Community Assistance Fund

Community Assistance Fund is sponsored by Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO). The Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) offers Community Assistance Fund grants to nonprofit organizations that support the well-being of women in the Greater New Orleans area, focusing on Economic Opportunity, Physical & Mental Health, and Family Assistance.

Community Assistance Fund – Junior League of New Orleans Community Assistance Fund Community Assistance Fund (CAF) The Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) is now accepting applications for the 2026 – 2027 Community Assistance Fund (CAF) grants. CAF grants provide funding to nonprofit organizations that advance the wellbeing of women in the Greater New Orleans area.

Grants may be awarded in an amount between $5,000 and $20,000 to support programming in one or more of JLNO’s focus areas: Economic Opportunity – Supporting women’s potential to seize economic opportunities Physical & Mental Health – Improving women’s health to live healthier, happier lives Family Assistance – Providing family support that alleviates burdens on women caregivers To be eligible for funding, an organization must: Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt organization Be based in or serve the Greater New Orleans Metropolitan area Have not received JLNO funding in the past 12 months Submit a complete application by the deadline, including all required application components and the completed JLNO CAF Budget Template.

Request funding for a specific and stated program or project that supports one or more of JLNO’s focus areas Not request funding for ineligible expenses (e.g., salaries, marketing, travel, overhead) To maintain alignment with our mission and funding priorities, JLNO will not consider grant requests that include the following: Organizations located outside the Greater New Orleans Metropolitan Area (unless the request directly serves individuals within the metro area) Sponsorships for special events or fundraisers Religious instruction, worship services, or faith-based teaching Political campaigns, endorsements, or lobbying activities Travel expenses (including transportation, lodging, and per diem) Fundraising contributions or donations Marketing, branding, or advertising expenses Overhead costs, including but not limited to staff salaries, utilities, rent, or taxes Capital campaigns or building/facility renovations Any organization with an existing project currently funded by the Junior League of New Orleans All funding requests must be for a specific and clearly defined project or program , with broad community benefit and direct alignment to JLNO’s mission of advancing the wellbeing of women.

Financial Documentation Requirement As part of the application process, all applicants must complete and submit the JLNO CAF Budget Template . This template is required for all funding requests and must be uploaded with the application. The budget template is designed to provide a consistent format for reviewing project expenses and funding needs.

Applications submitted without the completed budget template may be considered incomplete and may not advance in the review process. Applicants should download the template HERE , complete all applicable sections, and upload the finalized document when prompted in the application. Applicants must confirm they meet all eligibility requirements before applying.

As part of the final review process, finalist applicants may be contacted by members of the Community Assistance Fund Committee to participate in a brief site visit or virtual interview . These visits allow JLNO to gain a deeper understanding of the program, its impact, and how the requested funds would be used. Site visits or interviews will be scheduled in August 2026 , prior to final funding decisions.

Organizations should ensure availability during this timeframe and provide a point of contact for scheduling when completing the application. If selected, organizations must complete follow-up evaluations at 6 and 12 months post-award. Grant recipients will be publicly recognized and must attend the JLNO General Membership Meeting (GMM) on October 20, 2026 , where awards will be presented in person.

For questions or additional information, please contact the CAF Committee at caf@jlno. org .

New Orleans Magazine | Junior League of New Orleans Awards $20,000 in Community Assistance Fund Grants Community Assistance Fund Grant Recipients Streetside Library – Bringing books and literacy programs directly to women, children, and families in crisis, Streetside Library builds micro-libraries in shelters and hosts pop-up reading events for underserved communities.

– $5,000 Dinerral Shavers Educational Fund (DSEF) – Through GIRLS NOLA, DSEF combines mentorship, integrative arts, and gamification to educate adolescent girls about sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and leadership.

– $5,000 ECCO – ECCO equips first-generation and female-identifying Latina students with mentorship, financial literacy, test prep, and STEM career exploration through its Camino a la Universidad and Pioneras en STEM programs. – $5,000 Youth Run NOLA – Youth Run NOLA provides free school and park-based wellness programs, coaching girls to build confidence, teamwork skills, and lifelong healthy habits through running.

– $5,000 One Happy Mama – Empowers young mothers through mentorship, workshops, and financial support that promote self-sufficiency, personal growth, and family stability. – $19,000 Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New Orleans – Provides essential supplies, including car seats, strollers, formula, clothing, and wipes, to help meet the immediate needs of infants, children, and families facing hardship.

– $16,000 Metro Centers for Community Advocacy – Assists survivors of domestic violence by providing household necessities and support services that help families transition safely into permanent housing. – $15,000 St. Thomas Community Health Center – Expands access to women’s healthcare by purchasing a colposcopy machine and related medical equipment to improve cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services.

– $15,850 New Orleans Womens & Childrens Shelter – Supports women on the path to self-sufficiency by providing student worker stipends, program materials, and assistance for residents opening their first checking accounts. – $7,150 The Bright School for the Deaf – Provides tuition assistance for families led by single mothers, ensuring young children with hearing loss can access specialized early childhood education.

– $5,000 Emergency Legal Responders – Prepares women for the legal challenges that can arise following natural disasters through educational workshops focused on disaster preparedness and recovery. – $7,500 STEM Heads – Engages K–12 students in New Orleans East through hands-on summer programming designed to build interest and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

– $13,250 Teresa Talks – Empowers women and girls through monthly personal development sessions and outreach programs at women’s shelters and girls’ homes. – $1,200 Dress for Success – Empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing professional attire, career development, and employment support, including its Suiting Program, which provides women with the clothing and essentials needed to enter or re-enter the workforce.

– $5,000 Operation Restoration – Supports women impacted by incarceration through housing, education, workforce development, and wraparound social services, including Operation Social Services, which provides essential clothing, hygiene products, and basic necessities to support successful reentry.

– $5,000 Jericho Road – Helps low- to moderate-income families achieve homeownership through affordable housing, financial coaching, and homebuyer education, including its Housing Sustainability Program, which helps women build long-term financial stability and generational wealth.

– $10,000 Market Umbrella – Promotes healthy communities through farmers markets, nutrition education, and food access programs, including the Market Mommas Club, which provides breastfeeding support and fresh, healthy food incentives for new mothers and their families.

– $10,000 Hagar’s House – Provides transitional housing, holistic support, and financial planning for women and children experiencing housing instability, helping families achieve long-term stability through safe housing, nutritious food, and supportive services.

– $10,000 KID SmART – Expands access to arts-integrated education for New Orleans public school students through creative learning experiences that build academic achievement, confidence, empathy, and communication skills. – $1,500 ArcGNO – Promotes independence and inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through employment services, work readiness training, job coaching, and ongoing career support.

– $3,500 Mercy Endeavors – Improves the health and well-being of low-income seniors by providing nutritious meals, transportation, wellness activities, and social engagement programs that help seniors age with dignity and independence. – $3,600 Son of a Saint – Empowers youth through mentorship, educational support, life skills development, and mental health services while strengthening the well-being of single mothers and guardians.

– $5,000 The 18th Ward – Provides affordable youth sports programs that build confidence and leadership through its Coaches in Training Pathway, preparing young women of color for careers in youth development through paid coaching and mentorship.

– $6,400 SilenceIsViolence – Supports victims of violence and their families through advocacy, trauma-informed services, and the Victim Allies Project, which provides wraparound support to families impacted by homicide.

– $4,000 Catholic Charities Archdiocese New Orleans Bridges – Empowers vulnerable individuals and families through housing, food assistance, education, and supportive services, including the Bridges to Self-Sufficiency program, which provides rapid rehousing, financial literacy, and case management for families experiencing homelessness.

– $4,000 YMCA of Greater New Orleans H2Geaux Safety Around Water Program – Strengthens communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, including the H2Geaux Safety Around Water Program, which provides life-saving swim instruction and water safety education for children across the Greater New Orleans area.

– $7,000 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday 4319 Carondelet Street, New Orleans, LA 70115 Etiam interdum diam at posuere bibendum Vivamus malesuada lectus dolor a tincidunt massa rhoncus eu. [contact-form-7 id="322" title="Footer Newsletter"]