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
The state's official commission on women's issues, housed at 302 W Washington in the Indiana Government Center. Convenes research, leadership programming, and policy work on equal pay, workforce participation, and women's economic security. Call 317-232-6720 weekdays 8am to 4:30pm to ask about current programs or to nominate someone for the Hoosier Women Forward recognition.
317-232-6720 · 302 W Washington St, Room E034, Indianapolis, IN 46204 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website
YWCA Central Indiana at 2719 N Meridian in Indianapolis offers domestic-violence shelter, financial-literacy programming, and racial-justice initiatives for Marion County women. One of the oldest women's organizations in the state. Call 317-637-4606 weekdays 8am to 5pm to access programs.
317-637-4606 · 2719 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Dress for Success Indy at 6963 Corporate Circle on the northwest side provides free interview-appropriate clothing, career coaching, and a women's professional group to Marion County mothers re-entering the workforce. Referrals usually come through workforce or DV partners; call 317-974-8800 weekdays 9am to 5pm.
317-974-8800 · 6963 Corporate Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46278 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
Affiliate of the Central Indiana Community Foundation at 615 N Alabama, the Women's Fund makes grants to nonprofits serving central Indiana women and girls and publishes the Status of Women in Central Indiana report. Call 317-634-7497 weekdays 9am to 5pm to learn about funded programs or to give.
317-634-7497 · 615 N Alabama St, Suite 119, Indianapolis, IN 46204 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
Beacon of Hope at 4202 E English Ave on the Indianapolis east side offers a 24/7 hotline, advocacy, and counseling for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Especially useful for Marion County women who want help without entering shelter. Reach the 24/7 line at 317-731-6140.
317-731-6140 · 4202 E English Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46201 · 24/7 Hotline
Coburn Place at 604 E 38th St on the Indianapolis north side provides up to 24 months of transitional housing on-site for women and children fleeing intimate-partner violence, paired with case management and trauma counseling. Call 317-923-5750 weekdays 9am to 5pm to start an application.
317-923-5750 · 604 E 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46205 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
Girls Inc. at 3959 N Central Ave runs after-school, summer, and STEM programs for girls ages 5 to 18 across Marion County, with a focus on confidence, college readiness, and economic literacy. Call 317-731-4930 weekdays 8am to 6pm to enroll a daughter or to volunteer.
317-731-4930 · 3959 N Central Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46205 · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm · Visit Website
Operated through IDOC at the Indiana Women's Prison campus on Girls School Rd, the reentry program helps women returning from incarceration with housing, employment, and family reunification planning. Call 317-244-3387 weekdays 8am to 4:30pm; some services start months before release.
317-244-3387 · 2596 Girls School Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46214 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website
AAUW has been advancing education and equity for women since 1881. The Indiana state organization coordinates branches in Indianapolis, Bloomington, Lafayette, Fort Wayne, and beyond, offering scholarships, salary-negotiation workshops, and Title IX advocacy.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
NOW's Indiana chapters in Indianapolis and other cities organize on reproductive rights, equal pay, and women's political representation. Useful for Indiana women looking to plug into grassroots advocacy on state and federal women's policy.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
LWV's Indiana state league and 20-plus local leagues across the state register voters, run candidate forums, and publish nonpartisan voter guides for every Indiana election cycle. A practical entry point for civic involvement.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
The national YWCA backs Indiana affiliates in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, Lafayette, Muncie, and elsewhere with shared training and policy advocacy on racial justice and women's economic empowerment.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Coalition of women's foundations including the Women's Fund of Central Indiana. The site is useful for Indiana mothers researching local funders that may support a program or fellowship in your area.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Junior Leagues of Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Evansville, and Lafayette run trained-volunteer projects on women's and children's welfare, plus leadership development for their member women. Member dues vary by chapter.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Soroptimist's Indiana clubs sponsor the Live Your Dream Awards — cash education grants for women supporting their families. Local clubs in cities like Indianapolis and Evansville also run service projects benefiting Indiana women and girls.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Zonta clubs in Indiana — including Indianapolis and Fort Wayne — focus on ending violence against women, advancing gender equity, and awarding the Jane M. Klausman scholarship for women in business. Membership is open to professional women.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website