Small grants and strategic support for grassroots groups working to promote justice, equality and community transformation.
Rooted in solidarity, designed for access
Vision
A world where young women and youths have the resources, power and solidarity they need to lead transformative change in their communities.
Mission
To provide small grants and strategic support to grassroots groups, and to amplify the leadership of young women and youths working to promote justice, equality and community transformation.
Core Values
Power, creativity and courage to transform communities.
Support rooted in empathy, care and shared struggle.
Access for all regardless of background or identity.
Transparency, integrity and real impact.
Solutions led by communities themselves.
Simple and flexible processes without barriers.
Bold ideas and fearless activism in challenging contexts.
Leadership
Norah KobusingyeNorah Kobusingye is the Founder and Executive Director of Sisterhood Chain International, providing overall strategic direction, coordination and leadership of the organization. She leads resource mobilization, institutional development and supports the design of programs and grant-making initiatives. She works collaboratively with the leadership team to guide the organization’s growth, partnerships and impact at national, regional and international levels.
Praise Aloikin OpolojePraise Aloikin Opoloje is a Co-Founder of Sisterhood Chain International and leads legal, programs and operations. She supports the development of organizational policies, compliance structures and grant frameworks while also coordinating program implementation and internal operations. She works closely with the Executive Director in decision making, planning and execution of organizational activities.
Faith GundaFaith Gunda is a Co-Founder of Sisterhood Chain International and leads partnerships, research and regional coordination. She supports organizational growth through building networks, strengthening collaborations and contributing to research and documentation. She plays a key role in expanding the organization’s presence and supporting outreach and engagement across regions. She works closely with the Executive Director in decision making, planning and execution of organizational activities.
Governance Structure
- Founding Circle: Three to five young women who oversee strategy, fundraising and final grant decisions.
- Grant Review Committee: A rotating panel of five grassroots activists who score applications. Members serve three-month terms.
- Volunteer Ambassadors: Young women in different regions who promote the fund and support applicants with proposal writing.
All roles are currently voluntary, with honoraria planned once the fund secures sustainable financing.
Flexible support for grassroots initiatives
Thematic Priorities
- Women and girls' human rights work.
- Feminist organising and movement building.
- Youth activism and civic engagement.
- Community empowerment projects.
- Creative resistance and storytelling through art and media.
Eligibility Criteria
- Marginalised groups, specifically young women and youths.
- Small collectives and organised grassroots groups, whether registered or unregistered.
- Projects aligned with human rights, gender equality, and social justice.
- Projects that can be completed within one to two months.
- Groups with annual budgets under $10,000 are prioritised.
Types of Support or Grants
Grant size ranges from $200 to $1,500.
- Monthly micro grant: $200–$500 for 1 month, ideal for small urgent actions or one-off activities.
- Short-term empowerment grant: $500–$1,000 for 2 months, ideal for emerging groups with a clear but contained project.
- Seed micro grant: $1,000–$1,500 for 2 months, ideal for new initiatives requiring start-up support.
A simple funding application process designed for accessibility
Open Calls for Applications
Applications are reviewed monthly on a rolling basis. The application deadline is the last day of each month, decisions are communicated on the 15th of the following month, and grant disbursement takes place within one week of the decision.
Step by Step Application Process
Submit a simple two-page proposal via email or a brief online form.
Applications are reviewed by a committee comprising young women activists and grassroots leaders.
Decisions are communicated within two weeks of the monthly deadline.
Successful applicants receive 70% of the grant upfront, with the remaining 30% released upon submission of the final report.
Submit a simple two-page proposal via email or a brief online form.
Applications are reviewed by a committee comprising young women activists and grassroots leaders.
Decisions are communicated within two weeks of the monthly deadline.
Successful applicants receive 70% of the grant upfront, with the remaining 30% released upon submission of the final report.
Requirements and Guidelines
- Projects must align with human rights, gender equality, and social justice.
- Recipients must submit a brief report after project completion.
- All funded projects must follow safeguarding, grievance, and do-no-harm commitments.