Local nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in Tarrant County are invited to apply for funding through United Way of Tarrant County’s 2026 Women’s Fund Request for Proposals (RFP) process.
The Women’s Fund, led by Women United, will offer a total of $100,000 in general operating grants in 2026. This RFP process is open to eligible organizations with annual budgets of $3 million or less that address issues related to women and girls in these areas:
- Community Health: Improving access to resources needed to lead healthy lives
- Financial Security: Providing tools for independence to create a stronger financial future for every generation
- Education & Youth Opportunity: Helping young people realize their full potential and contribute to their own success
Grant Details
- Total funding to be awarded: $100,000
- Estimated number of grants to be awarded: Up to five
- Estimated grant amounts: $5,000 to $25,000
- Optional in-kind service: One-time service such as board development, marketing consulting, fundraising training, review of financials, legal advice, or IT support
Grant Funding Exclusions
- Debt payoff
- Endowments
- Event sponsorships
- Grant to individuals
- Grants to religious organizations
- Political activities
Key Dates
- Request for proposal release date: Friday, Jan. 9, 2026
- Application deadline: 5 p.m. CST, Friday, Feb. 13, 2026
- Finalists informed: Friday, March 20, 2026
- In-Person finalist presentations: Thursday, April 16, 2026
- Annual Investing in Impact Luncheon (awards announcement): Thursday, May 14, 2026
- Funding period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for funding, organizations must:
- Have an annual operating budget of $3 million or less
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in good standing with the IRS since Jan. 1, 2024
- Demonstrate that at least 75% the clients served are women and/or girls in Tarrant County
- Did not receive Women’s Fund grants in both 2024 AND 2025
Application Process
- Eligibility quiz: Organizations must complete an eligibility quiz before receiving access to the online application portal. The portal link will be emailed to qualifying applicants.
- Online submission: Completed applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. CST on Feb. 13, 2026, through the online portal.
- Review process: Applications will be assessed through a desktop audit followed by review by Women United’s volunteer grant panelists.
- Notifications: Grant finalists will be informed on or around Friday, March 20, 2026 and will be asked to present to the Women United Grant Review Panel.
- Finalist presentations: Selected finalists will present proposals in person on April 16, 2026, at United Way of Tarrant County’s main office (201 N. Rupert St., Fort Worth, TX 76107). Carol Noel will reach out to the finalists beforehand to discuss the presentations.
Evaluation and Reporting
The significance of grantee performance cannot be overstated. Applicants are encouraged to be forthcoming about foreseen and unforeseen challenges, aggressive in methods of outreach, conservative in budgeting, proactive in diversifying funding for sustainability and efficient in business practices that lead to achieving performance targets and program outcomes.
Funded proposals will be required to track and report progress toward goals. Failure to submit timely reports will result in suspension, loss of funding and/or eligibility for future UWTC funding opportunities.
Reporting Schedule
- Mid-year (July 1- Dec. 31, 2026) due Jan. 31, 2027
- Final (Jan. 1-June 30, 2027) due July 31, 2027
- Program and beneficiary reports templates will be provided after award notification
Questions about the RFP process? Send an email to Carol.Noel@UnitedWayTarrant.org
About Women United
Established in 2008, Women United is an integral part of United Way of Tarrant County. This network of passionate women is committed to improving the lives of women and girls in our community. Women across Tarrant County are invited to join this collective force for good.
Source: Press release
