Women United Grants Program

Women United of Siouxland, operating under the umbrella of United Way of Siouxland, is dedicated to improving the lives of children in the Siouxland area by financially supporting impactful local programs and projects. Since its inception in 2006, the organization has awarded 117 grants totaling over $1.4 million to enhance the well-being of children from birth to 18 years old. Women United invites like-minded individuals to join its membership to collectively address the most pressing needs of children in the community. The grantmaking initiative offers two distinct types of funding opportunities. The Program Grant provides one-time awards ranging from $500 to $4,999 to address specific, tangible needs such as equipment, books, supplies, or technology for children. These funds must be used within one year, and recipients are required to submit semi-annual progress reports to demonstrate the impact of the funding. The Brighter Future Grant supports broader efforts with awards ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for new, ongoing, or expanding programs aimed at improving the lives of children. Eligible activities include those addressing poverty, education, health, literacy, and safety. This grant also allows for the potential of two additional years of funding for the same program, though the years do not need to be consecutive. Quarterly progress reports are mandatory to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of funds. Funding decisions are guided by Women United members, who prioritize proposals that are programmatic and address urgent community needs. The grant explicitly excludes indirect costs such as administrative salaries, endowments, facility expansion or leasing, and overhead expenses. Applicants must select one grant type only—either the Program Grant or Brighter Future Grant—but not both. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations physically located and operating in Woodbury County, Iowa; Dakota County, Nebraska; or Union County, South Dakota. Programs must serve children ages 0–18 and demonstrate a direct impact on enhancing their quality of life. Applications must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on December 11, 2025, with funding decisions expected to be announced in March 2026. For additional guidance or questions about the application process, prospective applicants can contact Sharon Messerschmidt at smesserschmidt@unitedwaysiouxland.com. Women United remains committed to empowering local nonprofits that serve the region’s most vulnerable youth.