The Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula (JLPA•MP) is actively soliciting applications from local nonprofits to create a strategic partnership together; with the goal of driving meaningful impact in the community while developing member leadership and volunteer opportunities. The JLPA•MP is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.

Eligible applicants must have tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and their mission must align with the JLPA•MP’s focus area: improving the wellbeing of our community through programs and community partnerships that address the impacts of systemic poverty on the physical and mental health of individuals and families, including the lack of sufficient housing, food, and provisions.

Grants will range in value from $5,000 up to $100,000. A portion of the funds must have the potential to benefit people or groups within the JLPA•MP service area (San Mateo to Sunnyvale).

Grant applications will be accepted between October 15 and November 30, 2025. Recipients will be notified in March 2026, and publicly announced in May 2026. The next grant cycle starts in October 2025.

Restrictions in Community Grant Funding (items that cannot be funded):

• Fundraising events, including tickets or tables;
• Trips or tours exclusively for the organization’s personnel or attendance at conferences or events not related to the organization’s ongoing programs;
• Organizations without a non-discrimination policy;
• Endowment campaigns;
• Costs already incurred;
• Education of any kind that includes any denominational or non-denominational religious component;
• Academic tuition to benefit an individual.
• Grant recipients (including the organization, the staff, and the board members) may not be listed as a Specially Designated National (SDN) on the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) List. The full SDN list is available at: http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/SDN-List/Pages/default.aspx. JLPA•MP will conduct a check of all grant organizations (along with their staff and board members) on the OFAC List before awarding any grant money.

For more information  or any questions on the grants process, please contact the Grants & Partnerships Team.

Past Giving

2024-2025 Grants Cycle

COMMUNITY GRANTS

CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse) — $10,000 to support CORA’s Safe House and Supportive Housing program for residents of San Mateo County that provides a confidential and secure living space, safety, and trauma-informed wrap-around services and resources for survivors (including children witnesses) fleeing intimate partner abuse. CORA’s safe houses are for all genders and are culturally responsive.

Hope’s Corner — $15,000 to support the “Healthy Food for Hope” meal program, which strives to meet the ever-increasing demand for nutritious meals by hungry seniors, adults, and children. Specifically, this grant would cover the cost of 9,000 meals over a 12-month period. 

HIP Housing ­— $50,000 to provide rent for families in our community and continue our partnership on the Pop-up Shop to empower women who are seeking employment and other opportunities.

There With Care — $25,000 to provide supplies for patient and family support programs.

EMERGENCY GRANTS

The Junior League of Los Angeles Wildfire Relief Fund and The Junior League of Pasadena’s Eaton Fire Relief Fund — $1,000 each in support of wildfire relief efforts.

The Junior League Disaster Relief Fund — $1,000 in support of hurricane relief efforts in the Southeast (Hurricane Helene).

2023-2024 Grants Cycle

Karat School Project — $5,000 to support a summer enrichment program for youth.

One Life Counseling — $15,000 to support native language counseling services.

There With Care — $30,000 to provide supplies for patient and family support programs.

HIP Housing ­— $50,000 to provide rent for families in our community and a new partnership that will create a “pop up shop” to empower women who are seeking employment and other opportunities.

Presidential Emergency Grant to Samaritan House — $1,000 in recognition of their relentless dedication to combat poverty in San Mateo County.

Full list of grants here.