Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Daughters of the Nile

Daughters of the Nile is an international fraternal organization for women founded in 1913 in Seattle, Washington. With more than 15,000 members in over 120 cities across the United States, Canada, Brazil and Bolivia, the organization combines fellowship and personal development with a strong philanthropic mandate. Its sole charitable focus is Shriners Children’s and the network of pediatric medical facilities serving children with complex health needs throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

To structure its giving, Daughters of the Nile maintains permanent funds that channel financial support to Shriners Children’s. In the United States, donations are managed through the Daughters of the Nile Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization. In Canada, funds are administered by the Daughters of the Nile Canadian Trust Foundation. These entities receive contributions from members and supporters and disburse them to Shriners Children’s facilities and related programs.

The organization reports providing more than $2 million in monetary donations each year to Shriners Children’s through its foundations, and cumulative contributions of over $75 million since 1924. These funds help support hospital operations, specialized treatment for neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries, cleft lip and palate, and other pediatric health needs, as well as education for healthcare professionals and research on new treatments.

In addition to direct financial contributions, members donate substantial in-kind value by sewing clothing and quilts, supplying toys, books and games, and organizing events for patients and families. The annual value of these volunteered hours and donated goods is reported to exceed an additional $1 million. While the primary and ongoing beneficiary is the Shriners Children’s system rather than open-call applicants, Daughters of the Nile functions as a philanthropic funding body directing significant resources to child health care and related services.

Through its permanent funds and associated foundations, Daughters of the Nile supports vulnerable children and their families who rely on Shriners Children’s facilities for specialized medical care. Its financial support complements the volunteering and community engagement of its members, reinforcing the sustainability of pediatric hospitals and programs across North America. The combination of recurring donations, endowment-style funds, and long-term partnership with Shriners Children’s positions the organization as a stable, mission-driven funding partner within the charitable healthcare sector.