Women and Girls in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

The Fund for Women and Girls is a field-of-interest fund administered by the Princeton Area Community Foundation, with a mission to improve the lives of economically vulnerable women and children in greater Mercer County, New Jersey. Established in 1998, the Fund represents a diverse collective of community members who pool resources to invest in nonprofits that provide critical support services across a range of sectors including health, education, economic stability, and safety. It operates under the Community Foundation's administrative oversight but is governed by a Grants Committee comprised of voting members. This committee manages the application review process, conducts virtual site visits, and selects finalists for funding decisions. Final selections are voted on by the Fund’s membership, reflecting a deeply collaborative model of philanthropic engagement. The Fund prioritizes inclusive and equitable investments and supports organizations that demonstrate cultural competence, a strong understanding of local diversity, and an intent to expand access to underserved groups. Priority is given to projects that directly support women and children, particularly those living in poverty or facing systemic barriers. Grantees are expected to engage in work that offers early childhood education, childcare, women’s health services including prenatal care, leadership and mentoring for girls, workforce development for women, and family support services. Physical and mental health programs, including those with multilingual and culturally tailored approaches, are also eligible. Proposals may include capital projects where appropriate, and multi-year grants—up to three years—are possible at the discretion of the Grants Committee. Applications for the 2026 cycle opened on March 26, with a virtual information session scheduled for April 16 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Attendance is encouraged but not mandatory. Completed applications must be submitted electronically by May 14 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Proposals received after the deadline or missing required components will not be reviewed. Required documentation includes a project description, budgets, IRS Form 990, audited financials, strategic plan, and additional organizational materials. Applications must clearly describe the project's target population, operating budget, rationale, collaborators, success metrics, and timeframes. Eligibility is limited to organizations with 501(c)(3) status that operate within the defined geographic footprint of the Princeton Area Community Foundation. This includes Mercer County and select adjacent municipalities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Applicants must also be registered charities in good standing with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. Organizations currently holding a multi-year grant from the Fund are ineligible to apply for new funding during the active grant period. Projects must fall strictly within the Foundation’s service region; statewide or national organizations may apply only if they meet strict criteria for local presence and impact. Grants are awarded following a thorough review and interview process, and notifications of decisions are typically sent out in October. A formal grantmaking celebration is scheduled for October 29, 2026. Successful applicants must use awarded funds solely for the approved purposes detailed in their application. Significant changes in project scope or budget must be reported to the Community Foundation promptly. Grantees are also required to submit a narrative update evaluating project outcomes, lessons learned, and future steps. This follow-up may include financial and performance data and is a requirement for continued eligibility in future funding cycles. The Fund emphasizes transparency and accountability, with grantees expected to publicize their awards through various communications. For further support, applicants may contact Gabrielle Markand, Senior Director of Philanthropy, at the Princeton Area Community Foundation. Her direct contact information is provided on the foundation’s website. The Fund for Women and Girls offers not just funding but an opportunity to join a broader movement of community-led change aimed at lifting up women and children throughout greater Mercer County.

Strong proposals align with local needs, have measurable outcomes, and demonstrate board commitment; ensure full application completeness to avoid disqualification.