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WomenRise Scholarship Program

UNITED WAY OF GREATER RICHMOND

Foundation Annual Grants for Single MomsGrants for EducationChild Care GrantsGrants for Daycare
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Funding Amount

$110,000 total distributed annually (varies by recipient)

Deadline

May 31, 2026

53 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

WomenRise Scholarship Program

Overview: WomenRise is an annual scholarship program designed to empower single mothers by eliminating the financial barrier of childcare costs while they pursue college degrees or professional credentials.

Geographic Scope: United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg region (13 localities: Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan, Prince George)

Focus Areas:

  • Childcare cost assistance for single mothers pursuing education

  • Support for various degree and credential programs (education, nursing, accounting, business, criminal justice, clinical lab science, social work, etc.)

  • Beyond financial support: mentorship, educational resources, emergency financial assistance, and supportive community

    • Award Amount:

  • 2025: $110,000 total distributed to single mothers

  • 2023: $150,000 to 19 recipients

  • 2022: $185,000 to 23 recipients

  • Awards vary based on individual education plans and funding available

    • Eligibility Requirements:

  • Single female head of household with custody of at least one child

  • Enrolled or have plans to enroll in an education or career training program that is at least 40 hours and results in a degree or credential

  • Annual income of $60,000 or less

  • Reside in the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg region

  • Must use a licensed or voluntary registered childcare provider

    • Program Details:

  • Scholarships cover direct childcare costs during enrollment in classes or training programs

  • Scholarships are paid directly to childcare providers

  • Length of scholarships varies depending on individual education plans

  • Program is volunteer-led and managed by Women United giving community members

  • Program launched in 2021; has awarded $400,000+ to 31+ participants with 8+ graduates to date

  • Virginia ranked 10th in nation for most expensive childcare (average $14,277/year for infant care)

    • Background Context:

  • 81% of single female-headed households in region living below ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold

  • Nearly one-third of single moms in region living below poverty threshold

  • Only 8% of single mothers complete bachelor's or associate degree within 6 years of enrolling (per Institute for Women's Policy Research)

    • Contact Information:

  • Email: womenrise@yourunitedway.org

  • Website: www.yourunitedway.org/program/womenrise/

  • United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg, 7814 Carousel Lane, #400, Richmond, VA 23294

  • Tel: (804) 771-5820

    • How to Apply

    Application Process

    Timeline:

  • Application period: May 1 - May 31 (annual)

  • Scholarship decisions announced: Summer

    • How to Apply:
    1. Visit www.yourunitedway.org/program/womenrise/
    2. Complete the application form
    3. Submit by May 31 deadline

    Required Information:

  • Verification of single female head of household status with custody of at least one child

  • Proof of enrollment or plans to enroll in education/career training program (minimum 40 hours, leading to degree or credential)

  • Income documentation ($60,000 or less annual income)

  • Proof of residence in United Way service region

  • Information about licensed or voluntary registered childcare provider to be used

    • Additional Support:

  • Mentorship provided to participants

  • Access to educational resources

  • Emergency financial assistance available

  • Supportive community of women working toward similar goals

  • Women United members provide encouragement and support

    • Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    single-momseducationchild-caredaycarehardship

    Categories

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