In keeping with our mission, the Junior League of Columbia (JLC) promotes voluntarism and improves communities by providing a variety of avenues for our members to become involved and make positive impacts throughout the Midlands community and schools. Our membership gives 50,000 hours—or $1 million worth of time—to benefit children and families in our community EVERY SINGLE YEAR!

Community Impact Grants

The Junior League of Columbia (JLC) has awarded a total of $50,000 to Greater Midlands non-profits that proposed transformational projects and initiatives addressing poverty and basic needs of children and families in the Midlands.

The 2022-2023 Community Impact Grant Recipients are:
• Central SC Habitat for Humanity received $30,000,
• Junior Achievement received $10,000, and
• Communities in Schools received $10,000.

Habitat for Humanity will use their Community Impact Grant for their Annual Women’s Build in 2023. Suzanne Brooks, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, said, “Central SC Habitat for Humanity is honored to partner with the Junior League of Columbia on our 2023 Women’s Build! And what is a better way to kick off this women-led project than to break ground on International Women’s Day (3/8/2023). The Junior League’s community impact grant funds not only promote affordable homeownership but provides an opportunity for women to take a proactive step in serving their communities.”

Junior Achievement is using their award to implement 10 JA Finance Virtual Park programs for middle and high school students, helping Midlands’ youth with financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship.

Communities in Schools will use their funding to provide low-income students with a community of support to improve success both inside and outside of the classroom. They will provide resources and skills to improve academic success, to empower students to stay in school, and to support students in creating healthy, sustainable lives for themselves.

The Junior League of Columbia is thrilled to support these nonprofits in their impactful work in Columbia. In addition to the grants themselves, Junior League members will serve as volunteers for the three organizations throughout the year.

The purpose of the JLC Community Impact Grant Program is to assist like-minded community partners in their efforts to improve lives in the greater Midlands area.

Please note that the Junior League of Columbia is not accepting applications for new community impact grants while participating in a two-year community assessment process. The JLC is  working to refocus its vision and service in the areas of greatest need that align with its new strategic plan and mission. The JLC may have community impact grants again in future years, but does not have an exact timeline of when that might happen once more.

Community Assistance Funds

The Junior League of Columbia may designate a portion of its budget for Community Assistance Funds to help address the short-term critical needs of not-for-profit organizations whose work supports and relates to the mission and vision of the JLC and/or AJLI. The intent of these funds is to permit the JLC to respond to critical community needs. Donations from the Community Assistance Fund are administered by the Board of Directors.

Applicants for Community Assistance Funds must be a 501(c)(3) organization in good standing and must serve the residents of the greater Midlands area of South Carolina. Organizations may receive one grant per fiscal year (July 1–June 30). The average award amount is $1,000.

For more information, please email info@jlcolumbia.org.

Community Forums

The Community Research and Project Development Committee hosts a series of issue-specific forums during the League year that bring together representatives from non-profits organizations, agencies, and other groups working in common areas. Each of these forums is designed as a facilitated conversation where members can learn more about specific topics that may benefit their organization or about issues facing our community and ways they can become involved in addressing them. 

Contact info@jlcolumbia.org to be added to our community partner email list to learn about upcoming topics.