Amplify Her Incubator

Closest to the Problem. Closest to the Solution.

OVERVIEW 

Amplify Her® Incubator is a 6-month program that equips women leaders with training, mentorship, and funding to turn bold ideas into action (see our press release). Focused on systems-level change, the Incubator supports initiatives that improve the lives of women and girls in New York City.

  • Selective Cohort: 12 initiatives will be chosen through a competitive application and interview process.

  • Seed Funding: Microgrants of up to $10,000 may be awarded to support the launch of selected initiatives. Only projects with 501(c)(3) status or a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor are eligible to participate in the pitch competition and receive funding. 

  • Monthly Workshops: Participants will engage in a structured curriculum designed to build leadership, strategic advocacy, and implementation skills. These in-person evening workshops will be held on the first Wednesday of each month, (April 1, May 6, June 3, July 1, August 5, September 2) in Chelsea.

  • Mentorship: Each participant will be matched with a network of cross-sector mentors to support their vision and growth. Participants are encouraged to meet virtually with their dedicated mentor(s) at least once a month throughout the program. 

  • Leadership Development: Participants will have access to additional curated programming across the Amplify Her® Foundation ecosystem.

  • Human-Centered Design: Through a partnership with Robin Hood Foundation’s Design Insight Group (DIG), participants will have the opportunity to co-create and test solutions directly with New Yorkers whose lived experiences reflect the challenges their initiatives aim to address, ensuring their solutions are community-informed, relevant, and effective.

  • Pitch Competition: The program will culminate in November 2026 with an event where eligible projects will pitch to a panel of judges for special recognition and funding.



CURRICULUM

  • Session 1 | Visioning for Systems Change 

  • Session 2 | Community-Centered Design

  • Session 3 | Messaging for Movement-Building

  • Session 4 | Mobilizing Resources for Impact 

  • Session 5 | Leading Change: Building Culture & Infrastructure 

  • Session 6 | Evaluating Systems Impact



PARTICIPANT PROFILE 

If you’ve ever thought, “Something needs to change, and I know there’s a better way,” this program is designed for you. Amplify Her® Incubator supports women at the early stages of bringing an idea to life, whether it is a nonprofit or a grassroots campaign. We’re seeking bold, community-rooted plans.

  • Projects that address inequities and barriers through advocacy, leadership, and systems-level change — and that center the voices of those most affected.

  • Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate alignment with our four policy focus areas: Girls’ Education and Career Readiness, Women’s Economic Mobility, Workplace Equality, and Support for Working Caregivers. Check out our Unified Policy Platform to learn more.

  • Initiative may still be in the formative stages but should show strong potential for growth and impact.

  • Applicants should be women, 18+ years, currently residing in New York City who understand the challenges they seek to address through lived experience.



To APPLY

We want to get to know you — your story, your vision, and the spark behind your idea. We invite you to submit a 3-5 minute video responding to the prompts below (in any order):

  • What is your 1-sentence elevator pitch?

  • What is your idea and how is it different from other approaches?

  • What stage is your idea currently in (concept, pilot, scaling)?

  • What are the first 2–3 concrete steps you would take to launch or expand your idea?

  • Who are you hoping to serve through your work, and what impact do you envision having on this community?

  • How do you plan to involve community members in shaping the initiative?

  • How does it improve the lives of women and girls in New York City?

  • Why is this issue important to you?

  • How have your experiences shaped the way you lead?

  • What would be your primary goal of taking part in the Incubator?

ApplY FOR INCUBATOR


Applications for Amplify Her® Incubator are due by Friday, January 30, 2026. If you have any questions, please reach out to Laura Risimini, Director of Grants at laura@amplifyherfoundation.org.

IN the News

View the press release and email press@amplifyherfoundation.org for more information: