Apply for Women’s Empire EmpowerHer Fund Grant 2026

Application Deadline: June 1, 2026

About the Grant

The EmpowerHer Fund is a community-centered grant initiative managed by Women’s Empire. It is specifically designed to support grassroots, women-led projects across New York City that drive measurable and lasting benefits for women and girls. The Fund was established in response to significant funding disparities: women-led organizations receive less than two percent of all philanthropic funding, and Black women-led nonprofits receive under 0.5% of foundation funding. This grant aims to address such inequities by redirecting resources to those most engaged in on-the-ground, community-based efforts to improve economic and social outcomes for underserved populations. The purpose of the EmpowerHer Fund is to advance economic empowerment, promote leadership development, and catalyze community transformation.

Eligibility Requirements

The EmpowerHer Fund is open to:

• Women-led organizations
• Community groups
• Individual women entrepreneurs

Additional Requirements:

• Projects must be community-centered and located in New York City
• Projects must directly benefit women and/or girls
• Eligibility is not restricted by nonprofit or tax-exempt status – unregistered groups and individuals are welcome 

Priority Populations:

The Fund prioritizes grassroots efforts that center the needs of marginalized communities, including Black and Latina women and girls, who disproportionately experience poverty and lack access to critical resources.

Grant Benefits

• Grant Amount: $1,000 per proposal
• Distribution: Quarterly (awarded every three months)
• Grant Duration: Not specified
• Matching Requirement: No

The Fund is currently exploring additional revenue streams to increase the award pool in the future.

Focus Areas

Proposals must align with the Fund’s mission and strategic goals, addressing key issues such as :

• Education
• Health
• Entrepreneurship
• Advocacy

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Innovation – Creativity and uniqueness of the approach
• Sustainability – Potential for long-term impact
• Community impact – Measurable benefits for women and girls in NYC
• Alignment – Fit with the EmpowerHer Fund’s mission and strategic objectives
• Measurable objectives – Clarity of goals and outcomes
• Community engagement – Involvement of the community in project design and implementation

Why This Grant Matters

Women-led organizations receive less than two percent of all philanthropic funding, and Black women-led nonprofits receive under 0.5% of foundation funding. The EmpowerHer Fund directly addresses these inequities by redirecting resources to those most engaged in on-the-ground, community-based efforts. For women-led organizations, community groups, or individual entrepreneurs in New York City working on education, health, entrepreneurship, or advocacy, this grant offers flexible funding to support grassroots projects that make a tangible difference in the lives of women and girls.

How to Apply

Application Link: Click here to apply

Application Process:

1. Submit your proposal online via the Women’s Empire website
2. Plan your submission according to the quarterly grant schedule
3. Consult the FAQ section for detailed guidance on the process and deadlines

Important Notes:

• There are no limitations based on nonprofit status, institutional affiliation, or prior grant experience, making the fund especially accessible to emerging leaders and first-time applicants 
• The Fund is actively working to increase its financial pool through additional revenue streams, which may enhance the size and scope of funding available in the future 

Support the Fund: Women interested in supporting the grant program can join as Trustees of the EmpowerHer Fund, contributing their insights, networks, and expertise to the decision-making process. This opportunity enhances the participatory governance of the Fund and reinforces its commitment to collective leadership.

Sponsorship options include:

• $1,000 – Funds a quarterly grant to a woman-led business or project
• $500 – Supports workshop programs for aspiring women entrepreneurs
• $250 – Contributes to operational costs, outreach, and grant management
• $100 – Sponsors resources for one entrepreneur to refine her business plan

For More Information: Visit the Official Women’s Empire EmpowerHer Fund Page