Women to Women Giving Circle Grants

The Women to Women Giving Circle, a program of the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation, provides grant funding to address pressing issues affecting women and children in the local region. The initiative seeks to uplift vulnerable populations by supporting projects focused on alleviating insecurities in housing, food access, transportation, and childcare. The Giving Circle encourages collaboration among nonprofits but does not mandate it, emphasizing creative, results-driven, and systemic approaches to solving community challenges. For the 2026 cycle, the program will distribute a total of $60,000 in grant funding, with individual awards typically ranging between $5,000 and $20,000. Funding is intended for the grant period spanning February 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027. All funds must be expended by the end of the grant term, and a final report is due no later than February 28, 2027, or within one month of project completion. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, operate under a qualifying fiscal agent, or represent a local, county, state, or federal government unit. Faith-based organizations may also apply, provided the program is non-sectarian and open to the broader community. The grant program is available to organizations serving residents of McLean, DeWitt, Livingston, or Logan counties in Illinois. Programs do not need to serve all counties but must benefit at least one. Additional eligibility criteria include operating in compliance with non-discrimination laws and being current on any final reports from previous Women to Women or IPCF grant awards. Applications must be authorized by the Executive Director, CEO, or Board President of the applying organization. The strongest applications are those with the potential for sustainability and measurable impact. The review committee gives preference to programs that promote systemic change, expand opportunities for women and children, and encourage long-term self-sufficiency. Other prioritized factors include clear methods for evaluating outcomes, evidence of collaboration to avoid service duplication, and potential for attracting matching or additional funds. Applications open annually on September 1 and are due by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on September 30. For the 2026 cycle, applicants will be notified of their status in early November, with finalist presentations occurring later that month or in early December. Final funding decisions will be announced in early January 2026, and funds will be distributed during that month, contingent on receipt of a signed grant agreement. The grant portal provides access to application and follow-up materials, including budget forms and reporting templates. Interested applicants should direct questions to Michele Evans, Vice President (Programs), by phone or email.

Emphasize self-sufficiency and systemic change; build collaborations where possible; use clear metrics and outcome measures; address core insecurities (housing, food, etc.)