OUR MISSION
Women United of Siouxland exists to provide financial support for programs or projects that demonstrate the ability to enhance the quality of life for local children from birth to 18 years of age. Since 2006, 125 grants totaling $1,515,590 have been awarded to improve the lives of Siouxland children!
The 2027 Women United Grant Application is open as of October 29, 2026 - see criteria and links below:
1. Applicants must be non-profit agencies located and operating in Woodbury County, IA, Dakota County, NE, or Union County, SD, providing direct services in those counties.
2. Applicants may apply for either a Program or a Brighter Futures grant, not both.
3. Applications must be for projects or programs that focus specifically on children ages 0-18 years.
4. Women United grant awards are program and project driven. Therefore, funding is awarded to proposals that members believe have the best chance to address the most urgent needs of children in the Siouxland community. Endowments, administrative salaries, overhead/operating costs, capital construction, facility purchase/expansion/remodel or leasing costs are not eligible for Women United funding.
Program Grant requests of $500 - $4,999 are made as one-time awards with a specific focus on the needs of children ages 0-18 years. Examples include, but are not limited to, supplies, equipment, books, technology, etc. Funds must be expended within one year of the grant award, semi-annual progress reports are required.
Brighter Future Grant requests of $5,000 - $50,000 can be made to support new, ongoing, or expanding programs that specifically address the well-being of children ages 0-18 years. Examples include but are not limited to, programs that address childhood poverty, education, literacy, safety, and health. Approved agencies have the opportunity to apply for up to an additional two years of funding for the same program. Applications do not need to be for consecutive years. NOTE: if approved for the full 3 years of eligibility, additional grant requests for the same program cannot be considered. Funds must be expended within one year of the grant award, quarterly progress reports are required.
Click HERE to download the application review sheet.
Click HERE to complete the application.
Women United deeply appreciate all that you do for the Siouxland community and look forward to reviewing your application.
Questions? Contact Sharon Messerschmidt at smesserschmidt@unitedwaysiouxland.
JOIN WOMEN UNITED AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR SIOUXLAND KIDS! 
Women United membership gives members the opportunity to:
- Direct their charitable contributions toward issues that matter most to them
- Join other women in actively improving the community we live in
- Network with members and non-profit agencies in the Siouxland area
Annual membership pledges provide funding for the Women United grants:
- Silver Level: $1,250 (one vote)
- Gold Level: $2,500 (two votes)
- Platinum Level: $5,000 (four votes)
Contact Sharon Messerschmidt at smesserschmidt@unitedwaysiouxland to learn more about Women United!