Grantmaking at Women’s Fund SouthCoast
We don’t just fund programs. We share power.
For more than 26 years, Women’s Fund SouthCoast has invested in community-rooted organizations advancing gender, racial, and economic justice.
Our grantmaking supports the people and organizations closest to the challenges—and helps strengthen the broader ecosystem working for long-term change.
How We Invest
Annual Community Grant Cycle
Our annual grant cycle supports organizations advancing gender, racial, and economic justice across the SouthCoast.
Community members and nonprofit leaders participate in the review process, helping ensure funding decisions reflect local knowledge and priorities.
Youth-Led Grantmaking
Through the Young Women’s Initiative, participants identify community priorities, review proposals, and decide how philanthropic resources should be invested.
In FY26, young philanthropists directed $20,000 to four community organizations.
Sponsorship and Innovation Fund
The Sponsorship and Innovation Fund provides smaller, responsive investments for emerging ideas, community education, events, and opportunities that fall outside our annual grant cycle.
Participatory Philanthropy
The people affected by funding decisions should have a role in making them.
Our approach is rooted in trust, shared decision-making, and community expertise.
We engage community members in grant review, give young people meaningful control over philanthropic resources, and prioritize relationships that extend beyond a single grant.
Our goal is simple: direct funding with communities, not simply to them.
Beyond the Grant
Strong movements need strong organizations.
Our support extends beyond grant dollars.
We connect grantee partners to:
- Peer learning and regional relationships
- Professional development and technical assistance
- Funders, community leaders, and broader networks
- Research, advocacy, and opportunities to elevate their expertise
These investments help strengthen a more connected and resilient nonprofit ecosystem across the SouthCoast.
Community Investment at Work
$120,600
$95,000
$20,000
$9,600
Different organizations. Distinct goals. One interconnected vision for justice.
Meet Our Current Grantees
Each year, we fund a dynamic cohort of organizations leading change in our communities. Scroll down to explore our most recent grantees and the transformative work they’re doing across the SouthCoast.
Future Grant Opportunities
Women’s Fund SouthCoast offers several pathways for community investment throughout the year.
Our annual community grant cycle is typically announced each February, with additional opportunities available through youth-led grantmaking and the Sponsorship and Innovation Fund.
In general, applicants should:
- Serve communities within the Women’s Fund SouthCoast service area
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or work with an eligible fiscal sponsor
- Align with our mission to advance gender, racial, and economic justice
Questions?
Audrey Straw, Research & Impact Manager
Email Audrey
Invest Locally. Build What Comes Next.
Every grant strengthens the people and organizations already working to make the SouthCoast more equitable.