The Fund for Women and Girls, a program of the Princeton Area Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations working to improve the lives of economically vulnerable women and children in Greater Mercer County, New Jersey. Established in 1998, the Fund is driven by a diverse group of community members who collectively invest in organizations through grantmaking, education, and collaborative partnerships. The program’s focus is on making strategic investments in organizations that demonstrate a tangible impact on the well-being and advancement of women and children facing economic hardship.

Each year, the Fund issues grants based on a competitive application process. Grants typically range up to $25,000 for one-year terms, although multi-year funding is available at the discretion of the Fund’s Grants Committee. Selected organizations are often chosen based on a combination of application reviews and site visits, with funding decisions made by a voting group of Fund members.

The grant program is currently open for 2025 applications. While specific application deadlines are not provided in the available source, applicants are encouraged to consult the Fund’s website for detailed grant guidelines and submission timelines. Historically, the Fund has awarded three-year grants of up to $75,000, two-year grants of up to $50,000, and single-year grants up to $25,000. Additionally, small grants of $5,000 or less have been awarded to several organizations. Past grantees include organizations such as Arm In Arm, LALDEF, Millhill Child and Family Development Corporation, and HomeWorks Trenton.

Applicants should focus on demonstrating how their programs improve the lives of women and children, particularly in areas like education, economic stability, health, and safety. The Fund values evidence-based programming and sustainable impact. Funding decisions are rooted in community review processes, including evaluations by Fund members.

For support or inquiries, applicants can contact Erin Lamke, Manager of Philanthropic Services & Stewardship, at the Princeton Area Community Foundation. The Foundation is located at 212 Carnegie Center, Suite 201, Princeton, NJ 08540. General phone inquiries can be made at 609-219-1800. Further information and application links are available on the Foundation’s website.