The Women’s Council was formed in 2004 to stimulate and encourage philanthropy among women in Lancaster County. National trends indicated growing numbers of women making charitable donations in increasing amounts. Locally, women have long been at the forefront of the philanthropic landscape.

More than any other organization United Way has a comprehensive view of local community priorities and brings together the most diverse groups of people and resources to address them. United Way of Lancaster County also has a strong tradition of women leaders. Five women have served as Campaign Chair, the top volunteer fund-raising position. Four women have led the Board of Directors as Chair and women comprise 47% of the current Board. The top-level staff position has been held by women for almost thirty years.

Five United Way leaders met in a conference room to research, discuss, and determine the potential of a local Women’s Council. As they began to reach out to other United Way and community women leaders, the idea was met with great enthusiasm. What started with those five women has grown to 133 women. The Women’s Council funds leading edge ideas that are lofty yet actionable, optimistic yet possible, pioneering yet measurable. The Women’s Council is a shining example of bringing together a diverse network of women around a common desire to make a difference.

The Women’s Council recognizes the leadership provided by women for our community and establishes a forum for women of diverse interests and backgrounds to improve lives in our community.

Vision: To impact our community through voluntary action and innovation.

Mission: To empower women through philanthropy and volunteer involvement.

The Women’s Council impacts the lives of women and children by following four guiding principles:

Investment: The Women’s Council invests resources to support community needs and to build a legacy of women’s philanthropy through endowment giving.

Innovation: The Women’s Council focuses resources to provide innovative solutions to improve lives while maintaining United Way’s commitment to community collaboration.

Incentives: The Women’s Council provides incentive for women to become self-sufficient through economic empowerment.

Individuals: The Women’s Council focuses resources to change the lives of individual women and children in our community. The Women’s Council invites other women to join our membership so that they might have this opportunity.

• 133 members have given and leveraged over $500,000.
• $150,000 challenge grant received from Ferree Foundation.
• $117,500 federal grant received to increase the match offered to women in the Ms Independence Individual Development Account program from $2 to $3.
• 200,000 eligible individuals in Lancaster County educated about the Earned Income Tax Credit and free tax preparation.
• Four first-time mothers are benefiting from the Nurse Family Partnership thanks to the Council’s $25,000 gift.
• $30,000 in grants awarded to five local shelters to assist women moving from transitional to more permanent housing.