GIVE.ADVOCATE.VOLUNTEER.
Women United members organize fundraisers, network with local leaders, and advocate for policies that support women and children. As a giving circle of United Way of Southern Maine, we leverage the organization’s rich history, resources, knowledge, and relationships to achieve the highest impact.

Over $1.2 million invested in programs to advance the health and well-being of single mothers and their children in Southern Maine.

Investment Process

We invest donor contributions into local programs that advance single mothers and their families through comprehensive support and move them toward financial stability. Our member-led Investment Committee determines where investments will have the most impact.

We open our investment process annually in the spring. Announcements regarding funding opportunities will be made on this site by March each year. Sign up for funding opportunity email alerts on United Way of Southern Maine’s Community Investment Process page.

Women United’s Program Partners

• Anchoring Youth to Succeed – Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine and A Company of Girls. Afterschool program with wraparound services to support youth development.
• Career Success for Single Moms – New Ventures Maine. Facilitates class series, group series, and coaching to empower mothers.
• Housing Navigation and Financial Stability – York County Community Action Corporation. Targeted coaching program focused on improving financial knowledge and household stability for single mothers in York County. 
• Immigrant Women Achieving Independence – In Her Presence. Supports the career trajectory and enhances financial security for immigrant women.
• Legal Assistance for Victims – Caring Unlimited. Direct cash assistance, individualized skill-building, and peer-to-peer support.
• MaineMom – Day One. Offers wraparound care for perinatal women affected by substance use disorder. 
• Project HOME – Quality Housing Coalition. Direct cash assistance, individualized skillbuilding, and peer-to-peer support. 
• Project WIN (Women in Neighborhoods) – The Opportunity Alliance. Gathers single mothers in a cohort and provides an evidence-based coaching model to help them identify and pursue goals for their families. 

Lidia’s Story

Lidia was living in a small apartment in Portland and working hard to support her family as a single mother when she joined Project WIN (Women in Neighborhoods). Project WIN is the signature investment for Women United, a UWSM giving circle committed to advancing single mothers and their children.