Grants

Call for Proposals – Applications now closed

The Junior League of San Jose (JLSJ), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women and supporting the community through volunteerism, is pleased to announce the opening of the application process for its biennial (two year) Community Impact Partnership. We are committed to investing in innovative solutions that address critical needs in Santa Clara County, with a current focus on eradicating poverty and/or food insecurity.

Grant Awards

The JLSJ offers biennial (two year) grants of up to $20,000 to eligible organizations.

Eligibility

  • Registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization or government entity
  • Operating and serving the Santa Clara County community
  • Demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in your organization and programs
  • Willingness to designate a point person for collaboration with JLSJ Members

Program Priorities

We prioritize programs that:

  • Directly address poverty and/or food insecurity in Santa Clara County
  • Offer innovative approaches to tackling these issues
  • Provide opportunities for collaboration, including Coalition Building, Advocacy/Policy Awareness, Capacity Building, and Direct Service
  • Involve women and/or children as participants or beneficiaries (strongly encouraged)

Review Process

Proposals will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

  • Eligibility: Meets all eligibility requirements outlined above.
  • Program Alignment: Clearly addresses the JLSJ’s Focus Areas of poverty and/or food insecurity.
  • Organizational Capacity: Demonstrates the ability to effectively implement the proposed program(s) with qualified staff, leadership, a strong Board, and sound financial management.
  • Commitment to DEI: Integrates DEI principles throughout your organization and program(s).
  • Collaboration: Willingness to partner with the JLSJ Members on volunteer opportunities.
  • Financial Health: Maintains good standing with the IRS (submit most recent IRS Form 990).

Application Instructions – Application now closed

  • Complete the Google form application, which will be posted on February 3, 2025 to our website at ​​https://sanjose.jl.org/grants/. 
  • Complete the application thoroughly, limiting your responses to five (5) pages.
  • Submit the completed application by March 3, 2025.
  • Attach any additional supporting documentation relevant to your organization and program(s).

Timeline

  • January 2025
    • 3rd: Grant guidelines and application information will be made available on our website.
  • February 2025
    • 3rd: Grant applications will open.
  • March 2025
    • 3rd: Grant applications will close.
    • 7th: Grant applications will be reviewed.
    • 12th: Grant recommendations will be presented to the JLSJ Board of Directors for approval.
  • April 2025
    • 2nd: Grant recipients will be notified and invited to attend our May Annual Meeting.
  • May 2025
    • 21st: Grant recipients will be recognized at our Annual Meeting.
  • June 2025
    • 1st:  Grant funds will be disbursed and partnerships with grant recipients will officially begin.

Contact Information

For questions or clarification, please contact the JLSJ Community Committee at grants@jlsj.org. We are committed to clear and timely communication throughout the process.

We look forward to receiving your proposals and partnering with organizations making a positive impact in Santa Clara County!