Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Maypole Fund provides grants of up to £1,000 to support feminist activism that challenges militarism, war, the arms trade, nuclear weapons, and related forms of violence. The fund supports creative, non-violent projects led by individual feminists and feminist groups that promote peace, disarmament, and social justice through a feminist perspective.
About the Maypole Fund
The Maypole Fund is a volunteer-run grant-making organization dedicated to supporting feminist initiatives that oppose militarism, war, and violence in all their forms. The fund provides financial assistance to individuals and feminist groups working to create peaceful alternatives to conflict and militarization.
The organization emphasizes grassroots activism, creative expression, political engagement, and community-based action. Projects must clearly demonstrate a feminist approach and remain entirely non-violent.
Funding Focus Areas
The Maypole Fund supports projects that address:
- Militarism and military violence
- War and armed conflict
- The global arms trade
- Nuclear weapons and weapons systems
- Disarmament policies and initiatives
- Peacebuilding and conflict prevention
- Feminist peace activism
- Women’s leadership in peace and justice movements
- Campaigns promoting peace with justice
- Community-based anti-war initiatives
Grant Amount
Successful applicants can receive:
- Grants of up to £1,000
- Funding for specific project activities and initiatives
- Support for creative, educational, advocacy, and direct-action projects
Funding is intended for approved project activities and cannot be used for unrelated expenses.
Who Is Eligible?
The fund welcomes applications from:
- Individual feminists
- Feminist groups
- Grassroots activists
- Women’s peace organizations
- Community-based feminist initiatives
- Campaign groups working on peace and disarmament issues
Applicants must demonstrate:
- A clear feminist perspective
- A commitment to non-violent action
- Alignment with the fund’s objectives
- A project that has not yet started before funding approval
Eligible Activities
Examples of activities that may be supported include:
- Peace campaigns
- Anti-war advocacy initiatives
- Educational workshops and awareness activities
- Creative activism projects
- Public engagement campaigns
- Community organizing efforts
- Feminist research and advocacy connected to peace and disarmament
- Direct non-violent action addressing militarism and violence
Ineligible Activities and Expenses
The Maypole Fund does not support:
- Ongoing organizational running costs
- Recurring staff salaries
- Office rent and administrative overheads
- Undergraduate studies
- Graduate studies
- Economic development projects
- Private business investments
- Conferences attended by individuals from the Global North
- Study visits by individuals from the Global North
- Activities that have already started before funding approval
Why This Funding Matters
Militarism and armed conflict disproportionately affect women and marginalized communities. The Maypole Fund provides resources for feminist activists working to challenge systems of violence and promote peaceful alternatives.
Key benefits include:
- Supporting grassroots feminist leadership
- Encouraging creative and innovative activism
- Strengthening peace and disarmament movements
- Expanding public awareness of militarization issues
- Providing accessible funding for small-scale initiatives
- Promoting non-violent social change
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Develop a project that addresses militarism, war, disarmament, or peacebuilding through a feminist perspective.
- Ensure the proposed activity is entirely non-violent.
- Confirm that the project has not started before the funding decision.
- Prepare a clear description of the project’s objectives, activities, and expected outcomes.
- Explain how feminist principles guide the proposed work.
- Submit the application according to the fund’s requirements.
- Wait for the grant decision before beginning project activities.
Grant Recipient Responsibilities
Successful applicants are expected to:
- Use funds only for the approved activity
- Begin activities after funding approval
- Complete the funded project as proposed
- Submit a report within six months of project completion
- Explain project outcomes and expenditure in the final report
- Acknowledge the Maypole Fund’s support in publications, websites, and project materials whenever possible
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve the likelihood of success:
- Clearly explain the feminist framework of the project.
- Demonstrate how the activity challenges militarism or violence.
- Show the project’s relevance to the local community.
- Emphasize creativity and innovation.
- Provide realistic goals and achievable outcomes.
- Ensure all proposed activities are non-violent.
- Present a clear and transparent budget.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a project that has already started.
- Failing to explain the feminist perspective.
- Requesting funding for organizational overhead costs.
- Including activities that do not align with anti-militarism objectives.
- Applying for educational degree programs.
- Requesting support for private business ventures.
- Proposing activities that involve violence or aggressive tactics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum grant amount available?
The Maypole Fund provides grants of up to £1,000 for eligible projects.
Who can apply for funding?
Individual feminists, feminist groups, grassroots activists, and organizations working on peace, anti-war, and disarmament initiatives may apply.
Does the project need to have a feminist focus?
Yes. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how feminist principles inform and guide the proposed activity.
Can projects already in progress receive funding?
No. The fund only supports projects that have not started before the grant decision is made.
Are non-violent campaigns eligible?
Yes. The fund specifically supports non-violent activism, campaigns, educational initiatives, and direct actions.
Can funding be used for salaries or office rent?
No. The fund does not cover recurring salaries, office rental expenses, or general organizational running costs.
What reporting requirements apply to grant recipients?
Recipients must submit a report within six months of project completion detailing project outcomes and how the funding was used.
Conclusion
The Maypole Fund provides accessible financial support for feminist activists and organizations working to challenge militarism, war, and violence through peaceful and creative action. By funding grassroots initiatives that promote disarmament, peacebuilding, and social justice, the fund helps strengthen feminist movements working toward a more peaceful and equitable world.
For more information, visit The Maypole Fund.