WFGV Grants

The Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley has been dedicated to empowering women and families since 1994, investing over $1.7 million in community programs. They focus on funding projects that enhance women's economic self-sufficiency and advocate for diversity and inclusivity. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities serving the designated counties. Notably, the foundation does not support individual grants or capital expenses, ensuring resources directly benefit women and girls in need.

Since 1994 the Women’s Foundation has invested over $1.7M to community programs that give a hand up to women and their families who are struggling to survive. On behalf of the women and girls we serve, we sincerely thank our donors for providing the opportunity to make lasting social change in our community.
What does the WFGV do?
The Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley creates and manages a permanent endowment fund to sustain grant making expressly for women and girls; leads the way in funding and advocating for programs that support growth and economic self-sufficiency for women; and models equitable partnerships that encourage diversity and inclusivity.
What are the funding priorities?
Based on the results of our research report, Improving Economic Self-Sufficiency, we are specifically interested in funding programs that help support women’s progress towards economic self-sufficiency. Our goal is to fund programs assessed to have the highest likelihood of having a direct positive impact on the economic status of women. Economic self-sufficiency is defined in terms of income adequacy; that is, the level of income necessary to meet basic needs. Our 2021 funding priorities are: to promote sustained economic self-sufficiency of women and to assist women and girls in moving toward achieving economic self-sufficiency.

Eligibility

Organizations eligible for a Women’s Foundation Grant must:Propose a project that fits within the mission and scope of our funding guidelines.Be located in, and serve women and girls residing within, at least one of the seven counties that make up our service region:Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, Genesee, Orleans, Yates, and/or Livingston County.Be a tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization under the Internal Revenue Code, section 501(c)(3). However, your organization may use another tax-exempt, not-for-profit agency as your fiscal agent. In this case your organization must still meet the requirements necessary to apply for tax-exempt status.Limited equipment expenses will be considered, but only if equipment expense is directly related to program provision, and not for administrative or organizational staff purposes.

Ineligibility

The Women’s Foundation does not make grants to individuals or endowments or for religious or political purposes, nor does it fund any capital expenses or occupancy. The Women’s Foundation does not award education scholarships to individuals.