Ms. Foundation for Women invests in grassroots, tribal, state, and national organizations that are transforming policies and cultural beliefs across the United States. Informed by decades of work in the field, we identify and support emerging and established groups poised to act when and where change is needed. Our grants – paired with skills-building, networking and other strategic opportunities – advance grassroots solutions across race and class and to build social movements within and across three areas: Economic Justice, Safety and Women’s Health.
Open or active grantmaking cycles will be listed below:
Grantmaking FAQs
Does Ms. Foundation for Women have open calls for proposals?
The Foundation primarily accepts applications through an invitation–only process. Occasionally, we may issue an open call for proposals. When this occurs, the opportunity will be announced on our website, across our channels, and throughout our networks. To receive information about Ms. Foundation news, events, and opportunities, please sign up for our newsletter here.
How do I submit a proposal to Ms. Foundation?
Invited organizations will receive an email invitation with instructions and a link to access and complete the online application through our grants portal.
How long does the proposal process take?
The proposal process timeline varies by the grantmaking program. After we receive an application through our grants portal, organizations can expect a status update within 6–8 weeks.
What grant portal does the Foundation use?
In 2025, Ms. Foundation transitioned to a new grants portal — YourCause (GrantsConnect). Invited organizations will receive an email with detailed application instructions and a link to access the portal.
Is my organization’s information secure when I apply?
Yes. The grants portal includes multiple security safeguards, including strong data encryption, and routine testing such as penetration testing and code scanning. These measures are designed to help protect your organization’s information throughout the application process.
How often do grant cycles take place?
Grant cycles vary. In general, funding opportunities occur on an annual basis, though timing may differ by program area.
What types of grants does the Foundation provide?
The Foundation provides general operating support grants. For fiscally sponsored organizations, grant funds are designated as project support.
Does Ms. Foundation offer multi-year grants?
Yes. While not all grants are multi-year, the Foundation does offer multi-year funding opportunities, depending on the program and availability of funds.
Do you fund organizations with a fiscal sponsor?
Yes. The Foundation funds organizations with fiscal sponsors; however, grant funds are designated as project support for the sponsored project.
What documents are needed when applying for a grant?
Applicants may be asked to provide the following documents:
- A completed online application form (submitted through our grants portal)
- Organizational budget
- Project budget (if applicable)
- Fiscal sponsor documentation (if applicable)
- Most current fully executed fiscal sponsorship agreement letter, signed by both parties
- Most recent audited financial statement or Profit & Loss Statement
- IRS Form 990 Page 1 and Schedule A (most recent year available)
- Additional documents may be requested based on the grant program
Do you offer feedback on declined applications?
Depending on the number of applications received and staff capacity, we may be able to offer brief feedback, if requested.
Current Grantee Partner FAQs
Who do I contact for program-related questions?
Please contact the program lead listed in your grant agreement letter.
I forgot my password or can’t access the grant portal. What should I do?
On the “Sign in with your email address” screen of the YourCause (GrantsConnect) login page, enter your email address and click “Forgot Password.” Follow the prompts to reset your password.
How do I submit a progress or final report?
At the end of the grant term, grantees will be asked to submit a final report detailing grant activities. Detailed reporting instructions will be sent via email in advance of the report due date.
May I acknowledge the Foundation’s support in publications or materials?
Yes, Ms. Foundation should be acknowledged, where possible, in all events, activities, publications, public venues, or other written materials sponsored or produced by a grantee partner. A copy or link of these materials should be provided to the Foundation following the event, activity, or release of materials. It can be sent directly to Grants Management at [email protected].
Please contact the Grants Management Team at [email protected] if you need assistance with any of the following:
- Updating your organization’s contact information or banking information
- Grant administrative and process-related questions
- Audit confirmation requests
- Final report submission requirements or deadlines
- Assistance or access questions related to the grants portal
- Grant modifications, including no-cost extensions
- Requests to update or change fiscal sponsor information