Best Women's Programs in North Carolina — 16 resources

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.

Women's Programs in North Carolina

North Carolina district courts handle family matters in all 100 counties, with some counties having dedicated family court sessions. The Child Support Services Section operates under DHHS. Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, and Winston-Salem are the largest metros. Legal Aid of North Carolina and the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCCADV) serve women statewide.

16 Resources

1. NC Council for Women — Free

NC Council for Women serves women in Raleigh and surrounding North Carolina communities with wraparound support including financial coaching, peer groups, and life skills. Dial (919) 733-2455 for an initial conversation about your situation. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm — confirm by phone before driving in. Free for qualifying North Carolina mothers and their children.

(919) 733-2455 · 116 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27603 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Women's Foundation of NC — Free

Grants and advocacy for women and girls. Contact the office or visit in person to learn about services, eligibility, and how to begin. Bring no requirements to join most programs; some scholarships require proof of income to make your first visit or call as productive as possible. Hours Mon-Fri 9am-5pm — free for qualifying women.

Raleigh, NC · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Dress for Success — Charlotte — Free

Based in Charlotte, Dress for Success — Charlotte supports North Carolina women navigating wraparound support including financial coaching, peer groups, and life skills. Dial (704) 333-8399 for an initial conversation about your situation. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm — confirm by phone before driving in. Free for qualifying North Carolina mothers and their children.

(704) 333-8399 · 2828 N Davidson St Suite 116, Charlotte, NC 28205 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Dress for Success — Triangle — Free

Based in Raleigh, Dress for Success — Triangle supports North Carolina women navigating wraparound support including financial coaching, peer groups, and life skills. Call (919) 334-7898 to start intake or ask which services you qualify for. Available Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; the team can answer questions about documents and timing. Free for qualifying North Carolina mothers and their children.

(919) 334-7898 · Raleigh, NC · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

5. YWCA of the Greater Triangle — Free

YWCA of the Greater Triangle is a North Carolina women's program helping mothers with wraparound support including financial coaching, peer groups, and life skills. Call (919) 828-3205 to start intake or ask which services you qualify for. Service hours run Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; ask about after-hours options if needed. Services are offered at no cost to women who meet program criteria.

(919) 828-3205 · 1012 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh, NC 27605 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

6. Girls Inc. of the Triad — Free

Based in Greensboro, Girls Inc. of the Triad supports North Carolina women navigating wraparound support including financial coaching, peer groups, and life skills. Dial (336) 273-6381 for an initial conversation about your situation. Hours are Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, and walk-ins may be accepted depending on staffing. No fee for eligible women, with intake handled confidentially.

(336) 273-6381 · Greensboro, NC · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm

7. NC Women's Business Center — Free

SBA-funded center for women entrepreneurs. Contact the office or visit in person to learn about services, eligibility, and how to begin. Bring no requirements to join most programs; some scholarships require proof of income to make your first visit or call as productive as possible. Hours Mon-Fri 9am-5pm — free for qualifying women.

Multiple NC locations · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Women's Center of Wake County — Free

Women's Center of Wake County is a North Carolina women's program helping mothers with wraparound support including financial coaching, peer groups, and life skills. Phone (919) 829-3711 for case-by-case eligibility, current openings, and next steps. Hours are Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, and walk-ins may be accepted depending on staffing. Services are offered at no cost to women who meet program criteria.

(919) 829-3711 · 401 E Whitaker Mill Rd Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27608 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

9. AAUW — American Association of University Women — Free

Empowering women through education, equity, advocacy, and research since 1881. Local branches in every state. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women across the state who need vetted, plain-language information on leadership development, professional networking, workforce training, and advocacy. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. National Organization for Women (NOW) — Free

Grassroots feminist organization advocating for women's rights with local chapters nationwide. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women across the state who need vetted, plain-language information on leadership development, professional networking, workforce training, and advocacy. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. League of Women Voters — Free

Nonpartisan organization encouraging informed civic participation. Local leagues in every state for women across the state. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women across the state who need vetted, plain-language information on leadership development, professional networking, workforce training, and advocacy. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. YWCA USA — Free

Eliminating racism and empowering women. Local YWCAs offer housing, childcare, job training and DV services. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women across the state who need vetted, plain-language information on leadership development, professional networking, workforce training, and advocacy. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. Women's Funding Network — Free

Coalition of women's foundations funding solutions to women's and girls' issues nationwide. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women across the state who need vetted, plain-language information on leadership development, professional networking, workforce training, and advocacy. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. Junior League — Free

International women's organization promoting voluntarism and developing leaders. Local chapters across the US. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women across the state who need vetted, plain-language information on leadership development, professional networking, workforce training, and advocacy. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

15. Soroptimist International — Free

Global volunteer service organization for business and professional women, supporting local women's programs. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women across the state who need vetted, plain-language information on leadership development, professional networking, workforce training, and advocacy. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

16. Zonta International — Free

Service organization of professional women advancing the status of women through service and advocacy. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women across the state who need vetted, plain-language information on leadership development, professional networking, workforce training, and advocacy. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many women's programs resources are in North Carolina?
Women's Corner tracks 16 women's programs resources for women in North Carolina.
Are women's programs resources in North Carolina free?
16 of the 16 listed women's programs resources in North Carolina are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in North Carolina have women's programs resources?
Listings span cities including Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro.
What are some examples of women's programs resources in North Carolina?
Featured entries include NC Council for Women, Women's Foundation of NC, Dress for Success — Charlotte, Dress for Success — Triangle, YWCA of the Greater Triangle.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
6 of 16 North Carolina women's programs listings include phone numbers.
What do women's empowerment programs actually offer?
Most combine peer support groups, financial literacy and credit-building classes, job training, GED prep, leadership development, and help navigating benefits and legal systems. Many include free childcare during sessions. Programs like Dress for Success, Bottomless Closet, and YWCA chapters serve women rebuilding after divorce, abuse, or job loss.
Are there programs for single moms specifically?
Yes. The Life of a Single Mom (TLSM) operates in 30+ states with peer groups and crisis grants. Helping Hands for Single Moms funds college for single mothers. Modest Needs gives short-term emergency grants. Many United Way 211 calls connect single mothers to local single-mom funds for rent, car repair, or childcare.
Do these programs cost money?
Almost all empowerment programs are free for income-qualifying women, often funded through HHS Office of Family Assistance, state TANF dollars, or private foundations. Many include free meals, transportation stipends, and childcare. Bring ID, proof of income, and any benefits letters when you enroll.
Can I get help starting a business as a woman?
Yes. The SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership funds 140+ Women's Business Centers nationwide offering free training, mentorship, and loan readiness. SCORE provides free women-mentor pairings. Grants like the Amber Grant (
0,000/month) and Cartier Women's Initiative target women founders. Many states have additional women-owned business certifications that unlock contracts.