With the overarching goal of supporting the long-term economic independence of Essex County women and girls, each program applying for a grant must address at least one of the following priorities to be considered eligible for consideration: (1) Education and Career; (2) Health and Well-being, and (3) Economic Empowerment.

1. Education and Career Pathways[1]

These are programs that directly support and can lead to outcomes such as: high school and college completion, participating in advanced and/or STEM coursework, career pathway enrollment, and/or college/career preparation.

Examples of gender-sensitive programs that align with the Education and Career funding priority include:

• Career exploration and counseling

• Girls’ empowerment experiences

• Enriching out-of-school time activities

• Job-based youth summer opportunities

• School internships

• GED programs

• Basic literacy programs

• English language learning programs

• Tutoring programs

• Role models and mentors

2. Health and Well-being Pathways

These are programs that directly support and can lead to outcomes such as: physical health, mental health, affirming relationships, informed choice and decision-making, and substance free living.

Examples of gender-sensitive programs that align with the Health and Well-being Pathways funding priority include:

• Gender-sensitive health care and sex education

• Active movement and wellness activities

• Health education and access programs

• Health navigation support services

• Community-based counseling and support services

• Social and emotional learning activities

3. Economic Empowerment Pathways

These are programs that directly support and can lead to outcomes such as: financial self-sufficiency, ongoing workforce advancement opportunities, development of technical and soft skills, job preparedness, and teen labor force participation.

Examples of gender-sensitive programs that align with the Economic Empowerment Pathways funding priority include:

• Financial literacy programs

• Career counseling programs

• Job-change counseling

• Entrepreneurship opportunities

• Occupational exposure

• Role models and mentors

• Job training opportunities

• Apprenticeships

• Summer job programs

• Leadership Development programs

[1] The term “Pathways” in these guidelines refers to programs that directly link to outcomes that can put women and girls on a course to achieving economic security; an education/career progression; or the health/well-being necessary to achieving her goals.

We support non-profit organizations serving the residents of Essex County, MA. We prefer the organization to be based in Essex County, but it is not a requirement. Either way, grant funds must be spent within the County.

2026 Grantee Organizations receiving a multi-year grant as part of The Women’s Fund 2026 grant cycle are eligible to apply for funding again but only if applying for a different program.

The Grants Allocation Committee takes into consideration the size of the organization’s budget as well as the depth and breadth of the potential for impact of a grant from The Women’s Fund.

The Committee also considers the sustainability of the program being proposed.

Grants will not be awarded:

• To individuals

• To agencies with pending 501(c)3 status

• For debt or deficit reduction

• For political purposes

• For sectarian or religious purposes. Programs sponsored by religious organizations are eligible, provided that enrollment is open to all and the program does not include mandatory religious instruction, worship, or other sectarian activities

• For capital campaigns for buildings, land acquisition, or endowment

• For research or feasibility studies

The application is only available on-line. Organizations can create and save application drafts and make changes any time prior to submission. We archive all submitted applications, allowing grant writers to view their grant history with The Women’s Fund at any time.

To begin the application process, click on the following link.

Application Link

The Women’s Fund Grants Allocation Committee will carefully review applications beginning in late January and will schedule any necessary follow-up conference calls or in-person visits with qualifying non-profit organizations in February and March. The Committee will then make final funding decisions and present their recommendations for final approval by The Women’s Fund Advisory Board.

Grant Awards will be announced by April 30, 2027.

Grant winners will be required to submit a brief report on the use of the grant via an online reporting portal. There will be interim reports due each year in April with a final report due at the end of the 3-year grant period. We also request that The Women’s Fund logo be displayed on a grant winner’s website and be featured in any press release or any social media platform related to the grant.