Grants for Minority Women

Having previously been neglected by funding agencies, there are now many wonderful organizations and grant programs available to women, especially minority women. The financial assistance takes many forms, including scholarships and business grants.

While there is a need to be cautious as to where you look for this funding due to many fraudulent "free money" sites, there are many valid and legitimate agencies that truly exist in order to advance the educational and professional goals for minority women.

A great example is the Open Meadows Foundation. The OMF is a grant-making entity, and their strict focus is on projects that are led by, and aimed at benefiting, females. In order to qualify for funding, the project or organization must be primarily led by and/or organized by women or girls; if not, it will not be considered.

To be considered for funding, the project must also:

Be created and put into play by women and girls
Reflect the diversity of the community in which the project serves
Promote the increase of community power
Promote gender, racial, social, economic, and/or environmental justice; and
Have either limited financial access or have reached obstacles in the search for funding.

The awards from this Foundation are not for individuals, nor are they for education (such as scholarships etc...). Organizations must not be religious or faith-based, and must have an income of less than $150,000 to be considered. The OMF also does not fund research, for-profit business, educational institutions, or any governmental agencies.

The funding is strictly for non-profit organizations or projects that are solely created by females in order to benefit females.

Following their set guidelines for the general funds, there is also special funding for certain targeted groups and projects. One such special fund is the Kologi Sports and Recreation Fund which is built to encourage women and girls to become active in sporting and recreation. Another special fund is the Edie Windsor Fund for Older Lesbians, which supports projects concerning lesbian rights and activism, and were created by lesbians aged 60 or older. These are only two of the special funds available through the OMF.

You can find more information on this foundation at Open Meadows Foundation.