$90,000 Disruptor Award for Women
- Organization: Pave HER Way
- Type: Grant
- Location: United States
- Deadline: October 16, 2026
- Funding: Fully Funded
Pave HER Way is a Los Angeles based national nonprofit that funds women who are removing barriers for other women. Its Disruptor Award backs up to five women in this first 2026 cycle with grants of up to $90,000 each, for a project or idea that credibly qualifies as a public benefit for women and girls. The money comes with people attached: every recipient joins a 24-month mentorship and cohort programme, and taking part is a condition of the award rather than an extra. **What you get:** - A grant of up to $90,000. Up to five awards are available in the 2026 cycle, and the amount you receive is set at Pave HER Way's discretion - Mentorship across a 24-month award period, an estimated five hours a month - A place in the recipient cohort and access to the Pave HER Way network - Funding paid to the US 501(c)(3) public charity sponsoring your project, or paid directly to you if no charity sponsors it. Grants paid directly to an individual are taxable to the recipient **What you'll do:** - Apply through Submittable with your project or idea, plus any budgets, financial records, references or supporting materials the form asks for - Interview with the Selection Committee if you advance. Interviews are virtual and held the week of 16 to 20 November 2026 - Prove US citizenship or permanent residency at the semifinalist stage, with a passport, birth certificate, naturalisation or citizenship certificate, or green card - Take part personally in Pave HER Way programming for 24 months if you are selected, including mentorship, progress updates and networking, even when the grant money goes to a sponsoring organisation **Key dates:** - Applications opened August 31, 2026 - Applications close October 16, 2026 at 11:59pm PT - Interviews for shortlisted applicants, week of November 16 to 20, 2026, held virtually - Decisions notified no later than December 31, 2026 - Award period runs 24 months from selection **More information:** - Full Disruptor Award programme guidelines at paveherway.org/apply/grant-program-guidelines - The 2026 application FAQs, covering the process, the selection process and each award, sit on the apply page itself - Questions about eligibility, requirements or funding go to apply@paveherway.org
