Applications for Women and Girls Match Fund (United Kingdom)

The Women and Girls Match Fund supports UK-registered charities through a 7-day online campaign using a 1:1 match funding model. Eligible charities raising £500–£10,000 in public donations receive matched funds to strengthen digital fundraising and expand impact for women and girls.

Overview

The Women and Girls Match Fund is a targeted funding programme designed to support charities working to improve the lives of women and girls.

It combines match funding with digital fundraising training, enabling charities to increase donations, build online engagement, and address chronic underfunding in the women and girls sector.

Key Program Details

Funding Type: Match funding (1:1 model)
Campaign Duration: 7-day online fundraising campaign
Eligible Location: UK-registered charities (with possible international work)
Donation Target: £500 to £10,000
Match Limit: Up to 10% of annual income
Funding Use: Project costs or core organisational expenses

How the Match Funding Model Works

Key Concept: 1:1 Match Funding

Match funding means that every £1 donated by the public is matched with £1 from the fund, doubling the total funds raised.

How It Operates

Selected charities receive a ring-fenced match fund allocation
Charities run a 7-day online fundraising campaign
Public donations are made via a designated platform
Each eligible donation is matched in real time (until match funds are used)
Total funds raised = Public donations + Matched funding

This model increases urgency, donor engagement, and fundraising success.

Objectives of the Fund

The programme aims to:

Address underfunding in the women and girls sector
Strengthen digital fundraising capacity
Increase public awareness and donor engagement
Support organisations working with vulnerable and underrepresented groups
Promote a future where women and girls can thrive without limitations

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Organisations

UK-registered charities with recognised regulatory status
Organisations with a minimum annual income of £5,000
Charities working in the UK or internationally (with compliance safeguards)

Core Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Have a clear mission focused on women and girls
Demonstrate impact on:
- Vulnerable
- Disadvantaged
- Underrepresented groups
Show alignment through:
- Governance
- Leadership
- Beneficiary focus

Priority Groups

Higher consideration is given to charities led by:

Black and minoritised women and girls
LGBTQI women and girls
Disabled women and girls

What Activities Are Supported?

Funding can be used for:

Specific projects benefiting women and girls
Core operational costs (staff, delivery, outreach)
Capacity building in fundraising and engagement

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

Confirm eligibility (registration, income, mission alignment)
Define a fundraising target between £500 and £10,000
Ensure requested match funding is within 10% of annual income
Prepare application including:
- Organisational mission and impact
- Target beneficiaries
- Fundraising plan
Submit application through the official campaign platform
If selected, prepare for the 7-day campaign with marketing and outreach
Launch campaign and engage donors to unlock match funding

Why This Fund Matters

This initiative is important because it:

Tackles systemic underfunding in the women and girls sector
Encourages sustainable fundraising practices
Builds digital confidence and capability in charities
Amplifies impact through matched public donations

It not only provides funding but also strengthens long-term fundraising skills.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Setting unrealistic fundraising targets
Weak or unclear campaign messaging
Not preparing a donor engagement strategy
Requesting match funds beyond the allowed limit
Failing to demonstrate clear impact on women and girls

Practical Tips

Create a strong storytelling campaign
Engage supporters before the campaign begins
Use social media and email outreach actively
Clearly explain how donations will be used
Track progress daily during the campaign

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the minimum and maximum fundraising target?

Charities must aim to raise between £500 and £10,000.

2. How does match funding work?

Each £1 donated by the public is matched with £1 from the fund, doubling the impact.

3. Can charities working internationally apply?

Yes, if they are UK-registered and comply with safeguarding regulations.

4. Is there a limit on match funding?

Yes, requested match funding must not exceed 10% of the organisation’s annual income.

5. What can the funding be used for?

Both project-specific activities and core organisational costs.

6. Who gets priority?

Charities led by Black and minoritised, LGBTQI, and Disabled women and girls.

7. What is the duration of the campaign?

The fundraising campaign runs for 7 days.

Conclusion

The Women and Girls Match Fund offers a powerful opportunity for UK charities to double their fundraising impact while building long-term digital fundraising skills. Through its 1:1 match funding model, the programme not only provides financial support but also strengthens visibility, engagement, and sustainability for organisations working with women and girls.

Charities that prepare strong campaigns, set realistic goals, and clearly communicate their impact are best positioned to maximise this opportunity.