Women start nearly half of all new businesses in the United States. They earn the majority of college degrees. They drive trillions of dollars in consumer spending every year.
And yet — women still receive less than 3% of venture capital funding. They carry roughly two-thirds of all student loan debt. They earn 84 cents for every dollar men earn.
The gap is real. But so is the money available to close it.
There are billions of dollars in grants, fellowships, and awards specifically for women — from federal programs that fund women-owned businesses to private foundations that hand out $100,000+ to women entrepreneurs. From education grants that pay for a master’s degree to STEM fellowships that cover an entire PhD.
The problem isn’t that the money doesn’t exist. It’s that most women don’t know these programs are out there.
This guide covers 12 of the best grant programs for women in 2026. Every program listed is legitimate, currently active, and free to apply for. No fees. No catches.
Business Grants for Women
1. SBA Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program
The U.S. Small Business Administration doesn’t hand out grants directly — but it runs a program that’s arguably more valuable. The WOSB Federal Contracting Program sets aside billions of dollars in federal contracts exclusively for women-owned small businesses.
The federal government is the largest buyer of goods and services in the world. Through this program, certain contracts are restricted so that only certified women-owned businesses can compete for them.
What you get:
- Access to sole-source contracts up to $7 million (manufacturing) or $4.5 million (other industries)
- Set-aside contracts where only WOSBs can bid
- A competitive edge for government work worth thousands to millions of dollars annually
Who qualifies:
- Business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by women
- Women must manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions
- Business must be “small” by SBA size standards for your industry
- Must be certified through the SBA’s free certification portal or an SBA-approved certifier
How to apply: Get certified at certify.sba.gov and search for contracts at sam.gov.
Pro tip: The SBA also funds Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) in all 50 states. These centers offer free training, mentoring, and help with applying for funding. Find yours at sba.gov/local-assistance.
2. Amber Grant — WomensNet
The Amber Grant is one of the most accessible business grants for women in the country. There’s no complicated application, no business plan requirement, and no minimum revenue.
WomensNet awards $10,000 every month to a woman-owned business. At the end of the year, one of the 12 monthly winners receives an additional $25,000 grand prize. They also offer a separate $10,000 monthly grant for businesses focused on startups that haven’t launched yet.
What you get:
- $10,000 monthly grant for existing businesses
- $10,000 monthly startup grant for pre-launch businesses
- $25,000 year-end grand prize from the monthly winners
Who qualifies:
- Any woman-owned business based in the U.S. or Canada
- Businesses at any stage — from idea to established
- No industry restrictions
Application fee: $15 (used to fund the grants)
Deadline: End of each month, rolling basis
How to apply: ambergrantsforwomen.com
3. IFundWomen Universal Grant Database + Grants
IFundWomen is a funding platform built specifically for women entrepreneurs. They run their own grant programs and partner with major corporations to distribute grant money to women-owned businesses.
What you get:
- Corporate-sponsored grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 depending on the partner
- Access to a universal grant database listing hundreds of active grants for women
- Free coaching and mentoring with select grant programs
- Past corporate partners include Visa, American Express, Neutrogena, and Caress
Who qualifies: Requirements vary by specific grant program. Most require a woman-owned business in the U.S. Some are industry-specific or focused on women of color.
How to apply: Create a free profile at ifundwomen.com to access the grant database and apply for open programs.
4. Cartier Women’s Initiative
This is one of the most prestigious — and most generous — grants for women entrepreneurs in the world. The Cartier Women’s Initiative awards funding to women-led, impact-driven businesses across every region of the globe.
What you get:
- Top 3 laureates per region: $100,000 each
- 4th-7th place finalists: $30,000 each
- All 33 fellows receive mentorship, networking, and media exposure
- Regions include North America, Latin America, Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East/North Africa, East Asia, and South Asia
Who qualifies:
- Women who are the majority owners and lead their businesses
- Business must be in operation for 1-6 years
- Must be impact-driven (social, environmental, or technological impact)
- Revenue-generating or on a clear path to revenue
Deadline: Typically opens in May and closes in July each year
How to apply: cartierwomensinitiative.com
5. Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
Fashion mogul Tory Burch created this foundation specifically to support women entrepreneurs. The Fellows Program combines grant funding with intensive business education.
What you get:
- $5,000 grant for each of the 50 fellows selected
- Year-long fellowship including mentoring, workshops, and networking
- Access to the Tory Burch Foundation’s community and resources
- Some fellows have received additional funding through the program’s partnerships with Bank of America
Who qualifies:
- Women entrepreneurs in the U.S.
- Business must be revenue-generating
- Must demonstrate community impact
- Preference for early-stage businesses looking to scale
How to apply: toryburchfoundation.org
6. The Girlboss Foundation Grant
The Girlboss Foundation awards grants to women in creative fields — fashion, music, art, film, and design.
What you get:
- $15,000 grant awarded biannually
- Community support and media exposure through the Girlboss platform
Who qualifies:
- Women and nonbinary individuals running creative businesses
- Must be a U.S.-based business or project
- Open to for-profit and nonprofit ventures
How to apply: girlboss.com/foundation
Education Grants and Fellowships for Women
7. AAUW Fellowships and Grants
The American Association of University Women is one of the oldest and most respected sources of education funding for women. They’ve been awarding fellowships since 1888 and distribute over $6 million annually.
AAUW offers several distinct programs:
| Program | Amount | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| American Fellowships | $6,000 – $50,000 | U.S. women pursuing doctoral dissertations, postdoctoral research, or writing projects |
| International Fellowships | $20,000 – $50,000 | Women from outside the U.S. studying in America |
| Selected Professions Fellowships | $5,000 – $20,000 | Women in underrepresented fields (STEM, law, business, medicine) |
| Career Development Grants | $2,000 – $12,000 | Women returning to school who hold a bachelor’s and need additional training |
| Community Action Grants | $2,500 – $10,000 | Nonprofit organizations working on gender equity in education |
Who qualifies: Requirements vary by program. Most require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency for domestic fellowships. All require demonstrated academic achievement.
Deadline: Most applications open in August and close between November and January.
How to apply: aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants
8. P.E.O. Grants and Loans for Women
The Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) is a women’s organization that has provided over $400 million in grants, scholarships, and loans to women pursuing education.
P.E.O. offers five distinct programs:
- P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund (ELF): Low-interest loans up to $20,000 for women pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees
- P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship: Up to $12,500 for international women studying in the U.S. or Canada
- P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education (PCE): One-time grants up to $3,000 for women returning to school after a break of 24+ months
- P.E.O. Scholar Awards: Awards of $20,000 for women in doctoral programs
- P.E.O. STAR Scholarship: $2,500 for high school seniors entering college
Key requirement: All P.E.O. programs require nomination by a local P.E.O. chapter. You cannot apply directly — you need a P.E.O. member to sponsor your application.
How to connect with a chapter: Visit peointernational.org and contact your state or provincial chapter.
9. Grants for Women in STEM
Women remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math — and dozens of organizations are trying to change that with targeted funding.
Top STEM grants and fellowships for women:
National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship
- $37,000 annual stipend for 3 years, plus $16,000 cost-of-education allowance
- For women (and men) pursuing research-based graduate degrees in STEM
- One of the most prestigious STEM fellowships in the country
- Apply at nsfgrfp.org
Google Women Techmakers Scholarship
- $10,000 for undergraduate and graduate women studying computer science or related fields
- Open to students in the U.S., Canada, and many other countries
- Includes a networking retreat and community membership
- Apply at buildyourfuture.withgoogle.com
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships
- Over $1 million awarded annually through 200+ scholarships
- Individual awards range from $1,000 to $17,000
- For women pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in engineering or computer science
- Apply at swe.org/scholarships
BHW Women in STEM Scholarship
- $3,000 for women pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in STEM
- Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents
- Apply at bhwgroup.com/scholarship
L’Oreal USA For Women in Science Fellowship
- Five fellowships of $60,000 each for women conducting postdoctoral research in STEM
- One of the most generous postdoctoral awards in the country
- Apply at loreal.com/en/usa/pages/group/fwis
State-Specific Grant Programs for Women
10. State and Local Women’s Business Grants
Beyond federal programs, nearly every state offers grants, loans, or incentive programs specifically for women-owned businesses. Here are some of the most notable:
California:
- CalOSBA (California Office of the Small Business Advocate) offers technical assistance and connects women entrepreneurs with state-level funding programs
- Various regional grants through city-level economic development agencies
New York:
- New York State WBE Certification provides access to state contracts set aside for women-owned businesses
- The NYC Department of Small Business Services offers grants and zero-interest loans for women entrepreneurs
Texas:
- Texas Woman’s University Women in Business Grants — awards for women enrolled in TWU’s business programs
- Various local grants through organizations like the Dallas Women’s Foundation
Florida:
- Florida Women’s Business Center offers micro-grants and business development resources
- County-level programs through CareerSource and regional development councils
Illinois:
- Illinois Women’s Business Ownership Council connects women to state grants and procurement opportunities
- Various Chicago-area grants for women entrepreneurs
How to find programs in your state:
- Search “[your state] + grants for women-owned businesses”
- Contact your nearest Women’s Business Center
- Check your state’s economic development agency website
- Visit grants.gov and filter by your state
Grants for Specific Groups of Women
11. Grants for Women of Color and Minority Women
Several programs focus specifically on women of color, who face compounding barriers to funding.
Fearless Fund Grants
- Focuses on women of color running early-stage businesses
- Has awarded grants of $10,000 to $20,000 through pitch competitions
- Visit fearless.fund
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
- For socially and economically disadvantaged women business owners
- Provides access to set-aside federal contracts, mentorship, and management assistance
- 9-year program with extensive support
- Apply at sba.gov/8a
Visa Everywhere Initiative
- Awards $50,000 to $100,000 to women and minority entrepreneurs in fintech
- Open to startups globally
- Apply at visa.com/everywhere
National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
- Up to $4,000 for micro-business owners
- Open to all genders but prioritizes underserved entrepreneurs
- Apply at nase.org
12. Grants for Women Veterans, Women Over 40, and Other Specific Situations
Women Veterans:
- SBA Veterans Advantage — Fee reductions on SBA-backed loans for women veterans
- StreetShares Foundation — Awards of $5,000 to $15,000 for veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs
- Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE) — Free 3-phase training program through Syracuse University
Women Over 40 Returning to School:
- AAUW Career Development Grants (covered above) — specifically designed for women with a bachelor’s degree who need additional education to re-enter the workforce
- Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund — Awards up to $10,000 for women 35 and older pursuing an undergraduate degree; apply at rankinfoundation.org
Women in Agriculture:
- USDA Women and Minorities in STEM (WAMS) Grants — For women pursuing agricultural research
- Farm Service Agency (FSA) Microloans — Streamlined loans up to $50,000 with simplified applications; women and minorities get priority processing
How to Apply for Grants for Women: Step-by-Step
Getting grant money isn’t magic — it’s a process. Here’s how to give yourself the best shot.
Step 1: Get Your Documents Ready
Before you apply for anything, gather these essentials:
- Personal identification (driver’s license, Social Security number)
- Business registration documents (if applying for a business grant)
- Tax returns (personal and business, typically 2-3 years)
- Financial statements (profit & loss, balance sheet, bank statements)
- Business plan (even a basic one-page plan helps)
- Resume or CV (for education grants and fellowships)
- Transcripts (for education grants)
- Letters of recommendation (many fellowships require 2-3)
Step 2: Match Your Situation to the Right Programs
Don’t waste time applying for grants you don’t qualify for. Ask yourself:
- Am I starting a business, growing one, or going back to school?
- Is my business at least 51% woman-owned?
- Do I qualify based on location, industry, age, or background?
- Can I meet the deadline with a strong application?
Step 3: Write a Compelling Application
Most grants are competitive. Here’s what separates winners from the pile:
- Be specific about how you’ll use the money. “I’ll use $10,000 to purchase equipment for my catering business” beats “I’ll use it to grow my business.”
- Tell your story. Grant reviewers are humans. Why does this matter to you?
- Show impact. How many jobs will you create? How many people will benefit?
- Follow the instructions exactly. If they ask for a 500-word essay, don’t submit 1,000 words.
- Proofread everything. Typos signal carelessness.
Step 4: Apply to Multiple Programs
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Apply for 5-10 programs simultaneously. The more applications you submit, the better your odds.
Step 5: Follow Up and Reapply
Didn’t get it the first time? Many grant recipients applied 2-3 times before winning. Ask for feedback, improve your application, and try again.
Quick Comparison: Best Grants for Women at a Glance
| Grant Program | Amount | Best For | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBA WOSB Federal Contracting | $4.5M – $7M in contracts | Established businesses seeking gov’t contracts | Free |
| Amber Grant | $10,000 – $25,000 | Any woman-owned business | $15 |
| IFundWomen | $5,000 – $100,000 | Women entrepreneurs (various stages) | Free |
| Cartier Women’s Initiative | $30,000 – $100,000 | Impact-driven global businesses | Free |
| Tory Burch Foundation | $5,000 + fellowship | Early-stage businesses | Free |
| Girlboss Foundation | $15,000 | Creative businesses | Free |
| AAUW Fellowships | $2,000 – $50,000 | Graduate students and researchers | Varies |
| P.E.O. Programs | $2,500 – $20,000 | Women pursuing degrees | Free |
| NSF GRFP | $37,000/year x 3 years | STEM graduate students | Free |
| SWE Scholarships | $1,000 – $17,000 | Engineering students | Free |
| Jeannette Rankin | Up to $10,000 | Women 35+ going back to school | Free |
| L’Oreal For Women in Science | $60,000 | Postdoctoral STEM researchers | Free |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a grant just for being a woman?
Yes. Many private grants — like the Amber Grant and Cartier Women’s Initiative — are open specifically to women with no other restrictions beyond having a business or pursuing education. Government grants typically require meeting income or business criteria, but being a woman gives you access to additional programs.
Are these grants really free?
The vast majority of legitimate grants are completely free to apply for. The one exception on this list is the Amber Grant, which charges a $15 application fee to fund the grants. Never pay hundreds of dollars to “apply” for a grant — that’s a scam.
Can I apply for multiple grants at the same time?
Absolutely. In fact, you should. Grant funding is competitive, and applying to multiple programs increases your chances. Just make sure you’re eligible for each one and can submit a quality application.
Do I need a registered business to apply?
It depends on the grant. Business grants like the Amber Grant and IFundWomen generally require some form of business (even a sole proprietorship). Education grants require enrollment or acceptance into a degree program. Some startup grants are available even if you haven’t officially launched yet.
How long does it take to hear back after applying?
Most grants notify applicants within 2-6 months after the deadline. Some programs like the Amber Grant announce monthly winners. Larger fellowships like AAUW and Cartier can take 6-9 months.
What about grant scams?
Be wary of any program that asks for large upfront fees, guarantees you’ll win money, contacts you out of the blue, or asks for bank account information before you’ve been awarded anything. Legitimate grants never guarantee funding and never charge excessive fees. Read our full guide on how to spot grant scams.
Are there grants for women starting a business with no experience?
Yes. The Amber Grant and many IFundWomen partner grants have no experience requirements. The SBA’s Women’s Business Centers also provide free training and mentoring to help first-time entrepreneurs build the skills they need — and then connect them to funding.
