The Women’s Education Coalition Grant, offered through the Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF), provides multiyear financial assistance to women pursuing post-secondary education who have faced employment or educational barriers. Designed specifically for women in southwest Michigan who are underemployed or unemployed and seeking greater financial independence, this grant program supports recipients as they pursue degrees or certifications that can lead to meaningful employment and stability.

Applicants must be residents of Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, or Van Buren County. Additionally, eligible candidates must identify as women who have taken a break of at least three years after high school before returning to school, and who can demonstrate how their education will lead to increased financial independence for themselves and their families.

This flexible funding opportunity supports a broad range of educational paths, including associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees, as well as vocational/trade certifications and professional development programs. Enrollment can be either full-time or part-time. The grant is renewable each year, making it a long-term support resource for eligible women as they progress through their education.

The application period opens March 15, and submissions are due by May 15, 2025. All applications must be completed and submitted online. Award recipients will be notified in early summer after a review process that includes outreach from the KZCF Scholarships team between June and August. Grant payments are disbursed upon the return of the recipient's letter of acceptance.

The grant is made possible by a coalition of organizations that have long supported women's advancement: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the YWCA of Kalamazoo, and the former Kalamazoo Network.

For application assistance or more information, applicants can contact Brooke Travis at 269-585-7268 or use the contact form on the KZCF website.