The Mary Kay Ash Foundation Domestic Violence Shelter Grants were established in 2000, awarding grants to shelters across the country providing critical, life-saving services to women and children seeking safety from an abusive situation. We are unwavering in our pledge to support those on the frontlines providing, emergency shelter, hope and healing for women and children experiencing violence.
How to Apply
Grants are awarded to emergency domestic violence shelters (with a physical shelter) providing innovative and life-saving services to women seeking safety from abuse. Grants are $20,000, with a minimum of one grant awarded per state. Recipients are ineligible for back-to-back grant years.
Domestic Violence Shelter Grant Cycle Dates:
- January 1 – applications open
- April 30 – applications close
- August – applicants are notified of the status of their application
- September/October – Awards are announced and funds are distributed in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Eligibility Requirements
In addition to operating a physical shelter that houses female survivors of domestic violence, applicants must also meet certain requirements to access the application. The eligibility quiz is designed to be respectful of prospective applicants’ time to ensure they meet minimum requirements before applying. Eligible organizations must be:
- a 501(c)(3) organization
- in operation longer than 5 years
- primarily providing shelter to women who have experienced domestic violence
- at least one year removed from receiving a MKAF grant
Applicants will be required to provide detailed information on services, programs offered, population served and various other questions along with supporting documentation.
Sales Force Letter of Recommendation (Optional)
Additionally, each shelter may attach an *optional* letter of recommendation from a Mary Kay Independent Sales Force member within their grant application materials.
Mary Kay Sales Force members are encouraged to write letters of recommendation for local domestic violence shelters they are formerly or actively involved with in any capacity. These letters should serve as further evidence that this shelter is making a positive impact in the community, share details about their participation with the organization, and any other pertinent information deemed relevant.
When submitting:
- Letters should be combined in a single PDF and attached within the shelter application.
- Sales Force letters received outside of the application will be considered at MKAF’s discretion.
- Sales Force should not send letters to MKAF directly.