About: VGIF was funded in 1969 by members of the International Federation of University Women. The initial aim of the Fund was to enable women from poor background to access university education. Within a decade, the Fund broadened its scope and started sponsoring a wider range of women’s organisations working in developing countries towards the empowerment of women and girls. The Fund is named after Virginia Gildersleeve, the only woman appointed to the US Delegation that established the United Nations and the first woman to sign an American treaty.
Geographical focus: developing countries with no geographical restrictions.
Themes: The Fund helps women’s organisations to develop income-generating projects and community-development projects that enhance women’s educational, vocational, and leadership skills. In particular, the Fund supports projects conceived to:
- Empower women economically
- Develop communities
- Implement health and nutrition activities
- Facilitate women’s education and provide vocational trainings
- Promote science education for young girls
- Enhance women’s human rights
Types of Grants: The Fund gives only small grants (up to $7,500).
Eligibility: All women-led and community-based organisations working in developing countries are eligible. US-based organisations are not eligible.
Proposed projects must adhere to specific requirements as follow:
- They must address the social and economic empowerment of women and girls.
- The must demonstrate clear objectives and a realistic implementation plan. Also, they must clarify how the proposed activities can concretely impact the lives of women in their community.
- They must produce a sound business plan if the proposed activities wish to establish a business venture.
- Applications must be accompanied by a budget, which cannot exceed $ 7,500.
- They must be sustainable and clarify how they intend to contribute to social change.
- They must organise outreach activities in the community.
- They must provide a clear monitoring and evaluation plan.
- Applicants must be from a women-led organisation.
- Projects promoting the interest of women in science and technology are particularly encouraged.
The Fund does not support individual applications for scholarships and to cover tuition fees, organisations with a political affiliation, religious groups unless the proposed project is designed for the community at large, construction activities and the payment of salaries for staff and board members of the applicant organisation.
How to apply: The application for the small grants develops according to several stages. As such, you should start the process well in advance not to miss the deadline in July.
First of all, you should complete an online questionnaire to demonstrate that you have understood the principles of the Fund and its guidelines for funding. Upon successful completion of this questionnaire, you will be prompted to open your own account. Once you have opened your account, you will be given further instruction on how to send a Letter of Intent (concept notes). Only selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal (and given further instructions).
Deadlines: Applications are accepted from May 15 to July 31 every year. Grants are awarded in April the following year.
