Through grantmaking, members of The Women’s and Girls’ Fund at Kern Community Foundation become philanthropists and advocates of positive social change. We rely on a commissioned study from Mount St. Mary’s University (Report on the Status of Women + Girls in Kern County) which analyzes data and the participation of community members to identify an area of focus every five years. The focus area selected for 2026 – 2030 is Education + Daily-Life Knowledge. Priority domains for funding considerations are: Mental Health & Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Life Skills & Economic Mobility, Health Education & Safety, and Priority Populations and Settings. Full descriptions can be found in the 2026 – 2030 Grantmaking Policy.
We value social change grantmaking that focuses on long-term solutions to societal problems facing women and girls in all parts of Kern County. Additional information on the focus area and what we are looking for is available in our grantmaking policy. The Women’s and Girls’ Fund Grantmaking Policy (See link under “Eligibility” below).
Read about our past grantees below.
The Women’s and Girls’ Fund past grantees.
The Women’s and Girls’ Fund Letter of Intent (LOI) for the 2027 – 2028 Competitive Grant Cycle is now open.
The Women’s and Girls’ Fund (WGF), a Leadership Initiative of Kern Community Foundation, announces approximately $100,000 for competitive grant allocations in its 22nd competitive grant cycle, with the maximum individual award being $25,000. Organizations interested in applying should have a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation or a fiscal sponsor. All organizations seeking funds must have a presence in Kern County, benefit women and/or girls in Kern County, and meet Kern Community Foundation’s eligibility guidelines.
Eligibility
The Women’s and Girls’ Fund Grantmaking Policy.
Grantees who received WGF grants in the Spring of 2026 may not apply for WGF 2027 funding. Any previous awardees of WGF or other grants from the Foundation that have outstanding follow-up reports must complete those reports before they can apply for WGF funding.
Grantmaking Cycle
- September 1, 2026 — Announcement of Focus Area and LOIs open for Kern nonprofits
- October 16, 2026 (5:00 p.m.) — Letters of Intent due online
- November 19, 2026 – Potential grantees are invited to submit full proposals
- January 6, 2027 (5:00 pm) — Application packets due online
- January 27, 2027 (1:00 – 5:00 pm) — Virtual interviews with GAC
- February 5, 2027 — Grantees notified (provisional notice, pending WGF & KCF Board approval)
- April 7, 2027 — 22nd Annual Women’s & Girls’ Fund Luncheon
How to Apply
Selected nonprofits may submit full applications on the Foundation’s Online Grant Platform.
If you have any questions about your application, please reach out to Kern Community Foundation at skylar@kernfoundation.org or 661-325-5346. To keep the evaluation process fair, please avoid contacting the voting committee directly. Your cooperation in following these guidelines is appreciated.