Women United Grant Program

Women United, a collective giving circle composed of local women committed to positive community change, is accepting applications for its 2026 grant cycle. Operated in partnership with the United Way of Greater Charlottesville, Women United channels philanthropic energy and funding into the support of local nonprofits working to uplift women and children across Charlottesville and select counties in Virginia. The initiative is rooted in the belief that collective giving and shared purpose can create measurable improvements in the lives of underserved community members. The purpose of the 2026 Women United grant program is to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations whose missions align with the advancement and well-being of women and children. These grants are specifically intended for services that have a direct and positive impact within the geographic scope of Charlottesville and the Virginia counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Nelson, and Orange. Grants may be used for general operating support, as all awards are offered without programmatic restrictions. The funding is designed to help community-based organizations meet core needs, expand services, or enhance capacity. Funding amounts for 2026 will range from $2,500 to $10,000, with award levels determined based on factors such as available total funds, volume of applications, the organization’s demonstrated financial need, and its capacity to manage and use the funds responsibly. Last year, ten grantees shared a total of $60,000 in funding. While this year's total fund pool has not been finalized, organizations can expect a similar level of support, assuming comparable submission volume and applicant readiness. To qualify, applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits—or have an eligible nonprofit fiscal agent—and have been in operation for at least two years. Organizations must serve women and/or children within the defined geographic area. Importantly, organizations that received Women United grants in either of the two preceding years (2024 or 2025) are not eligible in 2026. These requirements ensure broad access to the grant program and promote diversity in funding distribution. Applications must be submitted using the online application form, which requires a Google account. The form has been simplified based on applicant feedback from the previous cycle. All completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Questions about the application or process should be directed to [email protected]. Grant recipients will be notified by May 15, 2026, and funds will be delivered during that month. The process is competitive, and all applicants are encouraged to ensure their submissions clearly articulate their impact on women and children in the region. Women United's broader mission includes not just grantmaking, but also community advocacy and awareness-building. Through its partnership with the United Way of Greater Charlottesville, the group continues to mobilize resources and attention toward the well-being of families in the area. This grant opportunity is one component of that larger strategy, aimed at leveraging shared resources to create long-term, community-based change.