Latest news with #microgrant
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
This Woman Knows awards first microgrant to support women visionaries, no trauma essays required
More than 80 women applied to the inaugural TWK Grant, which rejects trauma storytelling and social media contests in favor of vision-first funding. 'This grant is about recognizing brilliance—not pain.'— Lisa N. Alexander, Founder, This Woman Knows Media HOUSTON, TX, UNITED STATES, June 2, 2025 / / -- In a bold move away from traditional funding norms, This Woman Knows has awarded its first-ever microgrant to Amber Ivey of AiDigiTales, with a special recognition award given to Vicki Seals of Dementia Guardian. Over 80 women applied in the inaugural round. Founded in 2015 by media entrepreneur and filmmaker Lisa N. Alexander, This Woman Knows began as a space for women sharing wisdom, experience, and truth woman-to-woman, with the goal of helping each other evolve into the best versions of themselves. The TWK Grant is a natural extension of that vision. 'Some of those grant entries I've seen over the years were so deeply personal, they should never have had to be submitted in the first place,' said Alexander. 'That's when I knew I'd do something different. This grant is about recognizing brilliance—not pain.' Funded through small donations and Alexander's own investment, the TWK Grant is an independent, women-led initiative grounded in community and vision. It was designed to fill the gap in support for microbusinesses and creative projects—especially those led by Black and Brown women. 'We created something that works—and even women who didn't win emailed to say thank you. That's how we know we're onto something.' Alexander's work on the City of Houston Women- & Minority-Owned Business Task Force, formed by then–Council Member Amanda Edwards, reaffirmed how often microbusinesses—especially those led by underrepresented founders—are excluded from traditional funding conversations. Rather than criticize the system, Alexander chose to build a new one. 'The work we did on the Task Force was critical and necessary,' said Alexander. 'It exposed how much support was still needed—especially for microbusinesses working with few resources. This grant is a response to that invisibility—and a reimagining of what belief in women can look like when rooted in action.' Amber Ivey, founder of AiDigiTales, was selected as the primary grant recipient. Her organization is creating an educational activity deck to help kids understand artificial intelligence without increasing screen time. 'Every child deserves AI literacy, no matter their zip code,' said Ivey. 'These cards will help make that happen.' Vicki Seals, founder of Dementia Guardian, received an honorary award in recognition of her work developing a visual safety symbol for those living with dementia. The tool is designed to alert first responders and foster compassion in emergency situations. 'The recognition given by This Woman Knows is not merely an honor but also a profound affirmation of the significance of our mission,' said Seals. 'We desire that our symbol evoke compassion within the community and serve as a beacon of hope for the protection and safety of individuals living with dementia, their caregivers, and communities worldwide. Our tagline, 'We are seen, we are safe,' captures the essence of our mission because when we all grasp the combined impact of our compassion, we will find that we are all 'Dementia Guardians.'' Applications are open from the 1st to the 20th of each month, with at least one grant awarded monthly. Applicants answer just one question—What are you building, and how does it benefit you and your community?—and pay a small $15 application fee. Learn more and apply at As the initiative grows, This Woman Knows aims to increase both the grant amount and the number of recipients. The program welcomes strategic partnerships and collaborations to expand its reach and long-term sustainability. About This Woman Knows Media This Woman Knows is a media platform and storytelling initiative dedicated to helping women evolve into the best version of themselves. Founded by writer, filmmaker, and media producer Lisa N. Alexander, TWK amplifies truth-telling, reinvention, and the stories often overlooked in traditional media spaces. Through articles, podcasts, grants, and community-building, This Woman Knows offers women a place to be seen, heard, and affirmed—without apology or performance. Lisa N. Alexander This Woman Knows Media +1 8328771900 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Other Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
CTV News
21-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Calgarians can apply for new microgrant for Neighbour Day 2025
Calgarians are once again invited to participate in Neighbour Day next month, and this year there's a new microgrant to help. The annual citywide celebration was inspired by the way citizens came together to help each other during the historic flooding that devastated Calgary back in 2013. Now, every June, Calgarians are encouraged to celebrate their community on Neighbour Day. The event will be held on Saturday, June 21. Calgarians can participate by planning a block party, BBQ or neighbourhood gathering. This year, people can apply for the #YYCNeighbourDay microgrant to support their neighbourhood event. The microgrant offers up to $2,500 in funding to help amplify the events Applications are open until May 31. Permits for block parties and greenspaces are free, and applications are open until May 31. 'Neighbour Day is a uniquely Calgary tradition that shows how powerful it is when people come together,' said Mayor Jyoti Gondek in a Tuesday news release. For more information on Neighbour Day you can visit the City of Calgary's website.
