Philanthropy shouldn't wait. Funded by Madeline Haydon, Founder of nutpods, this initiative covers the cost of a W Project board search for consumer companies ready to add women to their boards.
Apply NowWhen Madeline Haydon was building nutpods as a young woman of color founder, resources like this didn't exist. She didn't have the networks, the connections, or the access that could have changed her trajectory earlier. She wants to change that for the next generation of founders.
Living in Seattle, Madeline sees the incredible philanthropic impact of leaders like MacKenzie Scott and Melinda Gates. But her belief is simple: you don't have to be a billionaire to make a massive difference. This initiative is proof that founders at every level can create real, tangible change in their industries.
Through the Madeline Haydon Access Initiative, up to five consumer companies will receive a fully funded W Project board search — a process that typically takes 5–8 months and results in the placement of a woman leader onto their board or in a board advisory role.
Complete the application below. Tell us about your company, your board needs, and why this matters to you.
Applications are reviewed by the W Project team. Up to five companies will be selected based on readiness, mission alignment, and impact potential.
Selected companies are onboarded and paired with W Project for a professional board search, fully funded by the initiative.
W Project identifies, vets, and places an exceptional woman leader onto your board — typically within 5–8 months.
To be considered, companies should meet the following criteria.
Your company must be US-based and operate in the consumer space — food & beverage, beauty, wellness, apparel, home, pet, consumer tech, restaurants, fitness, four-wall retail, and more.
We're looking for companies with demonstrated momentum and scale. While there is no hard minimum, companies with $5M+ in annual revenue are best positioned.
Selected companies must compensate their placed board member with a cash component plus equity. The search is funded — but the board member's time must be valued.
You must have an existing or planned board seat, independent seat, or advisory opportunity that you're ready to fill within the program timeline.
Someone — a founder, CEO, or board member — who will champion this partnership, invest in the process, and drive it forward internally.
You believe boards should reflect the consumers they serve, and you're genuinely committed to adding diverse leadership — not just checking a box.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applying early gives you the best chance at selection.