WILPF Internal Grant Program

   It is designed to be flexible and fund the essential work being done by our many Issue Committees, Branches and members. We encourage collaboration between our Issue Committees and Branches, and outcome- oriented planning, so that we may more powerfully effect policy change at the local, national and international levels.

U.S. WILPF'S  GRANT PROGRAM
INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES

Click here for a downloadable Microsoft Word version of the Grant Application
Click here for a downloadable pdf version of the Grant Application

The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom was founded in April, 1915 with the mission of advocating fundamental changes in economic and social relations to minimize the conflicts that  erupt into war. For over 93 years women have worked to end war, and to confront and challenge oppression in all its forms. WILPF addresses a broad range of issues, and engages in study and education, direct action, and advocacy at the local, national, and international (UN) level. The WILPF grants program is broad, with our purpose being to support and nurture the work being done by Issue Committees, Branches and members, as well as fund new initiatives and emergent issues in a timely manner, within the framework defined by the Program Committee.

Our grants are limited only to the requirement that the projects serve WILPF's mission and vision [see page 2]. The tiered levels of funding, currently ranging from $250- 4,000, are designed for flexibility and a diversity of needs, and may fund small one- time projects, seed larger efforts to help procure outside funding, and strengthen and expand on-going work from the local to UN level.

Approximately $14,000 has been committed to the July- December 2008 grants program, and the application deadline for this cycle is September 30, 2008. Notice of award will be sent within 6 weeks. The Grant Committee (5) consists of 1 Program Co-chair (US WILPF Board) and 4 members selected by the Program Committee.

Emergency funding may also be available on a case by case basis.

The Grant Oversight Committee, comprised of the 2^nd Program co-chair, the WILPF recent past president, and 2 members appointed by the Program Committee, is available to provide support and help grantees obtain training during the project's duration, as well as help evaluate its progress and  outcomes.

The number of grants awarded will be contingent on the amounts requested and awarded.

The size of the requested grant should take into consideration the expected outcomes, reach and scope of the proposal.

Eligibility:  All Issue Committees and Branches. Individual members are encouraged to join Issue Committees, or talk to the Program Co-chairs to see how your political work can best be supported.

Issue Committees in good standing will receive annual funding of $400 in addition to being eligible for Grants.

For description of "Issue Committee" and "Branch" please go to http://wilpf.org/issue_committee_definition

We appreciate applications that are typed and submitted electronically, if possible.

Applications may be sent electronically to: programsupport(at)wilpf.org

Or 5 paper copies mailed to: WILPF, 1213 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

If you have questions, or need help with this application , please

email : programsupport(at)wilpf.org

or call: Tura Campanella Cook- 512-795-9702.

Please Note: 2008 is the inaugural year of this program, and will evolve over the next funding cycles. The Committees will include staff when possible, and the mechanism refined according to members' input.

        FACTORS CONSIDERED WHEN REVIEWING THE FUND PROPOSALS

1. Political/ community need- Does your proposal aim to meet a specific political need in your local or greater community that is new, or has been overlooked in the past? Is so, please describe the communities or populations you envision working with, and the need /issue, and how you know there's a need (statistics, previous work, etc)

2. Collaboration- Does your proposal involve collaboration with other branches and/ or issue committees, or other grassroots organizations? If so, please describe. If issue is being addressed by other groups, please describe how they are representative of the communities, and what your intended contribution/ impact will be on the larger effort.

3. Capacity and Movement building-

a) Does your proposal help to build long-term capacity (increased involvement/ diversity, skills, and resources) in your community/ branch/ issue committee? Can it be a model for, and replicated by, other WILPF branches and issue committees, and can the results of your proposal be shared/ communicated with US WILF (and/or other activist organizations)? Innovative approaches are welcomed.

b) How does your work help build solidarity with Building the Beloved Community? Does it in some way confront white privilege or challenge other oppressive relationships? WILPF welcomes resources, observations and lessons learned; and to the best of our ability we will offer assistance and training to contribute to a positive outcome.

4. WILPF's Mission- Because we recognize that WILPF's mission is very long-term and difficult to realize, proposals articulating short-term achievable goals and clarity of strategy are greatly valued. While local, targeted goals that connect to WILPF's US or International program will be funded, priority may be given to those who have a proven track record of accomplishment with the greatest geographic reach.

 5. Leveraging resources- WILPF's grant program seeks to complement the cultivation of outside funding, which will be supported by WILPF's Development committee and staff.

For U.S. Section Vision and Mission Statement
Go to: http://wilpf.org/vismis

VISION STATEMENT
WILPF envisions a transformed world at peace, where there is racial, social, and economic justice for all people everywhere - a world in which:

• The needs of all people are met in a fair and equitable manner,
• All people equally participate in making the decisions that affect them,
• The interconnected web of life is acknowledged and celebrated in diverse ways and communities, and
• Human societies are designed and organized for sustainable existence.