The Fund for Women & Girls is a special initiative of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC), which aims to expand awareness and address issues that impact women and girls through collaborative philanthropy. Established in 2000, the Fund is guided by the mission of achieving enduring progress by removing barriers related to class, economic status, education, ethnicity, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, and other identity factors. Through this initiative, TFEC seeks to empower community voices and ensure the equitable inclusion of all perspectives, particularly those of women and girls.

A central goal of the Fund is to build a sustainable endowment of $1 million through the support of 1,000 individuals, each contributing $1,000. This endowment supports annual grantmaking to local nonprofits serving women and girls in South Central Pennsylvania, specifically in Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, Perry counties, and the Dillsburg Area of York County. Grants of up to $15,000 are awarded to organizations that focus on creating systemic change and sustainable improvements in the lives of women and girls.

The grant prioritizes projects that address four key areas: basic needs and economic self-sufficiency, health and safety, education, and efforts that promote sustainable systemic changes in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Projects may be new, existing, or expansions of current programs, but must include a sustainability plan and demonstrate long-term impact. All applicants must serve women, girls, or individuals identifying as such within the specified geographic region.

Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Fiscal sponsorship arrangements are allowed for applicants lacking this designation. Projects must occur between January 1 and December 31, 2026. Applications open February 1, 2025, and must be submitted by May 1, 2025. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by August 1, 2025. Draft reviews are available up to two weeks prior to the deadline and can be arranged by contacting TFEC’s Community Investment Team.

Proposals will be evaluated by a dedicated Grant Review Committee based on a 50-point scoring rubric. Criteria include alignment with the Fund’s mission, program clarity, leadership roles, funding strategy, measurable outcomes, and inclusion practices. Specific expenses not eligible for funding include advertising, capital campaigns, direct lobbying, religious purposes, and retroactive projects. Programs adding new staff positions must provide a strong sustainability plan.

For inquiries, applicants can contact the Community Investment Team at grants@tfec.org or call 717-236-5040. Specific contacts include Caitlin Cluck, Yamit Friedman, and Teresa Gonzalez, all reachable at the same phone number and via email. TFEC’s office is located at 200 N. 3rd Street, 8th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101.