear. The grants focus on the Near East, Asia, and Africa.

The Employment and Training Administration

I’m well aware of the opportunities provided by The Employment and Training Administration as someone who has been involved in supporting women’s advancement in the workforce. Community-based organizations can secure grants of up to $300,000.00 to drive innovative projects focused on enhancing the recruitment, selection, and training of women in the construction sector. It’s essential to note that this program offers three awards, and detailed eligibility criteria and application processes can be found on the official program website.

Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

Valuing women’s economic empowerment and political engagement, I’d like to highlight the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs grants. These grants offer financial support of up to $150,000 to promote women’s economic empowerment and political participation. It’s important to note that a minimum of three awards are available for deserving initiatives. For precise eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and detailed program information, please refer to the official Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs website.

Small Business Administration Grants for Women

I’d like to emphasize the Small Business Administration Grants for Women: Entrepreneurship Grants for Women. These grants provide funding of up to $150,000 to establish new community-based women’s business centers (WBCs). These centers offer invaluable long-term support, including mentoring, counseling, and business skills training, catering to both new and established small businesses. It’s noteworthy that these resources are particularly beneficial for women facing economic or social disadvantages. For detailed program information, including eligibility and application procedures, please refer to the official Small Business Administration website. These grants offer up to 80 awards, presenting a significant opportunity for women entrepreneurs

Administration on Aging

Understanding the importance of comprehensive retirement planning assistance for women, I’d like to highlight the Administration on Aging’s grant program. They offer a substantial award of $240,000 to support programs dedicated to addressing the unique retirement planning needs of women. For detailed information about eligibility criteria, application procedures, and program objectives, please consult the official Administration on Aging website.

National Institutes of Health

As someone deeply engaged in research and advocacy for women’s mental health, I understand the significance of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants. These grants provide funding of $200,000 for exploratory/developmental (R21) research projects focused on understanding women’s mental health and exploring sex/gender differences in mental health across the lifespan. For researchers keen on contributing to this critical field, it’s vital to review the NIH’s official website for comprehensive details on application procedures, eligibility criteria, and project expectations.

Office of Public Health and Science

Having recognized the importance of HIV prevention programs for women, I want to emphasize the significance of the Office of Public Health and Science Grants for Women. Specifically, there are opportunities for HIV Prevention Programs for Women Living in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with grants offering up to $100,000 each. For those interested in contributing to this crucial cause, it’s essential to consult the official source for detailed information, including eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and the maximum number of available awards, which is four.

Lori Pace
Lori Pace

Lori Pace is a single mother of three daughters ages 7 and under. As a working mom from home, she balances kids, work and two crazy dogs with humor and love. Follow Lori as she honestly gives tips and advice based on her own experiences as a single mom!