Being a woman (and once a girl), I have a soft spot for opportunities that assist women and girls and promote their new ideas and the projects they develop into. The Improve Group was one woman’s idea that developed into a great organization. It is exciting to see where a strong spark of interest and some support will bring you.

This week’s pick: If your project is led by and benefitting women and girls, the Open Meadows Foundation might be the funder for you. This grant-making organization gives funding up to $2,000 to small, nonprofits (or those with a tax-exempt sponsor) for projects that are designed and implemented by women and girls. Start-up organizations and those who have not received the Foundation’s funding in the past are encouraged to apply. The next due date for application submissions is August 15, 2008. More information can be found by clicking here. While you are at their website, check out the six additional special funds they offer.