Sanitary Napkin Funds: How to Find and Run a Period Product Fund
Running out of pads at school, a shelter, or a community center is more than inconvenient — it affects dignity and attendance. If you’re handling a small fund for sanitary napkins, you need quick wins: where to get money, how to stretch it, and how to make distribution simple and safe.
Where to find money fast
Start local. Community foundations, rotary clubs, churches, and school PTAs often have small grant pools for basic needs. Send a short note explaining who you serve, how many people, and the monthly cost. Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe work well for urgent needs; a clear goal and one good photo get attention.
Apply to targeted grants. Look for organizations that fund period equity or women’s health — many regional health trusts and women’s funds list small grants under $5,000. Also ask nearby businesses for one-off sponsorships: a coffee shop might cover a month of supplies in exchange for a shoutout.
Stretch the dollars and run it smoothly
Buy smart. Bulk purchases cut cost per pad dramatically. Compare formal medical suppliers and major wholesalers; sometimes supermarket chains run season promos you can time. Calculate need: number of users × average pads per month (a good starting point is 20 pads per person). That gives you a clear monthly budget to present to funders.
Consider reusable options. Cloth pads or menstrual cups have higher upfront cost but lower long-term price per user. For shelters where washing is possible, they save money and reduce waste. Offer both single-use and reusable choices based on user preference.
Keep distribution simple and discreet. Use tamper-proof boxes in restrooms or private pickup points at front desks. Train volunteers to record basic counts — how many packs came in, how many went out — so you can report to donors without collecting personal data.
Track expenses and show impact. Donors want simple numbers: dollars in, products bought, people served. Keep receipts, batch purchases by date, and take photos (with consent) of stocked shelves. If you’re a small non-profit, get an EIN and basic bookkeeping; it makes applying for larger grants easier.
Build partnerships that last. Pair with food banks, youth centers, or schools that already serve your target group. They handle distribution and you handle procurement. This reduces overhead and widens reach.
Start a small membership or subscription model. Local supporters can cover a ‘‘pad pack’’ per month for $5–$10. That steady income helps plan bulk orders and avoids last-minute scrambles.
Finally, be transparent and humble. Share short monthly updates with funders—what you bought, who you reached, and one quick user quote or photo. That simple practice keeps support steady and makes scaling easier when you’re ready.
