FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund
Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a severe violation of human rights affecting over 230 million girls and women worldwide, including more than half a million in the United States. Despite international condemnation and legal prohibitions, FGM/C continues in many communities due to deeply entrenched cultural, social, and religious beliefs. Alarmingly, eight states in the U.S. still lack legislation against the practice. Advocates working to end FGM/C face numerous challenges, including resistance from communities, lack of resources, and personal risks. Therefore, it is crucial to support these advocates to ensure they can continue their vital work effectively and safely.
The FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund aims to be a transformative initiative in the effort to end FGM/C in the U.S. By providing comprehensive support to advocates, the fund will empower them to drive meaningful change in their communities and contribute to the global abandonment of this harmful practice. The primary objective of the FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund is to offer comprehensive support to individuals dedicated to ending FGM/C in the United States so that they can advance related legislative efforts. The fund aims to enhance the capacity, safety, and sustainability of FGM/C survivors and advocates to take part in educational policy-level efforts to address FGM/C by providing financial, technical, and emotional support.
The FGM/C Policy Advocate Fund is jointly managed by The U.S. Network to End FGM/C and Sahiyo.
Donate to the FundInformation Session
On October 8, 2026, The U.S. Network to End FGM/C, in partnership with Sahiyo, will be hosting an information session to provide an overview of the FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund, including eligibility requirements for applicants, the application process and timeline, and funding priorities.
Register Here
Apply to the FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund
The FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund provides financial support to survivors, advocates, and community leaders working to advance policy and legislative efforts addressing FGM/C in the United States. The Fund is designed to reduce barriers to participation in advocacy by supporting eligible applicants with resources that strengthen their safety, sustainability, and ability to engage in policy efforts.
Eligibility Criteria
The FGM/C Policy Advocate Care Fund supports individuals engaged in policy advocacy efforts to address FGM/C in the United States. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Who may apply:
- Survivors of FGM/C, grassroots advocates, community leaders, and influencers actively engaged in or planning advocacy efforts related to FGM/C.
- Applicants must be based in the United States and conduct advocacy activities focused on United States policy.
Eligible Activities
Funding may support activities that contribute to policy advocacy efforts related to FGM/C, including:
- Participating in legislative hearings, meetings with policymakers, or other policy engagement activities;
- Preparing or delivering testimony, policy materials, or educational presentations;
- Conducting community outreach or advocacy activities connected to policy change;
- Participating in advocacy-related training, capacity-building, or media engagement opportunities.
Priority will generally be given to applicants who:
- Demonstrate a financial need or barrier that limits their ability to participate in advocacy activities;
- Face safety concerns, backlash, or other risks related to their advocacy work;
- Individuals who are not otherwise being compensated for their policy advocacy work;
- Have not previously received support from the Fund, when other factors are substantially equal.
Please note that due to limited resources, the Fund may not be able to support all eligible requests. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis based on eligibility, demonstrated need, anticipated impact, and availability of funds.
Available Support
Applicants may request support for one or more of the categories below all related to advocacy activities. The amounts listed represent typical maximums and may be adjusted based on demonstrated need, anticipated impact, and available funding.
Local travel (public transportation, mileage, rideshare, etc.) – Up to $250
Domestic airfare – Up to $600
Lodging – Up to $800
Childcare or caregiving support – Up to $500
Advocacy materials and resources – Up to $750
Media coaching or advocacy communications support – Up to $750
Training or capacity-building opportunities – Up to $1,000
Emergency safety support related to advocacy work – Up to $1,000
Wellness support – Up to $500
Applicants may request support in multiple categories; however, due to limited available resources, the Fund may not be able to fully support all requests. The Review Committee may approve requests in full, provide partial funding, or recommend an alternative funding amount to maximize the Fund’s impact and support as many eligible advocates as possible.