💰 What Is a Period Poverty Grant?
A period poverty grant is funding provided by governments, NGOs, or philanthropic organizations to support menstrual equity. These grants help increase access to period products, education, hygiene facilities, and community outreach programs in areas where people cannot easily afford or reach menstrual supplies.
🌍 How Period Poverty Grants Are Used Globally
🇬🇧 UK Government International Aid
In 2023, the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) committed £2 million to support period poverty projects abroad. They also allocated £250,000 domestically to seed new initiatives combatting menstrual inequity within the UK la2050.org+3gov.uk+3news.gov.bc.ca+3allianceforperiodsupplies.org.
🇨🇦 British Columbia, Canada
BC’s provincial government launched a $220,000 pilot fund in 2022 to distribute free period products and combine hygiene access with cultural education for Indigenous and disadvantaged communities. Grants ranged from $15K to $25K per organization news.gov.bc.ca.
🇺🇸 USA – The Pad Project Grants
In the U.S., The Pad Project offers funding to grassroots groups (< $25K budget) through its “Leap of Faith” program, empowering communities to run menstrual access programs. They also support larger organizations through the “Pads Across America” program thepadproject.org+1la2050.org+1.
🏫 Community Level Grants in the U.S.
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Fall River, Massachusetts: Received a $150,000 grant to install free tampon/pad dispensers in schools, shelters, community centres, and educate about menstrual health capeandislands.org.
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Menstrual Equity for All Act (U.S.): A proposed federal bill would channel grant funding to provide period products in prisons, schools, workplaces, shelters, and low-income assistance programs initial.co.uk+15acponline.org+15meng.house.gov+15.
🎯 Why They Matter
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Reduces stigma: Products installed discreetly remove shame.
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Prevents missed school/work: Access to period products keeps people active in education and employment.
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Supports marginalized communities: Funds targeted to low-income, rural, LGBTQ+, or Indigenous groups actionaid.org.uk+3initial.co.uk+3meng.house.gov+3.
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Combines product + education: Grants often include menstrual hygiene awareness and support.
✅ How Your Community Can Get Involved
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Research grant programs by local/state/provincial governments (e.g., Canada’s BC pilot).
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Apply for NGO funding like The Pad Project’s “Leap of Faith” grants if you’re a grassroots organization en.wikipedia.org+3time.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3thepadproject.org+1la2050.org+1.
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Advocate for legislative support — like the U.S.’s Menstrual Equity Act .
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Partner locally with schools, shelters, and health centres to implement funded initiatives.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Period poverty grants play a crucial role in transforming periods from stigma-laden to supported for everyone. Whether through national aid, local pilots, or NGO funding, these grants are breaking barriers and building dignity.
If you're running a charity, school, or community group, consider exploring grant opportunities to launch or expand menstrual equity programs.