Community Micro-Grant Program (Pilot Year)

League Year: 2025–2026

Grant Type: First-Year Micro-Grant Pilot

Total Funding Available: Up to $3,000 (One award anticipated during pilot year)

About the Program

The Junior League of Orange County, CA (JLOCC) is a nonprofit organization of women dedicated to strengthening our community through volunteerism, leadership development, and effective civic action.

The Community Micro-Grant Program is a new pilot initiative designed to provide targeted, short-term funding to a local nonprofit addressing a clearly defined community need. Through this pilot, the JLOCC aims to support meaningful community impact while learning how to build a sustainable grant program for future years.

Because this is our first year, the program is intentionally small and focused to ensure a thoughtful, equitable, and manageable process for both applicants and the League.

What We’re Looking to Support (Pilot Year)

JLOCC is passionately committed to promoting Gender Equality and empowering all women and girls. This focus is central to our mission. For the 2025–2026 pilot year, preference will be given to projects that advance gender equality, expand opportunity for women and girls, and promote leadership development within Orange County.

As a first-year pilot, we want to prioritize projects advancing gender equality while also learning how best to structure future funding cycles. A preference model allows us to stay mission-aligned without unintentionally excluding strong community partners. Organizations whose broader mission serves the community at large are welcome to apply. 

Grant Details

  • Award Amount: Up to $3,000
  • Number of Awards: One anticipated (pilot year)
  • Grant Term: Short-term, project-based (to be completed between June 2026 and May 2027, within 12 months after the award)
  • Funding Type: Programmatic or project support. Limited indirect cost (up to 15% of the request) may be included (e.g. staff time tied to the project, supplies, implementation costs). 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant organizations must:

  • Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in good standing
  • Serve communities within Orange County, California
  • Demonstrate a clear and measurable community impact
  • Agree to reporting and recognition requirements if selected

Ineligible Uses of Funds (Pilot Year)

Grant funds may not be used for:

  • Individuals or scholarships/tuition
  • Fundraising events
  • Political, sectarian, or religious programming

Application & Selection Process (High-Level)

  • Application Opens: Week of February 26, 2026
  • Review Period: March-April 2026 (conducted by JLOCC Membership and approved by the JLOCC Board of Directors)
  • Optional Clarification: A brief follow-up conversation or site visit may be requested
  • Notification of Award: April 2026
  • Award Recognition:  JLOCC’s Annual Meeting on Friday, May 08, 2026
  • Funds Disbursed: Upon execution of a grant agreement

Partnership Expectations

Selected organizations will be asked to:

  • Use funds solely for the approved project
  • Acknowledge JLOCC’s support in relevant communications
  • Participate in impact reporting (brief written summary)
  • Share photos or stories, when available and with appropriate consent

Why a Micro-Grant Pilot?

This pilot allows JLOCC to:

  • Learn and refine our grantmaking approach before scaling
  • Build a transparent, replicable, values-aligned process
  • Strengthen relationships with Orange County nonprofit partners

Future League years may expand funding levels, number of awards, or grant cycles based on lessons learned.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

  • Alignment with JLOCC’s focus on Gender Equality (preferred)
  • Clarity and significance of community need
  • Defined and measurable outcomes
  • Feasibility within the grant term
  • Clear and appropriate use of funds
  • Opportunities for Member engagement (preferred but not required)

Questions & Interest

For questions or to express interest in the pilot program, please contact: scholarships@jlocc.org

Micro-Community Grant Application 

Applicants must submit a completed application form via Google Forms. 

ALL materials are due by 11:59 PM on Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Recipients will be notified in writing by the end of April 2025.