The 100WomenStrong 2024 Grant Cycle application window closed on November 1st. Please see our Grant Process page for more information about the application process. Nonprofits who were selected to move on to the next stage will be notified by December 18, 2023.

Archive for Year: 2021

October 19, 2021

100WOMENSTRONG NOW ACCEPTING 2022 GRANT FUNDING LETTERS OF INTENT FROM LOUDOUN COUNTY NONPROFITS

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Margaret Brown
margaret@mlbpr.com
703-898-9443

 

Organization holding informational workshop on October 18  for nonprofits that provide services in the areas of shelter, health, hunger and education  

Leesburg, Va. – October 6, 2021 – 100WomenStrong is now accepting Letters of Intent (LOI) for 2022 grants from nonprofits that are headquartered or provide services in Loudoun County. Organizations that wish to be considered for funding from 100WomenStrong for programs in the areas of shelter, health, hunger and education must submit their LOI online before 11:59 p.m. on November 1, 2021.

According to 100WomenStrong Grant Committee Chair Stephanie Place, nonprofits can visit the 100WomenStrong website to determine their eligibility for consideration at: https://www.onehundredwomenstrong.org/grants/.  If an organization is eligible, they may then submit an LOI through the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties’ online portal at: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cflf

LOI’s will be reviewed by 100WomenStrong and select organizations will be invited to submit a full proposal for consideration.  All organizations that submit an LOI will be notified of the outcome of their request by December 13, 2021.

Pre-LOI Workshop

An optional pre-LOI workshop will be held online for interested applicants on Monday, October 18, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. To attend the workshop, applicants must register here:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqcuqurD0qG9X9QbjYZYWGFmI0IrOWYfrK

Questions about the grant process can be directed to:  Pam Ray, 100WomenStrong Managing Director: Pam@OneHundredWomenStrong.org

 

About 100WomenStrong

Formed in 2008, 100WomenStrong is a group of concerned philanthropists seeking to strategically invest in organizations and programs that enrich the lives of Loudoun County residents. They are committed to improving the quality of life for residents of Loudoun County, Virginia, through strategic grants to non-profits working in the areas of shelter, health, hunger and education. Members of 100WomenStrong connect and collaborate to leverage their philanthropic resources as a component fund of the Community Foundation of Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties.

For more information about 100WomenStrong, visit www.OneHundredWomenStrong.org or contact Pam Ray at Pam@OneHundredWomenStrong.org

 

July 20, 2021

100WomenStrong Focuses on Housing Needs in its 10th Phase of Emergency COVID-19 Grants; Total Funding Reaches $763,373

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Margaret Brown
margaret@mlbpr.com
703-898-9443

 

Leesburg, Va. (July 10, 2021) – The COVID-19 pandemic is subsiding, but its ramifications continue, particularly in the areas of housing, hunger and emergency support for those in crisis. To support nonprofits serving area residents in these and other areas, 100WomenStrong recently granted $75,500 in a 10th round of COVID-19 emergency funding to five Loudoun County nonprofit organizations. This round of funding will bring the philanthropic group’s total COVID-relief aid to $763,373.

“One of the biggest and longest lasting issues created by the pandemic is the inability for millions of Americans to pay for their housing. Here in Loudoun County, this is exacerbated by a lack of affordable housing,” Kirsten Langhorne, chair of 100WomenStrong’s affordable housing committee. “A report the County recently shared[1]included information from the Virginia Center for Housing Research at Virginia Tech stating that a large portion of County residents cannot afford to live here. These residents work in sectors that pay lower wages and often must choose to commute from areas with less expensive housing, live with roommates or actually pay more than they can afford.

“The report shows that the overall median rent in Loudoun County is $1,674. Only three of the top 10 occupations – electricians, office clerks and customer service representatives – can afford to rent here and that is only if they are earning at the top of their fields,” Langhorne continued. “Supporting nonprofits that help with rental assistance is a top priority for 100WomenStrong. We have created a working group to study the issue and hope to work with the County and other organizations as they study it and evaluate potential solutions.”

Details of this round of funding are as follows:

  • Loudoun Cares – $15,000
    • To distribute directly to renters. They will combine efforts with faith-based groups and non-profits to provide up to $2,300 per family.
  • Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers – $7,500
    • To provide services to seniors, adults with disabilities and chronic illness, homebound individuals and families needing food, transportation or medicines from pharmacies, as well as home repairs and connection to the community.
  • Salvation Army Loudoun Corps – $18,000
    • To continue the COVID emergency feeding program and fill the void for the Feed the Hunger of Loudoun program through the end of July.
  • Gabriel’s Episcopal Church – $20,000
    • Provide rental assistance to help keep families in their homes.
  • Tree of Life Ministries – $15,000
    • To support for the Transitional Housing Program to provide an affordable, safe place for women-led households in crisis to meet heightened demand due to COVID-19.

100WomenStrong has disbursed 63 COVID-19 emergency response grants to nonprofit organizations that serve Loudoun County. They also purchased and distributed PPE for first responders early in the pandemic. The group’s “Pay it Forward” Direct Assistance loan program in partnership with Northern Virginia Family Service helps area residents cover basic expenses. For more information about eligibility requirements and an application for the Pay it Forward Loan Program, visit the Northern Virginia Family Service website here.

 

About 100WomenStrong

Formed in 2008, 100WomenStrong is a group of concerned philanthropists seeking to strategically invest in organizations and programs that enrich the lives of Loudoun County residents. They are committed to improving the quality of life for residents of Loudoun County, Virginia, through strategic grants to non-profits working in the areas of shelter, health, hunger and education. Members of 100WomenStrong connect and collaborate to leverage their philanthropic resources as a component fund of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties.

 

For more information about 100WomenStrong, visit www.OneHundredWomenStrong.org or contact Pam Ray at Pam@OneHundredWomenStrong.org

 

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[1] Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan

May 27, 2021

100WomenStrong Maintains Focus on COVID-19 Grant Funding, Second Round of 2021 Grants Total $64,918 to Four Loudoun County Nonprofits

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Margaret Brown
margaret@mlbpr.com
703-898-9443

 

Leesburg, Va. (May 14, 2021) – 100WomenStrong has announced a second round of 2021 COVID-19 emergency funding of $64,918 to four Loudoun County nonprofit organizations, bringing its total COVID-relief aid to $687,873. This round of grants focuses on helping area residents become self-sufficient and includes funding for childhood literacy, rental assistance, housing for the homeless and mental health programming for at-risk teenagers.

“Even as the country and our county see COVID-19 restrictions ease, there will be a transition period for those who may still need financial and mental health support,” said Stephanie Place, 100WomenStrong grants chairperson. “Many local nonprofits are now able to hold fundraising events, and we are thrilled they are able to re-engage with their supporters and the community. However, there are others who still need assistance, and we are honored to be able to help them meet their missions.”

 

Details of this round of funding are as follows:

Good Shepherd Alliance – $10,000

  • Funding for building repairs at facilities, including, emergency shelter and two transitional homes. GSA creates a path to dignity and self-sufficiency for homeless in Loudoun County.

INMED Partnerships for Children – $31,418

  • Funding for programming for at-risk youth, developed in partnership with the Loudoun County Juvenile Court Service Unit and Child Protective Services, to respond to COVID-19 mental health/wellness and socialization concerns. Program focuses on teens and includes center-based therapeutic activities through “The Hangout” at INMED’s Family & Youth Opportunity Center and online peer-to-peer conversations guided by trauma-informed personnel through “Teen Talk.”

Loudoun Literacy Council – $3,500

  • Funding for books/materials for children in Head Start and STEP programs, as well as Zoom classroom instruction and Family Literacy Nights.

St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church – $20,000

  • Funding for emergency rental assistance for area residents

 

“The collective trauma created by COVID-19 has put great strain on the mental health of our young people. They’ve had to navigate this past year without the normal coping mechanisms of school, sports, activities and socialization with their peers,” said Tracy Stickley, 100WomenStrong member. “Some teens have had the additional heavy burdens of babysitting siblings while parents are working, working part-time jobs to supplement family income, worrying about food scarcity and much more.

“INMED’s new initiative is designed to support these at-risk students, particularly in mental health and wellness. 100WomenStrong is honored to be able to help INMED support these youth,” she concluded.

100WomenStrong has disbursed 59 COVID-19 emergency response grants to nonprofit organizations that serve Loudoun County. They also purchased and distributed PPE for first responders early in the pandemic. The group’s “Pay it Forward” Direct Assistance loan program in partnership with Northern Virginia Family Service helps area residents cover basic expenses. For more information about eligibility requirements and an application for the Pay it Forward Loan Program, visit the Northern Virginia Family Service website here.

 

About 100WomenStrong

Formed in 2008, 100WomenStrong is a group of concerned philanthropists seeking to strategically invest in organizations and programs that enrich the lives of Loudoun County residents. They are committed to improving the quality of life for residents of Loudoun County, Virginia, through strategic grants to non-profits working in the areas of shelter, health, hunger and education. Members of 100WomenStrong connect and collaborate to leverage their philanthropic resources as a component fund of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties.

 

For more information about 100WomenStrong, visit www.OneHundredWomenStrong.org or contact Pam Ray at Pam@OneHundredWomenStrong.org

March 18, 2021

100WomenStrong Continues COVID-19 Emergency Grant Funding with $52,500 to Four Loudoun County Nonprofits

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Margaret Brown
margaret@mlbpr.com
703-898-9443

Leesburg, Va. (March 15, 2021) – 100WomenStrong continues to support Loudoun County nonprofit organizations as the COVID-19 pandemic restricts their ability to hold fundraising events for the foreseeable future. In its first-round of 2021 emergency funding, the philanthropic group has announced donations of $52,500 to four organizations that provide service in Loudoun County.

“Like the rest of the county, we are encouraged by the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination but realize that it will be some time before nonprofit organizations will be able to hold the large events that they used to rely on to raise funds,” said Stephanie Place, 100WomenStrong grants chairperson. “They have come up with inventive ways to raise the funds they so desperately need to continue to provide services, and we were honored to help many of them to bridge that gap.”

Details of its first round for this year are as follows:

Adoption-Share – $4,500

  • For “Family-Match” software and personal guidance to provide caseworkers and family members a platform to find each other.

The Chris Atwood Foundation – $8,000

  • For scholarships for recovery housing for Loudoun residents. (The COVID pandemic has created a 77% increase in overdose deaths in Virginia.)

St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church – $20,000

  • For emergency rental assistance

Tree of Life Ministries – $20,000

  • For their Relief Fund for rent and utility payments and their Tutoring at the Tree program.

100WomenStrong disbursed 55 grants in 2020 to nonprofit organizations that serve Loudoun County. They also purchased and distributed $25,000 worth of PPE for first responders early in the pandemic and created the “Pay it Forward” Direct Assistance loan program with $50,000, which prompted numerous additional individual and business donations, with Northern Virginia Family Service to help area residents cover basic expenses.

Place said the group plans to continue with COVID funding through the first half of 2021 and will reassess its approach as the COVID vaccine becomes more widely available.

For more information about eligibility requirements and an application for the Pay it Forward Loan Program, visit the Northern Virginia Family Service website here.

February 24, 2021

Please Accept Our Challenge to Support Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter’s Legal Services

Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter (LAWS) is the only domestic violence and sexual assault crisis center in Virginia with a legal department. Through it, LAWS offers free legal consultation or representation to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking who need assistance obtaining a protective order or with other family law issues.

These services are critical for helping victims escape their abusers, particularly because many abusers control access to funds or have isolated the victim from support they would need to break free, according to Judy Hanley, Chief Executive Officer of LAWS.

In 2020, the COVID pandemic created an even greater need for support, and LAWS stepped up to provide services to more than 1,200 clients.  Approximately 250 of them received free, confidential Legal Services.

With a $50,000 seed donation, 100WomenStrong has created a challenge grant to support LAWS Legal Services and asks the community to help by meeting or exceeding its contribution.  Donations of all amounts are greatly appreciated.    Currently, $73,800 has been met of the $100,000 goal, but we need more help.

You can donate by check or online:

Make checks payable to LAWS:

Write “100WS–LAWS Legals Services: in the memo line. Mail check to:
LAWS, 105 East Market Street, Leesburg, VA. 20176

To Donate Online:

Click HERE.  When on the page, click the Donate Now button, and on the donation page you will see:  “If you have a special purpose for your donation, please let us know.”  In the “I want my donation to be dedicated” area, type:  100WS–Legal Services.

To reach a LAWS Legal Services Advocate, please call 703-771-3397.

Please Accept Our Challenge to Support Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter’s Legal Services

Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter (LAWS) is the only domestic violence and sexual assault crisis center in Virginia with a legal department. Through it, LAWS offers free legal consultation or representation to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking who need assistance obtaining a protective order or with other family law issues.

These services are critical for helping victims escape their abusers, particularly because many abusers control access to funds or have isolated the victim from support they would need to break free, according to Judy Hanley, Chief Executive Officer of LAWS.
In 2020, the COVID pandemic created an even greater need for support, and LAWS stepped up to provide services to more than 1,200 clients. Approximately 250 of them received free, confidential Legal Services.
With a $50,000 seed donation, 100WomenStrong has created a challenge grant to support LAWS Legal Services and asks the community to help by meeting or exceeding its contribution. Donations of all amounts are greatly appreciated.
We are currently at $73,800 of the $100,00 goal.
You can donate by check or online:
Make checks payable to LAWS:
Write “100WS – LAWS Legal Services” in the memo line.
Send check to:
LAWS, 105 East Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176.
To donate online:
Click the Donate Now button, and on the donation page you will see:
“If you have a special purpose for your donation, please let us know.”
In the “I want my donation to be dedicated” type: 100WS – Legal Services
To reach a LAWS Legal Services Advocate, please call 703-771-3397. 
February 10, 2021

100WomenStrong Issues Challenge Grant to Community to Support Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter’s (LAWS) Legal Services

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Margaret Brown
margaret@mlbpr.com
703-898-9443

Isolation and Stress from COVID-19 Increases Potential of Domestic and Partner Violence[1]

 (Leesburg, Va.) – February 5, 2021 – 100WomenStrong is challenging the Loudoun County community to match or exceed its recent $50,000 seed donation to Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter (LAWS) to support LAWS Legal Services. LAWS is the only domestic violence and sexual assault crisis center in Virginia with a legal department.  LAWS’ Legal Services offers free legal consultation or representation to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking who need assistance obtaining a protective order or with other family law issues.

“Escaping a violent situation is costly and difficult, particularly for those whose abusers control access to funds or have isolated the victim from support they would need to break free,” said Judy Hanley, Chief Executive Officer of LAWS. “This always is a concern, but it is even greater since the COVID-19 pandemic has increased isolation and economic uncertainty for so many in our County.

“According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration [SAMHSA], the conditions of the pandemic may have created violence in families where it didn’t exist before and worsened situations in homes where mistreatment and violence already was a problem,” Hanley continued. “Supporting these victims with free legal advice or representation is more imperative now than ever, particularly since the pandemic will continue to affect our community for at least another several months. We at LAWS are so thankful to 100WomenStrong for their caring and support.”

LAWS provided services to more than 1,200 clients in 2020, and approximately 250 of them received free, confidential Legal Services, including:

  • Consultation with an attorney
  • Legal representation for victims obtaining a Protective Order
  • Legal representation for victims in custody, divorce, child support & spousal support hearings
  • Assistance with filing for Protective Orders
  • Court accompaniment by an Advocate

“LAWS offers invaluable support and services to victims of domestic and partner violence in our community,” said Karen Schaufeld, Founder and President of 100WomenStrong. “According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 4 women and almost 1 in 10 men have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. Its effects, including mental health issues, can last for years.

“100WomenStrong is asking the community to step up to support the LAWS Legal Services department in its mission to protect victims of domestic and partner violence from their abusers and to free them to move forward to a better life.”

To participate in the challenge, you can donate by check or online:

Make checks payable to LAWS:

Write “100WS – LAWS Legal Services” in the memo line.

Send check to:

LAWS, 105 East Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176.

To donate online:

https://www.lcsj.org/donate-to-laws/

Click the Donate Now button, and on the donation page you will see:
“If you have a special purpose for your donation, please let us know.”
In the “I want my donation to be dedicated” type: 100WS – Legal Services

To reach a LAWS Legal Services Advocate, please call 703-771-3397.

About 100WomenStrong

Formed in 2008, 100WomenStrong is a group of concerned philanthropists seeking to strategically invest in organizations and programs that enrich the lives of Loudoun County residents. They are committed to improving the quality of life for residents of Loudoun County, Virginia, through strategic grants to non-profits working in the areas of shelter, health, hunger and education. Members of 100WomenStrong connect and collaborate to leverage their philanthropic resources as a component fund of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties.

For more information about 100WomenStrong, visit www.OneHundredWomenStrong.org or contact Pam Ray at Pam@OneHundredWomenStrong.org

Other valuable information from LAWS:

Protective Order Information–Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office

Frequently Asked Questions–Filing a Protective Order in Loudoun County

Family Abuse Protective Orders in Virginia — Video

Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement

[1] How COVID-19 may increase domestic violence and child abuse

 

January 15, 2021

100WomenStrong Surpasses $570,000 in 2020 Funding to Loudoun County Nonprofits for COVID-19 Relief

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Margaret Brown
margaret@mlbpr.com
703-898-9443

Final 2020 round of donations will help vulnerable veterans and others with rental assistance

Leesburg, Va. (January 12, 2021) – 100WomenStrong capped off its 2020 funding with donations designed to help keep Loudoun’s most vulnerable community members housed through donations of $10,000 to American Legion Post 2001, $12,000 to Loudoun Cares and $20,000 to St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church. In total, the philanthropic group donated $570,455 in 2020, including the purchase and distribution of $25,000 worth of PPE for first responders early in the pandemic and creating the “Pay it Forward” Direct Assistance loan program with $50,000, which has ballooned due to significant additional community participation, to Northern Virginia Family Service to help area residents cover basic expenses.

“When it became clear that Loudoun nonprofits were going to have to cancel fundraising events and that other traditional fundraising efforts were being affected by the COVID pandemic, we pivoted our funding approach to help keep them open and operating,” said Stephanie Place, 100WomenStrong grants chairperson. “We worked diligently to keep a pulse on the urgent needs of our county’s nonprofit needs and carefully vetted requests, starting monthly rounds of funding in late spring of 2020.

“As we have shared, we were very impressed with how our nonprofits all looked out for each other and only asked for what was really needed in order to be sure that other organizations also had access to funding,” she continued. “Given how hard it was for everyone last year, this was very admirable and reinforced how so many Loudoun County nonprofit organizations put the needs of their clients and the community first.”

100WomenStrong disbursed 55 grants in 2020 to nonprofit organizations that serve Loudoun County. They plan to continue with COVID funding through the first half of 2021 and will reassess its approach as the COVID vaccine becomes more widely available.

For more information about eligibility requirements and an application for the Pay it Forward Loan Program, visit the Northern Virginia Family Service website here.

 

About 100WomenStrong

Formed in 2008, 100WomenStrong is a group of concerned philanthropists seeking to strategically invest in organizations and programs that enrich the lives of Loudoun County residents. They are committed to improving the quality of life for residents of Loudoun County, Virginia, through strategic grants to non-profits working in the areas of shelter, health, hunger and education. Members of 100WomenStrong connect and collaborate to leverage their philanthropic resources as a component fund of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties.

For more information about 100WomenStrong, visit www.OneHundredWomenStrong.org or contact Pam Ray at Pam@OneHundredWomenStrong.org

 

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100WomenStrong is a proud fund of Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties