Women United grant

Women United is a philanthropic initiative focused on enhancing the self-sufficiency of women to strengthen families and communities. Operated under the umbrella of United Way of Marathon County, this vibrant group engages in advocacy, fundraising, networking, and volunteerism. Their mission is centered around empowering women to improve not only their own lives but also the lives of their families and the broader community. Through a mix of social events and strategic community engagement, Women United raises funds and channels them into local programs aligned with their mission. The primary funding mechanism is an annual grant cycle, now open through October 31. Applicants must clearly demonstrate that their program supports the core goal of improving women’s self-sufficiency. Any proposals falling outside this scope will not be considered. Examples of past funded initiatives include hygiene pantry supplies, child car seats for ALICE families, childcare support grants, nutrition education, Girl Scout participation, and scholarships for mothers seeking higher education. This demonstrates a wide range of eligible project types, provided they support women and their families directly. The application process is hosted via an online form, and interested organizations must complete all required fields before the stated deadline. Grants are evaluated by the Impact Committee, which reviews all requests and makes recommendations to the Leadership Council. Final decisions are made based on alignment with Women United's mission and anticipated impact. Grants are competitive, and clear articulation of outcomes and community relevance is essential. Women United also coordinates various volunteer and social opportunities through their Member Engagement, Power of the Purse, United We Celebrate, and Impact committees. These support not only the fundraising and programmatic aspects but also the group’s commitment to community building and awareness. Their marquee event, Power of the Purse, is a well-attended fundraiser supporting the annual grant pool. Other events, like Lunch n’ Learns and quarterly volunteer projects, help build relationships and deepen engagement across community sectors. Applicants or interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to Emily Champine, the Affinity Groups Coordinator, for more information. Her role includes coordinating applications, facilitating connections with community organizations, and helping applicants understand eligibility and impact requirements. She can be reached at echampine@unitedwaymc.org or 715-298-5712. Additional resources, event updates, and impact stories can be found on Women United's Facebook and LinkedIn pages or through their email newsletter.

Focus strongly on women’s self-sufficiency and direct impact.