The Global State of Women Relief Fund has opened applications for the third time in 2025 to support Black women facing unemployment. The initiative provides one-time grants ranging from $500 to $1,500 to those who lost their jobs this year. Sponsored by Teknique Cares, a nonprofit focused on beauty and wellness, the program addresses a critical crisis.
Over 300,000 Black women lost their jobs in 2025, with many terminations linked to dismantled DEI initiatives and government changes. The Trump administration’s policies contributed to widespread layoffs that disproportionately affected Black women across multiple industries. The Relief Fund aims to bridge the financial gap created by this employment crisis.
Previous Grant Rounds Awarded Over 68 Women
The organization has already distributed significant financial assistance through earlier 2025 grant cycles. In September, the Relief Fund awarded 66 grants ranging from $500 to $1,500 to Black women facing unemployment. Additionally, on December 1, two Expert Creator awards of $2,500 each were presented to recipients.
These previous distributions demonstrate the program’s commitment to consistent support throughout the challenging year. The multiple grant rounds reflect the ongoing nature of the unemployment crisis affecting Black women. Each funding cycle helps additional women navigate financial strain caused by job loss.
Priority Given to Caregivers and Single Mothers
While everyone is welcome to apply for relief grants, the fund prioritizes specific vulnerable populations. Black women facing unemployment receive first consideration, particularly those with caregiving responsibilities. Single mothers represent another priority group given their heightened financial pressures and limited safety nets.
Women working in industries that experienced mass layoffs also receive priority consideration during application review. This targeted approach ensures resources reach those facing the most severe economic challenges. The prioritization reflects understanding of how job loss compounds existing responsibilities and vulnerabilities.
DEI Initiative Dismantling Drove Many Layoffs
The elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs directly contributed to massive job losses. Many Black women held positions specifically focused on DEI work within corporations and organizations. When companies dismantled these departments, they lost their roles and often their only source of income.
Government shake-ups under the Trump administration accelerated DEI program eliminations across public and private sectors. Executive orders and policy changes created hostile environments for diversity-focused work. Black women, who disproportionately held these positions, bore the brunt of these systematic eliminations.
Application Deadline Set for December 21
Interested applicants must submit their applications by December 21 to be considered for this round. The deadline provides a clear timeframe for women seeking emergency financial assistance before year’s end. Late applications will not be accepted, emphasizing the importance of timely submission.
The organization stated it has received an “overwhelming” number of applications already. Despite high volume, officials encourage all eligible women in need to apply. Previous applicants do not need to resubmit, as their applications remain active for consideration.
Organization Acknowledges Year-End Pressures
The Global State of Women Relief Fund recognizes the unique challenges that year-end brings for unemployed women. “As 2025 comes to an end, we recognize this may be a time that brings both reflection and increased pressure,” the organization wrote on its website. Holiday expenses compound financial strain for those without steady income.
“Our commitment remains steadfast as we work to raise additional resources and provide relief,” the statement continued. The organization specifically aims to help women navigating “financial strain, employment challenges, caregiving responsibilities, and unexpected life transitions.” This comprehensive understanding drives their sustained relief efforts.
Teknique Cares Sponsors Relief Initiative
Teknique Cares, a nonprofit centered on beauty and wellness, sponsors the Global State of Women Relief Fund. The organization’s support enables consistent grant distributions throughout 2025’s employment crisis. Their commitment to beauty and wellness extends to economic wellness through this financial assistance program.
The partnership between Teknique Cares and Global State of Women demonstrates private sector response to systemic challenges. Beauty industry resources address unemployment affecting women across all sectors. This cross-industry collaboration models how different organizations can support community needs.
Valeisha Butterfield Founded International Platform
Tech and entertainment mogul Valeisha Butterfield founded The Global State of Women as an international advocacy platform. The organization is dedicated to empowering women worldwide through various initiatives. Butterfield’s leadership brings technology and entertainment industry expertise to women’s advocacy work.
Her background in both sectors provides unique perspective on women’s economic challenges globally. The Relief Fund represents one component of the organization’s broader mission. Butterfield’s vision extends beyond emergency aid to systemic advocacy and policy change.
State of Women Reports Track Disparities
Beyond emergency grants, The Global State of Women produces comprehensive State of Women Reports. These reports track progress and highlight racial and gender disparities across multiple sectors. The data collection provides evidence-based foundation for advocacy and policy recommendations.
The reports document systematic barriers that Black women face in employment, leadership, and economic security. This research informs the Relief Fund’s targeted approach to assistance. Understanding disparities enables more effective interventions addressing root causes alongside immediate needs.
Mass Layoffs Hit Multiple Industries Simultaneously
The 2025 unemployment crisis affected Black women across diverse industry sectors beyond just DEI roles. Technology companies conducted massive layoffs that disproportionately impacted women of color. Media organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies all reduced workforces significantly.
Each industry’s layoffs created compounding effects as job opportunities dried up across sectors. Women couldn’t simply transition to other industries when multiple fields simultaneously cut positions. This perfect storm of layoffs necessitated emergency relief interventions like the Relief Fund.
Financial Strain Compounds Caregiving Responsibilities
Black women often serve as primary caregivers for children, elderly parents, and other family members. Job loss doesn’t eliminate these responsibilities but makes meeting them financially impossible. The Relief Fund recognizes how unemployment uniquely impacts women with dependent care obligations.
Caregiving costs continue even when income disappears, creating impossible choices for unemployed women. Emergency grants help bridge gaps in food, housing, and healthcare expenses. This temporary assistance prevents catastrophic outcomes while women seek new employment opportunities.
Unexpected Life Transitions Create Additional Challenges
The organization acknowledges that job loss often coincides with other major life disruptions. Divorce, health crises, housing instability, and family emergencies compound unemployment’s financial impact. Black women facing multiple simultaneous challenges need comprehensive support systems.
Relief grants address immediate crisis needs while women work toward stability. The one-time payments can’t solve systemic problems but provide critical breathing room. This assistance prevents downward spirals that make recovery increasingly difficult over time.
Overwhelming Response Shows Depth of Crisis
The “overwhelming” number of applications received demonstrates how many Black women need emergency assistance. Demand far exceeds available resources, highlighting the unemployment crisis’s massive scale. Each application represents a woman struggling to meet basic needs after losing her job.
High application volume validates the Relief Fund’s necessity and importance for community survival. The response also indicates that many Black women lack adequate safety nets or savings. This vulnerability reflects broader economic inequalities that preexisted but were exposed by mass layoffs.
Previous Applicants Remain in Consideration Pool
Women who applied during earlier 2025 grant rounds don’t need to resubmit applications. Their previous applications remain active for consideration in this December funding cycle. This policy reduces administrative burden on both applicants and reviewers.
The approach acknowledges that many women from earlier rounds still need assistance months later. Job searches often take longer than anticipated, especially in hostile hiring environments. Keeping applications active demonstrates understanding of prolonged unemployment’s reality for many Black women.