The Empowerment Fund

The Empowerment Fund

Overview: Created in partnership with the Robins Nest Family Foundation, the Empowerment Fund is dedicated to helping survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation achieve their professional goals. Grants are specifically allocated for education and career-related expenses, assisting survivors in securing the financial stability needed to fully focus on their future.

Purpose

The Empowerment Fund exists to support the educational and career aspirations of sex trafficking survivors in Washington State. You do not need to currently be enrolled in a program to apply.

Geographic Scope

Washington State — Limited to survivors of sexual trafficking and exploitation in Washington State

Eligible Expenses

• Tuition or enrollment fees for accredited educational programs, certification programs, or vocational training
• Licensure exams, lab fees, and other non-material educational support
• Credentialing costs or workforce training programs that lead to employment or increased earning potential

Eligible Programs

Must demonstrate reasonable likelihood of contributing to applicant's employability or long-term financial stability. Past funded programs include:
• GED courses
• Associate degrees
• Bachelor degrees
• Master degrees
• PhDs
• Career and technical courses
• Programs offered by accredited institutions, licensed training providers, or verifiable educational/credentialing bodies

Ineligible Programs

• Multi-level marketing (MLM), recruitment-based, or commission-dependent programs
• Programs that guarantee income, financial success, or rapid wealth-building outcomes
• Investment, trading, cryptocurrency, or other speculative financial platforms
• Programs lacking transparent tuition costs, defined credentialing outcomes, or clear pathways to employability
• Programs requiring upfront purchases, inventory buy-ins, equipment leasing, mandatory product purchases, or other debt-creating financial commitments
• Programs relying primarily on recruitment of others for income generation
• For-profit educational institutions (reviewed case-by-case)

What Is NOT Covered

• Room and board
• Books
• Other supplies

Eligibility Criteria

• Survivors: Must be survivors of sex trafficking in Washington State
• Direct Application: Applicants no longer need to be referred by an advocate or support person and can apply directly themselves
• Proof of Enrollment: Required within 6 months of application approval or funds will be released back into the pool
• Reference Required: Applicant must provide a reference (advocate, case worker, colleague, teacher, counselor, or non-familial support person) who can speak to work ethic, career goals, personal growth, and likelihood to complete the program

Funding Limits

• Maximum per Year: $5,000 per individual per year
• No Guarantee: Funding decisions made at Everstrong's discretion; in some cases only a portion of requested amount may be paid
• Multiple Enrollment Periods: If funds used for multiple enrollment periods, new tuition statement must be submitted at least two weeks prior to due date

Contact Information

Everstrong Prevention PO Box 296 Seattle, WA 98111 Phone: 1-206-508-3887

Grant Distribution

• Everstrong pays the school or institution directly; funds not disbursed to applicants

Post-Grant Expectations

• Grant recipients expected to work with Everstrong to facilitate payment
• Must provide: signed grant agreement, proof of enrollment, current tuition statement with name and student ID
• Required check-ins: one mid-way through program, one upon completion