Remarkable Ideas Grants

2026 Great Dames Remarkable Ideas Grants

At Great Dames, we believe every remarkable woman begins as a girl who learns that she matters.

The 2026 Remarkable Ideas Grant Program, Girls Matter: Raising Remarkable Girls, will support women-led nonprofits that help girls build confidence, courage, leadership, resilience, and the skills they need to thrive.

We're seeking organizations that help girls discover their strengths, find their voices, and realize their potential. Through funding, mentorship, and the power of the Great Dames community, we aim to support the next generation of female leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

Learn more

2026 Grant Award Package — $25,000 Value

Grant Award Package includes:

$10,000 cash grant
$15,000+ in professional services and business mentorship
Exposure to the Great Dames community, donors, and partners

Key Dates:

Applications & Nominations Open: July 1, 2026
Application Deadline: August 12, 2026
Virtual Pitch Event: September 29, 2026
Grant Award Celebration: November 5, 2026

Girls Matter. Because the future depends on her.

Apply by: August 12, 2026

APPLY HERE

Know a nonprofit making a difference in the lives of girls?

Nominate a nonprofit that is helping girls build brighter futures. We'll invite them to learn more and apply. Nominate a nonprofit by August 8, 2026.

NOMINATE a nonprofit

Together, we can support the next generation of female leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

Want to support remarkable women innovators?

JOIN the Giving Circle

Prior Remarkable Winners

2025 Remarkable Ideas Grant Award

Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation

Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation video / website / donate

We’re pleased to announce that Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation has been selected as the 2025 Remarkable Ideas Grant Recipient.

Chosen from a powerful group of women-led nonprofit finalists, Fresh Start stood out for its ambitious vision to use education and mentorship to help Delaware women complete their degrees, strengthen their families, and create more secure futures.

Congratulations to our 2025 Remarkable Ideas Grant Recipient!

2025 Remarkable Grant Finalists:

Byrd Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation video / website / donate

Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation video / website / donate

Global Interactions video / website / donate

The Wardrobe video / website / donate

One Village Alliance, Inc./Girls Can Do Anything video / website / donate

Please take a moment to complete the Audience Feedback Form. Our presenters value and benefit from your input.

Audience Feedback Form

Donate: Support Remarkable Women

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We believe in the power of story to transform lives.
If your work is making a difference—one authentic story at a time—we want to hear from you.

Together, we amplify voices that create change.

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2024 Great Dames Remarkable Ideas Grant Competition

True to You Mental Health Initiative video / website / donate

Congratulations to our 2024 Remarkable Ideas Winner, LaVante’ Dorsey, True to You Mental Health Initiative. And kudos to all of our 2024 remarkable finalists who are doing vital work to empower women and girls in our communities. Please support them.

Want to support remarkable women innovators?

JOIN the Giving Circle

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2023 Great Dames Remarkable Ideas Grant Award

Body Empowerment Project Leaders

Body Empowerment Project video / website

The Great Dames community was thrilled to announce the winner of our 2023 Remarkable Ideas Pitch Competition. Body Empowerment Project, a nonprofit that empowers youth to find body acceptance and self-worth, was awarded our premier grant. The winning pitch offered a well-researched presentation of their efforts to help prevent eating disorders in adolescents, specifically in populations lacking access to treatment and preventive care. The award included a $5,000 grant, a business mentor, business services portfolio, and a strategic partnership with Great Dames.

Two other nonprofits, The Wardrobe and Unite for Her, were given finalist awards that included a business mentor, services, and a seed grant.

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2021 Remarkable Ideas Virtual Pitch Competition features Women with BIG Ideas for Reimagining the Future

2021 Competition Finalists’ Pitch Videos:

Up Cycle Design, Sierra RyanWallick, the 2021 Remarkable Winner! Read here.

Imagine Me Healthy, Chesha Hodge

Dear Katie: Survivor Stories Podcast, Kelsey Styles

Quality Communication Training, That Scales, Rachel Cossar

Redefining the Superwoman, Nicolle Surratte

Please share your feedback: Audience Evaluation of Pitch Videos

Theme: Reimagining our Future with Your Remarkable Ideas

Winner will receive a package, including $1,000 in cash, a business mentor, and a portfolio of valuable business services. Judges will select 5 finalists among the pitch videos submitted. The Great Dames Circle community will select the WINNER!

2020 Remarkable Ideas Pitch Competition features Women with BIG Ideas for Reimagining their Communities

Ten remarkable young women pitched their innovative ideas to the Great Dames community and each deserved recognition and support. Giftie Umo was declared the winner for her project that is dedicated to giving women in Africa a voice. Giftie, a Nigerian-born Delawarean, founded Girls Leading Africa to empower girls and young mothers who face gender inequity. Giftie remarked "I was tired of the invisible scars women and girls carry with them. I believe there is no better time to amplify their voices." Giftie was awarded a $1,000 grant and will be assigned a business mentor to support her efforts. We invite you to review all eight pitches and offer your feedback and support!

Remarkable Ideas Survey Link