The Women’s Foundation of Mississippi is Accepting Proposals for This Year’s Grant Cycle

Request for Proposals 

The Women’s Foundation of Mississippi’s (WFM) mission is economic security for women and girls. WFM is the only organization in the state dedicated exclusively to advocating for programs through granting funds that enhance the lives of women and girls throughout Mississippi. WFM is committed to helping Mississippi’s women and girls transcend our state’s dire social and economic barriers. 

By cultivating social change, we create long-term opportunities for personal stability, stronger families, and more resilient communities. WFM works to serve all women and girls throughout the state of Mississippi, particularly those who are most vulnerable. We use grant-making, advocacy, training programs, research, and community education and engagement to support three main focus areas: Healthy Women, Access to Opportunity (which includes education and skills development), and Two-Generation/Whole Family approaches. WFM also provides programs that offer leadership and skills development and community engagement opportunities. WFM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (tax-exempt) organization. 

Overview 

The Women’s Foundation of Mississippi is requesting proposals for projects addressing our three focus areas: Healthy Women, Access to Opportunity (which includes education and skills development), and Two Generation/Whole Family approaches. 

Funding Opportunity 

WFM anticipates awarding grants ranging from $20,000-$50,000 for projects operating over 12 months (January-December 2025). This RFP is open to nonprofit organizations operating in Mississippi. 

Eligibility 

Eligible applicants are 501 (c) (3) organizations or fiscally sponsored organizations with a non-profit mission.  Eligible applicants must operate in Mississippi. 

Project Focus Areas 

Proposed projects should address one or more of the following focus areas:  

Healthy Women and Safety and Well-Being 

• Improve access to physical and mental health care 
• Provide access to reproductive health services 
• Increase overall wellness outcomes
• Support broader community healing and well-being 

Access to Opportunity (which includes education and skills development) 

• Enhance access to education to improve outcomes for girls 
• Provide a pathway to jobs and rewarding careers 
• Develop and practice leadership and advocacy skills 
• Access to educational and skills development for vulnerable populations, including women returning from incarceration 

Two-Generation/Whole Family Approaches 

• Provide simultaneous child and parent services 
• Educate families on health and wellness
• Provide economic mobility programs for parents 
• Provide family-centered coaching 
• Provide intergenerational learning opportunities 

Grant Requirements 

Grantees will be required to engage in the following activities: 

• Project Evaluation: In addition to individual program evaluations, grantees will participate in a WFM funded cohort evaluation. 
• Grantee Convenings: Grantees will attend two half-day convenings to discuss project developments,  share the best practices, and connect with other funded organizations. 
• Quarterly Check-Ins: Grantees will engage in quarterly check-ins and site visits with WFM staff. The  schedule for these meetings will be collaboratively determined. 
• Grant Reporting: Grantees will be required to submit quarterly grant reports to the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi. These reports will detail progress toward project goals, key activities and milestones achieved, challenges encountered, and any adjustments made to your project’s implementation plan. This report provides an opportunity to share valuable insights and outcomes from your work. Additionally, quarterly reporting will allow WFM to offer ongoing support and guidance to maximize the impact of your project. 

Key Dates and Deadlines 

RFP Released: November 18, 2024 

Q&A Session (Zoom): November 22, 2024 @ 12:00 p.m. (CT)

Proposal Submission Deadline: December 18, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. 

Grant Awards Announced: January 22, 2025 

Project Start Date: February 1, 2025

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS 

Proposals should include the following elements: 

1. Organizational Overview 

• Mission and Vision: A summary of the organization’s mission, vision, and alignment with WFM’s focus areas. 
• Relevant Experience: Description of experience in the selected focus areas related to your proposed project. 

2. Project Description 

• Project Summary: Clearly outline the proposed project, its primary goals, target population, and specific activities. 
• Geographic: Specify the communities served by the project. 
• Anticipated Outcomes: Describe the intended outcomes and how they align with WFM’s focus areas.

3. Implementation Plan 

• Timeline and Milestones: Provide a detailed project timeline, including major milestones and deliverables. 
• Staff and Partnerships: Identify key staff members, roles, and any partnerships or community collaborations. 

4. Budget and Justification 

• Total Budget: Provide a detailed project budget that includes personnel, program activities, administrative costs, and any other relevant expenses. 
• Justification: Briefly justify the need for each budget item and the overall funding amount requested.

5. Evaluation and Impact Measurement 

• Evaluation Approach: Describe the plan for monitoring and evaluating project impact, including data collection methods and key performance indicators. 
• Expected Outcomes: Summarize the anticipated impact, the outcomes, and plans for sustainability after the grant ends. 

6. Commitment to Neutrality 

• Community-Centered Approach: Explain how the project will be community-centered, with an emphasis on neutrality and culturally responsive practices. 
• Inclusion of Underserved Populations: Describe how the project will engage and prioritize service for underserved and at-risk populations in the Delta.

7. Narrative Responses to Project Objectives

• Share your organization’s long and short-term plan and priorities.
• Describe how you incorporate the voices of those you serve into your work.
• Share how you prioritize women and girls and people of color in your organization.
• Share how your project will address one of three project focus areas: Healthy Women, Access to Opportunity, and Two-Generation/Whole Family support.
• List 1-3 measurable outcomes for the entire grant period that you would like to track and report on.

Evaluation Criteria 

Proposals will be evaluated by WFM’s grant committee, along with three external reviewers with expertise in maternal and child health, community health, and grantmaking. The following criteria will be used to assess applications: 

• Alignment with Program Focus (25 points): The project aligns with WFM’s priority areas of focus. 
• Feasibility and Sustainability (20 points): Evidence of a well-designed project plan with achievable outcomes within the grant term. 
• Organizational Capacity and Partnerships (20 points): Demonstrates strong organizational infrastructure and relevant partnerships. 
• Community Engagement and Neutrality (20 points): Commitment to an inclusive, equitable approach that prioritizes underserved populations. 
• Evaluation and Impact Measurement (15 points): Strong evaluation plan with clear metrics to measure impact. 

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Questions? Contact Us!

For further questions, please contact WFM’s program staff at info@womensfoundationms.org.

We look forward to receiving your proposals and partnering with you to help women and girls thrive in Mississippi.