Women United Grants

Women United Grants is sponsored by Centre County United Way Women United. Start-up grants for Centre County 501(c)3 organizations to support new or expanding programs or initiatives that focus on long-term impact improving the lives of women and/or children in Centre County.

Women United Grants | Centre County United Way Women United , originally working as the Women’s Leadership Group within CCUW, is a group of community women who focus on issues, projects, and programs aligned with the wellbeing of women and children in Centre County. We are part of a network of over 70,000 women in over 165 United Way organizations across the country.

We offer several opportunities to be a part of this important work to like-minded women in Centre County. Currently, women join Centre County Women United by designating a contribution to Women United in addition to their contribution to the general campaign. With this structure, funds are raised as a separate designated fund that will not detract from the CCUW annual general campaign.

Since 2008, Centre County Women United has contributed over $190,000 to organizations within Centre County. Funds are granted to support new or expanding initiatives that specifically benefit women and children.

Projects funded have included the start-up of the Centre County Child Access Center and the Centre County Courthouse Children’s Space, health literacy for women, healthy relationships, recognizing unsafe scenarios, youth outreach in rural areas, and facility security.

Women United Grant Guidelines Centre County United Way Women United has established a start-up grant for Centre County 501(c)3 organizations to support new or expanding programs or initiatives that focus on long-term impact that improves the lives of women and/or children in Centre County. Since inception in 2008, Women United have awarded over $190,000 in funding to qualified recipients.

For the 2026 Grant Cycle, a total of $5,550 is available for funding.

We ask that individual grant requests range between $500 and $2,500 as we anticipate supporting multiple proposals To qualify for funding, applicants must make a cogent argument for the long-term impact expected from this new program or initiative, the significance of anticipated outcomes, the sustainability of the program beyond the start-up year, and identify collaborative relationships necessary for project success.

Demonstration of the organization’s desire to target women and/or children as program recipients – particularly those programs targeting issues related to health, financial stability, or success in education. Demonstration of clear and measurable goals, the ability to evaluate results and an ability to leverage additional funds, as needed for program success, beyond the grant period.

ORGANIZATIONAL ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible to receive funds, an organization must meet the following criteria: Be incorporated as a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. Be governed by a board that meets on a regular basis and which is representative of the geographic locations and demographics of the population being served. Use accounting practices consistent with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.

The organization's annual audit will serve as a demonstration of compliance with these principles. Provide a statement of non-discrimination against any group or individual currently protected by law.

Organizations that receive a grant must agree to the following conditions: All money received by the organization through the WU grant process must be expended only on the program or project approved for funding and within the established time frame. Organizations that receive WU funds must submit a report of outcomes as requested by the Centre County United Way.

Funding will be discontinued for failure to comply with reporting requirements. Organizations will be expected to make a presentation about the program/project and the outcomes of the grant to the Women United group. The grantee must acknowledge that it is a recipient of Centre County United Way Women United funding in any public reference made about the funded program.

Organizations must complete an application. Proposals will be reviewed by members of Women United (WU), or a committee established and empowered by members of WU to select successful applicant(s). An electronic application is attached to this page, but may also be obtained by contacting janae@ccunitedway.

org 2026 Application Timeline: Application on CCUW Website Application Review Meeting Determination Notices Sent Public Check Presentation TBD: Early June at CCUW Campaign Kick Off In order to submit the application, organizations must complete the online application and upload the required attachments by May 8, 2026 by 5:00 PM.

In addition to the submission of the application, organizations are required to submit the following documents along with their application: Current Fiscal Year Operating Budget 501(c)3 IRS Determination Letter Non-Discrimination Policy Please contact Ja Nae Wian at janae@ccunitedway. org with any questions about the grant application process or about eligibility for grant funding.

Our team is available to meet with any organization to address questions or to review the ideas you have for your application by appointment. Watch a short instructional video on creating an account and saving drafts. All applicants are required to have or create an account to complete and submit your application.

Keep your user name and password handy so that you can "save a draft" and return to complete your submission. Also this user name and password will continue to be used for agency reporting and future applications.

LOGIN HERE (If you already have a user name and password) CREATE AN ACCOUNT (New users only - Recommend using your Agency Name as your User Name - watch for an email to set your password, check spam) RESET YOUR PASSWORD (if your email has been used previously, you can reset your password)\ LOGOUT (Be sure to log out once you have saved your draft or submitted your application) Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Do not leave any blanks; enter N/A if not applicable. THE APPLICATION DOES NOT AUTO SAVE! Be sure to click "SAVE DRAFT" frequently, you will be able to return and work on the application as time permits.

Be sure to click "SUBMIT" when completed, you will not be able to access completed submission, but you will be sent a copy of your submission.