Introduction and Background: The Women of the Year Foundation was established
in 2001 with the aim of relieving the needs of women by offering financial and
practical support. The Foundation is funded by donations and profits from the annual
Women of the Year Lunch.

Since 2001, The Foundation has supported indviduals and organisations that come
under our umbrella theme of ‘Second Start’. Through this we have been able to help
women both in the UK and abroad to start over and improve their lives either through
retraining or in business. The projects have been diverse and include:

• Funding a talented harpist to undertake a harp therapy course which led to
  the production of a set of CDs that have been used with cancer patients
• Buying looms and textiles for a women’s co-operative in India
• Kickstart funding for Angel Jackson, an accessories business
• Funds for a catering project in South Africa training women in townships in
  how to prepare and cook take-away food
• Support for a young woman from Rwanda, to study in England
• Funding for Mkombozi Center for Street Children (Tanzania)
• Grant for ACET (African Children’s Education Trust)
• Grants for young women participating in The Prince’s Trust’s programmes· Support for Street Cred, a charity working in the East End of London
  providing microfinance to groups of women setting up small businesses
• Grant to the Barefoot College to provide funding for solar electrification by
  women solar engineers in Timbuktu, Mali

Funding Levels: Each year, we aim to give grants in the UK for up to £10,000 and
internationally grant for up to £5,000.

Applications and Guidelines: We are currently seeking applications. All grant applications must relate to the Foundation’s mission and priority
areas of interest. Our guidelines for selection are:

§ To prioritise support for individual women or small organisations working with
needy women where our funding is likely to make the most difference. In the case
of larger organisations, applications must show how the grant will make an impact
on the lives of the women it is supporting.
§ Preference is given to UK registered charities but we will consider funding other
non profit, civil society or cultural organisations carrying out charitable work,
irrespective of whether the funding is to support activity in the UK or overseas

Application Requirements and process: We are not asking you to complete a
complex application form, but we would be grateful if you could supply the following
information:

1. Full contact details
2. A brief statement of the aims and function of the applicant organisation
3. Your most recent Annual Report and Accounts
4. 600 word proposal describing the project and the ways in which it will meet the
   needs of the intended beneficiaries
5. A budget outlining how you would spend the donation

In assessing applications, the Foundation will give priority to applications that have
not previously received funding from the Foundation.

Closing Date for applications: 1st June

Decision Making: All applications are considered by the Foundation Trustees and
assessed in light of the Foundation’s grants budget. Those applications that most
closely fit the priorities and areas of interest within the funds available will be taken
forward and final decisions made in advance of the Annual Women of the Year Lunch
which is normally held in October of each year.

All applicants will be notified (by email) prior to the Annual Lunch

If your application is successful you will be informed of the terms and conditions
which will be attached to your grant along with reporting requirements and deadlines.
An announcement of the grants for each year is made at the Annual Lunch. Any
variation from the grant as approved must first be cleared with the Foundation.

Reporting: All successful applicants will be expected to submit a report on the grant
funded activity. All reports should demonstrate the impact of the activity on its
beneficiaries and the benefits they obtained. We also endeavour to remain in touch
with funded organisations and individuals so that we can learn about any longer term
impact the activity may have had.

Attribution: It is not mandatory, but would be appreciated, if applicants
acknowledged the support of the Women of the Year Foundation in all documents and
announcements associated with the activity for which funding is provided. Copies of
such documentation should be provided to the Foundation.

Unfortunately, we cannot support all of the organisations that approach us. Whilst we
consider all eligible applications we either can not or will not generally support the
following: :

• Specifically religious appeals
• Capital appeals
• Animal welfare projects
• Endowment funds
• Expeditions or overseas travel
• Political parties or bodies
  
  Please email or post your applications to foundationgrant@womenoftheyear.co.uk