Our Work / For Grantseekers

VGIF's application process for project grants to be awarded in April 2018 will begin on Monday, August 28, 2017. At that time, applicants will be able to access the online Letter of Intent (LOI) form on this webpage.

VGIF envisions a world where gender equality prevails and where women and girls can access or create opportunities for themselves and the greater community. We believe that investing in women-led grassroots initiatives can have a life-affirming impact that changes lives and empowers women and girls. Each year, VGIF awards single-year grants through an open call for applications, as well as multi-year (3 year) project grants by invitation only.

To date, VGIF has funded over 600 projects in 94 countries.
See all past grants

Project Spotlight: Uganda
Katosi Women Development Trust
Economic Development, Food Security, Agriculture

Criteria

WHO WE FUNDVGIF supports Community Based Organizatons (CBOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that are:
Governed and directed primarily by women
Grassroots and community-based. All project staff must be in-country.

VGIF does not fund individuals, religious organizations or political parties.

WHERE WE FUNDProjects located in all countries except the USA, Canada, and countries in Western Europe are eligible for funding.

WHAT WE FUNDVGIF supports projects that advance the rights of women and girls across a number of topic areas including, but not limited to:

Economic empowerment (i.e. income generating skills, revolving loans, financial literacy)
Health and wellness (i.e. nutrition, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, mental health)
Education (i.e. promoting STEM for girls, literacy, numeracy)
Women's legal rights (i.e. rights to land, inheritance, equal employment)

Participation of men and boys in projects is encouraged; however, VGIF funds projects that are designed to primarily benefit women and/or girls.

VGIF does NOT support any of the following:

Individual scholarships or tuition
The purchase of land or major construction projects
Organizations that discriminate against individuals or groups based on gender, age, race, caste, color, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation
The purchase of airline tickets and related expenses for international travel

Application Process for Single-Year Grants

At the moment, we are not accepting Letters of Intent or Applications. Our next application cycle will open on Monday, August 28th.

VGIF's application process begins with an Eligibility Quiz and Letter of Intent (LOI). The LOI helps us determine whether your organization and proposed project fit VGIF's criteria and mission. Applicants whose LOI is approved will be invited to submit a full application, also an online form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions about our grant process.

You can contact us with further questions at grants@vgif.org. Please make sure to read the information on our website first, as many answers to common questions are provided here.

Q. How can we get in touch with VGIF if we have a question?

A. You can contact us with questions regarding our grant process at: grants@vgif.org. Please make sure you read the information provided on the website first as many answers to common questions are provided there.

Q. My organization seems to fit VGIF’s criteria. How do I apply for a grant?

A. VGIF has a two-step process for grant applications. The first step is the Letter of Intent (LOI). To submit an LOI, follow the “Apply” link on the VGIF website and create an account.

Q. How long are VGIF grants?

A. Most VGIF grants are for one year. A limited number of grants are available for 3-year projects, by invitation only.

Q. Do we have to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to be considered for funding?

A. Yes. All interested applicants must complete this first step of the application process.

Q. Can I send VGIF my Letter of Intent (LOI) now?

A. VGIF only accepts LOIs during our open period, one time a year. The LOI start date and deadline is announced on our website. When the LOI is open, you will be able to submit through our online application system, which you'll access through our website.

Q. Can we submit more than one Letter Of Intent?

A. No. VGIF will only accept one Letter Of Intent per organization per funding year.

Q. When can I send my application to VGIF?

A. VGIF does not accept unsolicited applications. In order to be asked to submit an application you must first submit an LOI online (as described above.) If your LOI is approved VGIF will invite you to apply for funding.

Q. How long does the application process take?

A. The application process takes about 8 months.

Q. Can I submit my LOI or application in another language?

A. No. Currently, VGIF can only review application material written in English.

Q. How much funding can I request from VGIF?

A. The amount requested from VGIF must not exceed $7,500 USD.

Q. Must VGIF be a majority funder of the project?

A. Yes. VGIF funds must make up more than 50% of the total project cost.

Q. Can I use VGIF funding for operating or administrative costs?

A. Up to 10% of the total proposal budget may be used for administrative costs/ooperating expenses. Multi-year grants may include up to 20% of each annual budget for these costs.

Q. Can I save my proposal and finish it at a later date?

A. Yes, however, you must save often and be sure to save all sections before logging out of your account. You may log in as many times as you need before the deadline.

Q. Can I edit my application once it has been submitted?

A. No. Once an application is submitted there is no way to edit it, so be sure to review carefully before submitting. You may view your submitted application through your online account at any time, and can check the status of your application there as well.

Apply

The period to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to VGIF is currently closed.

When the LOI opens, it will be available here.

If you have questions about VGIF's criteria, timeline, or application process, please contact grants@vgif.org.