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Grants

What We Fund

Funding Principles

Builds resilience and/or demonstrates the ability to adapt to changing societal and environmental circumstances

Reduces disparities in
our community

Increases accessibility

Responsive to, or aware of,
root causes

Considers racial and/or
gender equity

Serves populations that are underserved or not reached through other resources or organizations

Eligibility

Applicants must qualify as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, either individually or under the auspices of a qualified fiscal agent or sponsor.

Organizations must be located in Mecklenburg County, or the majority of the clients it serves must be located in Mecklenburg County If you are a local chapter of a national organization, please make clear the services provided in Mecklenburg County in your application and budget.

We do not fund fraternal organizations, capital or endowment campaigns, or organizations that require or teach particular religious beliefs in order to receive services.

Learn more

Eligibility

Applicants must qualify as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, either individually or under the auspices of a qualified fiscal agent or sponsor.

Organizations must be located in Mecklenburg County, or the majority of the clients it serves must be located in Mecklenburg County If you are a local chapter of a national organization, please make clear the services provided in Mecklenburg County in your application and budget.

Learn more

Program Areas

Women’s Impact Fund makes annual grants in five program areas. Nonprofits must
choose in which program area to apply.

Arts & Culture

Education

Environment

Health

Human Services

Arts & Culture

Education

Health

Human Services

Environment

Spark Awards

In March 2024, Women’s Impact Fund announced new Spark Awards for inspiring women change leaders in Mecklenburg County. Awardees receive an unrestricted award of $5,000 to cultivate their individual care, renewal, growth, and healing.

Learn more on our Spark Awards page here.

Spark Grants

In March 2024, we announced new Spark Awards for inspiring women change leaders in Mecklenburg County. Awardees will receive an unrestricted award of $5,000 to cultivate their individual care, renewal, growth, and healing.

WIF welcomes nominations of female leaders working in direct relationship with community members to drive transformational change in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. These leaders may include, but are not limited to, employees or volunteers working with nonprofit organizations, leaders of grassroots movements, community organizers, activists, and more. Anyone who identifies as a woman is eligible for an award; however, they must be 21 years or older.

Spark Award recipients will have full discretion to use the funds in any way they choose. In addition, to the cash award, recipients will also receive a one-year WIF membership to provide additional opportunities for connection, leadership, and growth.

Learn more in our Spark Award FAQ document here. Nominate a woman change leader here by March 20.

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Janet LaBar

Executive Director​
jlabar@womensimpactfund.org

With more than 25 years of experience, Janet has a proven track record of leading organizations and teams in developing strategies that foster thriving communities. Her career is dedicated to the well-being of the places she serves, and the people and businesses within them, positioning her as a trusted sounding board, critical thinker, and purposeful protagonist across corporate, government, education, entrepreneurial, and civic spheres.
Janet joined Women’s Impact Fund in June 2025 to guide one of Charlotte’s most respected, women-led philanthropic organizations into its next phase of growth and impact. In partnership with the Women’s Impact Fund team, Board, Advisors, members, volunteers, and key community partners, she will continue strengthening communities by maximizing women’s leadership in philanthropy through collective giving, education, and engagement.
Inspired by her family, teams who dare greatly, and people and communities striving to be their best selves, Janet’s impactful career includes leadership roles as President and CEO of Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, President and CEO of Greater Portland Inc, and Chief Performance Officer of Greater Phoenix Economic Council. As a first-generation Filipino American, her lived experience deeply informs her professional drive to create equitable economic growth and opportunity in the metro areas she’s served.
She holds a BA in Communication Arts from the University of West Florida and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Phoenix. Janet and her husband James are proud parents to an older daughter, and a daughter and son who are twins.