Investing in Tomorrow

Through scholarships, teacher grants, and community recognition programs, DGJWC celebrates achievement, encourages leadership, and invests in the people who make our community stronger.

Scholarships & Grants

For generations, the Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club has supported local students, educators, and community members through programs that recognize achievement and create opportunities.

Charity Grants & Philanthropy Donations

The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club provides financial support to local not-for-profit organizations throughout Downers Grove and DuPage County through philanthropy donations and charity grants. Requests may be submitted by any active member during the club year and are voted on monthly by the general membership. The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club typically offers a charity grant every other calendar year.

FALL 2026 Grant Opportunity for non-profits!!!

The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC) will be awarding one or more grants totaling $20,000 in support of local charity projects. Non-profit organizations throughout DuPage County and surrounding counties are encouraged to apply. 

More information about this year’s grant submission process can be found here.

Contact the Philanthropy Chair at dgjwcgives@gmail.com with questions.

Women's Workforce Empowerment Scholarship

The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC) is proud to award scholarships to support women who are committed to building long-term financial stability through education and workforce advancement.  

This scholarship supports women connected to Bridge Communities, Hope’s Front Door, Family Shelter Service, or Naomi’s House.

Junior High Art Awards

This contest is open to 7th and 8th Grade students who attend school in District 58, District 66, and other Downers Grove Junior High schools.  Any individual artwork such as pencil, ink, painting or sculpture may be submitted and need not be a special piece created for the contest.   Winning artwork is displayed in downtown Downers Grove at the Community Bank of Downers Grove and will be returned to the schools in April. Please look out for more information in the winter of 2027.

Thank you to Community Bank of Downers Grove for generously sponsoring the awards for the students in March of 2026!

High School Senior Scholarships

High school seniors who reside in Downers Grove and/or attend a Community High School District 99 school are eligible to apply for a one-time scholarship of a minimum of $2,000. Multiple scholarships will be awarded. Scholarship recipients are invited to attend the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club’s scholarship presentation ceremony at the April General Meeting.

2027 Applications will open in March!

DG58 & D99 Teacher Grants

The Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club offers annual grants to a Illinois School District 58 & 99 teachers. The grants are to be used toward a specific program/ workshop/ course or educational supplies in conjunction with a lesson that the educator feels will benefit their students in a creative way. The grant money can be used for personal development or direct classroom materials/programs.

Congratulations to our 2025–2026 school year grant recipients! A total of $20,000 was awarded to fund 33 teacher grants across Downers Grove District 58 and District 99.

Annual Impact: 2025–2026

15 Senior Scholarships Awarded
2 Women's Workforce Empowerment Scholarships
33 Teacher Grants Funded
$20,000 Invested in Local Classrooms
Hundreds of students impacted

Every scholarship awarded and every classroom grant funded represents an investment in the future of our community. By supporting students and
educators today, DGJWC helps create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.