FUNDRAISING RESOURCES

How to fundraise for Women's Shelters?

Unlock vital resources for women's shelters with innovative fundraising ideas, grant opportunities, and corporate sponsorships to drive your mission forward.

Top 5 grants for Women's Shelters nonprofits in 2025

Unlock funding for your nonprofit with grants designed for Women's Shelters. Explore government, foundation, and corporate grants to expand your impact.

Transitional Housing Program Grant

U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women

Up to $550,000

Government

Supports programs providing 6-24 months of transitional housing with support services for victims who are homeless or in need of housing as a result of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking.

Apply

Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Up to $150,000

Government

Provides associations technical assistance and/or training with respect to essential community facilities programs, including identifying and planning for community facility needs.

Apply

Community Resource Room Grant

New York State Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services

Up to $50,000

Government

Funds faith-based and not-for-profit organizations to improve public access to essential technologies by creating community resource rooms with computers, Wi-Fi, and other tech equipment.

Apply

Mary Kay Foundation Domestic Violence Shelter Grant

Mary Kay Foundation

Varies

Private Foundation

Awards grants to organizations in the United States that operate emergency shelters for victims of domestic violence. Grants may be used for the operating budget of the organization.

Apply

AWS IMAGINE Grant

Amazon Web Services

$50,000 to $200,000

Private

Provides support for highly innovative projects that leverage cloud technology for nonprofits with 501(c) status. Includes financial support and AWS promotional credits.

Apply

Top 5 companies donating to Women's Shelters nonprofits in 2025

Partner with businesses that share your mission! Corporate sponsorships can provide funding, in-kind donations, and visibility to help your nonprofit expand and sustain Women's Shelters efforts.

Consumer Goods
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Retail
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E-commerce
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Telecommunications
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Home Improvement
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Top 5 best fundraising platforms for Women's Shelters

PayPal Logo
DonorBox Logo
Transaction fees
0%

Not publicly disclosed

  • Stripe: 2.2% + $0.30 per transaction
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  • ACH/Bank transfer: 0.8% ($5 maximum)

2.2% + $0.30 per transaction; 0.8% for ACH payments*

2.2% + $0.30

Platform fees
$0
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1.75% platform fees. 2.95% platform fees for event ticketing, membership payments and P2P campaigns. Reduced fees for pro and premium plans.
1% to 4%, depending on feature usage
Core CRM Plans start from $125/month up to $775/month Additional features range from $40/month to $199/month
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Value for money
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4.9 / 5
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4.8/5
Ease-of-use
Capterra ratings
4.8 / 5
4.6/5
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4.6/5
Quality of support
4.9 / 5
4.7/5
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4.8/5

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10 Best fundraising ideas for Women's Shelters in 2025

Innovative fundraising fuels your mission. From peer-to-peer campaigns to community events, explore creative ways to raise funds and ensure long-term success for your Women's Shelters.

1

Empowerment Through Art Online Auction

Host an online auction featuring artwork created by shelter residents and local female artists. Each piece tells a story of resilience and hope, appealing to supporters' emotions while raising funds.

2

Survivor-Made Product Line Launch

Develop a line of handcrafted products made by shelter residents, such as jewelry, candles, or tote bags. Launch an e-commerce site to sell these items year-round, empowering survivors while generating consistent revenue.

3

Virtual Reality Shelter Experience

Create an immersive VR experience that allows donors to virtually tour the shelter, understand its impact, and witness survivor stories. Use this powerful tool at events and for major donor cultivation.

4

Empowerment Fitness Challenge

Organize a month-long virtual fitness challenge where participants complete empowerment-themed workouts and raise funds through peer-to-peer sponsorship. Partner with local gyms and fitness influencers for wider reach.

5

Corporate 'Safe Spaces' Sponsorship Program

Create a tiered sponsorship program where companies can 'sponsor' different areas of the shelter (e.g., children's playroom, counseling center) for a year. Offer exclusive branding and employee engagement opportunities.

6

Neighborhood 'Safe Haven' Network

Launch a community-wide initiative where local businesses and organizations can become certified 'Safe Havens', offering resources and support to women in need. Participants donate and fundraise to join the network.

7

Empowerment Podcast Series

Produce a podcast series featuring survivor stories, expert interviews, and shelter impact narratives. Monetize through sponsorships, listener donations, and merchandise sales.

8

Annual 'Rebuild Her Life' Gala

Host a high-profile gala event showcasing survivor success stories, shelter achievements, and future plans. Include silent auctions, live performances, and opportunities for major donors to 'fund a need'.

9

Mobile Boutique Makeover Bus

Convert a bus into a mobile boutique offering free makeovers, career clothing, and resources to women in need. Partner with beauty brands and local businesses for donations and sponsorships.

10

Virtual 'Walk in Her Shoes' Challenge

Create a virtual reality or augmented reality app that simulates the challenges faced by women seeking shelter. Participants fundraise to complete the challenge, gaining empathy and spreading awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions

<div ms-code-snippet-q="1">What are the most effective fundraising strategies for women's shelters in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="1">The most effective fundraising strategies for women's shelters in 2025 include leveraging digital platforms, engaging in peer-to-peer fundraising, and hosting virtual events. Zeffy is the top recommended platform for online donations, offering user-friendly features and low fees. Peer-to-peer campaigns can amplify reach by empowering supporters to fundraise on your behalf. Virtual events like online auctions or live-streamed galas allow for wider participation. Implement a monthly giving program to secure consistent revenue. Utilize social media to share impact stories and engage donors. Partner with local businesses for sponsorships or donation matching. Grant writing remains crucial, with a focus on COVID-19 recovery and mental health support. Lastly, embrace data-driven strategies to personalize donor communications and optimize campaigns. Remember to clearly communicate how funds directly impact shelter residents to build trust and encourage ongoing support.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="2">How can women's shelters increase online donations in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="2">To increase online donations in 2025, women's shelters should focus on optimizing their digital presence and donor experience. Start by using Zeffy as your primary online donation platform, which offers seamless integration and low transaction fees. Ensure your website is mobile-responsive and features prominent, easy-to-use donation buttons. Implement one-click donations and offer various payment options, including digital wallets. Utilize email marketing with segmented lists to send personalized appeals. Leverage social media for fundraising, especially on platforms like Instagram and TikTok where visual storytelling can create emotional connections. Consider using AI-powered chatbots to engage website visitors and guide them towards donating. Implement retargeting ads to re-engage potential donors who visited your site. Create compelling landing pages for specific campaigns. Don't forget to optimize for local SEO to attract nearby supporters. Regularly analyze donation data to refine your strategies and improve conversion rates.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="3">What are the best grant opportunities for women's shelters in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="3">In 2025, women's shelters should target grants focusing on post-pandemic recovery, mental health support, and innovative service delivery. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers Continuum of Care Program grants, which are essential for shelter operations. The Office on Violence Against Women provides several grant programs, including the Transitional Housing Assistance Program. Look for state-level grants through your State Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Private foundations like the Mary Kay Foundation and the Allstate Foundation offer grants specifically for domestic violence shelters. New opportunities are emerging for technology integration and trauma-informed care programs. Research community foundations in your area, as they often have funds earmarked for local social services. Consider partnering with healthcare organizations to apply for grants addressing the intersection of homelessness and health. Use grant databases like GrantWatch or Foundation Directory Online to stay updated on new opportunities. Remember to tailor each application to the funder's priorities and demonstrate clear, measurable impact.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="4">How can women's shelters engage corporate sponsors in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="4">Engaging corporate sponsors in 2025 requires a strategic approach that aligns with companies' ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. Start by researching local and national companies with a history of supporting women's causes or social justice initiatives. Develop a compelling sponsorship package that offers various levels of involvement, from financial support to in-kind donations and volunteer opportunities. Utilize platforms like Zeffy to create branded corporate giving pages. Highlight the tangible impact of sponsorship, using data and storytelling to demonstrate how support directly benefits shelter residents. Offer unique engagement opportunities, such as executive mentorship programs for shelter clients or skill-based volunteering for employees. Consider creating a corporate advisory board to deepen relationships and gain valuable insights. Leverage social media to publicly recognize sponsors and share impact stories. Explore cause marketing partnerships where a portion of product sales benefits your shelter. Stay informed about corporate social responsibility trends and tailor your pitches accordingly. Remember to provide regular impact reports and maintain open communication to foster long-term partnerships.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="5">What are innovative fundraising ideas for women's shelters in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="5">Innovative fundraising ideas for women's shelters in 2025 blend technology, community engagement, and social impact. Consider hosting a virtual reality (VR) tour of your shelter to give donors an immersive experience of your work. Organize a 'Sleepout Challenge' where participants raise funds while experiencing a night outdoors. Launch a sustainable fashion show featuring upcycled clothing, partnering with local designers. Create a digital cookbook with recipes from shelter residents and local chefs, selling it as a downloadable PDF. Host a 'Repair Café' event where skilled volunteers fix items in exchange for donations. Implement a round-up program with local businesses using Zeffy's platform. Organize a 'Empowerment Selfie' social media campaign where donors post photos and donate for each share. Develop a mobile app that gamifies donations through daily challenges. Partner with e-sports tournaments or streaming events for youth engagement. Consider launching a micro-lending program where donors can fund specific needs for shelter residents. These ideas combine awareness-raising with fundraising, creating memorable experiences that inspire ongoing support.</div>