About Grants

SMITHSONIAN WOMEN'S COMMITTEE GRANTS

The all-volunteer Smithsonian Women’s Committee (SWC) solicits, researches and awards grants to Smithsonian projects that bring knowledge, adventure, and discovery to the world.  Funding for grants comes primarily from SWC’s two signature events, the Smithsonian Craft Show and Craft2Wear.  Additional support comes from corporations, foundations and individuals through the SWC Grants Fund. To date, the SWC has supported the Smithsonian with grants and endowments exceeding $13 million.

The SWC often provides seed money for new research which may lead to additional outside funding or support for projects otherwise too small to be noticed for major giving. Every project the SWC awards through grants has an immediate benefit and is implemented and completed within one year of funding unless grantees apply for an extension.

In 2021, the Smithsonian Women’s Committee awarded 5 grants totaling $58,482. Four of these grants address the funding priorities of Secretary Bunch during the Covid-19 pandemic. The fifth, a new edition of A Guide to Smithsonian Architecture, helps bring the book up to date in time for the Smithsonian’s 175th anniversary in 2021.