NOW Foundation 60th Anniversary Chapter Action Grants Program

Chapter Action Grants Program — 2026 Grant Cycle

In celebration of NOW’s 60th Anniversary, the NOW Foundation is supporting bold, creative, and community-rooted initiatives led by NOW chapters across the country. These grants are designed to help chapters respond to local needs in ways that are meaningful, innovative, and aligned with feminist values—through education, storytelling, coalition-building, service initiatives, civic engagement, and more.

Application Opens: March 9, 2026
Applications Reviewed: Monthly (March–December 2026)
Total Funding Pool: $60,000

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Apply Now

Submit your application through the official online form.

Funding Details

  • Grant Size: $500–$2,500 per award
  • Grant Period: Projects must take place March 9, 2026 – December 31, 2026
  • Final Report Due: No later than January 31, 2027
  • Awards are made monthly until funds are fully allocated.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be:

  • An officially recognized NOW Chapter in good standing
  • Current on required reporting and compliance
  • Able to implement the proposed project within the grant period

Chapters with outstanding compliance issues may be required to resolve them prior to award.

Choose Your 2026 Capsule Theme

All proposals must align with one of the four 2026 Capsule Themes:

  1. The Cost of Being a Woman
    Economic realities—from wage inequality and childcare costs to housing insecurity, student debt, and the “pink tax.”
  2. Protecting Care, Protecting Choice
    Healthcare access and reproductive freedom through educational programming, conversations, and partnerships.
  3. Securing Rights, Shaping the Future
    Democracy, civic participation, voting rights education, the ERA, and strengthening participation.
  4. Ending Gender Violence
    Survivor-centered initiatives, awareness, partnerships, and community-based safety/accountability work.

What the Grant Can Support

Allowable expenses may include:

  • Venue rental
  • Educational materials
  • Outreach materials
  • Accessibility accommodations
  • Speaker honoraria
  • Event-related costs
  • Communications expenses directly tied to the approved project

Funds may not be used for:

  • Salaries or stipends
  • Lobbying activity
  • Partisan political activity
  • Support/opposition of any political candidate or party
  • Membership drives
  • General operating expenses unrelated to the approved project

All grant-funded activities must comply with 501(c)(3) guidelines.

Review Timeline and Decisions

  • Applications are reviewed monthly (March–December 2026).
  • Applications submitted by the last day of the month are reviewed in the following month’s cycle.
  • Funding decisions are communicated within 2–4 weeks following each review cycle.

What You’ll Need to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the online form.

You’ll be asked to provide:

  • Chapter information
  • Selected Capsule Theme
  • Project narrative (300–500 words)
  • Implementation plan
  • Estimated reach and impact
  • Budget narrative
  • Confirmation of compliance

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

How Applications Are Scored

Applications are evaluated using a 10-point scoring rubric based on:

  • Alignment with Capsule Theme
  • Community Need & Relevance
  • Feasibility & Planning
  • Impact & Reach
  • Budget Clarity & Reasonableness

Award Process

Approved applicants will receive:

  • Formal award notification
  • A grant agreement outlining responsibilities
  • Payment instructions

Payment structure: Full advance payment.
Material changes to scope or budget require prior written approval from the NOW Foundation.

Reporting Requirements

A final report is due within one month of project completion and must include:

  • Summary of activities completed
  • Outcomes and metrics
  • At least one story, testimonial, or photo
  • Financial summary of expenditures

Questions

Email: grants@now.org

About the NOW Foundation

The NOW Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to advancing women’s equality through education, advocacy, and community engagement, supporting nonpartisan educational activities that promote feminist values and social justice.