The March 8 Fund 2026

In recent years, we have witnessed a growing backlash against gender equality. Rising authoritarianism, defunding of gender-focused initiatives, increasing restrictions on women’s rights, and escalating attacks on queer communities threaten hard-won progress. Many grassroots organizations and activists find themselves facing mounting obstacles, not only political and social but also financial, as traditional funding structures impose ever-greater bureaucratic constraints.

 

The March 8 Fund, administered by the GRÓ Gender Equality Studies and Training (GEST) Programme at the University of Iceland, aims to set a clear example for international donors, and provides direct financial support to trusted gender equality leaders around the world.

 

GRÓ GEST alumni represent nearly 300+ leaders, policy makers and activists from more than 30 countries. At a time when access to funding is increasingly conditional on compliance-heavy processes shaped by Western-led institutions, the March 8 Fund takes a different approach. Instead of reinforcing the legacy of top-down, bureaucratic aid, it places trust directly in those working on the ground, ensuring that funding reaches the people and communities that need it the most, without unnecessary delays or restrictions.

 

In this way, GRÓ GEST rejects funding models shaped by Global North agenda-setting and Global South compliance, and instead places decisions about gender equality priorities in the hands of those embedded in the communities where this work takes place.

 

We invite applications for small-scale, alumni-led projects that advance gender equality and social justice in diverse social and political contexts. The March 8 Fund provides seed funding of up to €10,000 for GEST alumni-led projects. For details on eligibility, funding criteria, and application templates, click here. The deadline is April 19, 2026 (midnight, UTC).

 

Projects that demonstrate meaningful cooperation between alumni from different countries, in a way that strengthens cross-regional partnerships and shared learning, will receive special attention in the selection process.

Beginning in 2026, the March 8 Fund will introduce a rotating regional focus in order to ensure a fairer and more balanced selection process. In previous rounds, the number of strong applications has significantly exceeded the available funding. By focusing on specific regions each year, we aim to create a smaller and more equitable pool of competing proposals.

 

 

This rotating model allows the March 8 Fund to maintain its commitment to supporting locally led gender equality initiatives while ensuring that alumni across different regions have more meaningful opportunities to access funding over time.

 

The March 8 Fund provides fast, flexible funding that prioritizes trust in local expertise. Unlike traditional funding mechanisms, which often impose rigid structures that limit innovation and adaptability, this fund removes unnecessary barriers, enabling gender equality advocates to respond quickly and effectively to the challenges in their communities.

 

An independent external evaluation  has confirmed the effectiveness of the March 8 Fund, showing that past recipients have successfully used the grant as a steppingstone to secure additional funding, expand their initiatives, and create long-term impact.

 

At a time when gender equality is under attack, we remain committed to supporting those working on the frontlines of change.

 

We look forward to receiving your applications! Apply now.