A practical guide to grants for women-led nonprofits and women-focused programs, foundation funders, federal opportunities, and corporate giving.
2025–2026 STATUS UPDATE: Title X (federal family planning) funding has been disrupted. In April 2025 HHS withheld $65.8M from 16 of 86 Title X grantees; funds were restored in December 2025 after litigation. The HHS Office of Population Affairs (OPA), which administers Title X, has been effectively shut down (KFF Health News). FY 2026 budget proposes eliminating the program. Verify current status at HHS OPA.
Women-led organizations and women’s-focused programs have a substantial foundation funder base, plus federal support through women-specific competitions and equity-focused programs.
TL;DR
- Who funds women’s work? Women’s funds, mainstream foundations (Ford, MacArthur, OSF), federal programs (DOJ OVW, SBA WBC), community foundations, corporates.
- Who can apply? Women-led nonprofits, women’s organizations, anti-violence programs, small business support, reproductive health, women in STEM.
- What gets funded? Anti-violence, leadership and economic empowerment, reproductive health, women in nontraditional occupations, women’s funds.
Major Women’s Funders
- Women’s Funding Network and member women’s funds.
- Global Fund for Women.
- Ms. Foundation for Women.
- NoVo Foundation historically.
- Tides Foundation.
- Walmart Foundation Women’s Economic Empowerment.
- Hilton Foundation.
Mainstream Foundations With Women’s Programs
- Ford Foundation.
- MacArthur Foundation.
- Open Society Foundations.
- Carnegie Corporation of New York.
Federal Funding
DOJ Office on Violence Against Women. VAWA-authorized programs.
DOL WANTO (Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations).
HRSA maternal-child health and women’s health.
ACF Family Violence Prevention and Services.
What Gets Funded
- Anti-violence and survivor services.
- Reproductive health and rights.
- Women’s economic empowerment.
- Women in nontraditional occupations.
- Women’s leadership development.
- Maternal-child health.
- STEM and tech for women and girls, see grants for STEM education.
See also small business grants for women.
How Grantboost Helps
Grantboost surfaces women-focused funding across foundations, federal, and corporate sources, with drafts in your organization’s voice (see training AI on your past proposals).
Read next:
- 12+ Small Business Grants for Women (Available in 2025)
- Empowering Black Women Entrepreneurs
- Grants for LGBTQ+ Organizations
Further Reading
- Small Business Administration
- SBA Women’s Business Centers
- Minority Business Development Agency
- Global Fund for Women
- Grants.gov (federal funding portal)
Disclaimer: Grant programs, eligibility rules, deadlines, and policies vary by region and change frequently. The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current rules in your area. Always consult a local grant writer or qualified expert in your region for advice specific to your organization, project, and jurisdiction.