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Step Further Fund

We are launching our first-ever Step Further Fund to seed bold, early-stage ideas from grassroots organizations and emerging leaders to create waves of change across the SouthCoast.

With $10,000 in mini-grants available in FY26, the Fund is designed as a pipeline for innovation — opening doors to groups we haven’t yet partnered with, testing new solutions, and creating opportunities for future deeper investment.

What the Fund Supports

In this first year, the Fund will accept applications for funding for activities such as:

  • Workshops or events that empower women, girls, and gender expansive individuals to advance gender, racial, and economic justice.
  • Leadership or professional development opportunities that strengthen grassroots capacity and emerging leaders working to advance gender, racial, and economic justice on the SouthCoast.

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding, your organization must satisfy the following minimum criteria:

  • Be a registered 501(c)(3) or have a fiscal sponsor that is a registered 501(c)(3)
  • You are not currently a grantee partner of the Women’s Fund SouthCoast (unless the request is for a new project outside the scope of your existing partnership).
  • You have not already received funding through the Social Innovation Fund this fiscal year (July 1st, 2025 – June 30th, 2026)
  • Have clearly defined mission statement and activities that demonstrate a strong commitment to gender, racial and economic justice.
  • Not have a religious or political affiliation as the Women’s Fund SouthCoast does not fund organizations of this nature.

Application Process

Requests of up to $2,500 may be submitted through our online application. All applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and we are committed to providing you a response within 30 business days. Funds will be disbursed via check within 7 business days after notification. Please do not call or email to check on the status of your application unless you have not heard from us within the timeframe above.

If you have any questions about the Step Further Fund or otherwise, please click the contact button above and we will respond as soon as we are able. Thank you for your commitment to advancing our mission on the SouthCoast – we look forward to collaborating with you!

About Us

We imagine a world in which women and girls are valued and their voices heard.

 

Our Impact

The success of women and girls ripples through the community to make a more just place for all.

Join Our Movement

Local women helping local women. We advocate, we advance. Our collective voice initiates change.

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