Who is eligible for assistance?
Vital Voices supports women from any region of the world, both inside and outside of the Vital Voices Global Network.* The Crisis Response Fund supports eligible women leaders experiencing an acute threat: an immediate and significant disruption to a women leader’s livelihood, life’s work, or personal safety, due to war, civil conflict, natural disasters, online and offline violence or threats, or other similar peril.
The following women leaders are eligible for assistance:
- The woman leader is working on the advancement of others or her community, and can show a strong, documented commitment to her work
- The incident or crisis is directly related to and impacts the woman leader’s work, safety, or well-being
- The support addresses a clear and measurable barrier to the woman leader’s ability to advance her work
*Network women who have previously participated in a Vital Voices program are able to streamline the vetting process
What types of assistance are covered under the Crisis Response Fund?
The Crisis Response Fund provides small and short-term funding for:
- Legal Assistance directly related to a crisis or recovery
- Mental Health and Well-Being during a crisis and recovery. Funds can be used to secure services in the country or through Vital Voices’ provider.
- Physical Health directly related to a crisis. Funds can be used to cover medical bills, essential medication and other health-related costs. Generally, funding for chronic illnesses is not covered.
- Digital Security for safety or response to an online threat, including disinformation or acts of violence. Funding can be used for training to improve online safety.
- Physical Safety and Security during a crisis and recovery, including security personnel, security cameras, alarms, and more.
- Relocation for in-country or out-of-country costs, directly related to a crisis.
- Livelihood Support for a women leader, her team, and/or organization can sustain continuity in all aspects of their safety and well-being.
What types of assistance are not covered under the Crisis Response Fund?
The Crisis Response Fund does not cover the following expenses:
Organizational Funding: Funding for organizations/programs
Example: Operational support, grants to support programs
Funding for Non-Leadership Incidents: Funding incidents not directly related to work or leadership
Example: Funding to cover personal expenses, including medical support, livelihood, or items lost/stolen not related to personal activism
Humanitarian Aid: Funding for support related to a global or regional conflict, natural disaster, or political situation
Example: Housing support following earthquakes, livelihood support due to larger situation rather than personal activism
Program Related Funding: Funding related to a Vital Voices Fellowship or program
Example: Loss of property occurring during a Vital Voices fellowship or program and covered under Vital Voices Travel Insurance.
How can I reach out to the Crisis Response Team for assistance or refer a woman leader for support?
The best way to reach out for assistance or refer a leader for support is to directly reach out to our team at Crisis@vitalvoices.org. The team will begin the individualized application process via email.
We are committed to responding to you as quickly as possible. For eligible cases, the Team will set up call to gather more information to determine how to respond. We can provide assistance within 72 hours but can take longer based on the request.
Frequently asked questions (faq)
Does the Crisis Response Program accept case referrals?
Established Referral partners are able to refer up to three eligible cases per quarter and can communicate with Vital Voices on behalf of their cases. Those interested in becoming referral partners should contact crisis@vitalvoices.org
How can women leaders receive their grant?
Women are able to receive their grant either through a wire transfer or retail (Western Union) transfer. For women leaders who are unable to receive funds themselves, we allow trusted individuals accept then transfer the grant on their behalf
Are there more secure methods to communicate with the Crisis team?
We aim for women to be able to communicate in whatever manner feels most secure, including email, Signal, WhatsApp, Zoom, Microsoft etc. Please contact us via email (crisis@vitalvoices.org) to indicate your preferred communication method moving forward.
Are women eligible to receive funding more than once?
Previously funded women are eligible to be considered for secondary funding the following year.
What about preparing for a crisis before it happens?
We have robust planning materials, guides, and toolkits for crisis readiness to help women leaders be better prepared for a crisis when it happens. Materials can be found on our website and you can contact crisis@vitalvoices.org for any crisis readiness inquiries.