Please read thoroughly, before filling out this application, to ensure eligibility. 

Each year, Women for UMass Amherst (WFUM) awards grant funding to worthy campus programs or projects. Applicants are encouraged to apply for funding of any project that aligns with the mission of WFUM, the purpose of the WFUM Fund, and the mission and goals of UMass Amherst.

Before applying, we encourage applicants to watch a recorded info session for tips and tricks on how to apply for a WFUM Grant. The video can be found at the Women for UMass - grant support website.

Be sure to allow and watch out for emails from SMApply throughout your project timeline.

To be eligible for grants/awards from the WFUM fund, complete the application process as follows:

Submit your WFUM Grant Application NO LATER than October 20, 2026***

• Applications can be started and saved to edit before submission - start your application early to ensure you can gather all needed responses by the deadline
• Please be sure to include your entire project budget: all expenses for the project, as well as all confirmed and pending funding sources
• Be sure to select SUBMIT when your application is complete, otherwise it will not be considered

Restrictions do apply - the WFUM Grants Committee will not fund the following:

• Programs/events that occur outside the grant timeline - projects must occur between January 1, 2027 through June 30, 2027**
• Giveaway or swag items
• Payments to students, staff, or faculty who support the project
• Prizes or raffles
• Research projects (personal or group)
• Events/programs whose impact/focus is 25% or more outside the UMass Amherst community
• Events/programs seeking to earn funding 2x in one academic year
• Events/programs that have been awarded funding for 2 years in a row*

The Committee will make determinations as to travel expenses on a case-by-case basis.

Once you have completed the application process, the grants decision will proceed as follows:

1. Applications will be reviewed by the WFUM Grant Review Committee which will narrow down the pool of applicants to a group of finalists based on how well they scored on their application 
   • Please note: only completed applications will be eligible for review
2. The Committee will then select grant recipients, and all applicants will be notified of their status by November 30
   • For those who have been awarded grants, you will have 1 week to accept your first half of funding
   • Groups are not always guaranteed to be awarded the full amount as requested (see ineligible expenses outlined above)
   • The maximum dollar amount granted for any project will be $3,000
3. To be awarded your second half of funding, grant recipients will submit a final project report and present a recap of their project in a virtual meeting with the committee
   • Final reports are due before June 30, 2027
   • Final project presentations are mandatory to receive your second half of funding and will be scheduled by the WFUM Grants administrator towards the end of the Spring 2027 semester

Important notes: 

***No late applications will be considered. A completed application is considered when all tasks (application and budget sheet, and any supplemental documents as needed) have been filled out in full and submitted no later than 11:59pm of October 20, 2026. Any challenges with submitting the application by the deadline MUST be communicated at least 24 hours before the deadline; exceptions may be considered only in rare circumstances involving factors beyond the applicant's reasonable control.

**All grants will be issued their first half of funding upon acceptance of the grant, if awarded. The remainder of your funds will be dispersed only after the completion of your final project report and presentation to the committee, which are due before June 30, 2027. Projects, and use of funding for this grant timeline, must be completed between January 1 and June 30, 2027. Funds may take up to 10 business days to transfer, pending any issues with account information on your application.

*If your group falls into this category, you must complete the repeat-applicant portion built into the grant application. If you have any questions about filling out this portion, please email Regina Diemand to receive special permission to apply. Email: rdiemand@uma-foundation.org

All grant applications and recap documents are subject to review by the WFUM Grants Committee and UMAF staff administrator. Applications and post-acceptance information of awarded WFUM Grant recipients may be used for the wide distribution of promotional, solicitation, advertising, or marketing materials through print, web, and social media channels, and data may be shared with donors.