The 2021-2022 Junior League of Lafayette's Collaborative Opportunity Grants Committee has awarded the following grants during the 2021-2022 League year. We are pleased to work with all the partner organizations in fulfilling their need and carrying out Junior League of Lafayette’s Mission of improving Acadiana through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. We are grateful to all the organizations that applied in this grant cycle, and we would like to thank everyone who participated in selecting these 13 grants - many of which are already underway. Stay tuned for more posts with photos and updates on these wonderful programs!
Collaborative Day Grants
Total ($14,000)
Aylee’s Angels / Bereavement Boxes
Grant Award - $2,000
Aylee’s Angels provides keepsakes and bereavement boxes to families who lose a child due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. Junior League of Lafayette volunteers will purchase supplies and work together with the nonprofit staff to paint and decorate these boxes during craft days.
Faith House / Camp HOPE Pathways events
Grant Award - $2,000
Faith House campers and siblings have the option to participate in year-long Pathways events that extends the benefits of the week-long Camp HOPE program. These programs encourage children to have fun and try new activities while also exposing them to knowledge on STEM subjects and nature. Junior League of Lafayette volunteers will plan meals, pick up and deliver food to the events, serve food, work the activity stations, and clean up. Grant funds will go toward purchasing food and art supplies.
Healing House / Coping Kits for children
Grant Award - $2,000
Junior League of Lafayette will provide Coping Kits to children who've experienced the recent death of someone significant in their lives. The kits include art supplies, grief journals, and a book on grief. The volunteers will help purchase kit supplies, assemble the kits, then deliver the completed kits to agencies, hospitals, funeral homes, and hospice organizations.
Miles Perret Cancer Services / Treatment Care Kits
Grant Award - $2,000
Junior League of Lafayette will assist with assembling and labeling care kits to help Miles Perret clients minimize skin and oral side effects of chemotherapy and/or radiation. Cancer patients in treatment often experience side effects like mouth sores, dry skin, and dehydration. Grant funds will go toward purchasing supplies.
New Hope Community Development of Acadiana / Spring Party
Grant Award - $2,000
Junior League of Lafayette will assist with facilitating the New Hope Spring Store and Spring Party for students who participate in the after-school tutoring program. These students earn New Hope Dollars by doing their homework, completing extra assignments, and exercising self-discipline. During the New Hope Spring Store, students can spend their New Hope Dollars and are encouraged to purchase gifts for their family, teachers, and friends, along with a special gift for themselves. Volunteers will assist with purchasing items for the store, serving as shopping assistants, planning games, and purchasing food for the Spring Party.
Second Harvest Food Bank
Grant Award - $2,000
Junior League of Lafayette will help coordinate a food tasting event at Scott Middle to celebrate the reopening of the School Pantry program, which alleviates child hunger by reaching children and their families at school. Volunteers will share food samples with the students while also handing out nutritional information and recipes at the event.
United Way of Acadiana / Day of Thanksgiving
Grant Award - $2,000
Junior League of Lafayette will collaborate with United Way to distribute food baskets to the families that United Way supports. Grant funds are used to purchase turkeys and other food items needed for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Junior League volunteers will help with purchasing items, sorting, and packaging food for distribution. On the day of the event, volunteers will have the chance to meet and greet the families served.
Collaborative Night Grants
Total ($12,000)
Children’s Museum of Acadiana / Museum Exterior Mural Art
Grant Award - $2,000
Junior League of Lafayette volunteers will help design and paint -- with the help of a local artist -- a wall mural near the Children’s Museum’s entryway to greet guests and share its story. Junior League volunteers will work with the artist to design the mural, purchase paint and supplies, and paint the mural.
Clearport Learning Center / Girl’s Night
Grant Award - $2,000
Junior League of Lafayette will assist The Clearport Learning Center’s mentoring program, Girl’s Night. Girl’s Night events are part of the organization's mentorship program that focuses on providing young women with the opportunity to engage in discussions and mentorship with female community leaders. Junior League volunteers will purchase supplies for the events, help serve the meal, and help with two activity stations.
DREAMS Foundation of Acadiana / Mardi Gras Ball
Grant Award - $2,000
Junior League of Lafayette volunteers will help host a Mardi Gras Ball in 2022 for special needs individuals, giving them a chance to experience being on a Mardi Gras court. Members will help with planning the event, setting up decorations, preparing food, serving attendees, and supervising other DREAMS Foundation volunteers.
Girls on the Run / Girls on the Run 5K
Grant Award - $2,000
With the help of Junior League of Lafayette, Girls on the Run will reinstate the Girls on the Run 5K in Lafayette. In recent years, girls who participate have had to travel to Baton Rouge to attend the 5K. The grant will fund activities for the 5K Inspiration Village, finish line medals for all participants, and post-5K food. Junior League volunteers will help with activities at the Inspiration Village before the race and hand out medals to each athlete.
Girl Scouts / Cookie CEO banquet
Grant Award - $2,000
At the Cookie CEO banquet, area Girl Scouts are celebrated for going above and beyond in the Cookie Program. This leadership program incorporates aspects of teamwork, planning, and positivity while teaching them valuable life skills -- all while raising funds that support more girls in Acadiana. Junior League of Lafayette will help with purchasing supplies, decorations, and awards for the banquet. Volunteers will help set up the event and check girls in as they arrive. Junior League of Lafayette will also have the opportunity to have a member speak as a keynote speaker at the event.
Habitat for Humanity / Women Build 2021
Grant Award - $2,000
Habitat for Humanity’s Women’s Build initiative provides a hands-on opportunity for women to confront the challenges of affordable housing in Acadiana. Grant funds will go toward purchasing materials for the Women Build home. Habitat will coordinate a build day specifically for Junior League of Lafayette volunteers to work on a home and meet the future homeowner.
