Grantseeker FAQs
Do you accept unsolicited applications?
No, Women First does not currently accept unsolicited applications. Grant candidates are identified through our extensive network. See Our Application Process for more information.
What is Women First’s decision making process?
In order to select partners that will benefit most from our unique grantmaking program, Women First’s Grants and Learning committee reviews Candidate Profiles for funding criteria, priorities, mission alignment, and fit with our grantmaking strategy. We are guided by the diverse expertise of these committee members; a group made up of activists, academics, and thought leaders from diverse geographies, backgrounds, and lived experiences, including the experience of being a previous grantee partner of WF.
Candidates are selected by the Grants and Learning committee, and these organizations are invited to submit applications, which staff review in a collaborative approach with applicants. Following a due diligence process, grants are confirmed by Grants and Learning and Women First’s Board of Directors.
What are Women First’s reporting requirements?
Grantee partners commit to measure and report annually on 2 indicators appropriate to their programmatic strategy, ideally selecting from a list of core indicators provided as a menu of options and drawn from the literature on measuring Women’s Economic Empowerment.
What networking opportunities exist for Women First grantee partners?
We believe in the power of collaboration and networks, and partner with groups who share this enthusiasm. We offer an online community forum for networking, organize network visits and convenings, and make recommendations to other funders.
How does Women First strengthen organizations through partnership?
We believe that the strength and sustainability of grantee partner organizations is just as important as the programs they implement. We are committed to supporting capacity strengthening. Currently, our funding plus model includes the following, and is growing!
Flexible funds that can be used for core and admin needs
Long-term granting, enabling partners to plan well into the future
Assessment and planning tools, such as WF’s Grassroots Organizational Assessment Tool (GrOCAT)
Slack partner portal that houses resources, practical tools, and peer learning
Training and coaching on priority topics, such as resource mobilization and MEL. These opportunities include one-on-one support. Women First staff have reviewed partners’ funding proposals to prospective donors, given feedback on data reports and MEL tools, made introductions to new potential funding sources, connected grantee partners to experts as mentors, and other opportunities.
Convenings and learning exchange visits (virtual and in-person)
Opportunities for partners to increase visibility and access spaces where they can use their voices, such as at the United Nations