Best Climate Change Grants in District of Columbia

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia that support children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for program funding that complements climate resilience and equity work. Focused on measurable community impact, the Costco Foundation considers monetary requests that demonstrate clear need, collaborative support, and evidence-based outcomes in areas where it does business.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services programs can seek funding to address social problems in new ways. With a mission to back creative, impact-driven initiatives, Creag Foundation provides support that may benefit District of Columbia groups working on climate resilience, equity, or related community-focused solutions. Invitations follow an initial letter of inquiry.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare, including environmental and clean air and water programs, may be eligible for funding in District of Columbia. The Dan Paul Foundation offers up to US $15,000 for projects such as environmental education, poverty and homelessness services, child advocacy, refugee enrichment, and related youth-focused initiatives.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience projects may be eligible for up to US $100,000 from Cisco Systems Foundation. Focused on innovative, early-stage, tech-enabled solutions for underserved communities, Cisco invites global applicants, including those in the District of Columbia, to submit a brief LOI year-round.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in District of Columbia can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives that may bolster climate resilience. State Farm Companies Foundation supports projects like disaster preparedness, sustainable housing and transportation, and neighborhood revitalization that strengthen community safety and long-term stability.

The Hearst Foundations provide U.S. cultural nonprofits with program, capital, and limited general or endowment support, including organizations in District of Columbia. Eligible applicants are established 501(c)(3) institutions with audited expenses above $2 million, such as museums, performing arts organizations, arts schools, and STEAM-focused programs emphasizing youth engagement and measurable impact.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or community services, including in the District of Columbia, can seek funding for food pantries, healthcare access, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle initiatives. Labcorp Charitable Foundation supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) and equivalent charities whose programs may also advance climate resilience and equity in vulnerable communities.

Organizations working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability for urban low-income youth can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants of more than US $50,000 to support projects or scaling efforts. Eligible entities include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and public agencies in the U.S., India, or South Africa, including work benefiting District of Columbia communities.

Nonprofits providing health, education, or humanitarian services can apply for Semnani Family Foundation grants to support marginalized communities, including work that intersects with climate resilience in the District of Columbia. Organizations may receive support for healthcare access, disaster relief, food and housing insecurity, child and women’s services, and related social services in the U.S. and abroad.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Climate-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations in the District of Columbia can seek the Storytelling Grant to share the impact of their environmental conservation and sustainability work. Grants from Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation support storytelling projects for organizations working in preservation, education, or wellness, with awards of more than US $50,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation or related humanitarian needs in the Southern region, including the District of Columbia, can apply for single-year project support. Grants from Robinson Foundation help groups addressing nature and wildlife conservation, disaster relief, poverty relief, and other community-focused services demonstrate tangible, meaningful impact for their communities.

District of Columbia community service nonprofits can access funding through Insperity for philanthropic grants or event sponsorships that advance local service goals. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations connected to Insperity employees, clients, or communities, and may include groups working on climate resilience and equity within the company’s supported service areas.

Nonprofit organizations in the District of Columbia working on environmental conservation, climate change, and sustainable resource management can receive up to US $10,000 for programs, research, education, or general operating support. Joseph Robert Foundation prioritizes smaller organizations and community-based initiatives that address pollution, land and water use, and climate resilience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation or community services in the District of Columbia may be eligible for support that can also advance climate resilience goals. Focused on respecting life, people, and the environment, the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation invites proposals that contribute to positive, forward-looking change.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting basic needs, at-risk youth, or domestic violence services in the District of Columbia can apply for The Tjx Foundation’s invitation-only grants. Eligible groups must be within 15 miles of a TJX location and may include programs that build community resilience, which could complement broader climate and equity efforts.

Nonprofit organizations in the U.S., including those in District of Columbia, can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs and facilities. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help museums, cultural and performing arts groups, schools, hospitals, youth and senior services, disability programs, and environmental and wildlife initiatives that may advance climate resilience and equity locally.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

District of Columbia climate and environmental justice nonprofits can access funding through Impact100 DC for projects that address climate change, outdoor equity, and community resilience. 501(c)(3) organizations in the DC metro area with revenues between $300,000 and $5 million may receive US $100,000 for programs serving historically underserved and marginalized residents.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on education, health, social services, civic, cultural, environmental, or community programs in the District of Columbia can seek one-year project funding from the Dr Scholl Foundation. U.S.-based groups, including those addressing climate resilience and equity, may receive US $5,000 - US $25,000 for eligible initiatives.

U.S. community-based project teams focused on climate adaptation and resilience can apply for US $75,000 - US $115,000 to advance local climate resilience projects, including in the District of Columbia. With a mission to strengthen climate resilience, Climate Resilience Fund and partners provide funding and technical assistance for vulnerable, under-resourced communities under the Climate Smart Communities Initiative.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits in communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates can apply for O’Reilly Automotive Foundation grants to support programs improving quality of life for underserved people. Funding may cover project, operating, or capital needs in areas like economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief, which may benefit climate resilience efforts in the District of Columbia.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that lead strong cross-sector partnerships to address significant social issues can apply for the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award. With a mission to honor exemplary community collaboration, Mutual of America Foundation provides national recognition that may benefit D.C. groups advancing climate resilience, equity, and related community initiatives.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.