Circle of Sisterhood Foundation Grant Program for Girls and Women's Education
An overview of the Circle of Sisterhood Foundation grant program
The Circle of Sisterhood (CofS) Foundation Grant Program provides targeted funding to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations working to remove barriers to education for girls and women worldwide. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that strengthen access to education, improve retention and persistence, and support long-term educational success through mentoring, life skills development, and community-based programs. Grants are designed to fund clearly defined, measurable projects that demonstrate sustainable impact within one year of award.
A look at past grant recipients and funded initiatives
Over the years, Circle of Sisterhood has supported organizations addressing systemic educational barriers across Africa and other underserved regions. Past recipients have demonstrated strong governance, community integration, and measurable outcomes for girls' and women's education.
| Organization | Year Awarded | Amount Awarded | Program Purpose | Why They Received Funding (Key Reasons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Girls Gotta Run Foundation | 2025 | Up to $10,000 | K–12 education access, mentoring, and life skills development in Ethiopia | Strong focus on girls' education, leadership development, and community-based mentoring |
| Kakenya's Dream | 2025 | Up to $10,000 | Secondary education, life skills, and leadership training in Kenya | Demonstrated impact on girls' academic retention and empowerment |
| Street Child US | 2025 | Up to $10,000 | Adult education and teacher salary support in South Sudan | Clear outcomes tied to education continuity and institutional stability |
| The MoonCatcher Project | 2025 | Up to $10,000 | Menstrual health and education programs in Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda | Addressed non-academic barriers preventing girls from attending school |
These organizations were selected due to their ability to align educational access with cultural context, community leadership, and long-term sustainability.
How the application process is structured
The Circle of Sisterhood grant application process has changed, beginning with the 2026 funding cycle.
- The foundation is currently piloting a restricted application process
- Only prior Circle of Sisterhood grant recipients and finalists are eligible to apply for the 2026 cycle
- Unsolicited applications from new organizations are not being accepted at this time
- Eligible applicants are invited directly by the foundation to submit proposals
- Selected applicants must submit detailed project plans, budgets, and measurable outcome frameworks
Grant process updates and future application guidelines are published on the official grants page:
https://circleofsisterhood.org/grants/
Questions related to eligibility or future cycles may be directed to:
grants@circleofsisterhood.org
Eligibility requirements that organizations must meet
To qualify for Circle of Sisterhood grant funding, organizations must satisfy the following criteria:
- Be a U.S.-based nonprofit organization recognized under IRS Section 501(c)(3)
- Operate programs that directly remove barriers to education for girls and women
- Demonstrate strong financial oversight and governance practices
- Present a clear implementation plan with defined goals and measurable outcomes
- Be capable of deploying grant funds within 12 months
- Commit to interim and final impact reporting
- Show evidence of program sustainability beyond the grant period
- Preference is given to women-led organizations and programs with local female leadership involvement
Organizations applying through a fiscal sponsor are encouraged to contact the foundation in advance.
What the expected timeline looks like for applicants
While timelines may vary by cycle, historical patterns indicate:
- Grant cycles typically open in early January during standard years
- Application review and evaluation occur during Q1
- Funding decisions are generally communicated in late Q1 or early Q2
- Grant implementation and reporting take place over a one-year funding period
For the 2026 cycle, timelines are managed directly by invitation due to the pilot application structure. Details for the 2027 cycle are expected to be announced in late 2026.
How GridPolaris software supports grant-funded education and mentoring programs
Programs funded by the Circle of Sisterhood Foundation often operate in complex environments that require strong coordination, accountability, and outcome tracking. GridPolaris software directly supports these operational needs.
GridPolaris enables grantees to centralize program data, track beneficiary outcomes, manage donor and grant reporting requirements, and document long-term impact across education and mentoring initiatives. For organizations implementing girls' education, leadership development, and community mentoring programs, GridPolaris provides structured workflows for case management, program monitoring, and compliance reporting.
Key capabilities beneficial to Circle of Sisterhood grantees include grant lifecycle tracking, impact measurement dashboards, beneficiary record management, and reporting tools aligned with funder requirements. These features help organizations demonstrate accountability, measure progress against stated objectives, and maintain transparency throughout the grant period.
By strengthening operational visibility and reporting accuracy, GridPolaris supports nonprofits in sustaining education-focused programs beyond initial grant funding.