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

• Project HOME – Quality Housing Coalition. Direct cash assistance, individualized skillbuilding, and peer-to-peer support. 
• MomCore – York County Community Action Corporation. Targeted coaching program focused on improving financial knowledge and household stability. 
• Mothers Thriving – New Ventures Maine Flexible. six-session class series, group support, and coaching to build confidence and skills. 
• 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. 
• Anchoring Youth to Succeed – Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine and A Company of Girls. Afterschool program with wraparound services for Project WIN children and neighborhood youth.

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.