The FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund provides financial support to survivors, advocates, and community leaders working to advance policy and legislative efforts addressing FGM/C in the United States. The Fund is designed to reduce barriers to participation in advocacy by supporting eligible applicants with resources that strengthen their safety, sustainability, and ability to engage in policy efforts.

Eligibility Criteria:

The FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund supports individuals engaged in policy advocacy efforts to address FGM/C in the United States. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Who may apply:

• Survivors of FGM/C, grassroots advocates, community leaders, and influencers actively engaged in or planning advocacy efforts related to FGM/C.
• Applicants must be based in the United States and conduct advocacy activities focused on United States policy.

Eligible Activities:

Funding may support activities that contribute to policy advocacy efforts related to FGM/C, including:

• Participating in legislative hearings, meetings with policymakers, or other policy engagement activities;
• Preparing or delivering testimony, policy materials, or educational presentations;
• Conducting community outreach or advocacy activities connected to policy change;
• Participating in advocacy-related training, capacity-building, or media engagement opportunities.

Priority will generally be given to applicants who:

• Demonstrate a financial need or barrier that limits their ability to participate in advocacy activities;
• Face safety concerns, backlash, or other risks related to their advocacy work;
• Individuals who are not otherwise being compensated for their policy advocacy work;
• Have not previously received support from the Fund, when other factors are substantially equal.

Please note that due to limited resources, the Fund may not be able to support all eligible requests. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis based on eligibility, demonstrated need, anticipated impact, and availability of funds.

Available Support

Applicants may request support for one or more of the categories below all related to advocacy activities. The amounts listed represent typical maximums and may be adjusted based on demonstrated need, anticipated impact, and available funding.

• Local travel (public transportation, mileage, rideshare, etc.) – Up to $250
• Domestic airfare – Up to $600
• Lodging – Up to $800
• Childcare or caregiving support – Up to $500
• Advocacy materials and resources – Up to $750
• Media coaching or advocacy communications support – Up to $750
• Training or capacity-building opportunities – Up to $1,000
• Emergency safety support related to advocacy work – Up to $1,000
• Wellness support – Up to $500

Applicants may request support in multiple categories; however, due to limited available resources, the Fund may not be able to fully support all requests. The Review Committee may approve requests in full, provide partial funding, or recommend an alternative funding amount to maximize the Fund’s impact and support as many eligible advocates as possible.

Maximum individual award: Generally up to $1,500

Apply Here

For more information on the fund please see our webinar recording and short video below!

Webinar recording:

Short video: