100WomenStrong Competitive Grant Program

The 100WomenStrong Grant Program, a component fund of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, aims to significantly improve the quality of life for residents of Loudoun County, Virginia. Founded in 2008, 100WomenStrong is a collaborative effort of women, men, and corporate partners who are committed to making a difference in the community through combined giving and strategic support. The program's mission aligns directly with the Community Foundation's broader goal of addressing key areas of need within the community, leveraging collective philanthropic strength and leadership to achieve impactful results. The grant program targets nonprofit organizations and units of government that serve the residents of Loudoun County. The primary beneficiaries are individuals and families experiencing needs related to shelter, health/mental health, hunger, and education. The overarching impact goal is to create a stronger, healthier, and more educated community by supporting initiatives that directly address these fundamental needs. This approach reflects the foundation's strategic priority to provide targeted support where it can have the most profound and lasting effect on the well-being of its constituents. 100WomenStrong prioritizes funding requests that maintain or increase the capacity of an organization's mission, provide significant benefits and/or impact to Loudoun County residents, and offer creative and innovative ways to meet community needs. Priority is also given to organizations demonstrating operational readiness, a proven track record of service delivery in Loudoun County, or established MOUs/partnerships for expanding services. This focus on capacity building, local impact, innovation, and organizational readiness underscores the program's commitment to effective and sustainable change. The expected outcomes include strengthened local nonprofits, enhanced service delivery in critical areas, and tangible improvements in the lives of Loudoun County residents. Measurable results could involve an increase in individuals accessing safe shelter, improved health and mental health outcomes, reduced food insecurity, and advancements in educational opportunities. The foundation's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in well-prepared organizations addressing core community needs with innovative solutions, collective giving can lead to significant and measurable positive societal impact. Grants will be considered for general operating support, activities, projects, and/or programs within the grant period of May 2025 through April 2026. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charities in good standing with the IRS for a minimum of two years, or units of government, and must address the specified grantmaking priorities within Loudoun County. This structured approach ensures that funding is directed towards organizations that are both capable and aligned with the program's strategic objectives.