The JLHB is now accepting applications for the 2009/2010 Discretionary Fund.  Community organizations may be eligible to receive up to $5000 of financial support for their initiatives.


A Discretionary Fund was established by the JLHB in 1977 to provide modest financial support to other organizations whose needs and programs align with the Junior League Mission of developing the potential of women, promoting voluntarism and improving the community. Tax-exempt, non-profit, registered charitable organizations providing special services, education or programming for children and youth, the elderly or for women's issues may be eligible for a grant.

The JLHB invites qualifying organizations, located within the Region of Halton or City of Hamilton, to apply. 

Completed Application For Discretionary Funds must be received up to and including March 15, 2010.  Applications can be submitted by fax to 905-525-4996, e-mailed to info@juniorleague.ca or mailed to the JLHB office at 1424 Plains Rd. W., Burlington, ON L7T 1H6 . 

Funds will be disbursed in May 2010. 

JLHB Discretionary Fund Guidelines:
 Qualifying donees are those specified by the Canadian Revenue Agency
 Geographic borders for grants shall be with the City of Hamilton and Region of Halton
 Request for funds must address a need in the areas covered by the JLHB Mission
 Initiatives must include the use of volunteers (not necessarily JLHB members)
 Initiatives must be in areas of special services, education, children and youth, the elderly or women's issues
 Initiatives must relate to the purpose of the Junior League which is educational and charitable
 Request for funds must be presented in a written proposal that includes a completed Discretionary Fund application form, or all the pertinent information contained therein
 Applications must be submitted before March 15th of each year 
 Discretionary Funds will be disbursed in May of each year
 Discretionary Fund recipients are requested to provide some recognition or publicity in connection with the receiving of funds from the JLHB
 Discretionary Fund recipients will provide the JLHB with a written evaluation six months after the funds have been disbursed


Please note:
 The JLHB Discretionary Fund does not support annual programs such as scholarships. Christmas funds, membership drives, etc; Sectarian, religious, partisan or political purposes are not eligible for consideration.
 The JLHB Discretionary Fund does not provide loans or grants to individuals.

Under special circumstances, the JLHB Community Impact Team may make a recommendation to waive a guideline.

The amount allocated to the League's Discretionary Fund Program is determined by the Board of Directors and varies annually.  After the submission deadline, the Community Impact Team of members reviews all applications and submits their recommendations to the Board of Directors for approval at the April Board Meeting. In May 2010, funds will be disbursed, in varying amounts, to a total of $5000. 

Since 1977, over 200 community initiatives have been supported with over $140,000 of JLHB Discretionary Funds. Supplementing funding for programs that assist in the development of children's self esteem, or for the purchase of nutritious snacks at quality community programs, or helping to offer care and hope to young women and their children through the purchase of cribs, change tables for educational toys are examples of how the JLHB Discretionary Fund has most recently helped to shape a strong and vibrant community.

"The $500 received from the Junior League made a substantial difference in overcoming some initial hurdles, as we planned to introduce our summer camp program for the first time. The League helped us to launch a program that will continue in the future."  Camelot Centre in Burlington provides a creative day program for intellectually disabled adults. 

"I just wanted to write a note to say thank you for the very generous donation that you  made to the Youth Aiding Youth program.  The money you gave us will be used to benefit the matched children who need assistance with the development of their social skills and self-esteem.  Our ultimate goal is to allow these children to have a positive childhood and hopefully produce positive, contributing members of society. We also feel that the youth volunteers who work with our children are gaining from this unique opportunity to give back to their community and to make a difference in a child's life."    Reach Out Centre for Kids  (May/09)

"Snacks are a critical piece of our after school program.  The $500 granted to us goes a long way to providing healthy, nutritious snacks for the kids. Often, the children arrive at the program and haven't eaten since lunch. The snacks we provide might be their last substantial meal of the day"  Welcome Inn Community Centre, Learning & Fun After School Program

"Thank you for your generous donation of $2000 to Making the Manor a Home. Your gift will assist us in giving hope to many young women and children who look to St. Martin's Manor for support.  They are truly beneficiaries of your generosity."  Catholic Family Services (May/09)


For more information about JLHB community impact initiatives, please visit the About and Projects pages of this website.