Overview

In the early 1990’s, less than four percent of all philanthropic dollars were directed to programs serving women and girls. Recognizing that even fewer dollars were making it to the innovative programs that are led by third wave feminists, the four founders of Third Wave knew they had to address the need to have a fund for young feminist activists.

They believed, as we believe today, that young women and transgender youth have always had inspiring and innovative visions for social change. Financial support must be given to thse young leaders, so that they can achieve their goals in creating change in their lives and the lives of others. By providing grants and other types of support, we make these visions a reality. When we fund social justice work led by young women and transgender youth, we make an investment in all our futures.

Third Wave’s financial support consists of grantmaking in two areas: Organizing and Advocacy(O&A) and Reproductive Health and Justice(RHJI). Organizations that qualify for a grant must fit within one or both of these interest areas.

The Organizing & Advocacy Fund strengthens the leadership capacity of young women and transgender youth and builds sustainable organizations that challenge forms of oppression in interesting ways.

The Reproductive Health and Justice Initiative supports organizations led by young women and transgender youth that work either within the reproductive justice movement or within social justice movements that incorporate a reproductive health and justice lens into their work. Much like Third Wave’s understanding of feminism, we recognize that there is no one definition of reproductive health and/or justice. Each self-defined community has specific and varying circumstances, such as class, culture, environment and education, that dictate its overall needs. However, we share a common struggle for reproductive justice and against violation of our bodies and oppression of our communities.