Grants and Investments / Grant Reading
Be a part of our grantmaking
We believe that women and girls are the experts of their own lived experiences and should have a seat at the table where funding decisions are made. That’s why each year, we recruit hundreds of volunteer Grant Readers to participate in our Community Grant Review Day.
Our Grant Reader application is now closed.
Thank you to all who applied! Grant Readers will be selected and notified by September 14, 2026.
community grant review day
Saturday, October 10, 2026
9:15 am - 1:30 pm
Columbus Metropolitan Library - Main Library (96 S Grant Avenue)
We're excited for another year of community building focused on funding innovative programs for women and girls!
Grant captains
Grant Captains (formerly called Leaders or Observers) play an important role in our grantmaking process. Grant Captains help recruit diverse Grant Readers and serve as facilitators on the day of the event. Grant Captains have past grant reading experience and receive special training to learn how to help their group evaluate applications and reach consensus. They guide their groups of Grant Readers through the review process, record final scores and feedback for applicants, and work closely with the Women’s Fund team throughout the entire grants process.
Grant Readers
Our Grant Readers bring their unique points of view and lived experiences to the decision-making table to help us invest in the very best programs for women and girls.
What it means to be a grant reader
As a Grant Reader or Grant Captain, you play an important role in our decision-making process. If you are accepted to be a Grant Reader or Captain, we are counting on your full participation. Your commitment is essential to ensuring that we are making equitable investments that truly reflect the wisdom of the collective. Learn more about how what it means to be a Grant Reader by watching the video!
Thank you in advance for your dedication to social change and your hard work to make it happen.
Our commitment to equity
We strive to make our pool of Grant Readers as diverse as possible so that each group is reflective of our vibrant community. We also recognize that people of color and those most marginalized face specific barriers that could prevent them from participating, such as lack of access to transportation or childcare. We are committed to eliminating these barriers. If you are interested in applying and want to discuss how we can make it easier for you to participate, please contact us.
Your donation makes grants possible
Every grant we make is made possible by grassroots donations. Chip in today to make sure we can make as many grants as possible each year.