For more than 20 years, Women’s Empowerment International (WE) has been fueling change by providing grants to trusted partners that deliver microfinance, small business development, training, education, and other barrier-breaking programs. These initiatives reach thousands of women experiencing poverty each year, opening doors to economic independence and stronger communities.
What sets WE apart is its commitment to long-term partnerships and sustained impact. WE builds strong relationships with and invests, year over year, in organizations that stay rooted in their communities, ensuring that women not only start but also grow and sustain their businesses and leadership.
This year, WE is proud to renew funding for six partners working across six countries—including right here in San Diego. The grants, totaling over $125,000, cover an eight-month period from May through December 2025, with the potential for renewal through 2026.
2025 Grant Partners:
- San Diego, CA – International Rescue Committee (IRC) San Diego | $30,000
Supporting technical assistance and training tailored for women entrepreneurs who face barriers due to poverty, language, or lack of access to microenterprise services. - El Salvador – OEF de El Salvador | $17,000
Expanding the Entrepreneurial and Empowered Women program, which provides microloans, training, and community events to strengthen the social and economic empowerment of women in marginalized areas. - Guatemala – Multicolores | $8,000
Funding the Stitching New Narratives program, including a design retreat and follow-up workshops to help Maya women artists develop new products and leadership opportunities. - Honduras – Adelante Foundation | $15,000
Supporting microloans and financial literacy training for women living in poverty, fostering economic independence and community resilience. - Mexico – Via International | $25,000
Investing in ESTIMA, Via Migrante, and related programs in Tijuana, which build solidarity groups for vulnerable women, offering workshops, support for enterprises, and access to microloans. - Uganda – Nyaka | $33,000
Strengthening the Grandmothers Program, which provides microloans, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and vocational training so grandmothers can establish sustainable income-generating activities.
While these six partners continue to thrive with WE’s support, the demand for funding remains immense. According to the Women & Girls Index (WGI) from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University, less than 2% of all U.S. philanthropic giving is directed toward organizations serving women and girls. The gap is even more striking as many nonprofits report increased needs due to shifting federal funding priorities.
This year, WE’s open grant application process drew 115 Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) from U.S.-based nonprofits nationwide and grassroots NGOs across 32 other countries—including Nepal, South Sudan, Cameroon, Morocco, Uganda, Kenya, India, Thailand, Afghanistan, and Mexico—all eager to provide women and girls with access to financial tools, education, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
The selection of new grant partners will be announced at WE’s annual Empowered WE Rise Fall Fundraiser on Sunday Sept. 28. With the continued generosity of donors, WE hopes to expand its support to many of the finalists from this highly competitive pool.
For WE, empowering women isn’t just about economics—it’s about transformation. When women gain access to opportunity, entire families and communities rise with them.
