Awards & Scholarships
Every year, the Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club recognizes outstanding individuals from the community.
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.
In January 2026, DGJWC awarded a $20,000 charity grant to our 2025–2026 Charity Partner, Indian Boundary YMCA, supporting its impactful programs for children and families in our community.
Learn more about this partnership here.
For more information, contact the Philanthropy Chair at dgjwcgives@gmail.com.
annual junior high art contest
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 $2000. 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.
2026 Applications are now open and recipients will be awarded in April!
Women’s workforce empowerment scholarship
The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC) is proud to announce the first annual Women’s Workforce Advancement Scholarship, awarding two $5,000 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.
District 58 & 99 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.