The Community Grants Program offered by the Junior League of Charlottesville (JLC) supports nonprofit initiatives that address community needs within Central Virginia. This funding opportunity is grounded in JLC’s mission to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. A long-standing organization committed to civic engagement, JLC places a strong emphasis on projects that align with their strategic priority: Empowering Women Through Mentorship. This thematic focus was adopted in June 2018 and continues to guide both the volunteer and grantmaking efforts of the League.
In the 2026 cycle, the Community Grants application window opens on February 1 and closes on March 1. The program aims to award 2 to 3 grants, each up to $4,000, to support time-limited, high-impact initiatives within the specified focus area. Eligible projects should not only address community needs but also create opportunities for JLC members to participate through service or training. Proposed activities must demonstrate a clear connection to the theme of mentorship and women’s empowerment while targeting the Central Virginia geographic area.
Applicants must be either a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or a school. There is no cap on the number of times an organization may apply, and both new and returning applicants are encouraged to submit proposals. The grant does not appear to require a matching contribution, and proposals will be evaluated on their alignment with the theme, potential for community impact, and the opportunity for Junior League member involvement.
Applications must be submitted through the provided online portal during the open application window. The League encourages interested applicants to reach out with questions and offers a dedicated email address—[email protected]—for direct inquiries regarding the process or program specifics.
The grantmaking process is focused on quick and meaningful deployment of funds for immediate, community-focused outcomes. While the opportunity is annual in nature, recurrence details are not explicitly stated; however, the pattern of yearly application windows suggests a recurring program. The League has not published information on notification timelines or post-award reporting, but the emphasis on time-limited projects implies a short to medium performance period for funded initiatives.
