Donor: Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland

Countries/ Regions: Global

Focus Areas: Business & Industry, Education, Employment & Labor, Women & Girls, Women & Gender

Deadline: April 15, 2026

Application Language: English

Grant Size: Not Available

Link: Diamond Education Grant | SIGBI

Description:

The Diamond Education Grant was set up as a charity by SIGBI in 1972. It contributes to the public benefit through its activity of making grants to women who are in need of financial assistance for educational purposes. The grants enable the women to enter or return to employment, or move to a growing industry, by acquiring new skills. The educational grants contribute to raising the standard of education among women, who may not otherwise be able to improve their circumstances, those of their family, or the community in which they live.

The benefits of educating women and girls, in time, have become recognised as the most effective way of raising nations out of poverty, and reducing international conflicts. Remember the often quoted, African proverb? ‘If you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a family (nation)’. The United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative states that, ‘When girls get the education they need, there is a ripple effect that benefits everyone.’

The Diamond Education Board allocate grants to women who reside in the countries of the Federation. During the year to 31 March 2024, we made grants totalling £38,642 to 37 women. The average grant for the year was £1,044. We aimed to find the right women; those that faced the greatest barriers or to whom the grant would have the biggest impact.

Awards are made to help towards the cost of course fees or books/equipment, not for living or travel expenses.