In 2004 Ellie Beaver, Executive Director of the Centre County United Way, attended a National United Way Conference and learned about the concept of the Women’s Leadership Initiative and the Power of the Purse. She started researching the information on the Women’s Leadership Initiatives throughout the country. She was so excited by the concept of women making their own decisions on charitable giving separate from their husbands. She was equally excited about the concept of a “Separate Campaign” with a separate designated fund with the money being used for issues related to women and children. But along with the excitement was a concern that the money raised through the initiative would not detract one single cent from an annual general campaign...and it doesn't!
Ellie rallied women in leadership positions across the county to join the group and over the past 18 years the group members, focus, functions, and requirements for membership have evolved. One thing that has stayed the same is the committment to the women and children of Centre County.
Currently a woman qualifies for membership by contributing $1000 annually or $500 a year for 5 years to the general campaign plus additional support for special projects. This additional support can be in the form of Time, Talent, and Treasure For more information about becoming a member, please contact Ja Nae Wian at 814-238-8283.
Read more about this dedicated group of Centre County Women HERE.
April 1, 2022 - The Centre County United Way Women’s Leadership Group (WLG) is accepting grant applications from local 501(c)3 organizations to support new or expanding programs or initiatives that focus on long-term impact to improves the lives of women and children in Centre County.
Applications are due by 5pm on May 20, 2022 and must be sent electronically as email attachments to leanne@ccunitedway.org. Proposal Guidelines & Eligibility and Application Spring 2022
WLG members will review the applications, select recipients, and identify the amount of funding recipient organizations will receive. Local 501(c)3 organizations do not need to be United Way Partner Agencies to apply.
Organizations receiving the grants will be expected to provide a report of outcomes following implementation of the program. They will also be asked to make a presentation to the Women’s Leadership Group about the implementation of the program and its impact.
Past recipients include ACRES, The Arc of Centre County, Centre County Youth Services Bureau, Centre Safe, Discovery Space, Eagle Ambassadors, Mid-State Literacy Council, Park Forest Preschool, and Penns Valley Emergency Medical Services. More information about past grants can be found HERE.