Our History

The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club held its first meeting in 1959 on the second floor of a Park District building that was at Fairview and Maple Avenues, where Hummer Park is now located. Our first fund-raiser was a “style show” and our first service project was a “reading hour” at the public library. Our projects through the years and contributions to the Village have been many and great. Among our major projects have been the Children’s Reading Hour at the Downers Grove Library, Youth Center, Fall Festival, Santa’s House, Indian Boundary Y.M.C.A., Glass Recycling Project with the Kiwanis Club, the Pediatrics Department at Good Samaritan Hospital, and many contributions to Youth and Senior Citizen projects.

Our Mission

The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club is a philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting our community. The money we raise supports local children, high school students, senior citizens, the abused, the ill, the homeless, victims of tragedy and families in need. We are a group of women who are dedicated to helping others not as fortunate in our community.

The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club is a proud member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, a nonprofit organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.

GFWC Illinois Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Our strength comes from our Motto “Unity in Diversity” and we celebrate the visible and invisible qualities that make each person unique, including race, gender, age, sexuality, ability, religion, national origin, gender identity and other identities. GFWC Illinois believes in fostering an inclusive, equitable climate and culture where all members of our diverse community can thrive.

Education has long been an important part of the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club’s commitment to our community. Each year, DGJWC awards scholarships to local students pursuing higher education, recognizing their achievements, community involvement, and commitment to their future.
Our Women’s Workforce Empowerment Scholarship expands that commitment by supporting women who are pursuing education, training, or professional development to strengthen their skills, advance their careers, or create new opportunities for themselves and their families.
Through our scholarship programs, DGJWC is proud to invest in education at different stages of life and help members of our community take meaningful steps toward their future.

DGJWC brings people together through community events and programs designed to educate, connect, and create meaningful experiences for local families. From longstanding programs like Safety Town to special events and community partnerships throughout the year, our members work alongside local organizations, businesses, and community leaders to create opportunities that benefit Downers Grove and its residents.
These programs reflect our commitment to being an active part of the community and creating traditions that make a lasting impact.

WHAT WE DO

Each year, DGJWC provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations serving individuals and families throughout Downers Grove and the surrounding communities.
Through funds raised by our members and signature events, we are able to support organizations addressing a wide range of community needs. Our members review funding requests throughout the Club year, allowing DGJWC to direct our resources where they can make a meaningful local impact.
Through our philanthropic giving, we are proud to invest in the organizations doing important work right here in our community.
Our Women’s Workforce Empowerment Scholarship expands that commitment by supporting women who are pursuing education, training, or professional development to strengthen their skills, advance their careers, or create new opportunities for themselves and their families.
Through our scholarship programs, DGJWC is proud to invest in education at different stages of life and help members of our community take meaningful steps toward their future.

Grants give the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club an opportunity to make a significant investment in local organizations and the work they do in our community.
Every other year, the DGJWC Grant provides funding to one or more deserving nonprofit organizations for projects, programs, or initiatives that can create a meaningful and lasting impact.
Each year, DGJWC also selects a Charity Partner, providing dedicated financial support and helping bring greater awareness to the organization and its mission throughout the Club year.
Together, these programs allow DGJWC to build stronger relationships with local nonprofits while investing in the organizations making a difference in our community.

DGJWC members volunteer throughout Downers Grove and surrounding communities, lending their time and talents to service projects that support local organizations, families and individuals in need.

Fundraising makes much of DGJWC’s work in the community possible. Throughout the year, our members plan and host signature events that bring people together while raising funds to support our philanthropic giving, scholarships, grants, and community programs.
Events such as the Downers Grove House Walk, Witches Walk, and Makers & Merchants Market help turn community participation into meaningful support for local organizations and causes.
Every ticket purchased, sponsorship received, and event supported helps DGJWC continue giving back to the community we serve.

We honor and thank the women who have served as
Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club
past presidents.

Our History

Our Mission

GFWC Illinois Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Educational Scholarships

Community Event & Programs

WHAT WE DO

Philanthropic Giving

Grants & Charity Partnership

Service Projects

Fundraising