Women United Grant Guidelines

OVERVIEW:

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

QUALIFICATIONS: 

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.

PROPOSALS MUST INCLUDE:

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. Be incorporated as a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Provide a statement of non-discrimination against any group or individual currently protected by law.

GRANT REQUIREMENTS:

Organizations that receive a grant must agree to the following conditions:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Organizations will be expected to make a presentation about the program/project and the outcomes of the grant to the Women United group.
4. 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.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

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 Submission:

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.

Required Attachments:

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
• Financial Documentation:
  
  • Most Recent Audit Report 
  • Most Recent 990
• Board of Directors List
• Non-Discrimination Policy

Questions:

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.