Request for Applications: Core Grants Program in United States

The Core Grants Program is accepting applications from U.S.-based organizations working to strengthen women’s and girls’ safety, leadership, participation, and gender equity through collaborative and research-driven approaches. In 2026, the programme will award three grants of USD 120,000 each, distributed over three years at USD 40,000 annually.

Eligible organizations must have annual operating budgets between USD 250,000 and USD 5 million and hold 501(c)(3) nonprofit status or operate through a fiscal sponsor.

Overview of the Core Grants Program

The Core Grants Program supports organizations implementing sustainable, community-based initiatives that improve opportunities and outcomes for women and girls.

The programme places strong emphasis on collaboration, evidence-based approaches, and community engagement to address challenges affecting women and girls and to promote inclusive participation in society.

The programme supports:

Women’s leadership development
Community empowerment
Gender equity initiatives
Research-informed advocacy
Collaborative action
Public education efforts
Safer and more inclusive communities

Programme Objectives

The initiative aims to:

Advance women’s and girls’ safety
Promote leadership and participation
Support gender equity efforts
Encourage collaborative approaches
Strengthen research-based advocacy
Expand community education initiatives
Build more inclusive communities

Key Focus Areas

1. Collective Approaches and Collaboration

The programme prioritizes organizations working collaboratively to increase impact and share expertise.

Examples include:

Strategic partnerships
Coalition initiatives
Shared resource models
Cross-sector collaborations

2. Research and Advocacy Integration

Organizations should use evidence and research to inform policy discussions and solutions.

Examples:

Policy research
Data collection initiatives
Advocacy campaigns
Community assessments

3. Community Education and Empowerment

Projects should increase awareness and encourage community engagement around women’s rights and equity issues.

Examples include:

Public education programmes
Community workshops
Leadership initiatives
Awareness campaigns

Funding Information

Grant Value

Selected organizations will receive:

USD 120,000 total funding

Funding distribution:

USD 40,000 per year
Duration: 3 years

Number of Awards

Three organizations will receive grants in 2026.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must meet organizational and legal requirements.

Eligible Organizations

Applicants must:

Be based in the United States
Hold 501(c)(3) nonprofit status or have a fiscal sponsor
Maintain annual budgets between:
- USD 250,000
- USD 5 million

Organizations should demonstrate work aligned with women’s rights and gender equity goals.

Ineligible Uses of Funding

Grant funding cannot be used for:

Capital campaigns
Partisan political activities
Individual sponsorships

Why This Grant Matters

Women and girls continue to face barriers related to safety, representation, leadership opportunities, and equity.

The programme helps:

Strengthen community leadership
Support evidence-based solutions
Increase public awareness
Expand collaborative impact
Improve gender inclusion
Promote sustainable social change

The long-term goal is to create environments where women and girls can participate fully and safely in society.

How to Apply

Step 1: Review Programme Priorities

Confirm that your organization aligns with:

Women’s safety
Leadership development
Gender equity
Community engagement
Research and advocacy

Step 2: Develop a Strong Project Strategy

Clearly define:

Programme goals
Target population
Expected impact
Collaboration strategy

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Information

Include:

Organizational background
Budget information
Financial records
Programme activities
Partnership details

Step 4: Demonstrate Research and Community Impact

Explain:

Evidence supporting the initiative
Community needs
Data-driven approach
Expected outcomes

Step 5: Submit the Application

Complete and submit the application according to programme guidelines.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Weak Collaboration Models

The programme prioritizes collective approaches and partnerships.

2. Limited Evidence-Based Planning

Applications should demonstrate use of research and data.

3. Generic Community Impact Statements

Provide measurable and specific outcomes.

4. Budget Mismatch

Ensure organizational budgets fall within eligibility requirements.

5. Proposing Ineligible Activities

Avoid including restricted uses of funding.

Tips for a Strong Application

Demonstrate community impact with evidence
Show meaningful partnerships
Explain long-term sustainability
Include measurable outcomes
Highlight leadership and equity goals
Present realistic implementation plans

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Core Grants Program?

It is a funding initiative supporting U.S.-based organizations advancing women’s and girls’ safety, leadership, and gender equity.

2. How much funding is available?

Each selected organization receives USD 120,000 over three years, distributed at USD 40,000 annually.

3. How many grants will be awarded?

Three organizations will receive grants in 2026.

4. Who can apply?

U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsorship and annual budgets between USD 250,000 and USD 5 million may apply.

5. Can organizations use funding for political activities?

No. Funding cannot support partisan political activities.

6. Does the programme prioritize collaboration?

Yes. Collaborative strategies and shared expertise are key priorities.

7. Can funding support capital campaigns?

No. Capital campaigns are not eligible for funding.

Conclusion

The Core Grants Program provides long-term funding support for organizations working to improve the lives of women and girls through collaborative action, community empowerment, and evidence-based advocacy. By supporting sustainable initiatives and collective approaches, the programme contributes to stronger, safer, and more equitable communities.