Introducing WFSA’s FORGE Grant

The Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona Announces the FORGE Grant for Racial and Gender Equity  [TUCSON, AZ – December 4, 2024] — The Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona (WFSA) is thrilled to announce the launch of the Fund for Racial and Gender Equity (FORGE), an innovative, community-driven grantmaking initiative set to open in early 2025. This unconventional program will provide $65,000 in unrestricted funding to eight Arizona-based organizations led by and serving Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIWOC) communities and gender-expansive individuals.  FORGE breaks new ground in Arizona philanthropy by centering accessibility, transparency, and equity. Unlike traditional grant models, FORGE was co-designed with current grantee partners who received grants to acknowledge their time and expertise. This participatory approach ensures the fund addresses systemic barriers and prioritizes organizations often excluded from institutional funding.  “Our goal is simple yet powerful: forge a new path where Arizona’s communities decide how resources flow,” stated WFSA’s Director of Grantee Partnerships, Chloe Silva. “We’re proud to support organizations driving racial, gender, and economic equity across our state and prove that this approach to grantmaking can lead to greater impact for Arizona communities.” 

Key Highlights of the FORGE Grant 

• Community Leadership: FORGE grants are designed and awarded by community leaders who understand the unique challenges faced by BIWOC-led organizations. 

• Unrestricted Funding: Each grantee receives a $65,000 one-year grant to support their mission without restrictive conditions. 

• Equity and Accessibility: FORGE focuses on organizations that are providing critical support to our communities and doing so with smaller budgets and often without the support of local funders. 

Why It Matters 

The FORGE Fund reimagines grantmaking as a partnership. By shifting power to the communities WFSA serves, the program advances a new model for equity-focused philanthropy in Arizona. “This is more than funding; it’s about trust, value, and reshaping the future of community-centered philanthropy,” noted Katia Jones, WFSA’s Chief Executive Officer. 

Applications Open in January 2025 

FORGE applications and resources, including FAQs and a detailed rubric, will be available in January 2025. To prioritize transparency and access WFSA will host information sessions and office hours throughout the application window. WFSA invites Arizona organizations working to create systemic change and support underrepresented communities to apply.  For more information about FORGE and how to apply, visit womengiving.org/FORGE. 

Support Community-Led Philanthropy 

Help WFSA continue to forge the future of equitable grantmaking. Make a donation today and keep the fires of community-driven change burning at womengiving.org/give.  For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:  Hannah Terpening | Director of Marketing and Communications WFSA  Hterpening@womengiving.org   About Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona: The Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona (previously the Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona) innovates to create social, political, and economic change that achieves equity for women and girls of all identities through its integrated framework of research, advocacy, grantmaking, and innovative solutions. To learn more, visit www.womengiving.org.