Grassroots Women’s Organisations Can Apply for Spark Seed and Early-Stage Grants, 2019

Application for the Spark Seed and Early-Stage Grants 2019 for Women’s Organisations and Initiatives is now open. Spark provides seed, early-stage grants to grassroots women’s organisations and initiatives working to advance gender equality and the rights of women and girls in their communities (globally and in their US chapter regions: New York Metro and San Francisco Bay Area).

Spark advances gender equality by engaging the next generation in accessible forms of philanthropy. It envisions a world where gender equality exists. Where women lead solutions that impact them, gender norms are not the norm, and patriarchy is overturned.

Grant

The average grant amount is $3,000 to $5,000

Eligibility

Organisations that are eligible to apply must fall within these criteria;

Addresses root causes: Spark support organisations engaged in addressing the root causes of challenges that women and girls face, which can include but are not limited to gender norms, poverty, education, economic opportunities, and access to health resources.

Meets an unmet need: Spark looks for organisations that provide a service that is not currently available to women in that geographical area.

Employs norm shifting and innovative solutions: Spark prioritises organisations that use creativity to improve lives while challenging traditional norms and approaches.

Has leadership comprised primarily of local women: Spark specifically select organisations with leadership comprised of at least 50% of women from the community served.

Has a budget under $150,000: The organisation want to make a difference with our $3,000 to $5,000 grant, therefore, it supports only organisations with an annual operating budget under $150,000.

In addition to meeting the criteria above, organisations with the following characteristics may be given priority.

Belief in the Leader: As with most startup endeavours, Spark shows favourable consideration to strong, passionate, persevering leaders with qualities that make us believe they will make their initiative a reality.

Entrepreneurial Spirit: Spark believes in funding organisations that are “taking a chance” to improve their local communities.

First/Early Funder: Spark takes pride in being an early funder and being the “spark” for an organisation to achieve long term success.

Beyond the Dollar: Spark wants to give more than just money, but have organisations tap into its pool of diverse talent.

Application

Interested applicants can apply online on or before Sunday, June 1, 2019.

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