Women’s Fund Grant

The Women’s Fund Grant is administered by the Richland County Foundation, a community foundation dedicated to improving quality of life in Richland County, Ohio through strategic philanthropy and partnerships with nonprofit organizations. The Women’s Fund itself was established in 1996 with the specific purpose of promoting philanthropy among women and building a permanent endowment to support programs that benefit women and girls. Over time, the fund has focused on fostering long-term, sustainable improvements across multiple dimensions of well-being, including economic, educational, social, and personal development. The primary purpose of the Women’s Fund Grant is to support programs and projects that empower women and girls in Richland County to achieve their full potential. The fund prioritizes initiatives that address both immediate needs and systemic challenges, reflecting a mission centered on advancing growth across economic, educational, physical, emotional, social, artistic, and personal domains. Grants are awarded to innovative programs that demonstrate the potential to create meaningful and lasting change within the community. Funding provided through this grant is restricted to direct programming costs. The foundation explicitly excludes the use of grant funds for regular staffing expenses, operational overhead, or occupancy-related costs such as rent or utilities. This restriction indicates a strong emphasis on programmatic impact rather than general organizational support. Applicants are encouraged to consult directly with foundation staff prior to submission to refine their funding request and ensure alignment with typical award sizes and program expectations. The average grant award is approximately $5,000, though applicants are advised to discuss the appropriate request amount with foundation representatives before applying. While total program funding and the number of awards are not specified, the guidance suggests a modest, community-focused grantmaking approach intended to support multiple initiatives. There is no indication of a required cost-sharing or matching component, making the funding accessible to organizations without additional financial leverage requirements. Eligibility is implied to include nonprofit organizations serving Richland County, particularly those delivering programs that directly benefit women and girls. While specific tax status requirements such as 501(c)(3) designation are not explicitly stated, the foundation’s general grantmaking practices and partnership language strongly indicate that nonprofit organizations are the primary eligible applicants. Programs must be locally focused, as the funding is intended exclusively for initiatives that serve residents of Richland County. The application process includes a defined annual deadline of September 1 for submissions. Although the application opening date is not specified, the recurring annual deadline indicates a structured grant cycle. Award recipients are required to submit a final report by August 1 following the grant period, suggesting a performance and accountability framework tied to program outcomes. Additional details regarding application components, evaluation criteria, or submission platforms are not provided in the source material, but applicants are encouraged to engage with foundation staff for guidance. The Women’s Fund Grant operates on an annual cycle and is part of a broader ecosystem of grant opportunities offered by the Richland County Foundation. The fund also engages the community through philanthropic initiatives, donor programs, and recognition efforts such as the JoAnn Dutton Volunteer Community Service Award. The foundation can be contacted at its Mansfield, Ohio office via phone for further information, reinforcing its role as a locally embedded grantmaking institution focused on collaborative community impact.

Consult with foundation staff prior to applying to determine appropriate request amount and ensure funding is strictly for direct programming costs.