women's grant programs

Applications open August 31, 2026 and close October 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m PT.

Visit the Apply page on the Pave HER Way website, review the eligibility requirements and these FAQs, and follow the link to the appropriate application.

Yes. Submittable allows you to save a draft and return to complete it before the deadline.

No. All submissions will be considered final. Applications submitted with incomplete or incorrect materials will be automatically disqualified. Please review your application carefully before submitting.

Requirements vary by award. Please review the program guidelines and application within Submittable before beginning so you can gather any required budgets, financial records, educational documents, references, or other supporting materials.

Yes. You will receive a confirmation from Submittable after successfully submitting your application.

No. Only one application per award cycle is allowed.

Yes, provided you meet the eligibility requirements for that future award cycle.

Applications are evaluated using the criteria and review process established for each award. The Selection Committee will perform a closed review process for both the Disruptor Award and Financial Aid Award. The Selection Committee has access to all the information applicants submit in their application, but are prohibited from conducting independent research on any applicant, outside of the information the applicant has provided.

Applications are reviewed by the Pave HER Way Selection Committee.

Disruptor Award applicants who advance will be required to participate in an interview. Not all applicants will be interviewed.

We anticipate notifying applicants of final decisions no later than December 31, 2026.

Due to the anticipated volume of applications, Pave HER Way will not be able to provide individualized feedback.

The Disruptor Award sponsors U.S. based women who have transformational projects and ideas with a clear public benefit for women and girls. Funding may support work across a range of charitable areas, including the arts, community development, education, economic mobility, employment development, finance, health, media, science, and technology.

No. An established organization is not required. If your project is sponsored by an existing U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charity, you will be asked to provide information about that organization.

If your project is sponsored by an existing U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charity, the grant will be paid to that organization. If your project is not sponsored by an eligible U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charity, the grant will be paid directly to you as the individual recipient. Grants paid directly to individuals are taxable to the recipient.

Yes, provided you meet all individual eligibility requirements. However, you must apply as an individual, not on behalf of the foreign organization. If selected, the grant would be paid directly to you and would be taxable to you; Pave HER Way will not make the grant directly to a foreign organization.

Yes, but the application must be submitted by an eligible individual woman who will serve as the primary award recipient and participant in Pave HER Way programming.

The individual submitting the application is considered the primary award recipient and is personally responsible for fulfilling the program commitments, even if grant funds are ultimately awarded to an eligible organization sponsoring the project.

Recipients are expected to participate in Pave HER Way programming throughout the 24-month award period. This includes approximately 5 hours per month for mentorship, plus additional time as needed for progress updates, networking, and other program activities.

Disruptor Awards may provide up to $90,000. If selected to receive this award, the amount you are awarded will be determined at Pave HER Way’s discretion.

Funding may support one or more of these 4 categories:

• Category 1: Scholarship Grants; 
• Category 2: Education, Training & Professional Development; 
• Category 3: Essential Living Expenses; and / or
• Category 4: Family Stability & Emergency Assistance.

No. Enrollment is relevant only if you are requesting a Category 1: Scholarship Grant. The Financial Aid Award includes several other funding categories.

Yes. You may request support across more than one Financial Aid category within a single application, subject to the maximum award amount.

Applicants may request up to $30,000. If selected to receive this award, the amount you are awarded will be determined at Pave HER Way’s discretion.

Requirements depend on the type of assistance requested. Scholarship applicants, for example, may be asked for enrollment and financial-aid documentation. The application will identify all required materials.

The Change Agent Prize recognizes proven leaders with a significant track record of removing barriers, expanding opportunities, and creating meaningful impact for women and girls.

For the inaugural 2026 cycle, nominations may only be submitted by eligible Pave HER Way Board members who are not serving on the Selection Committee.

No. Self-nominations are not accepted.

In addition to funding, recipients may participate in mentorship, community-building, networking, reporting, and other Pave HER Way activities, depending on the award.

Yes. Specific commitments vary by award and will be outlined in the applicable Award Terms & Conditions or grant agreement.

The timing and method of payment will be outlined in the award agreement provided to selected recipients.

Pave HER Way uses Submittable to manage applications.

Please contact Submittable Support directly for technical issues with the application platform.

Please contact apply@paveherway.org for application, eligibility, or program-related questions.