Eileen Fisher Women Owned Business Grant Program: Full Details

If you’re leading a women-owned business focused on social or environmental change, the Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program offers funding from $10,000 up to $40,000 to help you scale your impact. Established over 30 years ago by Eileen Fisher, it goes beyond money by connecting you to mentorship and a community centered on leadership and sustainability. Understanding the eligibility and application process could open doors to resources tailored for your venture’s growth.

Key Takeaways

• The Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant provides up to $40,000 in non-repayable funding annually to women-led businesses focused on social and environmental change.
• Eligible businesses must be 100% women-owned, operating for at least three years, with annual revenue below $1 million.
• Applications open April 1-30 annually, with up to ten grants awarded yearly to businesses demonstrating significant environmental and social impact.
• Recipients gain access to NYC networking events, mentorship from Eileen Fisher professionals, and community connections with like-minded women entrepreneurs.
• The grant prioritizes environmental justice initiatives and requires clear operational plans addressing urgent social or ecological challenges in underserved communities.

History and Purpose of the Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant

Although Eileen Fisher founded her company more than 30 years ago with just $350, she’s consistently emphasized the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs, which led to the establishment of the Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant in 2004.

This grant program was created to promote women’s leadership in business, focusing on social and environmental responsibility. Its funding history shows an increase from $100,000 to $200,000 annually since 2019, reflecting a growing commitment to grant impact.

The program supports women-owned businesses dedicated to positive change, helping them expand and thrive.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

To qualify for the Eileen Fisher Grant, you need to show that women own at least 51% of your business and hold key leadership roles.

Your business must have been operating for at least three years and bring in less than $1 million in annual gross revenue.

You’ll also need to demonstrate a clear focus on social or environmental change, especially in areas like climate advocacy and women’s decision-making.

Ownership and Leadership Requirements

If you’re applying for the Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant, you’ll need to show that women hold at least 51% ownership and occupy key leadership roles in your company.

This means your ownership structures must clearly reflect majority female ownership, and women must actively manage or hold significant managerial positions.

The grant emphasizes businesses led by women, ensuring leadership roles are integral to operations.

These requirements align with the program’s goal to support women entrepreneurs driving social and environmental change through their businesses, confirming ownership and leadership are foundational eligibility criteria.

Business Operation and Revenue Criteria

Your business must have been operating for at least three years and generate less than $1 million in annual gross revenue to meet the Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant eligibility.

These criteria guarantee your company has demonstrated business sustainability and a track record of operations. The revenue threshold accommodates early-stage and established small businesses seeking growth capital.

By maintaining revenue below this limit, you’re positioned as a venture that benefits most from grant support.

These financial parameters reflect the program’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs at various growth stages while prioritizing those demonstrating revenue growth potential and long-term viability.

Annual Grant Amounts and Funding Allocation

You receive a total of $200,000 in annual grant funding through the Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program, with individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 based on project needs.

The program distributes these grants each year during the application period from April 1 to April 30.

This allocation supports multiple women-owned businesses focused on social and environmental change, emphasizing climate advocacy and leadership development.

Annual Total Funding

The Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program allocates $200,000 each year to support women-led enterprises committed to social and environmental responsibility.

This annual total funding guarantees a sustainable grant impact by distributing individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 to selected recipients.

Since 2004, the program has demonstrated grant sustainability by increasing the total funds from earlier amounts while maintaining its focus on funding impact through supporting businesses addressing significant social and environmental issues.

This focused allocation strengthens women’s leadership and promotes long-term change within their communities.

The application window opens yearly from April 1 to April 30.

Individual Grant Sizes

Since the Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program distributes $200,000 annually, individual recipients can expect awards ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 depending on their business needs and proposal quality.

With up to ten grants awarded yearly, you’ll compete for substantial funding that supports social and environmental initiatives. Your grant application should clearly articulate how you’ll use these funds within your business operations.

Developing effective funding strategies helps you maximize your award potential. The program prioritizes women-owned enterprises demonstrating genuine commitment to positive change, so tailoring your proposal to align with these values strengthens your competitive position significantly.

Monthly Grantee Selection

Now that you understand the range of individual grant sizes available through the Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program, it’s important to know how these funds are distributed throughout the year.

The program offers ongoing monthly impact, with grantees selected at the end of each month. Selection criteria focus on businesses committed to social and environmental change.

• Applications are reviewed monthly for continuous funding opportunities.
• Up to $200,000 is awarded annually, supporting up to ten recipients.
• Selection emphasizes climate advocacy and women’s decision-making.
• Eligible businesses must have operated for at least three years.

Application Timeline and Deadlines

Although the Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant officially opens its application period annually from April 1 to April 30, applicants may submit their proposals continuously without needing to reapply if previously considered.

This flexible application process supports grant sustainability by allowing ongoing evaluation and selection. Grants are awarded monthly, with winners announced at each month’s end, facilitating timely funding distribution.

Each year, the program allocates $200,000 in total funding, awarding between $10,000 and $40,000 per selected women-owned business based on their specific needs and potential impact.

Essential Documentation for Submission

To complete your Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant application, you’ll need to gather key personal and business information, including your name, pronouns, email address, and business name.

Use this documentation checklist to stay organized and follow these application tips for a smooth process:

• Provide your company website URL or a detailed business description
• Submit an IRS letter of determination and board of directors list
• Include IRS Form 990 and year-end financial statements
• Confirm eligibility and align your project with social and environmental change goals

Focus Areas and Grant Priorities

You’ll want to highlight how your business advances environmental justice, as the Eileen Fisher grant prioritizes projects that create real impact in this area.

The program also looks for strong women’s leadership, so show how you’re driving change and empowering others.

Focus your proposal on clear, actionable plans that align with these priorities.

Environmental Justice Focus

• Demonstrate clear operational plans showing significant environmental impact.
• Show commitment to women’s leadership in climate advocacy and remediation.
• Target projects addressing urgent environmental challenges and ready to implement.
• Highlight how your initiative advances environmental justice and sustainable economies.

This focus guarantees your business contributes to meaningful social and ecological change.

Women’s Leadership Support

While focusing on environmental and social change remains central, the Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant specifically prioritizes supporting women’s leadership by funding initiatives where women hold pivotal decision-making roles.

This program advances women’s empowerment and leadership development by requiring women own at least 51% of their businesses and serve in managerial roles.

With grants ranging from $10,000 to $40,000, the foundation supports businesses operational for three years or more with under $1 million in annual revenue.

The goal is to provide non-repayable funding that enables women-led enterprises to launch impactful projects addressing social or environmental challenges.

Selection Process and Notification

The Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program selects grantees on an ongoing basis, with recipients chosen at the end of each month based on how well their businesses align with the program’s core mission of advancing women’s leadership in environmentally and socially responsible enterprises.

Your selection criteria must demonstrate:

• Operational history of less than three years
• Commitment to positive social and environmental change
• Clear alignment with the program’s mission values
• Specific funding-required programs or projects outlined in your application

You’ll receive award notification shortly after selection.

The program distributes up to $700,000 annually, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $40,000, helping you scale your impact-driven business effectively.

Support and Community Engagement for Grantees

Grantees in the Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program connect with a supportive community of women entrepreneurs who share a commitment to environmental and social responsibility. You’ll access mentorship opportunities from experienced professionals within the Eileen Fisher network, gaining invaluable guidance for your business journey. Community collaboration becomes central as you engage with fellow grantees, sharing resources and best practices that increase your impact. The program encourages you to develop local initiatives empowering women and advancing climate solutions. Eileen Fisher actively promotes your achievements, providing visibility that attracts growth opportunities and additional funding prospects.

Impact of the Grant on Women Entrepreneurs

Because the Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant offers substantial, non-repayable funding, you can directly invest in scaling your business and launching initiatives that drive social and environmental change.

Your grant success expands operational capacity while fostering social innovation in underserved communities.

• Secure $10,000-$40,000 annually to eliminate financial barriers
• Launch climate advocacy and women’s empowerment programs
• Access exclusive networking with past recipients and Eileen Fisher leaders
• Strengthen decision-making roles for women in your industry

This funding enables you to address pressing environmental challenges while building sustainable business models.

You’ll join a community of women entrepreneurs creating measurable impact through environmental justice and economic opportunity.

Additional Resources and Related Funding Opportunities

Beyond the Eileen Fisher grant itself, you’ll find complementary funding sources designed to support women entrepreneurs pursuing environmental and social impact.

To maximize your chances, use grant application tips such as preparing thorough documentation—including financial statements and proof of women’s ownership—and aligning your project with climate advocacy and women’s empowerment.

Additionally, funding networking opportunities arise from events tied to these grants, where you can connect with peers and mentors who share your mission.

Exploring other grants like the EmpowHER or Dream Makers Founders grants can further diversify your funding options and strengthen your business’s social and environmental goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Eileen Fisher Grant for Women-Owned Businesses?

The Eileen Fisher grant empowers women-owned businesses by providing $10,000 to $40,000 annually to those with under $1 million revenue that lead social or environmental change, supporting business empowerment and climate advocacy.

Are There Grants for Women-Owned Businesses?

Yes, you can access various funding opportunities and business resources specifically designed for women-owned businesses. These grants often target early-stage, revenue-generating firms and emphasize social or environmental impact, leadership, and sustainability.

Are There Any Grants for Women in Business?

You can access business funding specifically designed for female entrepreneurs through various grants like the Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant, offering $10,000 to $40,000 annually to support women-led businesses focused on social and environmental impact. Other programs, such as EmpowHER and Dream Makers, also provide grants ranging up to $25,000 to businesses with majority female ownership. These grants typically require businesses to be operational for at least three years and generate less than $1 million in revenue, helping female entrepreneurs grow their ventures responsibly.

Who Is Eligible for the She’s Connected Grant?

You’re eligible for the She’s Connected grant if you’re a woman-owned business with 50 or fewer employees. Grant eligibility requires U.S. registration and being 18 or older. The application process is simple and open now.

Conclusion

You might worry that a $10,000-$40,000 grant isn’t substantial enough for serious business growth. However, recipients repeatedly emphasize that the funding’s true value extends beyond capital—it’s the validation, community access, and three-day networking trip to New York City that transform their trajectories. Combined with mentorship from Eileen Fisher’s team and connections to like-minded entrepreneurs, you’re gaining strategic positioning that accelerates your environmental and social mission substantially.