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: 2020

October 28, 2020

100WomenStrong Continues to Help Nonprofits Meet Emergency Needs Created by COVID-19

 

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

In Sixth Round of Funding, the Group Donates $42,555 to Seven Organizations for initiatives ranging from Sober Living Housing Scholarships and Flu Vaccines to PPE and More

Leesburg, Va. (October 21, 2020) – 100WomenStrong has announced its sixth round of funding to help nonprofit organizations that provide services in Loudoun County to meet new and emerging requirements created by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this funding round, the group is donating $42,555 to seven nonprofits for urgent needs. These include the purchase of supplies to support distance learning, personal protection and deep cleaning. Other support is for the administration of flu vaccines, the expansion of a free diaper program and the delivery of housing scholarships for those experiencing substance use disorder.

100WomenStrong plans to continue their monthly assessment of requests through the end of 2020 and make distributions, as necessary.

“Area nonprofits must deliver services under new, challenging and changing constraints. There is no possible way they could have budgeted last year for what they have faced this year. For example, organizations that have offered in-person classes and support groups have had to change their delivery model to a virtual one,” said Karen G. Schaufeld, president and founder of 100WomenStrong. “Those that have started offering in-person services must adhere to stringent cleaning protocols that require supplies they may never have anticipated buying, such as PPE. They also must adhere to distancing requirements, which prompts the need for more desks, tables and other equipment.

“Demands such as these likely will continue to grow while, concurrently, no one can predict when things will go back to normal for nonprofits,” Schaufeld continued. “We plan to maintain the level of monitoring we have been conducting since March and offer support where we can.”

The sixth round of grants from 100WomenStrong is going to the following nonprofit organizations:

Since the pandemic started, 100WomenStrong has reviewed applications monthly for Loudoun County nonprofits in tremendous need. The group has disbursed 51 grants, totaling more than $403,000, to nonprofit organizations which serve Loudoun County. It also donated $50,000 to create the “Pay it Forward” Direct Assistance loan program (which has generated more than $90,000 in additional donations from the community), and $25,000 worth of PPE to first responders.

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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August 31, 2020

100WomenStrong Nearing $500,00 in Rapid-Response COVID-19 Funding

In Fifth Round Since March, Group Donates $58,500 to Seven Nonprofit Organizations

For more information contact:

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

Leesburg, Va. (August  2020) – 100WomenStrong is nearing the half-million mark in giving in 2020. After pivoting their annual grant funding to Emergency Covid-19 grants, the philanthropic group has announced its 5th round of COVID-19 relief funding of $58,500 to seven organizations. Since the pandemic hit in March, 100WomenStrong has reviewed applications monthly for Loudoun County nonprofits in tremendous need and has disbursed $360,900 in grants to 29 nonprofit organizations. It also donated $50,000 to create the “Pay it Forward” Direct Assistance loan program (which has generated more than $90,000 in additional donations from the community), and $25,000 worth of PPE to first responders.

The group will continue to assess area needs and make distributions, as necessary. They currently plan to continue with relief funding through the end of 2020 when they will reassess needs of area organizations. The group’s strategic approach of monitoring COVID-19 relief efforts to determine funding allows the group to continue to meet critical needs that may change month-to-month as the pandemic unfolds.

“We felt it was urgent and appropriate to change our grant-giving process, especially when we realized how quickly the number of people in dire need was growing, while nonprofits that support those people were suddenly losing funding sources,” said Pam Ray, managing director for 100WomenStrong. “When we send out our invitations to apply, we ask that those who are stable for the next 30-60 days kindly defer, so we can help those with immediate need and stretch our funds throughout the future of this crisis.  Despite the setbacks they have experienced, we have been so heartened to see the generosity and caring that our nonprofits have for one another. They are grateful for our new approach and we easily see that that their mission to serve Loudoun County residents collectively runs deep.”

The fifth round of grants from 100WomenStrong is going to the following nonprofit organizations:

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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July 21, 2020

100WomenStrong Continues COVID-19 Crisis Response Funding–Donates $81,500 to Seven Nonprofit Organizations, Bringing Total Giving to $377,400

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

Leesburg, Va. (July 20, 2020) – 100WomenStrong has earmarked $81,500 for seven nonprofits that provide services in Loudoun County in its fourth round of COVID-19 emergency relief funding. The philanthropic group continues to meet frequently to review and discuss needs across the county. Since the pandemic hit, 100WomenStrong has disbursed $302,400 in grants to 31 nonprofit organizations, $50,000 to create the Pay it Forward loan program (which has generated more than $80,000 in additional donations from the community), and $25,000 worth of PPE to first responders.

In this round, the largest grants are $25,000 to the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties for its Community Emergency Relief Fund, and $25,000 to the Loudoun Education Foundation for its Mental Health and Wellness initiative.

  • In March, the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties established the Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) to strategically disburse funding to address COVID-19 emergency response and relief efforts in Loudoun.  Since then, the CERF, along with Visit Loudoun Foundation’s Tourism and Hospitality Relief Fund, has distributed more than $205,000 to fund rental assistance through the COVID-19 Emergency Fund and Helpline, a program run in collaboration by Loudoun Cares and Catholic Charities of the Dioceses of Arlington. As of July, more than 227 families – 42% of which have incomes at or below the federal poverty line – have received rental assistance through the program.

Loudoun residents in need of rental assistance may call the COVID-19 Emergency Fund and Helpline at 703-669-5040.

  • The Loudoun Education Foundation’s Mental Health and Wellness initiative includes the implementation of Kognito, a software program that will help train teachers at Loudoun County Public Schools to recognize signs of emotional distress, anxiety and depression in their students. Along with helping them identify mental distress, the online training tool for educators will help them manage conversations with students and provide help or refer them to resources. This is an urgent need to help students, families, teachers and their families with mental health issues due to Covid-19.

To learn more about Kognito, please follow this link. If you would like to make a donation to support this initiative, please follow this link, and designate your gift as “Mental Health & Wellness.”

The fourth round of grants from 100WomenStrong is going to the following nonprofit organizations:

100WomenStrong will continue to assess area needs and make monthly distributions, as necessary. They will do this until early fall, when they will reassess needs of area organizations invited to apply. The group’s strategic approach of monitoring COVID-19 relief efforts to determine funding allows the group to continue to meet critical needs that may change month-to-month as the pandemic unfolds.

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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June 16, 2020

“Pay it Forward” Direct Assistance Loan Program, Powered by 100WomenStrong, Offers up to $2,000 to Loudoun County Residents Suffering Financial Hardship

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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

 

New loan program is model of community partnership that will be administered by Northern Virginia Family Service and includes support from Area Businesses, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia and Others 

Leesburg, VA – June 16, 2020 – A new fund will make $2,000 emergency cash assistance available to Loudoun County residents unable to meet expenses, such as housing, utility, car payments, medical, childcare or other needs. The Pay It Forward Direct Assistance Loan Fund, powered by 100WomenStrong, is funded and spearheaded by the philanthropic group, and other funding comes from a combination of businesses, foundations and nonprofit organizations, including the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. The short-term loans will be administered by Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) and are designed to be flexible and responsive, with a low interest rate. Re-payment will go back into the fund to make it sustainable to assist others in need.

“COVID-19 has created extreme financial hardship for some of the most vulnerable in our community, who may be enticed by predatory lenders. Many of our neighbors may not be able to make ends meet and may not be eligible for other loan programs,” Karen G. Schaufeld, Founder and President of 100WomenStrong, said. “We wanted to help them while creating a way that they can, in return, help their neighbors. When recipients repay their loans, their money will go back into Pay It Forward, so another person can use those funds. We see this program lasting much longer than the COVID crisis and hope it becomes a sustainable, useful tool for hard-working families in our area experiencing temporary financial setbacks.”

Pay it Forward is designed to be a viable and desirable alternative to high-interest lending programs. These loans will be no interest for the first six months and then will bear a 2-percent simple interest rate. All distributions will be made by NVFS directly to vendors on behalf of the approved applicant, and NVFS will work with applicants to identify required documentation for Fund payment.

“We are proud to partner with 100WomenStrong to address the surge in financial hardship among our Loudoun County neighbors. 100WomenStrong’s leadership in recognizing the critical needs around us, coupled with dedicated investments from the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia and a network of community-minded supporters, is an incredible gift,” said Stephanie Berkowitz, President and CEO of Northern Virginia Family Service. “The creative partnership fueling this innovative, self-sustaining program will help ensure that our neighbors have the food, medications, and supplies they need to weather these unprecedented and challenging times.”

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a current Loudoun County
  • Distributions are made on behalf of individuals/families only.
  • Loan amounts are capped at $2,000, per loan.
  • Loans will be interest-free for the first 6 months. After 6 months, the simple interest rate will be 2% until the loan is fully re-paid.
  • Additional loans will be considered following full repayment of an existing loan.
  • The maximum duration of the loan will be 36 months.

The Pay it Forward Direct Assistance Loan Fund, powered by 100WomenStrong currently has $141,000 in available funding. This includes $50,000 from 100WomenStrong, $40,000 from Community Foundation for Northern Virginia and $20,000 from an anonymous donor. The Schaufeld Family Foundation, The Bosserman Family Fund, The McCall-Hellman Family Fund, Bobbi Schaufeld and John and Jessica Wood donated $2,500 each. Businesses that donated $2,500 include Custom Ink, Bank of Charles Town, Bank of Clarke County, MainStreet Bank, Sandy Spring Bank, Summit Bank and SWaN & Legend. Langhorne Custom Homes donated $1,000.

Funds from Community Foundation for Northern Virginia were given as part of Round 4 of its COVID-19 Response Fund for Northern Virginia program. The Fund has distributed more than $1.4 million in grants to 72 local nonprofit organizations providing much needed services to individuals and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Community Foundation for Northern Virginia.

“So many individuals and families in our region continue to suffer terribly under the health and economic impacts of the coronavirus and its fallout. Applications for unemployment benefits are at an all-time high, and local human service nonprofits now report a 3- to 5-fold increase in demand for their services,” said Eileen Ellsworth, President and CEO at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. “Direct financial assistance to individuals and families hardest hit by the crisis remains a top priority for our COVID-19 Response Fund.”

How to Get Help or Donate Funds

  • Requests for assistance from Pay It Forward, Powered by 100WomenStrong should be submitted to NVFS, per application guidance at nvfs.org/payitforward
  • Businesses or others who would like to contribute to the fund can contact Pam Ray at 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 nonprofits 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.

About Community Foundation for Northern Virginia 

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia grows philanthropy to respond to critical need, seed innovation and lead and convene the community. Comprised of donor advised funds, permanent funds, giving circles, and other charitable endowments, the Community Foundation connects donors to community and promotes a more equitable and inclusive prosperity that marries our economic strength with the full breadth of our diverse community. In 2019 the Community Foundation awarded more than $5.4 million in grants and scholarships and reported more than $72 million in managed philanthropic assets. For more information please visit us at www.cfnova.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS)

Northern Virginia Family Service’s (nvfs.org) breadth, depth and scope of services ensures that everyone in need, at every stage of life, maximizes their potential and fully contributes to a thriving community. We provide the essential building blocks for financial, emotional and physical well-being, serving as leaders and innovators for the Northern Virginia community. Every year, we empower 42,000 individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency. 

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June 9, 2020

Third Round of COVID-19 Crisis Response Funding from 100WomenStrong Awarded to Eight Area Nonprofit Organizations; Total Giving to Date is $247,000

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

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Leesburg, Va. (June 9, 2020) – 100WomenStrong announced today that it will distribute $69,500 to eight nonprofits that provide services in Loudoun County in its third round of giving in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The philanthropic group continues to meet frequently to review and discuss needs across the county and has dispersed more than $247,000 to 24 nonprofit organizations and first responders since the pandemic hit and disrupted the local and national economy.

100WomenStrong will continue to assess area needs and make monthly distributions, as needed. They will do this for the foreseeable future and will distribute funds in stages to organizations invited to apply. The group’s strategic approach of monitoring COVID-19 relief efforts to determine funding allows the group to continue to meet critical needs that may change month-to-month as the pandemic unfolds.

According to Karen Schaufeld, 100WomenStrong Founder and President, the monthly distributions are likely to continue through the summer as Northern Virginia slowly eases into reopening.

“We are so thankful for all of the nonprofit organizations across Loudoun County that have sustained their efforts during these difficult times,” Schaufeld said. “There are too many to name them all, but Loudoun County is better for the many nonprofits who do great work to support our community and residents.

“We are seeing signs of economic recovery, but we also know that many in Loudoun County find themselves in dire need of funding to stay afloat,” Schaufeld continued. “We plan to address as much of this need as possible to ensure that nonprofits are able to fulfill their missions and continue to support their clients.”

The third round of grants from 100WomenStrong is going to the following nonprofit organizations:

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 Continues Focus on COVID-19 Crisis Response Second Round of Funding Totals $85,500 to 14 Area Nonprofit Organizations

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

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First Delivery of PPEs for Loudoun County for first responders delivered

Leesburg, Va. (May 11, 2020) – 100WomenStrong continues to check the pulse of need in Loudoun County to help nonprofit organizations respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In its second round of funding, the group is distributing $85,500 to 14 area nonprofits and has made its first deliveries of critical personal protection equipment (PPE) to Loudoun County Fire and Rescue career and volunteer members. In its first two rounds, the philanthropic group’s COVID- 19 funding for area nonprofit organizations totals $204,500.

100WomenStrong will continue to assess area needs every month for the foreseeable future and will distribute funds in stages to nonprofits it has vetted and approved from past and current grant rounds. The group’s strategic approach of monitoring COVID-19 relief efforts to determine funding allows the group to continue to meet critical needs that may change month- to-month as the pandemic unfolds.

In the first round of funding, 100WomenStrong allocated $50,000 for PPEs for first responders, and recently delivered a portion of those. According to Karen Schaufeld, 100WomenStrong Founder and President, the group will continue to deliver PPEs while they have supplies to help ensure the safety of area residents.

“The inclusion of PPEs in 100WomenStrong’s COVID giving is important, as these supplies continue to be in great demand and short supply. I have been honored to be able to deliver the first round of PPEs to the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System for the brave men and women, both volunteer and career, who are on the front lines of the Covid-19 fight,” said Schaufeld.

The second round of grants from 100WomenStrong is going to the following nonprofit organizations:

The group is only considering nonprofits it has vetted and approved from past and current grant rounds, as those groups are known to them and have been closely reviewed. They plan to allocate a third round of funding in June and will continue to provide funding on a monthly basis to organizations that are invited to submit applications.

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 Responds to COVID-19 Crisis, Refocuses 2020 Giving on Groups Filling Immediate Essential Needs in Areas of Food, Shelter and Health

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

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More than $119,000 initially allocated for nine Loudoun County nonprofits
and to purchase PPEs for first responders, additional grants to be made in coming months

Leesburg, Va. (April 14, 2020) – 100WomenStrong has changed its strategy for its 2020 competitive grant cycle in response to COVID-19 and is distributing $119,500 to nine area nonprofits, as well as to emergency responders, that are meeting the immediate essential and emergency needs of Loudoun County residents. The philanthropic group plans to continue to assess needs in the areas of food, shelter and health over the coming months. It will distribute funds in stages to nonprofits it has vetted and approved from past and current grant rounds.

The group will continue to monitor COVID-19 relief efforts on a monthly basis and invite some of its current or past grant recipients to apply for funding based on what is deemed necessary for the upcoming month. This strategic approach will allow them to support these efforts while preserving funds for the uncertainty of the months ahead, according to Karen Schaufeld, Founder and President of 100WomenStrong.

“The global COVID-19 pandemic not only has threatened lives, but also has forced businesses to close and threatened the livelihoods of millions. The people losing jobs and shuttering businesses are our next-door neighbors and friends, and the financial and emotional toll is very high,” said Schaufeld.

“As a group, 100WomenStrong knew that we had to react quickly to alleviate as much of the suffering as we possibly could. To that end, we will work to support the Loudoun County community now and in the near future by re-focusing our 2020 grants to those nonprofits and first responders that are directly responding to needs created by COVID-19,” said 100WomenStrong Member and Grant Chairwoman Stephanie Place.

The group plans to distribute funds in phases as long as there are needs and funds available. They chose the following recipients for the first round of grants:

 

Up to $50,000 also has been allocated for the purchase of personal protection equipment (PPEs) for area volunteer firefighters and EMTs.

100WomenStrong Member Kim Wagner said the decision to change focus wasn’t made hastily, but with great discussion and reflection.

“As this pandemic spread, we knew that we had to shift from considering the proposals submitted for our competitive grant cycle to using those grant funds to first support groups that are working so hard to fill needs created by the COVID-19 crisis,” Wagner said. “In our next round, we will continue to look at all of our past grantees and plan to expand our funding a bit to those that provide a safety net to help those most vulnerable in our community.”

The group is only considering nonprofits it has vetted and approved from past and current grant rounds, as those groups are known to them and have been closely vetted. They plan to allocate a second round of funding in early May and will continue to provide funding on a monthly basis to organizations that are invited to submit applications.

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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