Womenade

Micro-grants for women in and around Hickory, NC

Life doesn’t always go as planned, and sometimes a little extra support can make all the difference. That’s why we offer the Womenade Financial Assistance program—a one-time grant of up to $500 designed to help women in Catawba, Caldwell, Alexander, and Burke counties bridge unexpected gaps. Whether it’s a car repair, childcare, or tools to help you pursue work or education, we’re here to lend a hand with care and understanding.

What is Womenade?

Womenade is an outstretched hand from Women’s Resource Center (centrally located in Hickory, NC) designed for women who are doing their best, but are hit by something that shakes their stability. Maybe it’s a car repair, childcare costs, or school supplies that weren’t in the budget. Womenade offers a one-time grant of up to $500 to cover these kinds of urgent, non-recurring needs—things that if left undone, can snowball into crisis. This is not a resource for ongoing bills like rent or utilities, past due medical debt, or repeated support—but instead an opportunity to receive help that lets women keep moving forward.

We serve women in Catawba, Caldwell, Alexander, and Burke counties, providing this safety net so you don’t have to face those hard days alone.

Womenade:

How Does

It Work?

Womenade

There are no strict income requirements—just a real need and a clear plan for how the funds will help you move forward. This is a competitive micro-grant (not all will win), so each application is reviewed thoughtfully by our selection committee during specific cycles, ensuring every request is considered with compassion.  

2026 Application Periods:

  • Jan. 13-27, 2026

  • Mar. 10-24, 2026

  • May 5-19, 2026

  • Jul. 14-28, 2026
  • Sept. 8-22, 2026
  • Nov. 3-17, 2026

What You’ll Need to Apply:

  • A vendor estimate or invoice (on official letterhead)

  • A personal reference letter (not from a family member)

  • Verification of your need and cost from the providing organization or business

Micro-grants for Women in and around Hickory, NC

Existing WRC Client?

**PLEASE NOTE: Your name has to be exactly as it is entered into our system. If you have questions on how your name appears in our system, please contact us prior to completing an application. If your name appears differently on the application, it will not be received.**

NEW to Women’s Resource Center?

BEFORE you start the application process: 

  1. Have the invoice for your request
  2. Have your letter of reference available to upload to the application
  3. And be sure to enter your name EXACTLY as it was entered in your client registration

**Your application will not be submitted if this information is not included

AND the system does not have the option to Save your progress**