What is the Women with Initiative Group?

United Way of Story County Women with Initiative was established in 2008 with a single purpose: to align women's leadership and philanthropy with an urgent community priority helping people achieve self-sufficiency and confidence through financial education. How? By providing core financial educational opportunities to our community through United Way partners.

How was the Group Formed?

A group of women recognized the potential and power of women in Story County to take leadership roles in the community and make a difference. In partnership with the United Way, Women with Initiative Project was set into motion. Focus groups were held to determine what social issues were important to the women of Story County. After much discussion, one theme seemed to permeate throughout all the issues reviewed how can we help people achieve self-sufficiency? A steering committee was formed and the brainstorming began until the key component needed when building self-sufficiency was identified: financial literacy.

How will this Initiative Enhance Financial Literacy in our Community?

By working through United Way partner agencies, Women with Initiative will develop a process in which to build financial skills. Through work with Iowa State University Extension, a core curriculum of financial management education is in development. The education will be conducted through two strategies one-to-one mentoring and a series of four basic financial management workshops. By giving United Way partner clients the tools to build their financial literacy, Women with Initiative moves one step closer to reaching the goal of helping people in our community achieve self-sufficiency.

How can I make a Difference through Women with Initiative?

For an investment of $1,000 or more, you can make a difference through Women with Initiative. Your contribution will provide the funding to support one-to-one mentoring opportunity and financial management workshops for those in need and the ongoing development of programs to help build self-sufficiency skills of community members in Story County.

Women with Initiative also offers a Step-Up Program. If you are ready to join the effort but cannot yet make the full annual commitment of $1,000, the Step-Up Program is a great way to begin. A Step-Up commitment grants full Women with Initiative membership in year one with a three-year progression at the investment below:

Year One - $500 (minimum) Year Two - $750 Year Three and beyond - $1,000

With your investment, you will be acknowledged as a leader in addressing

  one of the most urgent needs in our community.