13 Organizations Will Receive Grants Aimed At Addressing Critical Community Needs in the Greater Washington, D.C. Area

WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 25, 2024 – Junior League of Washington (JLW), a non-profit organization of over 2,300 women dedicated to advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training, has selected thirteen local organizations to receive grants for the 2024-2025 year. These yearly grants are awarded to community organizations addressing the complex issues across the greater Washington, D.C. area.

“Targeted grant-giving is a key way that JLW invests in the Washington, D.C. community, and we are honored to assist organizations making a tangible difference in the lives of those they serve,” said JLW President, Charlyn Stanberry. “From supporting vulnerable populations to promoting education and skill development, and providing for basic needs and well-being, these organizations are driving change and working to make our community shine.”

JLW has awarded more than $6 million in grants to community organizations that align with its mission of improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Grants, ranging from $1,000-$15,000, focus on four focus areas: Innovation grants support new or pilot programs addressing gaps in education, professional development, or financial development; Capacity grants fund infrastructure investment to expand existing programs; Community Assistance Fund grants address critical organizational needs; and Pathways grants support local nonprofits of interest to JLW members that address diverse community needs outside JLW’s main focus area.

The 2024-2025 grant recipients are:

CAPACITY GRANT:

• Woodley House: To furnish temporary housing apartments with essential furniture, creating an environment conducive to dignity, healing, and empowerment for adults with mental illness.

INNOVATION GRANT:

• The Foundation Schools: To host a 5-week Youth Barber Bootcamp providing hands-on experience and a pathway to earning a barbering license for students with emotional disabilities.

COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FUND GRANTS:

• Bright Beginnings, Inc.: To provide critical support for 40 low-income families facing utility shut-offs, housing insecurity, and difficulties meeting basic necessities.
• Calvary Women’s Services: To support basic needs for residents affected by a recent gas explosion and to fund the Emergency Grant/Employment and Life Skills Education Program.
• Survivors and Advocates for Empowerment, Inc. (DC SAFE): To support emergency transportation for clients escaping abusive environments through the SAFE Space Crisis Shelter program.
• Friends of Guest House (Guest House): To provide three nutritious daily meals for up to 30 women monthly as they transition back to their communities following incarceration.
• Friendship Place: To support the AimHire program by providing 70 cellphones to help individuals experiencing homelessness apply for jobs.
• Transitional Housing Corporation dba Housing Up: To provide rental and utility assistance for families in two affordable housing communities.
• My Sister’s Place: To support the Fresh Start Fund program, providing financial support for emergency expenses and educational/employment training for clients in housing programs.

PATHWAY GRANTS:

• City Blossoms, Inc.: To support the Early Growers program, facilitating early learners’ connections to fresh food and outdoor learning.
• Downtown DC Foundation: To fund 200 hygiene kits for individuals experiencing homelessness through their Hygiene and Wellness Program.
• Personal Care Foundation: To incorporate SPF 50 sunscreen into Care Packages for survivors of domestic violence and distribute a minimum of 200 packages.
• Tenants and Workers United: To support the summer 2024 Homework Help Program, providing academic support and mentorship with necessary supplies.

JLW takes an inclusive approach to support both existing programs and new initiatives, and special consideration is given to creative and data-driven solutions. Eligible organizations must be a 501(c)3 entity in the greater metropolitan Washington, D.C. area, aligned with JLW’s mission, and address a clear, unmet need in the community. Learn more about our grants here.

About the Junior League of Washington
The Junior League of Washington (JLW) is a network of more than 2,300 highly trained female volunteers dedicated to improving the community through effective action and leadership. We are committed to developing exceptionally qualified civic leaders who are prepared to address the ever-evolving needs of our Washington, D.C., community through volunteer service, meaningful programs and initiatives, and innovative solutions. Since 1912, JLW has contributed more than five million hours of direct volunteer service and more than $6 million to the Washington, D.C. community.