United Way of Lancaster County's Funding Opportunities:

Explore funding opportunities designed to support innovative programs and strengthen our community.

Women United

United Way of Lancaster County’s Women United giving circle empowers women to lead change and improve the lives of Lancaster County women. Member contributions are invested in programs and initiatives through an annual grant process, focusing on a different area of United Way’s mission each year. Women United grants support women furthering their educations, gaining financial empowerment, and improving their health and well-being.

Joint Funding

United Way of Lancaster County contributes $250,000 to the Lancaster County Homelessness Coalition to invest in homelessness and housing services throughout Lancaster County. These funds are matched by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 3:1, resulting in a $1,000,000 investment in our community.

Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds food and shelter programs in Lancaster County by providing supplemental funding. Since 1983, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated funds to United Way of Lancaster County, and a local board comprised of representatives from social services organizations, government entities, and community members has distributed over $7 million to support community members experiencing food insecurity and homelessness. 

Food & Shelter Fund

The Food & Shelter Fund is a locally driven initiative that was launched in 2025 to fill gaps in funding for food and shelter programs in Lancaster County that arose with shifts in the federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program. The fund supports organizations across the county that provide food, emergency shelter, and housing services, helping ensure that our most vulnerable neighbors receive the care and stability they need.

Summer Youth Experience 

Summer Youth Experience grants fund summer programs that target ending summer learning loss for students between the ages of 5-17 in the School District of Lancaster. The grants are the result of a more than 20-year partnership between United Way of Lancaster County and the Rotary Club of Lancaster. 

EITC Pre-K Scholarships

The Pre-K Scholarship program provides tuition assistance to families in financial need (ALICE) so they can access high-quality early education and care for their children. To qualify for a scholarship, students must be between the ages 3-5 and enrolled in a high-quality, district-aligned Pre-K program that is a United Way of Lancaster County partner.  The program is funded by local businesses that participate in Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.