Women’s Fund 2026

The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio is a nonprofit philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing gender equity and improving outcomes for women and girls across Central Ohio. As a 501(c)(3) organization, it operates with a trust-based philanthropy model that emphasizes long-term partnerships, capacity building, and reducing administrative burden for grantees. Rather than focusing solely on financial transactions, the organization prioritizes collaborative relationships and supports grantees through additional opportunities that strengthen organizational effectiveness and community impact. The primary purpose of this grant program is to fund organizations that drive systemic social change benefiting women and girls. The funder identifies five core priority areas that guide its investments: civic engagement and movement building, health and health education, leadership and empowerment, social safety net and care economy, and wealth building and career advancement. These priorities reflect a commitment to addressing structural inequities and empowering women and girls to influence policy, improve health outcomes, access economic opportunities, and strengthen community systems. Funding is intended to support programs and initiatives that align with these priorities and demonstrate measurable positive impact. While the maximum grant amount available is stated as up to twenty thousand dollars, the organization does not provide detailed information about minimum award levels or total program funding. Funds are restricted from use in several areas, including political campaigns, religious promotion, capital campaigns, fundraising event sponsorships, and individual scholarships. Additionally, organizations that are not inclusive of LGBTQIA plus individuals or that restrict reproductive rights are not eligible for funding, reinforcing the funder’s commitment to equity and inclusion. Eligibility requirements specify that applicants must be nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or operate under a fiscal sponsor. Organizations must serve women and girls within designated Central Ohio counties, including Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, and Union. Applicants must also demonstrate alignment with the funder’s priorities, apply a gender lens to their work, address at least one defined social change shift, and show meaningful impact on marginalized communities. The application process is structured in multiple stages, beginning with a Letter of Intent submission. This initial step is reviewed for eligibility and alignment, and only selected applicants are invited to submit a full application. The funder provides support through webinars and office hours to assist applicants in preparing their submissions. Applications that advance are reviewed during a Community Grant Review Day, where trained reviewers score proposals. High scoring applications proceed to a Grants Committee review, followed by a Board of Directors vote that finalizes funding decisions. The 2027 grant cycle includes a defined timeline beginning with the opening of the Letter of Intent on June 15, 2026, and closing on July 15, 2026. The full application process begins in early August, with final submissions due on September 11, 2026. Community review takes place in October, after which decisions are made and publicly announced. The process reflects a participatory and transparent approach, incorporating diverse perspectives in evaluation and emphasizing fairness and community engagement. While the program appears to operate annually, applicants are encouraged to reapply in subsequent cycles as part of an ongoing funding opportunity.

A virtual webinar and office hours are offered to guide applicants.