Grants for Women & Girls
Thanks to the ongoing generous support of our community and our small but mighty group of volunteers, Soroptimist of Napa provides over $30,000 in grants and services annually, including cash awards to over 20 local women and girls pursuing education as they overcome life’s obstacles.
Additionally, our Live Your Dream grant winners are considered for up to $10,000 more in grants awarded at Soroptimist’s Regional level each year.
Plus, Soroptimist’s Founder Region awards up to $10,000 in Founder Region Fellowship Grants to women in the the final phase of their doctoral program at a graduate school within our Region.
Please scroll this entire page to see if any of our grants might be of use to you or anyone you know.
Grant application season begins in the Fall, and Awards season kicks off in the Spring.
Violet Richardson
Ages 14 – 18 years. Volunteerism. Apply Sep 1 – Dec 1
Violet Richardson was an amazing woman in her day, and the President of the very first Soroptimist club in Alameda County in 1921.
She believed “It’s what you do that counts.” She was an active force in her community at a time when women were denied many of the opportunities we have today, and she was committed to creating opportunities for girls and young women. Soroptimist established this award to honor her memory and her dedication to volunteer action.
If you are a young woman between the ages of 14 and 18, and you volunteer in your community or your school, you may be eligible for a $500 cash prize to you and $500 given to the charity of your choice.
This grant is made possible through Soroptimist International’s Founder Region, which includes Soroptimist International of Napa.
Here is the official Violet Richardson Award Application Form
You are welcome to see how applications are evaluated on this official Evaluation Rubric
In the interest of encouraging more young women to participate, here is the Violet Richardson Award Media Consent Form
The Future is You!
Ages 16 – 18 years. 1st generation to College. Apply Nov 1 – Mar 1
$1,000 grants are awarded to graduating Senior girls in City of Napa (94558-94559) public or private high schools or homeschool.
This grant is intended for young women who represent the first generation in their families to pursue post-secondary education such as Vocational/Trade School, Junior College or University.
We welcome young women who have persisted in the face of obstacles, and are looking for career paths that will help them give back to the community.
This grant series is made possible by Soroptimist International of Napa.
Applications accepted November 1 – March 1st.
The Future is You! Scholarship application.
Live Your Dream
Ages 21+. Financial Head of Household. Apply Aug 1 – Nov 15
Grants $1,000 to $10,000 to women who are the financial head of their household, have been accepted or are enrolled in vocational training or undergraduate education, and are in financial need to pursue their education and career goals.
Applications accepted August 1st – November 15th.
This program is made possible through Soroptimist International of the Americas.
Soroptimist International of the Americas Live Your Dream Awards
Pathway to Success
Ages 21+. Re-entering Education. Apply Dec 1 – Mar 1
Grants up to $2,000 for Napa women 21 years and older who have encountered roadblocks in their lives but are pursuing vocational training or undergraduate education, and are in need of financial support as they pursue their pathway to success.
Applications accepted December 1st – March 1st.
This program is unique to Soroptimist International of Napa.
Founder Region Fellowship Grants
These are grants of up to $10,000 awarded to outstanding women who are enrolled in the final phase of their doctoral program at a graduate school within our Founder Region, which includes Napa, Northern California, and several U.S Territories.
Applications accepted November 1st to January 20th.