Junior League of Lafayette

Narrative Section



  1. Concise History of the Organization:

    1. Shining Light Foundation was formed in 1998 to provide students from low income families with funds to fully participate in their school's activities in Lafayette Parish grades K through 6th. The current program provides funds for musical instruments, tutoring, field trips, and other needs of individual students as requested by teachers, counselors, and principals.

  2. Description of the Goals:

    1. The goal of the Shining Light Foundation if to provide students with the resources they need to "Let their light shine".

  3. Description of the Project to be funded.

    1. This project will begin on 8/1/2013 and will conclude with the 2013/2014 school year.

    2. School personnel will request assistance for specific students in Lafayette Parish grades K-6 for participation in field trips, musical programs, or other activities in their school's curriculum. The Shining Light Board of Directors will review these applications and fund requests that are valid. Approximately 250 people will be impacted.

  4. Proposed project to be funded and statement of plans for continuing the project once funding ends.

    1. The proposed project is to provide assistance to children in K-6 in Lafayette Public Schools as requested by school personnel. The project will be continued through private funding after Junior's League's funding ends.

  5. Statement regarding the plan for evaluating the project.

    1. The Shining Light Foundation includes review forms with each request funded asking teachers to complete a questionnaire that measures the impact the project has had on each participant. Teachers are asked to evaluate whether the student gained knowledge, bonded with classmates, increased peer group identification and acceptance, and received other benefits from the activities. Our website provides information and forms for application for funds. We send letters to all principals and counselors at the beginning of the new year to advise them of our scope of services. We speak to meetings of counselors and principals to inform them about the Shining Light Foundation and to answer their questions.

  6. Statement regarding how this project fits into the mission of the Junior League.

    1. This project provides for child development in providing funds for participating in their school activities in grades K-6 in Lafayette Public Schools.

  7. Statement regarding whether this is a new or extended service, or if other agencies are providing similar services. And if this is a project or program that the Junior League has previously funded.

    1. The Shining Light Foundation for 15 years has been the only organization that addresses the needs of individual students in K-6 in Lafayette Parish Public Schools as specifically requested by teachers, counselors and principals. The program has previously received funds from the Junior League of Lafayette.

  8. Comment on whether this project is a collaboration with any other agencies.

    1. This project is a collaboration with Lafayette Public school personnel who identify the needs of individual students and submit applications for funds. The Shining Light Foundation's board of directors is comprised of volunteers including retired teachers who have the expertise needed to evaluate applications.

  9. Comment on whether the project can be partially funded yet still remain viable. If so, state the amount of partial funding needed, and itemize the cost of any item or portion of the project that can be partially funded.

    1. The Shining Light Foundation can continue the project with partial funding The amount needed for partial funding of field trips is $1,500 and the amount needed for partial funding for musical instruments is $1,000.

  10. Comment on how Junior League of Lafayette members will be utilized in your project, if you are applying for Lafayette Collaborative Opportunity Grant.

    1. N/A

  11. Comment on the preferred day and time of your project.

    1. N/A

  12. Comment on the number of Junior League volunteers if applying for a Community Collaborative Opportunity Grant.

    1. N/A

  13. Indicate the amount of funds requested if applying for a Community Collaborative Opportunity Grant.

    1. N/A