La Grande Soroptimist offers up to $5,000 grants supporting women and girls

Soroptimist International of La Grande announced Jan. 8 that Community Benefits Grant applications are open for Union County projects that strengthen educational, vocational, or social opportunities for women and girls. Residents and local organizations may apply for awards of up to $5,000 through May 1, 2026, with review rounds slated for March 1 and May 1.

The grant program targets programs and materials that directly expand learning and workforce access. Eligible uses include educational programs and workshops, career training and mentorship, outreach and public awareness events, and non-single-use supplies that provide lasting benefits. Funds may not be used for capital or construction projects, administrative or ongoing operational costs, or for sports, clubs, and recreation programs.

Successful applicants will be notified after reviews and will be asked to attend a Soroptimist luncheon on June 18, 2026, to receive their awards. Additional information and the application form are available via the La Grande Soroptimist website or by emailing CBGrants@LaGrandeSoroptimist.org.

For Union County, these awards can fill gaps that larger funding streams often miss. Small grants can pay for classroom materials, stipends for mentors, transportation vouchers for training sessions, or community outreach campaigns that raise awareness about health care access, workforce pathways, and education rights. By explicitly excluding single-use items and construction costs, the program prioritizes interventions that create durable benefits rather than temporary fixes.

From a public health and equity standpoint, targeted investments in women and girls can produce ripple effects across families and neighborhoods. Educational and vocational supports improve economic stability, which in turn reduces stressors linked to poor health outcomes and increases access to preventive care. Outreach and awareness efforts can boost health literacy, connect people to local services, and tackle stigma that keeps residents from seeking help.

Community organizations, school programs, and informal collectives in La Grande and across Union County should consider whether modest, well-scoped projects could benefit from this funding. Proposals that demonstrate clear community need, measurable outcomes, and sustainability will be strongest under the grant rules.

Our two cents? Apply early, keep the budget focused on direct community impact, and plan for measurable results that show how the grant will improve opportunities for women and girls in Union County.