Fueling Those Who Fuel Communities
Direct financial support for social workers facing financial strain, burnout, or unexpected hardship.
Because those who care for others deserve care too.
Applications are now open for our inaugural microgrant cycle.
Deadline: July 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST
ABOUT THE FUND
The Social Work Empowerment Fund is a pilot microgrant initiative created by The Social Work Ladies Collective, Inc. to provide direct financial support to social workers experiencing financial barriers related to licensure, professional development, and wellness needs.
This fund transforms collective care into tangible resources; supporting social workers at critical moments in their professional and personal journeys.
Through this inaugural cycle, six microgrants will be awarded across three categories: Licensure Support, Professional Development, and Wellness Support.
WHY THIS FUND EXISTS
Social workers dedicate their careers to supporting individuals, families, and communities often while navigating student debt, low pay, licensure costs, burnout, and limited access to financial support.
The Empowerment Fund exists to reduce these barriers by providing direct, flexible microgrants that support licensure, professional growth, and wellness for women and femme-identifying social workers within our community.
When social workers are supported, communities are stronger.
If you believe in this mission, you can support the fund below.
AWARD CATEGORIES
WHO CAN APPLY
Applicants must:
Identify as a woman or femme-identifying social worker. This fund is designed to support women-centered social work communities.
Be based in the NYC metropolitan area
Be a BSW/MSW student, recent graduate (within ~5 years), or practicing social worker
Demonstrate financial, professional, or wellness-related need
Be pursuing licensure, professional development, or wellness goals
Be open to engaging with Social Work Ladies Collective programming
PROGRAM DETAILS
Applications close: July 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST
Six total microgrants will be awarded
Applicants may apply for up to two categories
Each recipient will receive one award
Awards are issued as reimbursement upon submission of valid proof of expense
Selection is competitive and based on need and alignment
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee from SWLC leadership team
2026 Applications are now open until
July 14th at 5pm EST.
For questions and partnership opportunties, contact:
Stay connected with The Social Work Ladies Collective for future opportunities and programming.
Make a donation below to support early-career social workers through direct microgrants for licensure, wellness, and professional development.
