Happy International Women’s Day: Giving to Gain, Investing in Women’s Futures
March 9, 2026This International Women’s Day, Smallwood Trust joins people around the world in celebrating the achievements of women and reflecting on the progress still needed to achieve gender equality.
Women sit at the heart of our mission. For 138 years, Smallwood Trust has worked to promote the financial resilience of women, recognising that when women are supported to thrive, the benefits extend beyond individuals and help strengthen families, communities and society as a whole.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” reflects a powerful truth. When we invest in women, everyone gains.
Across the UK, specialist women’s organisations are working every day to support women facing poverty, inequality and multiple barriers to financial independence. When these organisations are resourced and trusted to do their work, they create lasting change for women and the communities around them.
As a specialist women’s funder, Smallwood Trust’s Community Grant Partnerships programme invests in organisations with deep expertise in supporting women experiencing poverty and structural inequality. These organisations provide practical support, trusted relationships and tailored services that help women build confidence, develop skills and move towards greater financial security.
We are pleased to announce our most recent investment through the Community Grant Partnerships (CGP) programme. Twenty-seven organisations will receive over £2.1 million in funding to continue providing vital support to women across the UK.
Supporting women facing intersecting inequalities
The organisations funded through this round reflect Smallwood’s commitment to supporting women experiencing intersecting inequalities.
Across this portfolio:
• 39% of funded organisations are led by women from communities experiencing racial inequality
• 14% are led by disabled women
• 43% provide specialist support to disabled women
Many of these organisations support women experiencing domestic abuse, migration barriers, disability, racial inequality and long-term economic disadvantage.
Evidence from the Women’s Budget Group continues to show that women are disproportionately affected by poverty and economic insecurity. Investing in specialist organisations ensures that women can access the tailored support needed to rebuild stability and independence.
Local organisations making a national difference
The organisations funded in this round reflect the strength and diversity of women’s support services across the UK.
They include organisations such as:
• Blackburne House, delivering technology and employment training for women
• Lancashire Women, supporting women experiencing complex disadvantage
• My Sister’s Place, providing specialist support for women affected by domestic abuse
• Deaf Ethnic Women’s Association, empowering deaf women from minoritised communities
• Sandwell African Women’s Association, supporting migrant and refugee women
Together, these organisations are helping women develop skills, confidence and financial resilience.
What we gain by investing in women
International Women’s Day reminds us that progress towards gender equality requires sustained investment in the organisations working closest to women’s lives.
When women are supported to build financial security, the impact reaches far beyond individuals. It improves outcomes for children, families and communities.
By investing in specialist organisations and strengthening the support systems around women, we move closer to a future where all women have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
