As government and private funding for foreign aid and gender equality programs declines, Together Women Rise is planning to expand its grants program in support of women and girls in the Global South.

“When public and private funders step back, people-powered movements must step up — and that’s exactly what we are doing at Together Women Rise,” said Beverley Francis-Gibson, CEO. “This year, we are investing more than ever in our grants program, and we just announced a new strategic plan which sets out our bold strategy for increasing grantmaking by 75 percent over the next three years.”

Together Women Rise is a collective giving community that is dedicated to advancing global gender equality. The organization has nearly 5,000 members, many of them part of local chapters across the U.S. Through its collective giving model, it funds grants and partnerships that make life-changing differences for women and girls in low-income and marginalized communities in the Global South.

Since it began in 2003, Together Women Rise has invested more than $13.5 million in grants and partnerships in more than 70 countries, impacting more than 106 million people.

“As we approach our 25^th anniversary, our goal is to build on our strengths and successes and expand our impact because the need of women and girls has never been greater,” said Francis-Gibson. “Our grantees are experiencing one of the most challenging funding environments ever while women’s rights are being rolled back around the world. It is heartbreaking to hear about the women and girls who won’t have access to education, healthcare or economic opportunities because of the drastic cuts in funding. Our community is not going to let women and girls be left behind.”

Together Women Rise plans to invest at least $1 million in its Featured Grant program this year, an increase of about 35% over the 2025 grants awarded. Featured Grants, ranging in size from $35,000 to $50,000, fund organizations and projects that address the varied issues and needs of women and girls in the Global South, including education, healthcare, economic opportunities, gender-based violence, child marriage, and more.

The organization will open its upcoming grant cycle – for grants to be awarded in 2027 – on May 5,^, 2026 at 9 am ET and will accept applications until June 5, 2026 at 5 pm ET. Organizations are invited to attend one of two information sessions being held by Together Women Rise on April 28 at 8 am ET and April 30 at 12 pm ET. More information on grant requirements and eligibility as well as registration for the upcoming information sessions is available at https://togetherwomenrise.org/featured-grant-guidelines.