About Organisation
Giving Joy is a nonprofit organization founded in 2018 by Joy Kolin, an international development expert, and based in Massachusetts, USA. The organization operates on the belief that even small financial contributions can spark wide-reaching change when directed toward women-led initiatives. Giving Joy works globally to empower women by supporting entrepreneurship, nonprofit ventures, and community-driven projects that uplift women, girls, and families. Through micro-grants and mentorship, it creates opportunities for women to start, expand, or strengthen their ventures while fostering sustainable impact.
Beyond financial support, Giving Joy nurtures a vibrant global network where grantees connect, exchange experiences, and receive guidance. Its grant program provides targeted resources to women who are eager to make a difference in their communities but may lack access to traditional funding. The model is intentionally lean and agile, ensuring maximum impact with minimal overhead costs. By emphasizing respect, inclusivity, and empowerment, Giving Joy helps women build initiatives that address pressing social issues, drive income generation, and support community well-being. Since its inception, the organization has demonstrated that even modest grants can transform lives and create ripple effects across entire communities, showing the power of women-led change worldwide.
About the Grant
The Giving Joy Grant Program provides one-time micro-grants of up to USD 500 to support women entrepreneurs and community leaders across the globe. Each grant is awarded for a duration of six months, during which the recipient is expected to implement her proposed project or activity. The grant is designed for a wide range of initiatives, including starting or expanding a business, nonprofit, NGO, or community program, provided they directly benefit women, girls, and families.
The program emphasizes projects with strong social impact, ensuring that the funding creates tangible, positive change. Applicants are encouraged to focus on activities that foster empowerment, education, income generation, skills development, or improved quality of life for women and their communities. Personal use, promotional projects, or activities unrelated to community benefit are not eligible.
Recipients of the grant also gain access to mentorship and join Giving Joy’s global online community of women changemakers. This peer network allows for collaboration, support, and long-term growth beyond the grant period. The Giving Joy Grant is structured to prove that small investments, when thoughtfully applied, can catalyze lasting social transformation and inspire women to build ventures that leave a meaningful legacy in their communities.
Who can Apply?
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Gender & Age: Applicants must be women aged 18 years or older.
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Citizenship: Open to women in any country or territory worldwide.
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Project Scope: Eligible proposals include:
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Starting or expanding a business, nonprofit, NGO, or charity
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Launching a community project or activity that benefits women, girls, and families
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Initiatives with measurable social impact and clear benefit to the community
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Exclusions: Projects that focus on personal gain, promotional campaigns, or selling merchandise are not eligible. The funds cannot be used for marketing, stock purchase, or activities without a strong community focus.
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Application Rule: Only one application per grant cycle is allowed. Previous winners cannot reapply in the same cycle.
This program is especially designed for women with bold, creative, and socially impactful ideas, regardless of background, geography, or scale of operation. Women from underserved, marginalized, or resource-limited settings are encouraged to apply, as the grants are structured to break barriers in access to funding and create equitable opportunities.
By ensuring flexibility in project types and a simple application process, the Giving Joy Grant empowers women globally to bring their visions to life and uplift their communities.
How to Apply?
Applications are accepted only through the Giving Joy website during the designated regional grant cycle. For Asia, Oceania, and the Caribbean, applications open September 1–30, 2025, with results announced in November 2025. Applicants must complete all required fields, including project details, budget, and expected impact. Submissions outside the application window or by email will not be considered. One application per individual per cycle is permitted.
Application Deadline
The last date to submit applications for the Giving Joy Grant Program in Asia, Oceania, and the Caribbean is 30 September 2025, through the official online portal only.
Last Date To Apply
