Many women over 40 want to start a new career to meet their educational or business goals or need some funds to start their own companies. Many women in this age group are exploring new career paths, starting businesses, pursuing higher education, or participating in community projects.
Grants designed specifically for women over 40 can provide crucial financial support to help achieve these goals. This article explores various grants available to women over 40, focusing on business, education, career development, and community projects.
Business Grants
Amber Grant for Women:
The Amber Grant Foundation awards $10,000 each month to a woman-owned business, and an additional $25,000 is awarded to one of the twelve monthly winners at the end of the year. This grant is open to women of all ages but provides a valuable opportunity for women over 40 to fund their business ventures.
Website: Amber Grant
FedEx Small Business Grant Contest:
This annual contest provides grants and services to small businesses in the U.S. While not exclusive to women, it has been a vital resource for many businesswomen over the age of 40 looking to expand their businesses.
Website: FedEx Small Business Grant
Cartier Women’s Initiative:
This global grant program supports women-owned and operated businesses. The winners will receive $100,000 in prizes and the runners-up will receive $30,000. This grant focuses on projects with a strong social impact, making it ideal for women over 40 who want to make a difference.
Website: Cartier Women’s Initiative
Education Grants
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Career Development Grants:
AAUW offers scholarships to women who have a bachelor’s degree and are preparing to advance or change careers or re-enter the workforce. These grants can be particularly beneficial for women over the age of 40 pursuing higher education or career development.
Website: AAUW Career Development Grants
Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation:
This foundation offers educational support awards to low-income women with children who are studying or training. The grants are intended to help with living expenses, tuition, and other education-related costs.
Website: Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation
Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund:
Named after the first woman elected to the United States Congress, this fund offers scholarships to low-income women over the age of 35 pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship can be an important help for women over 40 who are looking to improve their skills or credentials.
Website: Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
Career Development Grants
Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards:
These awards provide financial assistance to women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families and are enrolled in or have been accepted into a vocational/skills training program or bachelor’s degree program. Prizes range from $1,000 to $10,000.
Website: Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards
The Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program:
This program supports innovative women-owned businesses that create environmental and social change. Grants range from $10,000 to $100,000 and provide substantial support for growth and development.
Website: Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program
Community and Social Impact Grants
Oprah Winfrey’s Leadership Academy Foundation:
The foundation offers grants to organizations that support the empowerment and education of women and children. Women over 40 leading community initiatives can apply for funding to improve their impact.
Website: Oprah Winfrey’s Leadership Academy Foundation
The Awesome Foundation:
This foundation distributes $1,000 microgrants to projects that promote community improvement and innovation. Women over 40 with creative ideas for local community projects can benefit from these grants.
Website: The Awesome Foundation
Impact Fund Grants:
The Impact Fund provides grants to law firms, advocates, and nonprofit social justice organizations engaged in litigation for social change. Women over 40 who lead or participate in these types of projects can apply for funding to support their initiatives.
Website: Impact Fund
Grants and Scholarships for Women Over 40
Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
The Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund offers scholarships to low-income women ages 35 and older pursuing higher education. The fund aims to empower women to achieve their educational and career goals.
National SMART Scholarship
The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Scholarship is available to eligible students pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or critical foreign languages. While it is not exclusively for women over 40, older students can still apply if they meet the criteria. To learn more check their website here.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The FSEOG program offers need-based scholarships to college students. While not specific to women over 40, eligible individuals can apply for financial assistance through their college or university. To know more visit their website.
Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Award
This award is specifically for low-income women with children. Supports your pursuit of higher education, including vocational training, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees.
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Career Development Grant Program
The AAUW offers career development scholarships to women who have a bachelor’s degree and are looking to advance their careers, change careers, or re-enter the workforce. Women over 40 years of age can benefit from this program.
Society of Women Engineers Scholarship
Although not exclusive to women over 40, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) offers scholarships to women pursuing engineering studies. Older students can explore these opportunities. Learn more about the scholarships here.
Soroptimist Live Your Dreams Award
Soroptimist International offers the Live Your Dreams Award to women who are the primary financial breadwinners for their families. The award helps them achieve their educational and professional goals.
Remember to check the eligibility criteria and application deadlines for each grant or scholarship. These opportunities can provide much-needed financial support to women over 40 seeking education or career advancement.
Conclusion
Grants for women over 40 are vital resources that can help navigate midlife transitions and support new businesses. Whether starting a business, continuing your studies, advancing a career, or making a social impact, these grants provide the financial boost needed to achieve these goals. By exploring and applying for these opportunities, women over 40 can unlock new potential and continue to thrive in their personal and professional lives.