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

Each year, Women for UMass Amherst (WFUM) awards grant funding to worthy campus programs or projects.  In the past, individual awards have ranged between $1,000 - $5,000.  

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.

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

Submit your WFUM Grant Application and Budget Sheet NO LATER than March 12, 2026***

• Applications and Budget Sheets can be started and saved for submission at a later date - 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 both tasks on your application are complete

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

• Programs/events that occur outside the grant timeline - projects must occur between July 1 - December 31, 2026**
• 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 
   • Applications are worth 50%.
   • Please note: only completed applications (submitted completed application and budget worksheet) will be eligible for review
2. Finalists will then meet with the committee in a virtual interview to answer a few questions based on the application submitted
   • Interview are worth 50%
   • Interviews are 10 minutes MAX, which should also leave time for questions and discussion (DO NOT prepare a PowerPoint)
3. The Committee will then select Award recipients, and all applicants will be notified of their status; for those applicants awarded grants, you will have 1 week to accept your first half of funding

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 March 12, 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, which is due the last day of the grant cycle on December 31, 2026 - pending review. Projects, and use of funding for this grant timeline, must be completed between July 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026.

*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 liaison.