Ribbons of Hope Grant

Ribbons of Hope – Invest in Women, Inc., is a Georgia-based private grantmaking organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and children through targeted philanthropic investment. The organization offers a single competitive $100,000 grant annually to eligible nonprofit organizations operating in Georgia. Its focus spans five core areas: health, education, economic independence, social well-being, and human rights. The mission of Ribbons of Hope is rooted in fostering impactful and sustainable change within local communities, specifically through projects that directly benefit women and/or children and are capable of demonstrating long-term viability beyond the initial funding period. Applicants must meet stringent eligibility criteria to be considered. The organization must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity with at least three years of operational history and a minimum of $500,000 in annual operating revenue for each of the past three years. These financial requirements underscore the funder's emphasis on stability and organizational readiness to manage a significant one-time grant. Additionally, applicants must not have received a Ribbons of Hope grant within the previous five years, ensuring equitable opportunity for newer or previously unfunded organizations. The grant is intended for special projects or capital improvements, rather than general operating support. While limited administrative expenses that are directly tied to the proposed project may be included in the budget, funding requests should not primarily focus on ongoing operational costs. Proposals that include line items such as special events, comprehensive capital campaigns, micro-enterprise loans, or funding for private educational, political, or religious institutions are ineligible. However, organizations affiliated with such institutions may still qualify if the program operates independently and serves the target population without direct affiliation to ineligible bodies. Applications are made available in March 2026 and must be submitted by April 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Submission is exclusively conducted via Dropbox, following a specific folder-naming and PDF-labeling protocol. Late or incomplete applications, as well as those improperly labeled, will not be accepted. An acknowledgment email will be sent upon receipt of the complete submission. Applicants will be notified in mid-June if selected for an interview. Site visits for finalists are scheduled from mid-August through late September, followed by final grant decisions and notification in October. The award presentation takes place in November. The review process includes multiple phases: initial application submission, grant committee evaluation, interview stage, site visit, and full membership voting. Proposals are assessed based on how effectively they address the identified needs of women and/or children in Georgia, the feasibility of the program or project, its alignment with the organization's mission, and whether the $100,000 grant will fully fund the initiative. Programs that can be completed with the available grant funds are strongly preferred, reducing reliance on external funding sources and enhancing accountability. Organizations must also submit detailed financials, a program summary that outlines measurable goals and expected outcomes, and a line-item budget not exceeding $100,000. If selected for funding, grantees will be required to sign a Terms of Agreement document. Questions about the grant or application process may be directed to the official email address: [email protected].

Preference for programs fully fundable by the $100,000 grant; must not include special events or general operations