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From February 3, 2025 until March 14, 2025

Click HERE to access the Women United application.  


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 14, 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 the week of April 18th

Applications must include

  1. Grant Application Responses 
  1. IRS Nonprofit Determination Letter 
  1. Program Budget 
  1. IRS Form 990 
  1. Annual Audit or financial review by an independent CPA within the last 12 months 
  1. W-9 Form  

Application Opens 

February 3, 2025 

Applications Due 

March 14, 2025 

Women United Application Review Begins 

April 1, 2025

Finalists Notified 

Week of 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.

"For nearly one hundred years, generations of Lancastrians have supported United Way through a workplace campaign at their employer. Giving back to help neighbors, friends and family is easy through a payroll deduction pledge and our online giving platform streamlines the process for everyone. We are so grateful for the hundreds of local businesses and organizations that conduct workplace giving campaigns each year. From small businesses to large corporations, employee gifts and corporate donations make a significant impact on tens of thousands of people who need our help."

|Barbara Zercher
Director of Stewardship