Women United Pitch for a Purpose – Honoring 20 Years of 10 for 10 Collective Giving
Women United, a leadership-giving society at United Way South Hampton Roads, is a local network of over 780 women dedicated to creating lasting change through leadership, fundraising, and advocacy.
To celebrate 20 years of the transformative “10 for 10” initiative, Women United will invite 20 exceptional women to each contribute $10,000 in 2026. This special “20 for 10” class will double our impact, granting $100,000 at an impactful celebration while continuing to build our endowment for future generations.
About the RFP & Pitch for a Purpose
- RFP Opens: January 6, 2026
- Certification Required: Agencies must be certified with United Way for 2026. Certification opens September 1, 2025. Apply at unitedwayshr.org/get-involved/certifiedagency/.
- Finalist Selection: Three finalists will be chosen on the evening of May 6, 2026, from all RFP submissions.
- Live Pitch Event: Finalists will present a 7-minute live pitch to approximately 300 guests at Nauticus in Norfolk on May 6, 2026. Women United “10 for 10” members will vote, and the winning organization will receive a $100,000 grant. Finalists will be paired with a Women United ‘coach’ for the event.
Investment Strategy
This RFP seeks innovative, trauma-informed, holistic programs that address a specific problem or opportunity for women in South Hampton Roads. Proposals should focus on advancing education, financial stability, and/or health, aligned with Women United’s mission, “advancing solutions that empower women to transform lives.”
Next Steps
- Apply for United Way certification in September 2025.
- Receive notification from United Way about certification in November 2025.
- Prepare your proposal for the RFP opening in January 6, 2026 (closes January 30, 2026).
- Finalists will be notified by March 6, 2026.
- If selected, get ready to pitch your program live on May 6, 2026.
For more information, visit unitedwayshr.org/get-involved/certifiedagency/* or contact Jill Queen, jqueen@unitedwayshr.org for more information.