Women & Girls Fund of the Main Street Community Foundation

08/25/2026

While celebrating our 25th anniversary this year, we have been loving looking back! For its 15th anniversary, the WGF launched "A Toast to Women," a pay-it-forward campaign to honor 1,000 special women who have made a positive impact on the lives of others.

Donations were made in honor or memory of women who have made a difference in the lives of others, and each donation “toasted” a mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend or relative; acknowledged the positive impact they have made; and supported our neighbors.

Take a look back at the women that were honored: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry60NwrDe80

08/20/2026

08/17/2026

The fall grant cycle is now open! 🎉

Applications are due September 16 and all information can be found on the website: www.mainstreetfoundation.org/apply-for-grant

08/11/2026

There are so many organizations in Connecticut that work to uplift women. Did you know that the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) is an organization that supports women entrepreneurs in CT through classes, one-on-one business advising, and small business grant programs?

Right now, the WBDC's Ignite Grant Program is open, and this program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The deadline to apply is September 13: https://ctwbdc.org/ignite/

08/06/2026

Do you have any questions about the upcoming grant cycle? Or questions/comments on anything else MSCF's grantmaking team can help with?

MSCF is holding Office Hours next week! Drop in, no appointment necessary!
Tuesday August 11th, from 9am to 11am
Wednesday August 12th, from 12pm to 2pm

08/04/2026

The Women & Girls Fund fall grant cycle will open in just about two weeks on August 17! The deadline is September 16.

All information can be found here: www.mainstreetfoundation.org/apply-for-grant

PS - a few other grant cycles will also be accepting applications this month!

07/22/2026

WGF History Fact: During the Fund's first grantmaking year, 2002, nearly $7,000 was awarded to six organizations and programs: The Family Center, the Bristol Boys and Girls Club, the CT Women's Education and Legal Fund, Catholic Charities, the Women & Girls Immediate Response Fund, and a middle school outreach program.

Now, MSCF has awarded over $921,000 total from the Fund!

07/17/2026

The Women & Girls Fund fall grant cycle will open in exactly one month on August 17! The deadline will be September 16.

Like last year, three priority areas for this grant cycle have been identified. Preference will be given to grant requests that address the following needs: Services for Senior Women; Confidence Building and Leadership; and Mental Health and Well-being.
All information can be found here: www.mainstreetfoundation.org/apply-for-grant

PS - a couple of other grant cycles will also be accepting applications during that time!

07/13/2026

How are you making today your day?

07/09/2026

Do you love attending the WOW event and are committed to advancing the lives of local women and girls? Consider joining the WOW Event Committee and this incredible group (plus so many more who are not pictured)! Contact us for more information.

On that note, we need to thank them again for planning an incredible celebratory evening that not only had a great impact that night, but will impact so many through grant awards this fall!