Meghan Markle Announces New Archewell Partnership For Women

On Friday, Oct. 7, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced their Archewell Foundation is teaming up with the VING Project (an organization that’s all about inspiring teens to give back) to give $1 million to inspiring women who have “defied life’s hardships,” according to the official press release. US-based teens between the ages of 14 and 18 are being asked to nominate a woman who has inspired them. If they’re chosen, the nominator will be able to give the woman a $1,000 grant to help them further their goals.

The project is inspired by the Duchess of Sussex’s “Archetypes” podcast, which is all about breaking down stereotypes associated with women. “Two things that bring me great joy are supporting women and the spirit of giving,” Markle said in the announcement. “With the return of ‘Archetypes,’ Archewell Foundation and VING have come together to create the perfect combination of these loves.”

According to Markle, the movement is not only about celebrating women who have had a profound impact on today’s youth; it’s also about showing teens the importance of giving back. “By donating $1 million in grants to women in need, our hope is not to only provide support where it may be felt deepest, but also empower young adults to embrace the gift of giving at an early age,” she continued. “I’m very proud of this partnership and the good we hope to see come from it.”

Markle and Harry’s new partnership with the VING Project comes after “Archetypes” took a brief hiatus out of respect for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 8. The podcast returned on Oct. 8 with a new episode featuring the Duchess of Sussex’s conversation with Margaret Cho and journalist Lisa Ling about the “Dragon Lady” trope. Previous episodes have featured conversations with Mindy Kaling, Serena Williams, and Mariah Carey.