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Our campaign is now complete. 516 supporters helped us raise US$24,090.00

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Closed 22/10/2026

Little Black Dress Initiative September 2026

The Junior League of Washington’s 2026 Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) raises awareness of intimate partner and domestic violence in the DC metro area and funds Community Assistance Fund Grants that support organizations serving survivors.

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Closed 22/10/2026

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Story

Intimate partner violence (IPV) and domestic violence affect thousands of individuals across the Washington, DC region every year. DC SAFE reports more than 32,000 domestic violence-related police calls annually, averaging nearly 90 calls per day. Survivors—especially women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and communities of color—face significant barriers to safety, stable housing, trauma‑informed care, and long‑term recovery.

From September 14-18, 2026, JLW members will wear the same black dress or outfit for five consecutive days to spark conversation, raise awareness, and generate critical funding for JLW’s Community Assistance Fund Grants, which award up to $5,000 to DC‑area nonprofits providing emergency shelter, legal advocacy, transportation, trauma‑informed services, and housing support for survivors.

This year’s campaign precedes Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, positioning JLW to kick off a season of education, advocacy, and survivor support.

All donations to LBDI make a meaningful difference. Help us reach our 2026 goal of $40,000—equivalent to 8 Community Assistance Fund Grants—during this week‑long campaign. By contributing to LBDI, you directly support DC‑area nonprofits and the survivors they serve.

Please visit our website for more information about JLW, LBDI, and our Community Assistance Fund Grants.

Donation summary

Total
US$24,089.35
Online
US$23,989.35
Offline
US$0.00
Direct
US$625.00
Fundraisers
US$23,464.35

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