100WomenStrong Grant

100WomenStrong, a fund of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, is committed to improving the quality of life for residents of Loudoun County, Virginia. This private philanthropic initiative supports local nonprofit and governmental organizations that focus on essential community needs. The fund prioritizes support for services in the areas of shelter, health and mental health, hunger, and education. Through strategic funding, 100WomenStrong aims to support organizations that demonstrate both operational readiness and a strong impact on the community. The 2026 grant cycle opened on September 8, 2025, and closed on October 3, 2025, for the initial step of submitting Letters of Intent (LOIs). Eligible applicants included 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charities in good IRS standing for at least two years, or units of government, provided their programs serve Loudoun County residents. New or first-time applicants were advised to limit funding requests to $5,000 or less. Grants may be awarded for general operating support or to fund specific programs or activities, with a performance period spanning from May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027. Following the LOI submission, applicants were to be notified of outcomes by December 15, 2025. Selected organizations would be invited to submit full proposals by January 23, 2026. These proposals would then be evaluated by the 100WomenStrong donor group, who make final recommendations to the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. Final decisions are scheduled for announcement by April 24, 2026. Grantees are expected to attend a donor reception in May 2026, with the exact date provided to selected applicants in December 2025. A pre-LOI workshop was held on September 15, 2025, via Zoom, with prior registration required. The recorded session was made available afterward. All LOIs had to be submitted through the Community Foundation's grant portal. New applicants were required to create an account, while returning users could log in and begin applications under the “Apply” section. Grant applicants are expected to align their work with community priorities, demonstrate capacity and readiness to manage grant funds effectively, and engage in collaborative partnerships, especially if they are not already active in Loudoun County. Programs involving regranting or religious proselytization, or those seeking tuition support for private schools, are ineligible. All grants are awarded under an equal opportunity framework, with grantees required to provide a written nondiscrimination agreement. Questions regarding the grant process should be directed to Pam Ray, Executive Director of 100WomenStrong, via pam@onehundredwomenstrong.org. For portal support, applicants can contact Joanne Trimmer at joanne@communityfoundationlf.org.

Attend the LOI workshop. First-time applicants should stay under $5,000. Emphasize operational readiness, partnerships, and Loudoun service alignment.