FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Pam Ray, Managing Director, 100WS
Pam@onehundredwomenstrong.org
571-209-7562

100WOMENSTRONG NOW ACCEPTING 2024 GRANT FUNDING LETTERS OF INTENT FROM LOUDOUN COUNTY NONPROFITS

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

Leesburg, Va. October 2, 2023 100WomenStrong is now accepting Letters of Intent (LOI) from nonprofits that are headquartered or provide services in Loudoun County and interested in requesting grant funds during the 100WomenStrong 2024 Competitive Grant cycle.  Organizations that wish to be considered for funding from 100WomenStrong must submit their LOI online before 5:00 p.m. on November 1, 2023.

100WomenStrong, a component fund of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, has granted more than $4 million to nonprofits serving Loudoun since its inception in 2008.

Grantmaking Priorities
100WomenStrong prioritizes funding for projects or programs addressing these needs in Loudoun County, Virginia:

• Shelter
• Health
• Hunger
• Education

In addition, 100WomenStrong prioritizes requests for funding that:

• maintain or increase the capacity of the organization’s mission
• provide significant benefits and/or impact to Loudoun County residents
• provide creative and innovative ways to meet community needs

Applicants may submit their LOI through the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties’ online grant portal at: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cflf

LOIs 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 18, 2023.

Pre-LOI Workshop

An optional pre-LOI workshop will be held online for interested applicants on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. To attend, participants must register in advance using this link:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpcO-gqTkvHtQgZlOtDDEvlerwo2faFg8G .

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 proud 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

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Pam Ray, Managing Director 100WS

Pam@onehundredwomenstrong.org

571-209-7562

100WOMENSTRONG EXCEEDS $4 MILLION IN CUMULATIVE  GIVING TO NONPROFITS IN SUPPORT OF SHELTER, HEALTH, HUNGER, AND EDUCATION

2023 grants of $567,000 awarded to nonprofit organizations offering services in Loudoun County

Leesburg, Va. – May 24, 2023 – 100WomenStrong announces grants of $567,000 to 46 nonprofits headquartered or providing services in Loudoun County bringing its total funding to more than $4 million since 2009.

Established in 2008 by Karen Schaufeld and 11 other founding members, 100WomenStrong gave their first two grants in 2009 for a total of $28,600.  Flash forward fifteen years and the group has grown to 66 members with $567,000 being disbursed to 46 Loudoun nonprofits in 2023 in the areas of shelter, health, hunger, and education.

“I had an epiphany one morning in the shower,” Karen Schaufeld says, “regarding the potential power of combined giving. I knew I could find others who felt passionately about making a difference right here at home and the camaraderie of being change-makers in our county would be powerful and rewarding. The more we grow the greater work we can do.”

“Although Loudoun is among the wealthiest counties in America, we still have families who are suffering from hunger, homelessness, lack of basic healthcare, and substance use disorder.  We’ve also seen a tremendous uptick in grant requests for mental health services.  In the aftermath of the pandemic and the continued stress of inflation, we hope we can grow our membership to make an even bigger impact in 2024,” says Stephanie Place, 100WomenStrong Grants Chair.

The 2023 100WomenStrong grants are as follows:

• A Farm Less Ordinary – $8,500
• A Place To Be – $20,000
• All Ages Read Together – $25,000
• BetterALife – $6,000
• Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington – $9,000
• Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties – $10,000
• Crossroads Jobs – $10,000
• Dulles South Food Pantry – $18,200
• Every Citizen Has Opportunities (ECHO) – $16,602.00
• Friends of Loudoun Mental Health – $12,000
• Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia- $9,000
• HealthWorks for Northern Virginia- $8,500
• Heeling House – $14,000
• INMED Partnerships for Children – $12,000
• Insight Memory Care – $10,000
• Just Neighbors – $12,000
• LAWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services – $25,000
• Legacy Farms – $10,000
• Leonard W. Kidd Memorial American Legion Post 2001 – $15,000
• Loudoun Cares – $12,000
• Loudoun Club 12 – $15,000
• Loudoun Coalition on Women and Girls – $5,000
• Loudoun Education Foundation – $10,000
• Loudoun Free Clinic – $14,000
• Loudoun Hunger Relief – $10,000
• Loudoun Literacy Council – $14,000
• Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Foundation – $12,000
• Loudoun Youth – $3,000
• Love, KK – $5,400
• Mobile Hope – $14,000
• Morven Park, Inc – $3,700
• Northern Virginia Community College Educational Foundation, Inc – $26,250
• Northern Virginia Family Service – $15,000
• Ryan Bartel Foundation – $10,500
• SCAN of Northern Virginia – $16,000
• Seven Loaves Services – $10,500
• Shelter House Inc. – $20,000
• The Arc of Loudoun – $20,000
• The Fenwick Foundation $7,000
• The New AG School – $7,000
• The Salvation Army of Loudoun – $10,000
• Tree of Life Ministries – $14,000
• Veterans Moving Forward – $7,000
• Virginia Hunters Who Care, Inc. – $5,000
• Volunteers of America, Chesapeake & Carolinas – $15,000
• Women Giving Back – $15,000

Eligibility for membership includes the ability to make a minimum annual contribution of $10,000.  Both individual (women and men) and corporate memberships are welcomed.  Donations are tax deductible and can be paid annually, semi-annually, quarterly or monthly.

For more information about membership visit https://www.onehundredwomenstrong.org/join-us/ or email Pam Ray, Managing Director Pam@onehundredwomenstrong.org

100WomenStrong is a component fund of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties and was the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year in 2022.

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

2022 grants of $475,000 awarded to nonprofit organizations offering services in Loudoun County

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

Leesburg, Va. – May 4, 2022 – This year, 100WomenStrong is giving $475,000 to 42 nonprofits headquartered or providing services in Loudoun County, bringing their total funding to Loudoun County nonprofits to $3,593,391 million since 2009. The group has reverted to its normal grant-giving cycle of once per year after pivoting in 2020 to COVID-19 emergency grants. COVID emergency grants were designed to meet the immediate essential and emergency needs of Loudoun County residents. During the pandemic, the organization gave more than $760,000 in 10 monthly rounds of funding and, in addition, created the “Pay it Forward” Direct Assistance loan program, which continues to offer help to area residents to cover basic expenses.

Many of the nonprofit organizations’ 2022 grants are in support of affordable-housing initiatives because safe and affordable housing is an element of economic stability, which is one of the main Social Determinants of Health. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), housing instability can encompass the inability to pay rent, overcrowding or spending the majority of your income (more than 30%) on housing. These experiences can negatively affect physical and mental health.

“The founding members of 100WomenStrong understood the crucial role that safe and stable housing has in our ability to live healthy and productive lives, so it is built into our core mission,” said Kirsten Langhorne, chair of 100WomenStrong’s affordable housing committee. “It has been proven that even short-term housing challenges can create poor health outcomes and stress and that those who face chronic homelessness have higher rates of physical and mental health issues than the general public.

“Before the pandemic, we had the opportunity to fund several shelter-oriented programs, but the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many more of our neighbors out of stable housing,” Langhorne continued. “It is incumbent upon our community to do all we can to stabilize housing because we also know that unstable housing can affect the health of a neighborhood and community. With our focus this year on mental health and housing, we hope to alleviate some of the pressing issues that many in Loudoun County face right now. We also are so thankful we can support the wonderful organizations working hard to help our neighbors stay in their homes or find other safe housing solutions.”

The 2022 100WomenStrong grants are as follows:

• A Farm Less Ordinary – $10,000
• A Place to Be – $15,000
• Bringing Resources to Aid Women’s Shelters (BRAWS) – $15,000
• Capital Caring Health – $7,500
• Center for Adoption Support and Education – $10,000
• Crossroads Jobs – $10,000
• Dulles South Soup Kitchen – $20,000
• Every Citizen Has Opportunities (ECHO) – $15,000
• FAMIL – $10,000
• Friends of Loudoun Mental Health – $10,500
• Good Shepherd Alliance – $5,000
• Healthworks – $25,000
• Heeling House – $4,000
• INMED Partnerships for Children – $12,000
• Insight Memory Care – $10,000
• JK Community Farm – $6,500
• Just Neighbors – $10,000
• Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter (LAWS) – $20,000
• Leonard W. Kidd American Legion Post 2001 – $10,000
• Loudoun Cares – $10,000
• Loudoun Coalition on Women and Girls – $1,000
• Loudoun Hunger Relief – $15,000
• Loudoun Literacy Council – $13,000
• Loudoun Serenity House – $20,000
• Love, KK – $2,500
• Mobile Hope – $13,000
• Northern Virginia Family Service – $10,000
• Pathway Homes – $10,000
• Ryan Bartel Foundation – $10,000
• SCAN of Northern Virginia – $13,000
• Seven Loaves Services, Inc. – $15,000
• Shelter House Inc. – $15,000
• The Arc of Loudoun – $16,000
• The Chris Atwood Foundation – $6,500
• The New AG School – $6,000
• The Fenwick Foundation – $10,000
• The Step Sisters – $4,000
• Veterans Moving Forward – $5,000
• Volunteers of America, Chesapeake & Carolinas – $12,000
• Windy Hill Foundation – $7,500
• Women Giving Back – $15,000
• Youth For Tomorrow – $20,000

John Wolff, 100WomenStrong treasurer, has been an active member for more than six years and has been involved with local nonprofits for more than 25 years. Being the treasurer for 100WomenStrong is one of his favorite roles among the many that he holds as a business owner, restauranteur and venture owner.

“I have enjoyed watching the real impact that our grants make right here in Loudoun County,” Wolff said. “I can see that impact every day through the nonprofits that can help more people in Loudoun County with our funding.

“This year is especially gratifying because our total funding now is more than $3,500,000 – an incredible milestone for us and one we are very proud of,” he continued.

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

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

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 10^th 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

# # #

[1] Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan

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

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.

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

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

# # #

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:

• The Chris Atwood Foundation – $7,000
• ECHO – $6,500
• Healthworks – $10,000
• Loudoun Literacy Council – $2,255
• Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers – $7,500
• Loudoun Homeless Services Center – $6,300
• Women Giving Back – $3,000

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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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 5^th 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:

• American Legion Post 2001 – $5,000
• The Arc of Loudoun – $10,000
• Loudoun Cares – $15,000
• Northern Virginia Family Service – $10,000
• The Piedmont Environmental Council – $1,000
• Ryan Bartel Foundation – $9,000
• Volunteers of America Chesapeake & The Carolinas – Loudoun Homeless Services Center – $8,500

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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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:

• ECHO:  $4,000
• Excellent Options – $5,000 
• INMED Partnerships for Children – $10,000
• Loudoun Habitat for Humanity – $2,500
• Women Giving Back – $10,000
• Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties – Community Emergency Relief Fund – $25,000
• Loudoun Education Foundation – $25,000

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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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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Local philanthropic group has donated more than $1.3 million to Loudoun County nonprofits focused on shelter, health, hunger and education.

Window for submitting initial letter opens on November 1

Leesburg, Va. – October 25, 2017 – Loudoun County-based 100WomenStrong, a group of concerned area residents and business people who strategically support organizations and programs that enhance the lives of Loudoun County residents will begin accepting Letters of Intent from area nonprofits on November 1 in advance of its 2018 grant cycle. Non-profit organizations that serve Loudoun County and wish to be considered for this grant cycle must submit a Letter of Intent between 8 a.m. on Wednesday, November 1, 2017, and 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 30, 2017.

 According to Lynn Rubin, Vice President of 100WomenStrong, Letters of Intent will be accepted from 501(c)(3) organizations serving Loudoun County residents and should include:

• Name and purpose of organization
• Dollar amount of grant request
• Description of the proposed project(s) addressing needs of Loudoun County residents in one of 100WomenStrong’s areas of interest (below)
• Explanation of importance of the proposed project(s) to those served and to Loudoun County and its residents

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