Women United: Leading Change in Champaign County
Women United is a powerful network of local women driving lasting change through United Way of Champaign County. We unite passion, resources, and leadership to improve lives in the areas of education, health, and financial stability.
Focused on What Matters
We tackle the issues that matter most to our community. With 700+ members and $700,000+ invested, Women United has funded scholarships at Parkland College and supported the Emergency Shelter for Families. Our signature events connect women who care with meaningful ways to take action, including: Power of the Purse, Lunch & Learns, Trivia Night, Galentine’s Event and Volunteer Opportunities.
These experiences bring women together to learn, lead, and make a direct impact.
Our New Cause: Literacy
We’re turning our attention to a growing crisis: student literacy. In 2024, fewer than one-third of Illinois fourth graders met reading standards. That means most kids are falling behind—before they even begin to dream about their future.
If a child can’t read by third grade, they struggle in every subject. Their opportunities shrink early—and often permanently.
To help reverse this trend, Women United has awarded its first-ever Women United Literacy Grants to schools and organizations making measurable impact in Champaign County:
- Angel's Youth Center- Literacy Program
- Barkstall Elementary School- Dynamic Shelving for Early Learners
- Carrie Busey Elementary School- Browsable Book Shelves for Independent Readers
- Champaign County Regional Planning Commission-Early Childhood Education-Foundations for Lifelong Learning
- Champaign Public Library- Mother Goose on the Loose
- CU Early/Urbana Early Childhood School-Early Literacy Project
- Dr. Howard Elementary School- Library Improvement Plan
- Dr. Preston Williams Jr. Elementary School- Curriculum to Develop Lifelong Readers
- DREAAM Opportunity Center- After School Tutoring
- Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center- Black, Brown & Beautiful Family Literacy Program
- Urbana Park District- Read Across America
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
In addition to these grants, Women United proudly supports Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, powered by United Way of Champaign County. This free program delivers monthly books to children from birth to age five—building early literacy, stronger vocabularies, and a lifelong love of reading.
Signature Event: Power of the Purse
Power of the Purse is Women United’s largest celebration of generosity and community impact. Each year, hundreds of women come together for an unforgettable night filled with uplifting stories, beautiful purses, and a shared commitment to supporting local families.
This year’s event will mark a major milestone—crossing $1 million raised for programs that strengthen our community. Power of the Purse fuels our ability to invest in what matters most, including our new focus on literacy. Click here to learn more.
Why Join Women United?
- Connect with local women leaders
- Volunteer to create real impact
- Learn about issues in our community
- Support local literacy and education
- Be part of the solution
How to Join
Women United is open to women whose households give $500+ annually to United Way of Champaign County. Ready to lead change? Click here to email Emily Neal.