EmpowerHer Fund: Quarterly $1,000 Grants for Women Entrepreneurs in NYC

Grant Overview

Unlock $1,000 Quarterly: EmpowerHer Fund for NYC Women-Led Ventures & Community Projects

Donor: Women’s Empire

About: The EmpowerHer Fund, an initiative by Women’s Empire, is committed to fostering the growth and impact of women entrepreneurs across New York City. This quarterly grant program is designed to elevate innovative business concepts and community-focused projects that empower women and catalyze positive, sustainable change within their local neighborhoods. Recognizing that women-owned businesses are a vital part of the U.S. economy, making up 40% of all businesses and employing nearly 12.2 million people, the EmpowerHer Fund aims to provide essential seed funding. If you are a woman spearheading a project or organization with a clear vision for impact in NYC, this grant offers a valuable opportunity. For those in the early stages of shaping their ventures, Grantaura provides expert business plan development services to help you articulate your mission and strategy effectively.

At its heart, the EmpowerHer Fund champions economic empowerment, leadership cultivation, and community revitalization throughout New York City’s five boroughs. The fund welcomes proposals for a wide array of initiatives that tackle critical societal issues. These include, but are not limited to, projects centered on education and leadership development, health and wellness, entrepreneurship and business development, and advocacy against violence. The overarching objective is to invest in ventures that not only achieve commercial viability but also make substantial contributions to the social and economic fabric of their communities. Exploring resources for community development financial institutions (CDFIs) can also provide insights into broader community support mechanisms.

The application process for the EmpowerHer Fund is designed for accessibility, with all proposals submitted electronically via the Women’s Empire website. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to thoroughly review the frequently asked questions (FAQ) section on the donor’s site, which offers comprehensive guidance on proposal requirements, eligibility, and crucial submission timelines. This preparation ensures applicants have a clear understanding of the fund’s priorities and facilitates a smoother application experience. For additional support in navigating the grant landscape, Grantaura’s grant writing services can assist in crafting compelling proposals.

Fostering Impactful Change in NYC Neighborhoods

The EmpowerHer Fund is specifically looking for projects poised to make a significant and positive difference in the lives of women and girls within New York City, or those that contribute broadly to robust community development. The evaluation of proposals is meticulous, focusing on several core criteria: the innovativeness of the proposed idea, the project’s potential for long-term sustainability, its anticipated community impact, and its direct alignment with the mission and strategic goals of the EmpowerHer Fund. This rigorous selection process ensures that funded projects are not only promising but are also strategically positioned to achieve meaningful and measurable outcomes. Entrepreneurs seeking funding within this vibrant city can also explore other New York City grants listed on Grantaura.

More Than Money: Joining a Movement

While the tangible benefit is a $1,000 quarterly grant, the EmpowerHer Fund offers more than just financial backing; it is an invitation to become part of a dynamic movement dedicated to empowering women and transforming New York City communities. Furthermore, Women’s Empire actively seeks passionate and experienced women who are interested in contributing their expertise by joining the EmpowerHer Fund as Trustees, thereby strengthening the supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. To fully prepare for such opportunities, Grantaura offers a comprehensive suite of grant application services, including the preparation of essential documents like Letters of Intent (LOIs), financial projections, and compelling pitch decks, helping applicants present their most persuasive case for funding.

Focus: Economic empowerment, Leadership development, Community transformation, Education, Health and wellness, Entrepreneurship, Business development, Advocacy against violence, Women and girls empowerment, Community development NYC

Region: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, New York City, New York, United States

Eligibility:
– Eligible applicants include women-led organizations.
– Community groups spearheaded by women are welcome to apply.
– Individual women entrepreneurs with qualifying projects may apply.
– Projects must be designed to specifically benefit women and girls residing in New York City.
– Alternatively, projects that contribute to the overall community development within New York City are eligible.
– All proposals must clearly align with the mission and strategic objectives of the EmpowerHer Fund.
– Projects should address key issues such as education, health, entrepreneurship, or advocacy.
– Each applicant or organization is limited to one application submission per quarterly cycle; if multiple applications are received, only the first one submitted will be considered for review.
– Previous recipients of an EmpowerHer Fund grant are eligible to apply again; however, priority may be extended to new applicants.
— If reapplying for a previously funded project, applicants must provide clear updates on the project’s progress and a compelling justification for the necessity of additional funding.
– Background checks may be conducted for applicants whose projects involve working with vulnerable populations or entail significant fiduciary responsibility.

Benefits:
– A maximum grant award of $1,000 per recipient.
– Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis.
– Opportunity to become part of a supportive movement dedicated to empowering women and transforming communities in New York City.

URL:

Deadline: Quarterly: March 1, June 1, September 1, December 1, annually. Applications must be submitted online before 12:01 AM Eastern Time on the specified deadline date to be considered for that quarter’s review.

Terms:
– Alignment with Mission: Funded proposals must directly align with the EmpowerHer Fund’s core mission and strategic goals, focusing on areas like education, health, entrepreneurship, or advocacy.
– Evaluation Focus: Proposals are rigorously evaluated based on their innovation, potential for sustainability, projected community impact, and clear alignment with the EmpowerHer Fund’s mission. Additional considerations include measurable objectives and the level of community engagement.
– Appropriate Use of Funds: Grant funds must be utilized exclusively for the project as detailed and approved in the application. Any significant deviations or changes to the project scope or budget require prior written approval from the Fund trustees.
– Reporting Obligations: Successful grantees are required to submit a comprehensive financial report, including all relevant receipts, within 30 days of receiving the grant funds. A final impact report summarizing the project’s achievements and outcomes is also mandatory.
– Testimonial Requirement: All grant recipients must provide either a written or video testimonial detailing their experience with the EmpowerHer Fund and the impact of the grant.
– Consequences of Misuse: Improper use of grant funds may lead to a requirement to return the full grant amount. Furthermore, such misuse can result in disqualification from future funding opportunities and, in cases of fraud, may lead to legal action.
– Notification of Award: Only applicants whose proposals are selected for funding will be notified. This notification will occur within 21 business days following each quarterly submission deadline.