Best Community Development Grants in District of Columbia

Public charities and government units in the District of Columbia can seek funding to strengthen education and environmental stewardship programs that benefit communities where Vulcan employees live and work. Vulcan Materials Company Foundation prioritizes K–12 and higher education, STEM initiatives, and fact-based environmental efforts, especially where employee involvement and multiple focus areas intersect.

District of Columbia 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving low-income communities with community development, affordable housing, economic opportunity, or workforce programs can receive US $1,000,000 in unrestricted support plus technical assistance and peer learning. With a mission to expand social and economic opportunity, Citi Foundation provides multi-year backing to organizations with strong local ties and data-informed impact.

Nonprofit legal organizations, solo practitioners, and small law firms in District of Columbia can seek recoverable funding for impact litigation expenses through the Impact Fund. Focused on economic, environmental, racial, and social justice, these US $10,000 - US $50,000 grants support cases benefiting communities facing systemic oppression, which may include community development and revitalization efforts.

Joseph Robert Foundation provides District of Columbia nonprofits with funding for environmental protection, animal welfare, and visual arts programs, including general operating and project support. 501(c)(3) organizations in the mid-Atlantic, especially smaller groups under $300,000 budgets, and eligible visual artists can request up to US $10,000, starting with a letter of interest.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible schools serving communities in the District of Columbia and other Honda operation states can apply for American Honda Motor funding, with awards of US $25,000 - US $100,000 for manufacturing workforce education programs. Grants support hands-on training, technical skills, and automation/AI initiatives that strengthen local workforce pipelines and community economic development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities serving District of Columbia residents can seek funding for community development, housing stability, workforce development, and related services. Grants from Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation also support education, health, arts, environment, and capacity building for vulnerable and underserved populations in the DC metro area, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $250,000.

The Impact100 DC Grant Program empowers women to support nonprofit organizations tackling systemic inequities in the Washington, DC area. As a volunteer collective, we have awarded over $550,000 since 2021, prioritizing projects in arts, education, health, and community welfare. We require a clear budget plan for the full $100,000 award and prioritize proposals from organizations that serve historically marginalized communities. Our goal is to foster sustainable change and promote equity across diverse demographics.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing direct community, education, health, or arts services in the District of Columbia and nearby counties can apply for Philip L. Graham Fund grants of US $30,000 - US $75,000, with preference for one-time capital or equipment needs. Focused on community development and revitalization, the fund invites proposals aligned with its four focus areas.

Nonprofits, faith-based groups, government agencies, educational institutions, and private enterprises in the District of Columbia can receive up to US $300,000 to deliver workforce development and reentry services for justice-involved youth. With a mission to support court-involved youth, the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services funds programs building job skills, training pipelines, and sustainable employment that strengthen community development.

Youth-serving organizations in the District of Columbia can seek funding to deliver four weeks of extended summer programming for 50 youth ages 10 to 13, emphasizing recreation, enrichment, and safety. Grants from DC Department of Parks and Recreation support arts, technology, physical activity, and community engagement that strengthen local community development.

The Rec for All - SUPPORT, ENGAGEMENT, AND EVENTS (SEE) Grant, provided by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, aims to enhance recreational opportunities for underserved youth aged 6 to 18. With funding up to $10,000, organizations can support community programs and events that promote skill development and physical wellness, fostering an inclusive environment for all participants. This initiative aligns with Mayor Bowser's commitment to engaging youth through quality recreation services.

Organizations providing youth recreation programs in the District of Columbia can receive funding to purchase equipment, supplies, and materials for existing sports, cultural arts, and youth development activities. With a mission to enhance wellness and community life, DC Department of Parks and Recreation supports inclusive, accessible programs that strengthen local community development and engagement.

District of Columbia 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving women, children, and families in socioeconomic need can access funding through Many Hands for programs in economic empowerment, education, health, and housing. Organizations with $500,000–$6 million budgets, based in the DC metro service area, may receive up to US $100,000 in unrestricted support to strengthen community development efforts.

Nonprofit organizations serving District of Columbia residents can receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 for specific program activities that provide direct, tangible community benefits. The Rotary Foundation of Washington Dc offers Community Service Grants for small capital needs or seed money for special services within the Washington Metropolitan Area, excluding general operating or overhead requests.

District of Columbia youth-serving organizations can receive funding to deliver summer career and educational exploration programs for ages 9–13, including occupational skills, academic enrichment, life skills, work readiness, and youth development training. The District of Columbia Department of Employment Services offers Career Ready Early Scholars Program grants up to US $280,000 to support these workforce development activities.

Focused on humanities programming, HumanitiesDC invites District of Columbia nonprofit organizations to apply for funding up to US $25,000 for innovative, publicly accessible projects and events. Eligible DC-based 501(c)(3)s can support community-focused humanities initiatives such as tours, exhibits, documentary films, conferences, curricula, archives, or digital projects that highlight Washington, DC residents and communities.

DC-incorporated nonprofit organizations supporting small businesses and neighborhood revitalization in the District of Columbia can receive US $5,000 - US $250,000 for community development projects. Serve DC’s Ward 6 DC Main Streets Support Grant funds activities like vacant storefront activation, events, arts and cultural programming, direct-to-business subgrants, and efforts improving business, resident, or visitor experiences along designated Ward 6 corridors.

Consolidated RFP for Affordable Housing Financing

The Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for affordable housing finance resources is focused on real estate development projects that produce or preserve affordable housing in the District of Columbia that require gap financing. This RFP is accepting applications for a range of Federal affordable housing finance resources including, 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs), District of Columbia LIHTCs (DC LIHTCs), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) program, the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF), the Recovery Housing Program (RHP), and the Local Rent Supplement Program (LRSP). Also, the DHCD Property Acquisition and Disposition Division (PADD) will have solicitations for offers for vacant sites in the District of Columbia available for acquisition.

Public and 501(c)(3) nonprofit film archives in the U.S., including those in District of Columbia, can apply for US $5,000 - US $50,000 to fund laboratory work preserving American avant-garde films. The National Film Preservation Foundation’s Avant-Garde Masters Grants support creation of new preservation elements and public access copies for historically significant experimental works.

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) is an independent agency in the District of Columbia government. First established in 1968, it evaluates and initiates action on matters relating to the arts and humanities. Additionally, CAH encourages programs and the development of programs that promote progress in the arts and humanities. CAH is the designated state arts agency for the District of Columbia. It is supported primarily through District government funds. Additionally, it receives partial support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Projects, Events, or Festivals

Projects, Events, or Festivals (PEF) furthers CAH’s mission by encouraging progress in the arts and humanities in the District of Columbia by supporting Individuals and non-profit arts, humanities, arts education, and service organizations who significantly contribute to the District of Columbia as a world-class cultural capital. This grant opportunity program goals:

• Provide access to high-quality arts and humanities experiences for all District of Columbia residents.
• Improve quality of life by supporting vibrant community projects within the arts and humanities.
• Strengthen the creative economy through investments in local individuals and organizations.

PEF is open for projects of all sizes that show District impact and engage District residents and visitors.

CAH encourages community-based projects that share characteristics such as geographic location, common interests, or community impact. Arts and humanities projects may include but are not limited to: concerts; visual arts exhibitions; literary readings; or festivals that feature dance, folk art, film, music, theatre and other art forms. 

Native-led arts and cultural organizations, businesses, and collectives can receive unrestricted operating support to strengthen organizational well-being and better serve Native artists and culture bearers. Focused on Native arts ecosystems, First Peoples Fund invites District of Columbia community development and cultural groups to join a learning cohort and may award up to US $55,000 through the Rooted Pathways Program.

Organizations providing workforce preparation and pre-apprenticeship training for out-of-school youth in the District of Columbia can apply for this grant, with awards up to Up to US $200,000. Grants from the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services help community development groups equip ages 16–24 with industry-aligned skills, stackable credentials, and pathways to apprenticeships or unsubsidized employment.

About Us

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is the chief legal office of the District of Columbia. The Office enforces the laws of the District, defends and provides legal advice to District government agencies and protects the interests of DC residents. OAG’s goal is to be the nation’s most effective and respected public law office.

Leaders of Tomorrow – Youth Violence Prevention Grant

The Office of the Attorney General (“OAG”) is seeking proposals from non-profit Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), interested in operating the Leaders of Tomorrow: Youth Violence Prevention Grant Program to identify and mitigate risk factors associated with youth violence and contribute to the long-term wellbeing and success of young individuals. OAG recognizes the importance of providing financial support to local non-profits dedicated to identifying and mitigating risk factors associated with youth violence. These organizations play a crucial role in developing strategies that align with promising and evidence-based approaches, ultimately contributing to the long-term wellbeing and success of young individuals. OAG will make up to $100,000 in funding per grant per organization available for Fiscal Year 2025. Total grant funding will not exceed $500,000.

Arts and humanities organizations serving K–12 students in the District of Columbia can apply for funding to support comprehensive field trip experiences, educator professional development, and student workshops. Focused on arts and humanities education, the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities backs programs that enhance curriculum connections and strengthen school-community partnerships, which may benefit community development goals.

District of Columbia community organizations focused on public safety and community development can receive support for evidence-based activities that improve safety and health in commercial districts. Local groups may use this Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice grant for outreach, safe passage, security improvements, harm reduction, de-escalation, and crime deterrence efforts.

Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services

The Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) is responsible for the supervision, custody, and care of young people charged with a delinquent act in the District of Columbia in one of the following circumstances:

• Youth who are detained in a DYRS facility while awaiting adjudication.
• Youth who are committed to DYRS by a DC Family Court judge following adjudication.

Youth can be initially committed to the agency until the age of 18 and may remain in the care of DYRS until the age of 21. The agency provides comprehensive support services to committed youth in our secure facilities as well as within the community. DYRS is designed to help young people get on the right track and successfully transition into adulthood. DYRS works with fellow District agencies, community partners, and juvenile justice experts to achieve these goals. We collaborate to implement innovative, research-based models that align with best practices in the juvenile justice and youth development fields.

Mission: The mission of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services is to give court-involved youth the opportunity to become more productive citizens by building on the strengths of youths and their families in the least restrictive, most homelike environment consistent with public safety.

Credible Messenger Initiative

The Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) seeks to award one local organization that demonstrates the capability to deliver mentorship programming inside the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services’ secure facilities- New Beginnings and at Youth Services Center; and up to three organizations rooted in neighborhoods where young people and families, and Credible Messengers reside and to provide transformative mentoring to youth committed to the agency, residing in the community. Through this initiative, mentoring services, family support programming, and other programs consistent with the goals and objectives of the Credible Messenger Initiative will be offered.

Nonprofit or government presenters of touring artists in the mid-Atlantic, including the District of Columbia, can apply for Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation’s Jazz Touring Network, which offers up to US $3,000 to support jazz presentations. Eligible members receive ongoing network participation, professional development, and collaboration on block-booked jazz tours.