Achieving economic independence is a journey requiring many obstacles to be overcome. The continuum begins as a woman makes decisions to change her life. Once essential needs are met, a woman can focus attention on the permanent changes needed to become self-supporting and ultimately achieve economic independence.
The Rochester Women’s Giving Circle funds programs for women and/or girls who have taken action to stabilize their lives and the lives of their children and are on the path to achieving economic independence. We fund programs that prepare women and girls to become independent while also supporting a woman’s ability to sustain essential services as she progresses towards this goal.
For girls and young women, we fund programs that help them stay in school and build skills and self-confidence. Programs that serve males and females are eligible to apply as long as our funds are directed to the women and/or girls in the program.
To be eligible, organizations must be located in and serve women and/or girls in Monroe County. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) or 509(a)(1) status under the Internal Revenue code, or have a fiscal sponsor for this request.
Grant awards range up to $25,000. Recognizing that some projects take more than a year from start to finish, a timeframe of up to two years may be defined for successful implementation.
Agencies receiving a grant and/or delivering results over a two-year period may not apply for a grant during the second year of the two-year period.
We fund programs in any of the following areas:
- Education and Job-Training
- Money Management and Financial Literacy
- Life Skills and Job-Readiness Skills
- Leadership Opportunities
- Mentoring Programs
- Programs that Put Women to Work!
We do not fund requests for/from the following:
- Private foundations
- Political organizations and activities
- Capital campaigns and endowments
- Building improvements, furniture, fixtures or equipment
- Individuals and scholarships
- Programs requiring religious affiliation or membership
- Event sponsorship
