Applying for a Grant
Visit owf.slideroom.com to continue an existing application.
The Ojai Women's Fund (OWF) is an all-volunteer collective giving circle dedicated to making grants on an annual basis to nonprofit organizations that target critical needs in the Ojai Valley.
Please carefully read the sections below, and make sure that your organization fits the Funding, Eligibility and Award Criteria. If you need other assistance in filling out the application, contact grants@ojaiwomensfund.com
Due Date: Proposals must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026. Late and incomplete proposals are not accepted. All applications must be submitted electronically.
Funding: Grant amounts may range from $10,000-$20,000 and will fund programs/projects that address critical needs for Ojai Valley residents, with a focus on arts, education, environment, health, or social services.
Applicant Eligibility: Financial data is requested to ensure the capacity to achieve stated goals within the application request.
eligible applicants are organizations certified as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. IRS Code for a minimum of one year from date of IRS Final Determination 501(c)(3) Letter and classified as “not a private foundation" under Section 509(a) are eligible for funding.
eligible applicants include not for profit organizations with a fiscal sponsor. The fiscal sponsor serves as a fiscal sponsor for the proposed project. The fiscal sponsor must be an established IRS 501 (c)(3) tax exempt organization for a minimum of one year from the date of the IRS Final Determination 501 (c)(3) Letter and it must agree to accept donations on behalf of the grant applicant.
Grants will support:
general operating support
existing program/project expenses or program expansions
new programs/project expenses
Grants will not be made:
to organizations that discriminate against groups or individuals in the delivery of programs and services on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, or disability
to individuals
for operating deficits
for endowment funds, or annual fund drives
for fundraising dinners or events
for research programs without a direct service component
for influencing legislation and/or elections, for political candidates, political campaigns
to faith-based organizations or religious programs whose principal purpose is promulgating a particular religious faith, creed or doctrine
while some of our grants support education-related programs, we do not fund individual or named scholarships
Award Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate in their application that the proposed program or project will achieve results of measurable benefit for the Ojai Valley while addressing a critical need in one or more of the following areas: arts, education, environment, health, or social services. While your program must serve residents of the greater Ojai Valley, including the communities from Casitas Springs through Upper Ojai, your organization does not need to be based in the Valley. Beneficiaries are not limited to women and girls. Each application will be evaluated based on the nonprofit’s goals, financials, leadership, sustainability, and measurable results.
Grantee Selection
Successful grantees will have and/or demonstrate the commitment to achieving:
a clear mission
strong leadership and management
program services responsive to the culture and linguistic needs of its clients/constituents
intentionality in diversity, equity, and inclusion in their practices and results
a strategy to accomplish their mission, operate programs that produce positive outcomes, and learn from results
a funding model that can support core programs and services
program and services that address the needs of people who are economically disadvantaged, and/or underserved, or that improve the quality of life for individuals in the Ojai Valley in arts, education, environment, health, or social services.
Other Important Information
One proposal per organization will be accepted. Agencies serving as a fiscal sponsor may also apply for their own program
Grants are for a one-year term
Nonprofits may be awarded grants for two consecutive years, then will not be eligible to apply during the next grant cycle. For example, an organization that received a grant in 2024 and 2025 will not be eligible to apply again until the 2027 grant cycle
If your agency is selected and awarded an OWF grant, you may be asked to:
Provide and present a short speech at the OWF Ballot Presentation and the Celebration of Grants event
Provide updates, including a year-end written report
If you are selected, we may request photographs or request a link to a brief video of your program for promotional materials. We will require a signed photo release
Key Dates
Grant application available at www.ojaiwomensfund.org/grants/apply on April 13, 2026
Completed grant application is due by 5:00 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2026
Site visits, virtual or in-person, may be scheduled in June & July 2026
Nominees for the ballot will be announced in September 2026
Applicants will be notified of grant funding decisions in September 2026
Grant awards celebration will be held in November 2026