Apply for the Search for Common Ground Rapid Response Fund for women, peace, and security projects(Grants of up to $250,000)

The SHE WINS Rapid Response Fund (RRF) is a global initiative administered by Search for Common Ground. It addresses urgent needs within the women, peace, and security (WPS) landscape across 78 countries (listed below). Its goal is to provide accessible funding directly to a diverse range of women-led initiatives, enabling responses to emerging crises and the pursuit of WPS goals in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.

Application Process

To apply, email WINS-RRF@sfcg.org with a completed application form in your preferred language (Arabic, English, Russian, Spanish, French). Please review the full call for proposals (Arabic, English, Russian, Spanish, French) before starting. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning there is no deadline. An initial screening will assess your compliance with technical criteria within two weeks. A final decision is typically reached within four weeks.

Eligibility

The SHE WINS RRF supports projects that advance the role of women peacebuilders. Funding primarily targets women-led or women-serving groups, with limited support for INGOs.

While striving for geographical balance, only a limited number of projects per country can be funded. If strong applications are not received from a specific country, work in that country may not be funded. Eligible projects fall into three funding categories:

1. In-kind Support ($500 to $25,000; 3 months or less): Backing specific and time-bound WPS activities, including travel for key activities, one-off gatherings, material goods and services, and consultancies. Funds are not issued directly but procured by Search for Common Ground and provided as in-kind assistance to women’s groups.
2. Medium Grants ($25,000 to $100,000; 3 to 9 months): Supporting quick-impact initiatives by registered local groups, including opportunities to advance WPS or projects protecting women’s rights and safety in closing spaces. For projects over $30,000, applicants must have a Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov or be ready to work towards it.
3. Large Grants ($100,000 to $250,000; 9 to 12 months): Designed for longer-term efforts by larger formal organizations. Only a few awards are expected in this category.

The SHE WINS RRF cannot support interventions involving or targeting security forces. Ineligible expenses include proselytizing activities, support to individuals, vehicles, entertainment, and other costs outlined in the call for proposals (Arabic, English, Russian, Spanish, French).

Funding Window

The funding window is currently open for local women-led groups in the following countries (listed below).

The SHE WINS RRF cannot support interventions that directly involve or target security forces. Other ineligible expenses include explicitly proselytizing activities, support to individuals, vehicles, entertainment, and other costs as detailed in the call for proposals (Arabic, English, Russian, Spanish, French).

The funding window is currently open for local women-led groups in the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte D’Ivoire, Croatia, the Dominican Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, El Salvador, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mali, the Marshall Islands, Mexico, the Federated States of Micronesia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nauru, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Rwanda, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, South Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Venezuela, the West Bank and Gaza, Yemen, Zimbabwe.

Criteria

Proposals are evaluated based on these criteria:

• Urgency: Responding to a crisis, political opening, or increased danger to women’s rights and safety. Projects should leverage a new contextual opportunity for WPS advancement.
• Immediacy: Requiring timely action with no other funding sources available.
• Women’s Leadership: Projects designed or supported by women and girls, particularly with women in leadership roles.
• Collectiveness and Inclusion: Projects that promote collaboration among networks of women peacebuilders and advocates, especially with further-marginalized groups.
• Impact: Delivering tangible results within a limited timeframe, distinct from existing funded programs or strategies.

For questions, please contact WINS-RRF@sfcg.org. The call for proposals contains comprehensive information, including thematic areas and selection criteria. Learn more and apply here