AFEI Grant Guidelines


Ambassadors for Economic Independence (AFEI) Giving Circle empowers women by providing financial grants to support their personal, professional, or community goals.  Grants are issued twice per year (i.e., June and December) to eligible applicants who demonstrate a strong financial need or a clear impact plan for their intended projects or initiatives.  The grant amount ranges from $500 to $1000 for 2025.  Applicants must submit their grant application by March 31 for the distribution of June grants and September 30 for the distribution of December grants, allowing sufficient time for review and selection processes.

 

Eligibility


  • Applicants must be eighteen years or older and identify as women.
  • Applications must be submitted by the stated deadline, with all required documentation included.
  • The grant funds must be used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the grant application.
  • Starting or growing a business
  • Education or professional development
  • Overcoming financial hardship
  • Community impact project

Grant Usage


  • Grantees must use grant funds exclusively for the purposes outlined in their approved grant application.
  • Any changes to the proposed use of funds must be pre-approved in writing by an AFEI member.
  • Grant funds must not be used for illegal activities, personal luxury expenses, or any purposes that are not related to the approved grant application.

Reporting Requirements


Grantees must submit a written report or video testimonial detailing the impact of the grant within 60 days of utilizing the funds. The report should include:


  • A summary of fund usage
  • Outcomes achieved from the grant
  • Any challenges (if any) faced during the process
  • AFEI may invite grantees to participate in AFEI events or promotional activities to share their experiences and inspire others.

Compliance and Accountability


  • AFEI reserves the right to request receipts, invoices, or other documentation to verify the appropriate use of funds.
  • If grant funds are misused or used for purposes not stated in the approved application, AFEI may
  • Request the return of the full grant amount.
  • Disqualify the grantee from future funding opportunities.

Publicity and Confidentiality


  1. By accepting the grant, grantees grant AFEI permission to use their name, likeness, and submitted materials (e.g., testimonials and photos) for promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, newsletters, and events.
  2. AFEI respects the confidentiality of personal and financial information shared during the application process and will not disclose such information without the grantee’s consent except as required by law.

Termination of Grant


AFEI reserves the right to terminate the grant if:


  • The grantee fails to comply with the terms and conditions.
  • The application contains fraudulent or misleading information.
  • The grantee is unable to fulfill the obligations outlined in the approved application.
  • The grantee must return any unused funds if the agreement is terminated.

General Provisions

  • These terms and conditions may change at AFEI’s discretion, and AFEI will notify grantees in writing of any changes.
  • Grant applicants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions.
  • AFEI’s decisions regarding grant applications, funding amounts, and usage approvals are final.
  • By applying for and accepting an AFEI grant, applicants agree to adhere to these terms and conditions and work collaboratively with the AFEI Giving Circle to achieve meaningful outcomes.
  • There is a $25 tax-deductible grant registration fee due when submitting the grant application.  This fee will infuse future AFEI grants.
  • Grantees will receive a $25 reimbursement when awarded an AFEI grant.