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JUNIOR LEAGUE OF RICHMOND AWARDS $10,000 GRANT TO GIRLS ON THE RUN GREATER RICHMOND TO EXPAND PROGRAMMING

The grant supported programming serving 100 girls in Richmond, Chesterfield, and Henrico

RICHMOND, VA, July 7, 2026 – The Junior League of Richmond (JLR) is proud to announce the award of a $10,000 grant to Girls on the Run Greater Richmond to support the expansion of its evidence-based youth development program to additional schools in Richmond, Chesterfield, and Henrico, serving approximately 100 more girls across the region. 

This grant reflects the Junior League of Richmond’s commitment to advancing opportunities for girls and young women through programs that foster confidence, leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Girls on the Run Greater Richmond delivers a curriculum that combines physical activity with life skills development, empowering participants to build self-esteem, strengthen peer connections, and develop critical decision-making skills.  JLR has been a partner to Girls on the Run Greater Richmond for four years, supporting its work through volunteer efforts.  

“We are thrilled to support Girls on the Run Greater Richmond to expand their reach and deepen their impact,” said Dagny Barone, President of the Junior League of Richmond. “This grant represents more than financial support—it’s an investment in mentorship, health, and the future success of young girls in our community.”

The funding directly supports program expansion into schools that may not otherwise have access to enrichment opportunities like Girls on the Run. The program is offered on a sliding scale, with many signing on at no cost to participants. 

“Through this grant, we are investing in the potential of young girls in our community and helping to create pathways for confidence and leadership at an early age,” said Tasha Moore, Executive Director of the  Junior League of Richmond. “Girls on the Run Greater Richmond is a proven program that aligns closely with the JLR’s interest in promoting the well-being of girls and women.”

Girls on the Run Greater Richmond participants engaged in lessons focused on teamwork, decision-making, emotional well being, and healthy relationship building, all culminating in a celebratory 5K event. The grant funding helped ensure that 100 girls could participate in Girls on the Run regardless of financial circumstances. The impact of the investment was reflected in participant outcomes with 95 percent of parents and caregivers saying their child is confident after participating in the program this spring.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Junior League of Richmond for their generous support and ongoing volunteer engagement,” said Catherine Estevez, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Greater Richmond. “Because of this investment, more girls had access to a program that equips them with valuable social, emotional, and physical skills while building confidence that extends far beyond the season.”

The Junior League of Richmond, celebrating its centennial year, remains committed to building better communities through strategic partnerships and targeted grants that create meaningful, lasting impact.

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The Junior League of Richmond is an organization of women whose Mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. With a rich history of 100 years of service since its founding in 1926, the Junior League of Richmond continues to be a driving force in making a positive impact in Richmond, Virginia. 

Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based positive youth development program for 3rd–8th grade girls. The research-based curriculum combines running with lessons that build social-emotional skills, confidence, and resilience to help girls thrive.