Apply for Funding from Women Bike!

Last month, we were excited to help launch the Washington Area Bicyclist Association’s new “Women & Bicycles” campaign with a $15,000 grant. Revolving around small social gatherings hosted by Roll Models and practical-skill workshops and group rides, WABA’s innovative initiative will engage and provide resources to women in the D.C. area – and, we’re confident, serve as a model for other advocacy organizations nationwide. (Stay tuned for much more on this effort in coming weeks!)

But that’s not all.

In celebration of the launch of the Women Bike program, the League is also awarding $5,000 in mini-grants. We know that it often takes a modest amount of funding to get the wheels turning on a big idea — and the goal of our new Growth Fund is to seed, support and spread campaigns and ideas that are getting more women on bikes.

Purpose: Whether it’s an innovative outreach strategy or a first-of-its-kind event, we know great ideas and efforts are breaking ground across the country — and we want to make sure the best efforts take root and serves as examples for the rest of the nation. The Growth Fund aims to provide best practices on women’s bicycling outreach and engagement to advocates nationwide, by sharing effective strategies, programs and materials to inform and be utilized by other advocacy organizations.

Eligibility: To apply for these funds, an organization must:

• Be a member of the League of American Bicyclists
• Be incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization; grants will not be awarded to individuals
• Propose a campaign or event that is specifically aimed at increasing the number of women riding — with a defined timeline and measurable goals

Grant Amount: Based on applications, the League will award between three and five mini-grants. Maximum application and award amount is $2,500. Grants will be administered by the League’s Women Bike program.

How to Apply: Complete the brief online application here. The application deadline is Monday, April 15, 2013. Grant winners will be announced on Monday, April 29, 2013. Proposals will be evaluated by League staff and the Women Bike Advisory Board.

Reporting Requirements: A final report highlighting the results of your campaign, effectiveness of this grant, lessons learned by your organization, best practices / model(s) to share with other organizations, photos and PR-related materials will be required at the end of the grant period.

For more information about the Women Bike Growth Fund, contact me at [email protected]. We look forward to helping you grow the number of women riding in your community — and communities across the country!

(Photo: WABA “Women & Bicycles” launch party, credit Brian Palmer)