About Women's Programs for Women
Women's empowerment programs in the US are funded through a mix of federal grants (Office on Women's Health, Women's Bureau at the Department of Labor, WANTO grants for nontraditional trades) and nonprofit networks like the YWCA, AAUW, and the National Council of Women's Organizations. Services typically include leadership development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship through SBA Women's Business Centers (WBCs), and peer support groups. Dress for Success outfits women re-entering the workforce, and Bottomless Closet and Step Up Network mentor low-income women. State-level women's commissions advocate on policy and refer to local providers. This directory aggregates WBCs, YWCAs, women's commissions, and empowerment nonprofits.
16 Resources
Established under Idaho Code 67-7001, the Commission on the Status of Women is a legislatively chartered body that researches issues affecting Idaho women and recommends policy to the legislature and governor. Members are appointed across geographic regions and political parties. The commission hosts free educational events and publishes data on pay equity and women's economic security. Call 208-334-2423.
208-334-2423 · Boise, ID 83702 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
The YWCA of Boise on W Washington St is the Treasure Valley's largest women-focused nonprofit, operating an emergency shelter, court advocacy program, and economic empowerment initiatives. Programs include free legal advocacy, financial coaching, and the WCA Job Program connecting women with employers. The 24-hour crisis line is staffed by trained advocates. Call 208-343-3688.
208-343-3688 · 720 W Washington St, Boise, ID 83702 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
The Idaho Women's Charitable Foundation pools member donations to award six-figure grants annually to Idaho nonprofits serving women and children. Past recipients include the Women's and Children's Alliance, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Lee Pesky Learning Center. The foundation also publishes a community needs assessment every few years that maps gaps in services. Call 208-424-2229.
208-424-2229 · Boise, ID · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
The Women's and Children's Alliance (WCA) is Boise's largest domestic violence service provider, with confidential emergency shelter, court advocacy, counseling, and economic empowerment programs at the W Washington St campus. Children's services include trauma-focused therapy and a licensed preschool for resident families. The 24-hour crisis line at 208-343-7025 connects to advocates immediately.
208-343-3688 · 720 W Washington St, Boise, ID 83702 · 24/7 Hotline; Office Mon-Fri · Visit Website
Girls on the Run Treasure Valley delivers after-school programs at schools across Ada and Canyon counties combining running with social-emotional curriculum for girls in 3rd-8th grade. Seasons culminate in a celebratory 5K. Scholarships are available; no girl is turned away for inability to pay. Mothers can register daughters or volunteer as coaches. Call 208-345-4322.
208-345-4322 · Boise, ID · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
The Idaho SBDC, hosted by Boise State University, offers free one-on-one advising and low-cost training for women starting or growing businesses. The network has six regional centers serving every Idaho county. Women-focused workshops cover access to capital, federal contracting, and certification as a Women-Owned Small Business. Call 208-426-3875 for an advisor.
208-426-3875 · Boise, ID · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
The Junior League of Boise trains women in volunteer leadership and funds community projects targeting children and families in the Treasure Valley. Recent signature initiatives include kids' health programming and supporting foster youth aging out of care. Membership requires a training year but provides lifetime networking. Call 208-343-4577.
208-343-4577 · Boise, ID · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
BPW Idaho advocates for working women through legislative engagement and professional development chapters across the state. Local clubs host networking dinners, scholarship fundraisers, and mentorship programs. Annual scholarships support Idaho women returning to school. The state federation coordinates with national BPW on pay equity advocacy. Call 208-334-2423.
208-334-2423 · Boise, ID · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
AAUW's Idaho branches in Boise, Moscow, Pocatello, and Twin Falls advocate for gender equity in education and the workplace. The national fellowship program awards more than $5 million annually to women pursuing graduate study and career change. Branches host Tech Trek summer camps for middle-school girls in STEM. Membership is open to anyone supporting the mission.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
NOW maintains an Idaho chapter network advocating for reproductive freedom, economic justice, and ending violence against women. Local meetings rotate through Boise venues monthly and welcome new members regardless of prior activism experience. NOW also publishes voter guides for Idaho elections highlighting candidates' records on women's rights.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
The League of Women Voters of Idaho has active chapters in Boise, Moscow, Coeur d'Alene, and the Magic Valley running candidate forums, voter registration drives, and policy education. Vote411.org, the League's voter guide, covers every Idaho race down to the school board. Membership is open to all genders despite the historic name.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
YWCA USA is the parent organization of YWCA Boise and the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley YWCA, providing technical assistance, advocacy, and shared programs. National initiatives include the Until Justice Just Is anti-racism campaign and the Week Without Violence each October. YWCAs nationally serve more than 2 million women annually.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
The Women's Funding Network connects roughly 100 women's foundations including the Idaho Women's Charitable Foundation, channeling grants to organizations serving women and girls. The network publishes research on what works in women's philanthropy and trains foundation staff on gender-lens funding. Member foundations have invested billions over four decades.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
The Association of Junior Leagues International oversees more than 290 local Junior League chapters including the Junior League of Boise. AJLI provides training in nonprofit governance, fundraising, and advocacy that members carry into civic life. The model trains roughly 140,000 women each year in volunteer leadership.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Soroptimist's Live Your Dream Awards distribute roughly .8 million annually to women who are the primary income source for their families and pursuing education. Idaho clubs in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, and Pocatello award local cash grants and forward winners to regional rounds. The Dream It Be It program mentors girls in career goals.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Zonta International, founded in 1919, advances the status of women through scholarships, advocacy, and community service. Idaho Zonta clubs in Boise and the Magic Valley award the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business scholarships and Young Women in Public Affairs awards. Members include working women and retirees from diverse professions.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website