Through grantmaking, members of The Women’s and Girls’ Fund at Kern Community Foundation become philanthropists and advocates of positive social change. We rely on a commissioned study from Mount St. Mary’s University (Report on the Status of Women + Girls in Kern County) which analyzes data and the participation of community members to identify an area of focus every five years. The focus area selected for 2021-2025 is Education. It was selected from the five categories of concern: Education, Economic Well-being, Women and the STEM Professions, Family and Home, and Health and Safety.

We value social change grantmaking that focuses on long-term solutions to societal problems facing women and girls in all parts of Kern County.  Additional information on the focus area and what we are looking for is available in our grantmaking policy. The Women’s and Girls’ Fund Grantmaking Policy (See link under “Eligibility” below).

Latest Brochure from The Women’s and Girls’ Fund (Coming Soon).

Read about our past grantees below.

The Women’s and Girls’ Fund past grantees.

The Women’s and Girls’ Fund Letter of Intent (LOI) for the 2025 – 2026 Competitive Grant Cycle

The Women’s and Girls’ Fund (WGF), a Leadership Initiative of Kern Community Foundation, announces approximately $100,000 for competitive grant allocations in its 18th competitive grant cycle, with the maximum individual award being $25,000.  Organizations interested in applying should have a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation or a fiscal sponsor.  All organizations seeking funds must have a presence in Kern County, benefit women and/or girls in Kern County, and meet Kern Community Foundation’s eligibility guidelines. 

Eligibility

The Women’s and Girls’ Fund Grantmaking Policy.

Selected nonprofits may submit full applications on the Foundation’s Online Grant Platform.

Grantmaking Cycle*

• August
  • Monday, August 26, 2024—Announcement of Focus Area and LOIs open for Kern nonprofits
• October
  • October 14, 2024 (5:00 p.m. Pacific Time)—Letters of Intent due online
  • October 16, 2024—Portal open for GAC members to review LOIs
  • October 17, 2024 (4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. approx.)—REQUIRED Grants Allocation Committee meeting (introductions/how to review LOIs)
• November
  • November 7, 2024 (4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. approx.)—REQUIRED Grants Allocation Committee meeting (applicants selected for full proposals; how to review full proposals)
  • November 8, 2024— Invitations / Declinations to Apply are emailed
  • November 11 – 15, 2024—Potential Grantees are required to contact GAC Committee
• December
  • December 12, 2024 (noon to 1:30 p.m.) Grants writing tutorial (Bring Your Own Lunch; optional for all writing full proposals).
• January
  • January 10, 2025 (5:00 p.m. Pacific Time)—Application packets due online
  • January 15, 2025 (approx.)—Full applications ready for review
  • January 26, 2025 (by 5:00 p.m.) —Committee members email questions to GAC Chair for interviews
  • January 29, 2025 (1:00-5:00 p.m.) —Interviews with Grants Allocation Committee
• February
  • February 6, 2025 (4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. approx.)—REQUIRED Grants Allocation Committee meeting (grantees selected)
  • February 7, 2025—Grantees notified (provisional notice, pending Board approval)
  • February 27, 2025 (approx.)—Kern Community Foundation Board Meeting (grants approved)
• March
  • March 10, 2025 (approx.)—Signed Grant Agreements Due
  • Wednesday, March 26, 2025 —Grants awarded at Women’s & Girls’ Fund Annual Luncheon

*Dates are subject to change at the discretion of The Women’s and Girls’ Fund or Kern Community Foundation.

Letter of Intent (LOI) Open date

Monday, August 26, 2024

LOI Deadline

October 14, 2024, at 5:00 pm PT