Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) 2025: Grants Up to $500,000

Applications are now open for the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) 2025. This initiative aims to support Indian-based organizations in scaling innovative solutions that promote women’s digital inclusion and empower them economically. WiDEF is looking for projects that tackle the gender digital divide, particularly focusing on improving access to digital tools and technologies like smartphones and the internet.

The fund is open to non-profits with valid Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) approval and small to medium-for-profit enterprises that have economically sustainable and scalable models.

What WiDEF is Looking For

WiDEF supports projects that can:

• Enhance women’s access to and meaningful use of digital technologies, particularly smartphones and the internet.
• Work to close the gender digital divide within local contexts.
• Demonstrate economic sustainability and scalability.

Funding Benefits

Organizations selected for the WiDEF program will receive a range of benefits, including:

• Grant Funding: Between $100,000 and $500,000 over a period of 15–18 months.
• Capacity Building: Expert-led bootcamps and sessions to tackle key challenges.
• Knowledge Sharing: Learning exchange opportunities with other awardees in India and worldwide.
• Monitoring and Evaluation Support: Advisory services to help track and improve project outcomes.
• Visibility: Opportunities to connect with investors and partners, enhancing future funding prospects.

Who Can Apply

WiDEF invites applications from:

• Indian non-profit organizations with valid FCRA registration.
• Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working on women-focused digital inclusion solutions.
• Applicants who address at least two of the following core focus areas:
  1. Affordable Devices: Increase access to internet-enabled devices for women.
  2. Relevant Tools: Develop apps or interfaces catering to women’s needs, particularly for income generation.
  3. Digital literacy: Equip women with the skills to safely navigate the digital world.
  4. Safety and Security: Address gender-based digital violence and strengthen online protection.

Additionally, applicants must demonstrate:

• A commitment to expanding gender-disaggregated data and insights to inform equitable digital policies.
• Solutions targeting prominent barriers in their communities.

Key Notes:

• Each entity may only submit one application.
• All submissions must be in English.

How to Apply

To participate, ensure your application is submitted before 6:00 PM IST on January 13, 2025.

Apply Here

For detailed guidelines and additional information, visit the WiDEF website.