Community Assistance Fund (CAF)

Community Assistance Fund (CAF)

The Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) Community Assistance Fund provides targeted funding to nonprofit organizations advancing the wellbeing of women across the Greater New Orleans area.

Mission & Focus Areas

Grants 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

Geographic Scope

Greater New Orleans Metropolitan area

Eligibility Requirements

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
• 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

Ineligible Expenses & Activities

JLNO will not consider grant requests that include:
• 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 staff salaries, utilities, rent, or taxes
• Capital campaigns or building/facility renovations
• Any organization with an existing project currently funded by JLNO

Application Expectations

• Applicants must confirm they meet all eligibility requirements before applying
• Finalist applicants may be contacted by the Community Assistance Fund Committee for a brief site visit or virtual interview (typically scheduled late August through early September)
• Organizations must be available during the site visit/interview timeframe
• If selected, organizations must complete follow-up evaluations at 6 and 12 months post-award
• Grant recipients must provide public recognition of the grant on at least one platform (social media, newsletters, donor pages, etc.)
• Grant recipients must attend the JLNO General Membership Meeting where awards will be presented in person

Recent Grant Recipients

2025-2026 Recipients ($5,000 each):
• Streetside Library
• Dinerral Shavers Educational Fund (DSEF)
• ECCO
• Youth Run NOLA

2023-2024 Recipients:

St. Thomas Community Health Center – $15,850

New Orleans Women's and Children's Shelter – $7,150

The Bright School for the Deaf – $5,000

Emergency Legal Responders – $7,500

STEM Heads – $13,250

Teresa Talks – $1,200

Contact Information

CAF Committee: caf@jlno.org JLNO Headquarters: 504-891-5845 | info@jlno.org