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.
Ohio has dedicated Domestic Relations Courts and Juvenile Courts (which handle paternity and unmarried-parent custody) in most counties. The Office of Child Support operates under JFS. Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Akron anchor the major metros. The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, Community Legal Aid, Legal Aid of Western Ohio, and the Ohio Domestic Violence Network serve women.
Women's Fund of Central Ohio provides grants to nonprofits and advocates for systemic change to advance gender equity for women and girls in central Ohio. Women can learn about funded programs, access research reports, and connect with community events. Visit womensfundcentralohio.org or call Mon-Fri 9am-5pm for more information.
(614) 233-4165 · 175 S 3rd St Suite 350, Columbus, OH 43215 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
Dress for Success Columbus provides free professional interview attire, career coaching, and job retention support for women entering or returning to the workforce. Women are referred by partner agencies or can contact the office directly. Services include a styling appointment, resume coaching, and access to the Professional Women's Group. Call Mon-Fri 9am-5pm to schedule.
(614) 227-0213 · 155 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
Dress for Success Cleveland offers free professional interview clothing, career development workshops, and mentoring programs to help women achieve economic independence. Women must be referred by a partner organization or job program. Services include a clothing appointment and ongoing career coaching. Call Mon-Fri 9am-5pm or visit the Euclid Ave location for information.
(216) 881-6048 · 3020 Euclid Ave Suite G, Cleveland, OH 44115 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
YWCA of Greater Cleveland provides economic empowerment programs, domestic violence services, housing support, and racial justice advocacy for women and families in northeast Ohio. Programs include job training, financial literacy, and transitional housing. Call Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit ywcaofcleveland.org to learn about current programs and eligibility.
(216) 881-6878 · 4019 Prospect Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
YWCA of Columbus advances equity and provides programs addressing economic security, racial justice, and safety for women and families. Services include job training, financial literacy coaching, DV support, and community advocacy programs. Call Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit ywcacolumbus.org to explore available programs and request services.
(614) 224-9121 · 65 S 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
SBA-funded Women's Business Centers in Ohio provide free or low-cost business consulting, training workshops, and mentoring for women entrepreneurs at all stages from startup to growth. Services include business plan development, financial projections, and access to capital assistance. Visit sba.gov or call your nearest Ohio WBC location to schedule a free consultation.
Multiple OH locations · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold through afterschool and summer programs in Columbus and Franklin County. Programming covers STEM education, financial literacy, health, and leadership development for girls ages 5-18. Parents can contact the Columbus office to enroll their daughters and learn about scholarship and fee waiver options.
Columbus, OH · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm · Visit Website
Women Helping Women provides comprehensive services for women surviving domestic violence and sexual assault in the Cincinnati area. Services include emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, children's programs, and economic empowerment. The 24/7 hotline connects women in crisis immediately with support and safe housing referrals. Call anytime for confidential help.
(513) 977-5541 · 215 E 9th St Suite 200, Cincinnati, OH 45202 · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website
Bellefaire JCB provides family support, mental health, and women's services in the Cleveland area including counseling, foster care and adoption support, and specialized programs for at-risk youth and families. Women can call to inquire about specific program availability, eligibility, and fees. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm at the Shaker Heights location.
(216) 932-2800 · 22001 Fairmount Blvd, Shaker Heights, OH 44118 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
AAUW advances equity for women through education, advocacy, and research since 1881. Local branches in every state offer networking, scholarships, and advocacy opportunities. Women can join a local branch, apply for AAUW fellowships and grants, and access free salary negotiation and leadership training at aauw.org. Membership is open to all who support women's education.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
NOW is the largest grassroots feminist organization in the US, advocating for reproductive rights, workplace equity, and an end to violence against women. Local chapters nationwide take action on community issues. Women can join a chapter, volunteer, and access advocacy resources at now.org. Membership supports policy change at local, state, and federal levels.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Nonpartisan organization with chapters in every state encouraging women to register, vote, and engage in civic life. LWV provides voter guides, candidate forums, and advocacy training. Women can find their local league, register to vote, and access election information at lwv.org. Membership welcomes anyone committed to democracy and civic participation.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
National YWCA works to eliminate racism and empower women through local YWCAs across the country. Local affiliates offer emergency housing, childcare, job training, DV services, and racial justice programming. Women can find their nearest YWCA at ywca.org and access programs ranging from shelter to workforce development based on local availability.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Global coalition of women's foundations and funds that collectively invest in programs addressing women's and girls' issues from economic security to safety and leadership. Women can use the member directory at womensfundingnetwork.org to find women's foundations in their region that provide grants, scholarships, and direct services.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
International organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing leadership potential, and improving communities. Local chapters across the US run community projects and offer training, networking, and leadership development. Women can find their nearest chapter and learn about membership and provisional programs at ajli.org.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Global volunteer organization of business and professional women who work to improve lives of women and girls locally and internationally. Soroptimist clubs fund Live Your Dream Awards for women in financial need pursuing education. Find local clubs and scholarship information at soroptimist.org. Open to women who want to make a tangible difference in their communities.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Zonta International is a global service organization of professionals empowering women through service and advocacy projects at local and international levels. Local clubs run scholarships, vocational training grants, and advocacy campaigns. Women can find a local Zonta club, apply for awards and scholarships, and get involved in advocacy at zonta.org.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website