WomenStrong International: Funding for Francophone West Africa (Call for Expressions of Interest)
WomenStrong International is inviting women-led grassroots organizations across several Francophone West African countries to express interest in flexible, multiyear, unrestricted funding. The grants pair core support with co-designed organizational strengthening, so partners can build financial resiliency, diversify income, and steady their leadership rather than chase a funder’s agenda. WomenStrong wants locally rooted organizations run by in-country nationals, modest in budget yet already drawing more than one funder, that deliver gender-responsive services or advocacy for women and girls. The light expression of interest, the peer Learning Lab, and the trust-based terms all signal a funder shifting power toward the women leaders closest to the work. The strongest fits are small, nationally led nonprofits ready to share what sustains them and learn alongside peers.
Geographies: Benin; Burkina Faso; Côte d’Ivoire; Guinea; Niger; Senegal; Togo.
Who can apply: Women-led grassroots organizations in Francophone West Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Niger, Senegal, Togo) that are led by women holding the majority of leadership positions, led by in-country nationals based in the country of operation, have a local governing body representing the communities they serve, are registered as a nonprofit or local equivalent, have an annual budget under US$1 million, have more than one funder, provide locally led gender-responsive services and/or advocacy for women and girls, and have at least two staff or volunteers.
Funding amount: Up to US$50,000/year.
Targeted Sectors / SDGs: Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment; Philanthropy & Civil Society; Economic Development & Livelihoods.
Deadline: December 1, 2026.