This wasn’t what we expected
Last March, something unexpected happened.
What began as a $3,000 grant application for our menstrual health program in Madagascar was ultimately awarded $50,000 as a top-tier grant from the MDRT Foundation—ranked #1 among all applicants.
But this didn’t happen all at once.
We first applied in September 2025 with a focused, small-scale proposal for a menstrual support program in Madagascar.
In January, we were told that our grant application has been successful. At the time, we assumed the award would match what we applied for—$3,000.
It wasn’t until mid-March, when MDRT members visited our office to deliver the grant in person, that we learned the full scope of the award.
During that visit, we had the opportunity to connect in person Kyusang Hwang and Phio Park,
who delivered the grant on behalf of the Foundation—making the moment all the more personal and meaningful through their presence and encouragement.
We weren’t trying to make it bigger
Most projects start by asking how much funding they can raise.
While we could have scaled an existing model, we chose to start small and ask a different question:
What is the most meaningful impact we can create with limited resources?
Watch the full interview from our grant award moment:
What MDRT Foundation’s grant taught us
Through this process, we gained a clearer understanding of how impact is evaluated by the Grant Committee at MDRT Foundation.
The key insight is that they don’t just fund scale or reputation—they fund thoughtful, sustainable design.
Our proposal was recognized for:
- A clear understanding of local context
- A focus on long-term capacity building
- A model designed for lasting impact, not short-term relief
With expanded support, we can now:
- Reach more women and girls
- Strengthen local implementation capacity
- Expand our program from safe menstruation to safe births in underfunded areas.
This is not just additional funding.
It was a meaningful affirmation of our approach—one that prioritizes locally grounded, sustainable, and people-centered solutions.
It reinforces our commitment to building a stronger, more sustainable system of support.
As we expand this program in Madagascar, our focus remains clear:
- Stay grounded in local realities
- Invest in people, not just programs
- Build solutions that are practical, respectful, and sustainable
This is just the beginning
In our next post, we’ll share more about the program and how we plan to support girls and women in meaningful, sustainable ways.
We invite you to stay connected as we continue to share how this work grows — and the impact it creates in the lives of those we serve.
| Donate to Support Girls’ Menstrual Health
- Become a Monthly Donor – Help provide ongoing access to menstrual products so girls can stay healthy, confident, and focused on school and daily life.
- Make a One-Time Gift – Support the distribution of menstrual care kits for girls and women experiencing period poverty.
- Give In-Kind Donation – Donate sanitary pads, menstrual products, or hygiene supplies to support girls and women in need. [link]
