Grants ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 to Allegheny County, Pennsylvania nonprofits that provide short-term, direct help for women and their families who are experiencing a financial crisis. For the purposes of these grants, a financial crisis is one that is occurring as a result of an unexpected life event, such as the death of a spouse, a divorce or separation, a long-term illness or traumatic event, along with women transitioning from the military.

Such events can trigger significant financial challenges in the lives of women and their families, and without access to short-term assistance, would put many in sudden and long term financial jeopardy.

As United for Women enters its fourth grant cycle, the focus remains on providing short-term support for newly struggling women. Successful proposals will present programs that clearly convey the ability to reduce the number of women who, but for a small monetary investment, would endure more lasting financial crisis at great cost to them, their families, and to the community at large. Projects selected through this RFP will work closely with PA 2-1-1 Southwest to connect women to short-term assistance available through funded partners.

Successful proposals will align to the following measurable outcomes:

- Women will increase their financial skills and access to resources to prevent further crisis.
- Women will overcome obstacles to employment.
- Women and their families will reduce their risk of homelessness and maintain stable housing.

Proposed projects should also demonstrate:

- Strategic collaborations;
- Successful results in serving the target population;
- Meaningful opportunities to engage corporate and community volunteers; and
- Willingness to work with United Way to raise awareness of the needs of the target population and further coordinate services through a partnership with 2-1-1.

Special emphasis is being placed on joint proposals that present strategies for bringing about broad community outcomes, including collaborations and partnerships that impact a greater number of persons or provide a comprehensive approach, mobilize volunteers or corporate leaders and employees, and efforts to bring about system or policy changes.