In the past few years, our Grants Program in the United States has experienced a notable increase in funding applications. The rising number of requests reflects the growing need among women-led grassroots organizations. This increase and our expanding visibility highlight the trust organizations place in us and the urgent need for greater investment in women-focused and community-driven change.
Since our beginnings, Mary’s Pence has stood out as an independent funding source for women in the margins. One characteristic that makes us unique is the diversity of issues and grantees we support each year. When you give to Mary’s Pence, you’re not just supporting one cause; you’re empowering dozens of organizations addressing a broad spectrum of social justice matters.
All grantees have two things in common. They have a shared goal of creating long-term change, and they’re all small grassroots organizations. Some work nationally, and others at a local community level, but they’re all creating big impact with very small budgets.
Mary’s Pence is a grassroots organization, too. We are funded not by large corporate or government grants but by the solidarity of many loyal individual donors who believe in our mission. These grassroots contributions, given by people who understand that real change starts at the bottom, provide the lifeblood of our work.
Diverse Grantees, Diverse Impact
Mary’s Pence gives small grants to about 20 organizations annually. Here, we will highlight three examples of grantees that depict the variety of issues and strategies that Mary’s Pence supports.
South Asian Women Project (SAWP)
The South Asian Women Project (SAWP), based in New York, uses digital tools to reach Bangladeshi immigrant women, offering survivors of intimate partner violence culturally sensitive support. They provide trauma-informed counseling and help women find a path to economic autonomy, recover from violence, build self-sufficiency, and create supportive community networks. Recognizing that economic empowerment is critical for these women, SAWP provides resources that help them achieve financial independence. By partnering with 1st Aid Home Care Inc., SAWP offers job training as home care aides, equipping women with skills to gain employment and support their families. Additionally, their partnership with Hot Bread Kitchen allows participants to develop culinary skills and obtain food handler certifications, opening doors to job opportunities in the food industry.
SAWP demonstrates the importance of tailored solutions that address the specific needs of marginalized communities, encouraging and giving them tools to take control of their futures. They meet in person with women in the New York area whenever possible. Still, the majority of the workshops and counseling sessions happen online, amplifying their reach to women living in different states, even women living in Bangladesh who are suffering from intimate partner violence.
4Q6
Another example is 4Q6, a small but impactful organization working in Yellowstone County, Montana. 4Q6 works with LGBTQ+ youth, providing education, resources, and leadership tools. Their programming helps youth navigate the complexities of gender and sexuality justice while fostering a sense of self-determination, acceptance, and fellowship. 4Q6 wants all LGBTQ+ people to be embraced as members of society at home, at work, and throughout their community.
Despite being a very small organization working with limited capacity —they rely on unpaid staff and board— they have become one of the few and more critical resources for queer youth and students in the area. They travel the region with a mobile resource center packed with mental health resources for youth, friends, family, and allies. They lend books and provide safe and affirming listings for jobs, salons, spaces, and other services.
National Women’s Defense League (NWDL)
On a larger geographic scale, the National Women’s Defense League (NWDL) is a coalition of advocates, political and legislative staff, lobbyists, policymakers, and survivors from across the country who advocate for policy change to prevent sexual harassment and protect survivors in political spaces. NWDL’s recent report – Abuse of Power: Uncovering a Decade of Sexual Harassment in State Government, has brought to light the pervasive nature of sexual harassment by state lawmakers and those in power. Their work exemplifies how systemic change fights for gender justice, particularly in high-stakes environments like government.
For example, NWDL is associated with the Sexual Harassment Working Group, made up of former New York state staffers who accused Governor Cuomo of harassment and ultimately removed him from office. Their collaborative work includes taking best practices from other states, using nationwide data to better inform their work, and connecting them with survivors nationwide as a form of support and healing.
NWDL was also involved in the high-profile sexual harassment case in the office of Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro, which centered on allegations against a longtime senior aide. This case brought significant media attention to the NWDL. They remain in close contact with the identified survivor, as well as several anonymous survivors. In one instance, a survivor from the case was relocated out of state for protection.
Our long history of supporting grassroots organizations—spanning 37 years—makes us a trusted partner in social justice. At Mary’s Pence, we invest grassroots dollars in grassroots organizations. Whether it’s a local group like 4Q6 or a national organization like NWDL, each of our grantees plays a vital role in advancing human rights and social change. As Mary’s Pence gains visibility, we see the needs growing, and our goal is to increase our impact to match this demand. By supporting Mary’s Pence, you are part of this transformative work.