We believe that investing in women and women led activism is one of the most powerful levers we have to change the trajectory of low-income communities. The Coalition supports community-based activism and grassroots leadership development through a number of avenues, all of which support citizens in addressing classism, racism, and marginalization in their own lives and communities. Too often, their voices are ignored in the traditional, top-down structures of power. Ultimately, we seek to build a statewide network of women activists who are disrupting the current power structures and realizing change in their communities.
Launched in 2019, She Leads: Community Activist Fellowship seeks to build a statewide network of women activists who are disrupting the current power structures and realizing change in their communities. Our grantmaking philosophy is simple: Invest in women of color who are working to build their communities through activism, and we change the course of life for under-resourced communities, families, children, and cities, and ultimately the state of Louisana. Learn more about the impact of our She Leads: Community Activist Fellowship in our 2021 Report.Â
“As women, we must stand up for ourselves...for each other...for justice...for all.”
Our Goals
We Invest in People Who Make a Difference
We Provide Technical Support and Infrastructure
We Launch, Amplify, and Connect Community Leaders
General Criteria
She Leads- seeks community leaders, activists, and/or organizers interested in growing their leadership and are tackling issues that directly impact them and their communities.
Fellowship awards are up to $3,000 for a 7 month period. Fellows must engage in a set of activities and/or projects that will positively impact their community (most virtual due to COVID restrictions). It is important to note that the Fellowship award is not limited to support of a particular project but can also be used to support leadership development, education and training, grassroots organizing and advocacy, social media and other communication efforts, coalition building, community mobilization, as well as other efforts intended to have a positive impact in the community.
The Power Coalition is interested in investing in the leadership development of unsung heroes themselves. While we expect that our fellows may be engaged in project-based work, the fellowship’s purpose is to provide support to the activists/fellow themselves to grow as community leaders. In addition to the fellowship award, fellows will have access to various training, networking, and professional development opportunities.
Eligibility
She Leads: Community Activist Fellowship Program seeks applications from women activists addressing a wide range of issues in their communities. Fellows must be willing to participate in communications, coaching, training, and networking activities that are a part of the fellowship each month.
She Leads is for you if YOU:
- Are a woman of color, 18 and older, who is directly impacted by the issues they seek to resolve. Â
- Applicants should reside in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, Lake Charles, or the River Parishes–Other areas will be considered
- Are directly affected by, and/or have significant direct experience with the issues, policies, practices, and/or systems that is the focus of your activism efforts.
- Include real and meaningful participation in your work’s decision-making process from community members where your efforts/projects are based.
- Have the drive, passion, commitment, and tenacity to improve your community through activism.
- Want to utilize the power of communications through storytelling, blogging, and community-led campaigns to move your agenda.
- Have a lack of access to traditional funding opportunities, or lack easy access to existing opportunities for leadership development.
She Leads: Community Activist Fellowship Program will not support:
- General operating support for an organization
- Capital Campaigns
- Direct service organizations, i.e., food pantries, soup kitchens
- Activities to elect specific candidates for public office
Host Organizations
Applications & Selection Process
There are three stages to the application process.
First, all applicants must submit a Letter of Interest (LOI). The LOI Application Process will open again in 2025. For the LOI, the applicant must answer 5 questions seeking insight into the applicant’s goals and plan for the fellowship term.
Second, the Power Coalition staff will review all LOIs and select a group of finalists who will be invited to submit a full proposal. All full proposals will be reviewed by a Community Review Committee comprised of members from the cities where the applicant resides.
Third, applicants may be invited to interview with the Community Review Committee. After interviews and a review of applications have been completed, applicants will be notified of their status.
For questions or more information, please email pcsheleads@powercoalition.org.