The Women's Fund of Essex County

The Women's Fund of Essex County is sponsored by Essex County Community Foundation. Focuses on addressing obstacles limiting economic independence for women and girls in Essex County, Massachusetts, by supporting nonprofit organizations providing gender-sensitive programs.

The Women's Fund of Essex County | Essex County Community Foundation The Women’s Fund of Essex County The Women’s Fund of Essex County (TWF) recognizes that the sustained well-being of women and girls in Massachusetts is inextricably linked to economic independence; including the financial resources and autonomy necessary to make informed choices, access opportunities, achieve economic security, and advance gender equity.

The Women’s Fund focuses its philanthropic capital on addressing the specific obstacles that limit economic independence for women and girls in Essex County. We believe three essential priorities: Education and Career, Health & Well-Being, and Economic Empowerment all contribute to the development of economic independence for women and girls.

The Women’s Fund raises funds to award grants to nonprofit organizations providing gender-sensitive [1] programs for women and girls in Essex County. Grantmaking is focused on initiatives that align with TWF’s three funding priorities and address barriers to economic independence. [1] A “gender sensitive” program recognizes, takes into account, and meets the needs of women and girls in the design and implementation of their program.

Please read Grant Guidelines carefully, as funding priorities changed in Fall 2026 With the overarching goal of supporting the long-term economic independence of Essex County women and girls, each program applying for a grant must address at least one of the following priorities to be considered eligible for consideration: (1) Education and Career; (2) Health and Well-being, and (3) Economic Empowerment.

Education and Career Pathways [1] These are programs that directly support and can lead to outcomes such as: high school and college completion, participating in advanced and/or STEM coursework, career pathway enrollment, and/or college/career preparation.

Examples of gender-sensitive programs that align with the Education and Career funding priority include: Career exploration and counseling Girls’ empowerment experiences Enriching out-of-school time activities Job-based youth summer opportunities English language learning programs Health and Well-being Pathways These are programs that directly support and can lead to outcomes such as: physical health, mental health, affirming relationships, informed choice and decision-making, and substance free living.

Examples of gender-sensitive programs that align with the Health and Well-being Pathways funding priority include: Gender-sensitive health care and sex education Active movement and wellness activities Health education and access programs Health navigation support services Community-based counseling and support services Social and emotional learning activities Economic Empowerment Pathways These are programs that directly support and can lead to outcomes such as: financial self-sufficiency, ongoing workforce advancement opportunities, development of technical and soft skills, job preparedness, and teen labor force participation.

Examples of gender-sensitive programs that align with the Economic Empowerment Pathways funding priority include: Financial literacy programs Career counseling programs Entrepreneurship opportunities Job training opportunities Leadership Development programs [1] The term “Pathways” in these guidelines refers to programs that directly link to outcomes that can put women and girls on a course to achieving economic security; an education/career progression; or the health/well-being necessary to achieving her goals.

We support non-profit organizations serving the residents of Essex County, MA. We prefer the organization to be based in Essex County, but it is not a requirement. Either way, grant funds must be spent within the County.

2026 Grantee Organizations receiving a multi-year grant as part of The Women’s Fund 2026 grant cycle are eligible to apply for funding again but only if applying for a different program. The Grants Allocation Committee takes into consideration the size of the organization’s budget as well as the depth and breadth of the potential for impact of a grant from The Women’s Fund.

The Committee also considers the sustainability of the program being proposed. Grants will not be awarded: To agencies with pending 501(c)3 status For debt or deficit reduction For sectarian or religious purposes.

Programs sponsored by religious organizations are eligible, provided that enrollment is open to all and the program does not include mandatory religious instruction, worship, or other sectarian activities For capital campaigns for buildings, land acquisition, or endowment For research or feasibility studies The application is only available on-line.

Organizations can create and save application drafts and make changes any time prior to submission. We archive all submitted applications, allowing grant writers to view their grant history with The Women’s Fund at any time. To begin the application process, click on the following link.

The Women’s Fund Grants Allocation Committee will carefully review applications beginning in late January and will schedule any necessary follow-up conference calls or in-person visits with qualifying non-profit organizations in February and March. The Committee will then make final funding decisions and present their recommendations for final approval by The Women’s Fund Advisory Board.

Grant Awards will be announced by April 30, 2027 3-year grant [Amount TBA] Supporting nonprofit programs serving the residents of Essex County, Massachusetts, with priority given to organizations located in Essex County. Final reports should be submitted through the Application Portal. Please join us for an Information Session on our updated funding priorities.

Vice President of Programs ABOUT THE WOMEN’S FUND OF ESSEX COUNTY The Women’s Fund of Essex County invests in non-profit organizations focused on gender-sensitive programs for women and girls of Essex County. Multi-year grants are awarded annually to results-oriented organizations that have demonstrated success in positively impacting the lives of women and girls.

By pooling the gifts of The Women’s Fund’s generous donors, we increase the breadth and depth of each donor’s contribution to women and girls in Essex County. The Women’s Fund of Essex County has invested more than $5 million in Essex County organizations offering programs for women and girls since 2003. 500 Cummings Center, Suite 5450 Beverly, Massachusetts 01915 ECCF's Tax ID # 04-3407816