Spring 2025 Grant Applications ARE NOW CLOSED
From February 3, 2025 until March 28, 2025
2025-2026 GRANT APPLICATION INFORMATION
The mission of Women United is “To invest in the betterment of Lancaster County women” through their vision – “Achieve impactful change in the education, financial stability, and health of Lancaster County women.”
Each year, Women United grants rotate through the three focus areas within their mission. This funding model was introduced in 2019, with the focus of promoting financial stability through further education and the increased financial empowerment of Lancaster County women.
2025 Grants Focus
The focus of the 2025 – 2026 grant cycle is to better the lives of Lancaster County women by supporting financial stability initiatives for women (ages 18+).
Examples of programs or initiatives considered in this funding focus include but are not limited to those that:
- Increase earning potential and/or employment stability
- Support and increase financial literacy
- Decrease dependency on credit cards and other financial behaviors that put financial stability at risk
- Address challenges in paying off monthly expenses on time
- Aim to address challenges to women’s financial wellbeing
The funding period will begin July 1, 2025, and end June 30, 2026.
Grant Range
Grant amounts will range from $10,000 (minimum) to $20,000 (maximum) per grantee.
Eligibility
The program/initiative to be funded must align with the stated grant focus and benefit Lancaster County women over the age of 18. Organizations or lead fiscal agents need to have a current 501(c)3 designation from the IRS and comply with United Way’s Inclusiveness Policy.
Application Process
The grant application will open at 8:00 a.m on Monday, February 3, 2025, and close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025.
All applications that meet minimum requirements will be evaluated by a designated Review Committee. Applications will be scored using a standardized rubric. Finalists will be selected based on these scores and invited to present to Women United members and their guests at the “Annual Women United Meeting“. Women United members will vote after the presentations to determine the final grants to be funded.
Finalists will be notified no later than April 18th.
Applications must include:
- Grant Application Responses
- IRS Nonprofit Determination Letter
- Program Budget
- IRS Form 990
- Annual Audit or financial review by an independent CPA within the last 12 months
- W-9 Form
Click HERE to access the Women United application.
Grant Process Timeline
Application Opens
February 3, 2025
Applications Due
March 28, 2025
Women United Application Review Begins
April 1, 2025
Finalists Notified
April 18, 2025
In-Person Grant Presentations for Finalists
May 20, 2025
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at S. Dale High Leadership Center
Grant Award Announcements
May 23, 2025
Initial Grant Dollars Distributed
July 2025
Mid-Year Report Due
January 23, 2026
Conclusion of Grant Cycle
June 30, 2026
Final Report Due
July 31, 2026
For additional questions or need further assistance, please email Kristy Gismot, kgismot@uwlanc.org.
