Grant Overview

Amber Wigdahl died at nineteen before she could start her own business. In 1998, her family created the Amber Grant to honor her memory and help other women turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. I’ll be honest—when I first looked into this grant, I assumed it was just another monthly check. But then I discovered the structure. One application enters you for three separate $10,000 grants every month: the general Amber Grant, the Startup Grant (for businesses under $10,000 revenue), and a rotating Business Category Grant that changes monthly. Win any of those, and you’re automatically in the running for one of three $50,000 year‑end awards.

That’s up to $60,000 total potential from a single story‑based application. No business plan required. No financials. Just two short narratives and an optional 30‑second video. Sound like something you could write?

Key Grant Information

Active

16 days left

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Amber Grants by WomensNet

Funded by WomensNet

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Grant Snapshot

Grant Award

$10,000

Application Deadline

March 31, 2026 16 days left

Eligible Region

United States, Canada

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Eligibility and Benefits

Eligibility Criteria

• At least 51% women‑owned
• For‑profit business
• Based in US or Canada
• Founder 18 years or older
• Revenue‑generating nonprofits eligible (primary activity cannot be charitable giving)

Grant Benefits

• $10,000 monthly
• Three grants each month: general, startup, category
• Three $50,000 year‑end awards for monthly winners

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Focus Areas

grants for women owned businesses Amber Grant women small business grants

Quick check: do you qualify?

Not sure if your business meets the basic criteria? Use our eligibility checker – it’ll walk you through the core requirements in about two minutes. If you’re eligible, you can jump straight into the application with our experts. Still unsure? Talk to a consultant. And if it turns out this grant isn’t the right fit, don’t worry – we’ll point you to other opportunities below.

If the tool says you’re eligible, the next step is to start your application with Grantaura. We’ll help you craft a compelling story that matches exactly what WomensNet looks for. Not sure about something? Schedule a 1‑on‑1 consultation – we’ll review your situation. And if you’re not eligible, scroll down to the “More Grants” section – there are plenty of other funding options for women‑owned businesses.

The story behind the Amber Grant

Amber Wigdahl dreamed of starting her own business. She never got the chance. In 1998, her family created this grant to honor her memory and help other women turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. That origin isn't just a nice footnote – it shapes how winners are chosen. They're not looking for perfect financials or a five‑year growth projection. They want to see passion, purpose, and a clear vision for what you'll do with the money.

What you actually get – the three‑track system

Three $10,000 grants every month. That's $30,000 a month going to women‑owned businesses. The three tracks:

• General Amber Grant – any women‑owned for‑profit.
• Startup Grant – specifically for newer businesses (idea‑phase or under $10,000 revenue).
• Business Category Grant – the category rotates each month (past winners have included food & beverage, retail, services).

Apply once, and you're considered for all three. At the end of the year, three of the 36 monthly winners get an extra $50,000 each. So the total potential from a single application can reach $60,000 if you win monthly and then year‑end.

The $15 fee – let's talk about it

Yes, there's a $15 application fee. I know – fees on grants feel sketchy sometimes. But here's the thing: the founder of WomensNet said in a podcast that the fee exists specifically to “filter out folks who aren't serious.” With 500‑600 applications a month, that filter matters. It means the reviewers are spending time on people who've already shown commitment. So instead of thinking of it as a scam, think of it as a commitment test. And honestly, if you're serious about your business, $15 is a small price for a shot at $10,000.

The fee can be waived if it's a hardship. Just email info@ambergrantsforwomen.com with a brief explanation – they review waivers individually. If you need help drafting that request, our experts can assist when you start your application.

The insider edge: scoring and word limits

Most applicants never see this. The official application guide (I found a PDF) lays out exactly how they score:

• 40% – Business potential – Does your idea have legs? Can it grow?
• 30% – Impact of grant funds – What will $10,000 actually do for you? New equipment? Marketing? Hiring?
• 30% – Personal story / emotional appeal – This is where the Amber legacy comes in. They want to know you.

Word limits are tight: 500 words for your business description, 300 words for how you'd use the money. That's it. No business plan, no financials. So every word has to earn its place.

Knowing this changes how you write. You're not guessing what they want – you're aiming at a target. Compare that to other grants like the Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship, which requires a much longer application. The Amber Grant is about clarity and passion, not volume.

The optional video pitch (and why you should consider it)

According to a 2025 webinar with one of the judges, about 80% of winners include the optional 30‑second video. It doesn't need to be professionally produced – an iPhone video shot in your kitchen or workshop works. Judges prefer raw authenticity. The key? Hook them in the first five seconds. Show your product, your workspace, or yourself explaining your “why” concisely. Then briefly state what the grant will do for you. If you include a video, your odds improve significantly.

Not sure how to structure it? Our experts can review your clip for hook strength, clarity, and authenticity – the three things judges care about most.

Themed months – a hidden multiplier

Every month has a specific category. Apply in the month that matches your business, and your application stays eligible for that category for up to eleven months. Here’s the 2026 calendar:

If your business fits a category, you're automatically considered for that month’s Category Grant without reapplying. Most applicants miss this entirely – use it to your advantage.

Who qualifies? (layered eligibility)

This grant is designed for women‑owned businesses that meet a few clear criteria:

• 51% women‑owned – at least half the business is owned and controlled by women.
• For‑profit – non‑profits aren't eligible unless they are revenue‑generating (selling products/services) and not primarily charitable.
• Based in the US or Canada – that's the geographic boundary.
• Founder 18 or older – standard age requirement.

If you're in the US, you might also want to browse US Business Grants for other opportunities. For Canadian founders, the same location page has a Canada filter.

Application mechanics: what you'll need

The application is entirely online. You'll fill out two short narratives (with the word limits above) and you have the option to include a link to your website or social media and a 30‑second video. No attachments, no PDFs, no tax returns. After you submit by the monthly deadline (the last day of the month), five finalists are announced around the 15th of the following month, and the winner is announced by the 21st. The money lands in your account within 10 business days.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is the $15 fee really required?
A: Yes. It's non‑refundable and you pay it when you apply. The founder has said it's a “filter for seriousness” - it weeds out people who aren't genuinely committed. We've verified this through multiple sources, including the official guide and a podcast interview. Waivers are available via email.

Q: How many grants are given each month?
A: Three – one general, one startup, and one category grant. You're automatically considered for all three with one application.

Q: What's the year‑end grant amount?
A: Three of the monthly winners receive an additional $50,000. (Some older sources mention $25,000, but the official winners' blog for 2025 shows $50,000, so we're going with that. Total potential if you win monthly and year‑end is $60,000.)

Q: Can Canadian businesses apply?
A: Absolutely. The grant is open to both US and Canada‑based women-owned businesses.

Q: What's the deadline?
A: The next deadline is March 31, 2026. Applications close at 11:59 p.m. EST on the last day of each month.

Q: How do I make my application stand out?
A: Focus on the scoring weights: 40% business potential, 30% impact, 30% personal story. Be specific about what $10,000 will do, and connect it to your personal journey. Avoid generic phrases. If you want help, our full application writing service can craft a narrative that hits all the right notes.

Q: How many people apply each month?
A: The founder estimates 500‑600 applications per month. That sounds like a lot, but remember – most applicants don't have the insider info you now have.

Q: Are nonprofits eligible?
A: Revenue‑generating nonprofits are eligible, provided at least 51% women‑owned and not primarily charitable. If your nonprofit's main activity is giving away funds, you're not eligible.

Q: What happens to my application after the monthly cutoff?
A: For the general and Startup Grants, it expires. But your application remains in the pool for the Category Grant for up to eleven months, so you could win in a future month if your category matches.

Q: Is the Amber Grant a scam?
A: No. WomensNet is a legitimate organization founded in 1998 with an A+ BBB rating. The $15 fee is real, but you can request a waiver. Just beware of imposter sites like ambergrantfunding.com - the real program only uses ambergrantsforwomen.com.

Key terms explained

51% women‑owned

For this grant, at least 51% of the business must be owned, controlled, and operated by women. This is verified on the honor system, but they may ask for documentation if you're selected.

Scoring rubric

The internal guide WomensNet uses: 40% business potential, 30% impact of funds, 30% personal story. Not published on their site, but confirmed in the official application guide.

Word limits

500 words for your business description, 300 words for your funds usage plan. Exceed them and your application may be rejected.

Application fee

The $15 fee you pay at submission. It's non‑refundable and acts as a commitment filter. Waivable by email.

Year‑end grant

At the end of each calendar year, three of the 36 monthly winners receive an extra $50,000. This is separate from the monthly awards.

Themed months

Each month has a designated business category (e.g., STEM in September). Applying in your category’s month increases your odds.

Video pitch

An optional 30‑second video introducing your business. Judges prefer raw authenticity over polished productions.

Idea‑phase business

A business that’s not yet generating revenue (or under $10K in sales). The Startup Grant welcomes these applicants.

Advisory board

The group that reviews applications and selects winners based on the six public criteria (clarity, passion, market understanding, use of funds, viability, communication).

More grants for women‑owned businesses

The Amber Grant is a great starting point, but it's not the only game in town. If you're not a fit, or if you want to maximize your chances, check out these other opportunities. We've curated a list of grants specifically for women entrepreneurs – many with no fees and different focus areas.

For even more options, visit our grants for women-owned businesses category page.

How Grantaura can help you win

You've seen the scoring weights, the word limits, the volume of applicants. You know what WomensNet is looking for. But turning that knowledge into a winning application still takes work. That's where we come in.

• Application writing & review - Our experts can write or review your narrative, making sure every sentence serves a purpose. We know how to highlight business potential, frame impact, and weave in your personal story without wasting words. Learn more about our full application writing service.
• Expert consultation - Not sure if your story is strong enough? Schedule a 1‑on‑1 video call with a grant specialist. We'll review your draft and give you actionable feedback.
• Dashboard tracking - With monthly deadlines, it's easy to lose track. Add this grant to your Grantaura dashboard and get reminders before each deadline.
• Fee waiver assistance - If the $15 fee is a barrier, we can help you draft a waiver request email and submit it correctly.
• Video pitch feedback - Our experts review your 30‑second clip for hook strength, clarity, and authenticity – the three things judges care about most.

Ready to get started? Start Full Application Submission or Book Live Expert Consultation

About the author

I'm the founder of Grantaura, and I've spent the last several years helping small business owners navigate the confusing world of grants. I don't believe in fluff or generic advice – just honest, researched information that actually helps you decide. If you're serious about applying for the Amber Grant, I'd love to help. Read more about my approach or book a consultation.

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    "custom_description": "This fellowship offers $5,000 grants plus business education to women entrepreneurs with revenue-generating businesses. It's more intensive than the Amber Grant but shares the same audience. If you're ready for mentorship and a network, this is a strong complement."
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    "url": "https://grantaura.com/grant/ifundwomen-universal-grant/",
    "custom_description": "IFundWomen runs a no‑fee grant program for women‑owned businesses, often in partnership with corporations. Applications are shorter and the site also helps you crowdfund. A great alternative if the $15 fee gives you pause."
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    "custom_description": "A monthly $10,000 grant for early‑stage founders, including women. The application is also narrative‑based and the deadline is monthly. You could easily apply to both the Amber and Momentum grants in the same month."
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