Women United Grants

The Women United Grants program is administered by Centre County United Way Women United, a local philanthropic initiative composed of community women focused on advancing the wellbeing of women and children in Centre County, Pennsylvania. Women United operates as part of a broader United Way network that includes tens of thousands of women across more than 165 local United Way organizations nationwide. At the Centre County level, the program raises funds through designated contributions made by donors in addition to general United Way campaign contributions, ensuring that these funds are reserved specifically for Women United initiatives and do not detract from the broader annual campaign. The purpose of the Women United Grants program is to provide startup funding to nonprofit organizations for new or expanding initiatives that create long-term, meaningful improvements in the lives of women and children within Centre County. Since its inception in 2008, the program has distributed over $190,000 to support community-based projects. Funded initiatives have historically addressed a wide range of needs, including child advocacy services, health literacy programs, youth outreach in rural areas, and efforts to promote safe and healthy relationships. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable outcomes and sustainable impact beyond the initial funding period. Funding for the 2026 grant cycle totals $5,550, with individual awards expected to range from $500 to $2,500. The program is designed to support multiple recipients, emphasizing early-stage or expansion efforts rather than ongoing operational costs. Funds must be used exclusively for the approved project or program within a defined timeframe, and recipients are required to adhere strictly to the proposed use of funds. The program does not specify indirect cost allowances but requires clear accountability and adherence to financial and reporting expectations. Eligibility is limited to organizations that are formally recognized as 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities. Applicants must demonstrate sound governance through an active board of directors that reflects the community served, maintain financial practices aligned with generally accepted accounting principles, and provide documentation such as audit reports and IRS filings. Organizations must also maintain and submit a non-discrimination policy consistent with legal protections. The program places strong emphasis on targeting services to women and children, particularly in areas such as health, financial stability, and educational success. The application process requires submission of an online application along with several supporting documents, including a current operating budget, IRS determination letter, audit report, Form 990, board member list, and non-discrimination policy. Applications are reviewed by Women United members or a designated committee, which evaluates proposals based on criteria such as clarity of goals, measurable outcomes, sustainability, and collaborative partnerships. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how additional resources may be leveraged to ensure project success beyond the grant period. For the 2026 cycle, applications opened on March 30 and close on May 8 at 5:00 PM. Following the submission deadline, applications are reviewed, with funding decisions communicated by May 18. Awardees receive funding shortly thereafter and are expected to present their projects and outcomes to the Women United group. Additionally, recipients must submit outcome reports and publicly acknowledge funding support in any communications related to the funded project. Failure to comply with reporting requirements may result in discontinuation of funding. Applicants may direct questions to the program contact via email or phone, and the organization offers opportunities for prospective applicants to seek guidance or feedback on project ideas prior to submission. The program represents a targeted, community-driven funding opportunity designed to catalyze impactful initiatives that support vulnerable populations within a defined geographic area.

Focus on clearly demonstrating measurable outcomes, long-term sustainability, and alignment with women and children priorities in Centre County.