What is the Little Black Dress Initiative?

The Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) is a social media-driven fundraising campaign started by the Junior League of London to raise awareness about poverty and its effects on women's lives.

Since its launch in London in 2014, over 80 Junior Leagues have participated in LBDI, raising tens of thousands of dollars and awareness about their particular community work focus, i.e., domestic violence, human trafficking, literacy, and food insecurity.

LBDI participants (also known as advocates) wear the same black dress (or outfit) for five consecutive days to illustrate the restrictions poverty places on choices, opportunities, and access to resources. Each advocate wears a button that says "Ask Me About My Dress" that invites dialogue among colleagues, friends, and strangers about this initiatives message. Advocates will also engage on social media, sharing statistics, information, and their experiences throughout the initiative.

What is the Junior League of Washington's (JLW) goal through LBDI?

Our goal is to expand and encourage a culture of philanthropy by raising money for the Community Assistance Fund (CAF); these resources will be used to award grants to nonprofits in the DMV area, expanding on the 2020 LBDI.

In May 2020, JLW formed the CAF to grant relief to nonprofits experiencing urgent need as they provided community support during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Between May 2020 and January 2021, JLW awarded $80,000 through a total of seven CAF grants to help our community in need. With the clear need of community assistance during the pandemic, JLW's inaugural LBDI fundraiser was able to continue to fulfill the need in our community and fund an additional six grants last spring. This fall, LBDI will build upon JLW's work to assist our community through additional grants and volunteer support.

Every donation matters, and together, we can combine our available assistance to aid our ravaged community from the wide-reaching health and financial impacts of the pandemic. JLW understands the pandemic has been challenging for many in a myriad of ways. Donations made in any amount, by you, your friends, or your family, are greatly appreciated and help support our impactful work in the community.