Women United is Lake County’s premier women’s organization, strengthening the community through philanthropy, leadership, and volunteerism while cultivating meaningful connections and a sense of belonging. In June 2026, Women United announced $195,390 in grants to support kindergarten readiness programs that prepare local children for lifelong learning and success. Since 2014, Women United has awarded $1.8 million through theLittle Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund.
Women United awarded funding to the following programs:
$89,000 – Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC)
Antioch, Beach Park, Round Lake, Waukegan, and Zion
Funding supports this summer learning program for incoming kindergartners with little to no preschool experience. The program will teach social norms and build key foundational skills.
$39,890 – Kindergarten Readiness
Round Lake Area Park District
Funding provides 20 preschool scholarships for Round Lake children, opening access to essential early learning.
$25,000 – Better Together
Fox Lake and North Chicago
Funding supports bilingual early learning services for families with children ages 0–3, focusing on early literacy, healthy development, and parent engagement.
$18,500 – The Formative Years
Lake County
Funding supports bi-weekly parent-child sessions for families with children ages 0–5 living in transitional housing, promoting school readiness and enrichment activities.
$10,000 – Mothers Trust Foundation
Lake County
Funding provides scholarships to children, increasing access to early education, enrichment, and extracurricular programs, including daycare and summer camp.
$10,000 – Reading Power
Lake County
Funding provides materials for Reading Power’s early literacy tutoring programs, supporting one-on-one instruction that builds reading skills and confidence in young learners.
$3,000 – HUGS Women United
Waukegan
Funding supports Women United’s community engagement initiatives that connect families with resources and care to help them thrive.
About Women United
Women United of Lake County is a vibrant network of women who support each other by leveraging our passions, ideas, expertise, and resources. Together, we ensure that Lake County children are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. Women United is an integral part of United Way of Lake County’s work to help young people reach their full potential.
With a forward-thinking mindset, Women United’s philanthropy is growing and mobilizing community-minded women through leadership and resource development to expand its impact on early childhood education.
We encourage you to get involved with Women United of Lake County and learn more about membership opportunities and the Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund.
If you have any questions, contact [email protected].