Women's Professional Forum Foundation Grant Program

Since 1984, the Women's Professional Forum Foundation (WPFF) has invested in programs that create opportunities for women and girls to achieve their leadership and professional dreams. Each year, WPFF awards grants to nonprofit organizations working to empower women and girls throughout Guilford County.

Grant Cycle Timeline

• Application Opens: Each fall
• Application Deadline: January 31
• Review Process: Grants Committee (comprised of WPF members) reviews applications and makes recommendations to the Board
• Award Notifications: March meeting; notifications sent in spring
• Fund Disbursement: Typically April or May
• Fund Usage Timeline: Organizations should plan to use grant funds within 12 months of receipt
• Reporting Requirements: Progress reports due in December and June

What We Fund

WPFF grants support programs and organizations that empower women and girls in one or more of these focus areas:

• Opportunities for women and girls to aspire to or further their careers
• Education and leadership development for women and girls
• Education of the public on the status and rights of women
• Recognition of achievements and contributions of women

What We Don't Fund

WPFF currently does NOT fund grants that focus on:

• Women's health initiatives
• Funds for mother/baby initiatives
• Child development programs
• Parenting support
• Self-esteem growth (as standalone programs)

Who Can Apply

To be eligible for WPFF funding, organizations must:

• Be a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(1) tax-exempt nonprofit organization (or have a fiscal sponsor)
• Operate in or provide services within Guilford County, North Carolina
• Demonstrate how their program or organization empowers women and/or girls
• Important Note: Organizations that have received WPFF grants for three consecutive years must take a year off before reapplying

Application Types

WPFF accepts applications for:

• General operating support
• Program-specific funding

How Applications Are Reviewed

The Grants Committee evaluates all applications based on:

• Alignment with WPFF's mission and grantmaking focus areas
• Quality of application
• Potential impact of WPFF grant funds on the organization or program

Recent Grant Recipients

2025 Recipients:

• Women's Resource Center of Greensboro – $10,000 (Women to Work program)
• Congolese Community of the Triad – $6,500 (Culturally Sensitive Computer Literacy Program)
• The Sister Circle International – $5,500 (G.L.O.W.
• Marva's Outreach Mission – $5,000 (Peer Support Specialists training)
• AAUW North Carolina – $3,500 (Teen Near Peer Mentor Program)

2024 Recipients:

• The Women's Resource: $9,625 (Women to Work)
• Sister Circle International: $9,625 (She Works & Wins program)
• I Am A Queen: $4,500 (Queen Arise Leadership Program)
• Greensboro History Museum: $4,250 (Women/civil rights/voting program)

Contact Information

• Email: [email protected] (Grants Committee Chair)
• Mailing Address: PO Box 38594, Greensboro, NC 27438

How to Apply

1. Review Application Questions
   • Download and review the Application Questions Preview document before starting your application
   • This preview will help you gather necessary information and prepare thoughtful responses
2. Complete the Online Application
   • All applications must be submitted online by January 31
   • WPFF is unable to accept applications by email or hard copy
   • Access the Grant Application through their online portal
3. Required Materials
   • Complete responses to all application questions
   • Organization information and tax-exempt status documentation
   • Detailed explanation of how the program/organization empowers women and/or girls
   • Budget information and use of funds
   • Program outcome metrics and evaluation plans

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much funding can we request? Award amounts vary based on program scope, organizational capacity, and available funds. Recent grants have ranged from $3,500 to $10,000.
• Can we apply if we've received WPFF funding before? Yes! WPFF welcomes applications from past grantees. However, organizations that have received funding for three consecutive years must take a year off before reapplying.
• Do you fund individuals? No, WPFF only funds nonprofit organizations.
• Can we apply for general operating support? Yes, WPFF accepts applications for both general operating support and program-specific funding.
• When will we hear about funding decisions? The Board usually selects grant recipients at its March meeting. All applicants are notified of funding decisions in spring.
• What reporting is required if we receive funding? Grant recipients submit two progress reports: one in December and one in June of the following year.

Contact for Questions

• For questions not listed above, contact the Grants Committee Chair: [email protected]