FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Leesburg, VA — September 15, 2025 — 100WomenStrong has awarded a $50,000 emergency grant to The Arc of Loudoun to accelerate the Empower Aurora campaign, ensuring stability and continuity for the Aurora School and The Arc’s vital services in Loudoun County and the region.
“We believe in the power of community to lift others,” said Karen Schaufeld, President and Founder of 100WomenStrong. “We saw firsthand the urgency of the Empower Aurora campaign, and we’re honored to contribute this grant to help ensure Aurora’s doors open strong in its new home.”
100WomenStrong is an influential giving circle of approximately 80 donor members, and is a component fund of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties. To date, it has granted more than $5.3 million to Loudoun nonprofits.
Investing In Our Future
Empower Aurora is a $1 million campaign led by The Arc of Loudoun to support the relocation, reopening, and bright future of the Aurora School. The Aurora School serves more than 50 students annually with autism and other developmental disabilities, coming from eight school divisions in the region. The Aurora School provides specialized instruction in a nurturing, structured learning environment.
Thanks to generous contributions, including $300,000 from the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, $50,000 from 100Women Strong, and $420,000 from other generous donors, Empower Aurora has already surpassed the 75% mark toward its goal.
“This gift from 100WomenStrong ensures that our students, teachers, and families have the stability and learning environment they deserve,” The Arc of Loudoun CEO Lisa Max explained. “This gift comes at a pivotal moment in the history of Aurora School.
“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to partner with 100WomenStrong as they live out their mission to make Loudoun County a stronger, healthier community.”
Why the $50,000 100WomenStrong Emergency Grant Matters Now More Than Ever
The grant from 100WomenStrong will be instrumental in closing the remaining gap to fully fund the move of Aurora School to its new home at The National Conference Center. It will help cover critical costs associated with the rapid relocation and allows the students and families that depend on The Arc and Aurora School to be welcomed back to a stable and nourishing environment.
Ultimately, this grant strengthens The Arc of Loudoun’s ability to preserve essential services for families in Loudoun County who depend on Aurora as a lifeline.
This incredible gift brings The Arc of Loudoun’s fundraising total to $770,000 to help meet the $1 million goal. This check presentation on Monday, September 15, 2025, aligned with the Aurora School re-opening for students and staff.
Next Steps
The Arc of Loudoun will use the grant immediately toward finishing moving logistics, welcoming back students and staff, and enhancing operational sustainability for the future.
The full community remains invited to participate in the final stretch of the Empower Aurora campaign as The Arc works toward its $1 million goal.
To contribute and get involved, please visit: TheArcOfLoudoun.org/Empower-Aurora
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About 100WomenStrong
Founded in 2008, 100WomenStrong is a giving circle based in Loudoun County, Virginia, committed to enhancing the quality of life for local residents through strategic support of community initiatives in areas such as education, health, hunger relief, mental health, and shelter. By combining philanthropic strength with community leadership, 100WomenStrong identifies and funds urgent needs and long-term interventions across Loudoun.
About The Arc of Loudoun
The Arc of Loudoun is a nonprofit organization that advocates for, educates, serves, and supports people with disabilities and their families. With three integrated Centers of Excellence co-located at The National Conference Center in Lansdowne, VA, The Arc provides a lifetime of opportunities to more than 4,500 individuals each year throughout the Greater Washington DC Region. Learn more at thearcofloudoun.org
