Foundation Grants for Women
Whether you are a woman starting her own business or a woman starting school, many funding opportunities are available to you. Several foundations have been established specifically to help women. These grants opportunities range from small amounts for college tuition to large grants that can fund an entire business venture.
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American Association of University Women Foundation
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According to Funds Net Services, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Educational Foundation is one of the nation's largest sources of private funding for educational programs that directly benefit women and girls. This foundation's focus is on helping women achieve their academic and business goals, especially if those goals involve research and activism.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
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If you are 40 and over and wanting to learn new skills to enhance your eligibility for better paying jobs, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has a scholarship and grant opportunity for you. The AARP Foundation's Women's Scholarship Program provides scholarship funds to women over 40 seeking new job skills, training, and educational opportunities to support themselves and their families. The AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Program is available to eligible individuals with moderate to lower incomes and limited financial resources (http://aarpfoundationwlc.org/). AARP's foundation website also features success stories from women who have been helped by this fund.
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The Avon Foundation for Women
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The Avon Foundation is an organization dedicated to improving the lives of women. This foundation is a 501 (c ) (3) that focuses on the issues of breast cancer and domestic violence. Since its inception, the Avon Foundation has raised and awarded $660 million. If you are part of an organization dedicated to the issues of breast cancer or domestic violence, you or your organization may be eligible for funding through Avon.
The Liz Claiborne Foundation
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The Liz Claiborne Foundation is dedicated to philanthropic awards that focus on advancing women's economic independence. These awards go to small businesses owned by women as well as national organizations dedicated to women. Some of the beneficiaries include Women's Care Cottage, Homegirl Café, Child Care Inc. and Neighborhood Economic Development and Advocacy Project.
Considerations
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If you are seeking grant opportunities through the above organizations or others, you should first have a definitive focus as to what you will be using the funding for. Simply stating that you want to start a business is not enough. Be specific and be sure to search for funding opportunities that fit your needs. In addition, because many of these foundations have been instituted by successful women to help others become successful, you will want to be sure to include in your application a description of how you plan to help other women when you are in the position to do so.
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