Best Community Health Grants in District of Columbia

DC Immunization Coalitioin Funding Grant

The District of Columbia, Department of Health (DOH), Community Health Administration (CHA), is seeking proposals from qualified applicants to build and sustain a coalition of immunization stakeholders to promote vaccination of the District's residents and visitors. This funding is available through the Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). 

The DC Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) was created to address gun violence in the District of Columbia. The ONSE aims to foster community-based strategies to help prevent violence and increase public safety. To support this mission, ONSE announces the availability of funding offered through the Violence Intervention Initiative (VI). The VI division supports District residents in reducing gun-related violence in the community and focuses on innovative ways to interrupt violence. 

Violence Prevention Mini-Grant

The goal of this RFA is to promote and ensure the fairest, most efficient means to obtain the benefits of the most qualified, responsive, and responsible proposals.

Funding is targeted for individuals between the ages of 12 – 35.

Purpose

The primary focus of the RFA is to support initiatives that contribute to the prevention of violence in the District of Columbia. We seek creative and impactful proposals addressing the root causes of violence, promoting community engagement, and fostering a safer and more resilient environment. Categories for funding include: Behavioral Health; and Restorative Justice

The goals of this opportunity include:

• Community Safety
• Create Positive Change
• Youth Involvement

About

The Executive Office of the Mayor (EOM)’s mission is to improve the quality of life of District residents through advocacy, community outreach, education, and inter-agency coordination. The Mayor's Office of Community Affairs (MOCA) serves as a liaison to the city's diverse communities, ensuring residents' voices are heard and represented. Through MOCA, EOM serves as the liaison between the District Government and various District communities, including, but not limited to the returning citizens community, the Asian and Pacific Islander community, the Latino community, the African community, the African American community, the LGBTQ+ community, the Veterans community, the women’s community, the Caribbean community, and the faith community.1 EOM invites all CBOs that serve these communities and more within the District to apply for this grant to advance the below funding priorities

Healthy Heart Initiative for Men

The District of Columbia, Department of Health (DC Health) is requesting proposals from qualified applicants to provide services in the program and service areas described in this Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). This announcement is to provide public notice of DC Health's intent to make funds available for the purpose described herein. The applicable Request for Applications (RFA) will be released under a separate announcement with guidelines for submitting the application, review criteria and DC Health terms and conditions for applying for and receiving funding.

Funding Opportunity Description:

This funding opportunity aims to identify a community-based organization to launch a community-based mobile outreach initiative that leverages trusted community influencers to engage Black men living in Wards 7 and 8, connecting them to primary care services and essential social supports.

The FY 2026 SNAP Process and Technology Improvement grant, funded by the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, offers up to $5 million to eligible organizations. Applicants can request between $20,000 and $2 million to enhance SNAP services, improve client communication, and modernize operations. Eligible entities include state agencies, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. A letter of commitment from relevant state agencies is required for non-state applicants. Funding is contingent on availability.

The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation focuses on improving the lives of underserved individuals in the DC area through grants in five key areas: Arts and Humanities, Community Services, Education, Environment, and Health & Wellness. The Foundation supports organizations that demonstrate cultural competence and systemic change, aiming for self-sufficiency and holistic well-being for all community members. Grants emphasize access to resources and equitable opportunities to foster meaningful community engagement.

The Philip L. Graham Fund Grant focuses on enhancing the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area through substantial annual grants to 501(c)(3) public charities. It supports diverse initiatives in health, education, arts, and community development, prioritizing innovative, one-time projects. Eligible organizations must serve local residents and align with the Fund's giving priorities. Notably, the Fund awarded $4.1 million in 2017 to 138 organizations, with a strong emphasis on health and education, reflecting its commitment to community enrichment.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Engaging Next Gen Action Youth in Tobacco Control RFA aims to prevent youth tobacco use by funding peer-led programs that develop skills and engage youth. Through these initiatives, organizations will empower young leaders to challenge social acceptance of tobacco and reduce its initiation and prevalence in the District of Columbia. This approach aligns with DC Health's mission to enhance community health and address disparities, supporting healthier behaviors and improving access to resources.

The Wawa Foundation offers financial grants exceeding $2,500 to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in its six-state market, focusing on health, hunger, and supporting everyday heroes. Applications are accepted in January, April, July, and October, with grant requests reviewed prior to the next submission window. Eligible organizations include those working to improve lives through health initiatives, hunger relief efforts, and support for community heroes. For more details, visit the Wawa Foundation's official site.

The AIDS United Harm Reduction Futures Fund aims to combat the HIV epidemic by supporting organizations that provide syringe services and harm reduction programs. This initiative focuses on reducing health disparities for people who use drugs, promoting community-driven solutions, and ensuring equitable access to health services. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 will support organizations led by and serving Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color, especially in underserved areas. Direct service applications are currently prioritized.

The Delaplaine Foundation Grant is a private family foundation based in Frederick, Maryland, dedicated to enriching communities through support for non-profit organizations focused on cultural arts, education, health, historical preservation, and spiritual enlightenment. With a commitment to local impact, it primarily awards funding in Frederick County, while also considering applications from nearby states and beyond. Eligible organizations must be recognized as tax-exempt public charities under IRS regulations.

The OSSE FY26 Whole Child and Educator Wellness Grant aims to enhance health and wellness in early childhood education and public schools in Washington, D.C. By fostering partnerships with community-based organizations, the grant supports initiatives that integrate health education, physical activity, and educator wellness into learning environments. This funding will empower schools to develop sustainable health programs, aligning with CDC’s Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model, ultimately promoting positive outcomes for students and educators.

The Alexander and Margaret Stewart Trust Grant supports innovative cancer research and enhances the quality of life for children and cancer patients in Washington, D.C. It funds non-profit organizations focused on pediatric care and cancer treatment, particularly for those in disadvantaged communities. The Trust prioritizes programs that provide compassionate care and support early-career scientists through its Pew-Stewart Scholars program, fostering breakthroughs in cancer research and treatment.

The Community Progress Makers Fund, an initiative by the Citi Foundation, aims to empower local organizations by providing $50 million in unrestricted funding. This program, established in 2015, will support 50 selected community organizations over three years with grants of $1 million each, alongside technical assistance and opportunities for collaboration. The fund prioritizes organizations with strong community ties and a proven impact in areas such as affordable housing, economic development, financial health, and workforce readiness.

The Syringe Service Program Grant, offered by The Comer Family Foundation, aims to enhance harm reduction initiatives by funding syringe access programs across the U.S. These programs provide sterile syringes, education, and support services to mitigate the risks associated with drug use, including HIV and hepatitis transmission. Priority is given to organizations in underserved areas and those led by marginalized communities. Grants are available for operational costs, program development, and staff training, with a focus on sustainability and local partnerships.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

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.

The Buprenorphine Drug Assistance Program (BUP-DAP) provides vital support for low-income individuals diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) in Washington, D.C. By offering approved Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), the program enhances access to quality treatment for those lacking health care coverage. It aims to integrate these individuals into a comprehensive system of care, fostering recovery and improving overall community health. This initiative emphasizes collaboration with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to maximize outreach and effectiveness.

Department of Behavioral Health

The Department of Behavioral Health provides prevention, intervention and treatment services and supports for children, youth and adults with mental and/or substance use disorders including emergency psychiatric care and community-based outpatient and residential services.

DBH serves eligible adults, children and youth and their families through a network of community based providers and unique government delivered services. It operates Saint Elizabeths Hospital—the District’s inpatient psychiatric facility.

Hospital -Based Peers Support Services

The Government of the District of Columbia, Department of Behavioral Health, Adult Services Administration is soliciting applications from qualified organizations to implement the Hospital-Based Peer Support Services program under the District of Columbia Opioid Response (DCOR) grant. The DCOR grant, guided by LIVE.LONG.DC.(LLDC), is focused on increasing access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment, reducing unmet treatment needs, and reducing opioid overdose-related deaths in the District of Columbia through the provision of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services (RSS) to individuals with stimulant use disorder (STUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD).

Target Population

The target population is individuals who have OUD and/or STUD that receive care in a participating hospital within the District of Columbia. Individuals may be in the hospital ED or an inpatient unit for OUD/STUD-related reasons (e.g., overdose or injection-related infection) or for any other reason. 

Many Hands Grants has awarded over $2.5 million since 2004 to support local nonprofits focused on women, children, and families in need throughout the Washington, DC area. The organization offers four grants annually, including a $100,000 Impact Grant and three Partner Grants. The funding is unrestricted and aims to enhance the operational capacity of grantees, enabling them to better serve their communities in areas such as economic empowerment, education, health, and housing.

The AAFP Foundation offers Family Medicine Chapter Engagement Grants to support the philanthropic initiatives of its constituent chapters. Each chapter or chapter foundation can receive $750 to highlight programs focused on Student/Resident education, Member Outreach, or Public Health. This initiative not only showcases the impactful work being done at the chapter level but also aids in fundraising efforts, fostering stronger community connections and improving health outcomes.

District of Columbia Watershed Stewardship Project

DOEE seeks an eligible entity to provide a comprehensive watershed stewardship educational project to District residents. The proposed project will educate participants about the basics of watershed stewardship and provide hands-on experiences relating to the sources of pollution and different types of policies and practices. The amount available for the two-year project to a single grantee is $70,000.

Purpose of the Grant

The purpose of this grant is to design and implement a comprehensive watershed stewardship educational project for District residents, and to equip District residents with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to address sources of water pollution and work toward improving the overall health of local waterways while fostering education and continuous community involvement.

Equitable Food Access Initiative: Produce Incentives

The total funding amount of $2,100,000 is anticipated for one (1) award for the first budget period. 

The mission of DC Health is to promote and protect the health, safety, and quality of life of residents, visitors, and those doing business in the District of Columbia. The agency is responsible for identifying health risks; educating the public; preventing and controlling diseases, injuries, and exposure to environmental hazards; promoting effective community collaborations; and optimizing equitable access to community resources.

The Community Health Administration (CHA) within DC Health works to prevent the leading causes of death, protect and promote the health of mothers and children, and eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities. CHA’s approach targets multiple factors that influence health through evidence-based programs, policies, and systems change.

The purpose of this funding is to attract qualified applicants to implement evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies to increase food access and improve food environments for District residents with lower incomes through farmers’ market produce incentives.

Equitable Food Access Initiative: Healthy Corner Stores RFA

The Department of Health (DC Health) is requesting proposals from qualified applicants to implement evidence based or evidence informed strategies that increase food access and improve food environments for District residents through corner stores.

The purpose of this funding is to improve food access and food environments in communities experiencing inequities that contribute to food insecurity. The District of Columbia, Department of Health (DC Health), Community Health Administration (CHADistrict of Columbia to implement evidence-based, multi-level interventions designed to improve food environments, food access, and food security for vulnerable residents across the lifespan.

The total funding amount of up to $750,000 is anticipated for one (1) award for the first budget period

The AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation Grant aims to prevent and mitigate adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to promote healthier outcomes for children. With a focus on empowering families, healing behaviors, and access to healthcare, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations that provide comprehensive care and resources. Grants range from $100,000 to $250,000, totaling up to $1.945 million for project-specific initiatives. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in states where AmeriHealth Caritas Medicaid markets exist.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. Home is where life happens, where plans are made, and futures begin. It is the foundation for dignity, health, education, wealth, and community. Yet rents keep going up, paychecks don’t keep pace, and good homes in strong neighborhoods are increasingly out of reach.

The system doesn’t work. It must be changed, and it must be changed by us.

Enterprise has the breadth, scale, and expertise to do it. We support community development organizations on the ground. We aggregate and invest billions to improve housing and strengthen communities across the U.S. We advance housing policy at every level of government. We build and manage communities ourselves. Everything we do is informed by the residents we serve.

Together with our partners, we focus on the greatest need — the massive shortage of affordable rental homes — to achieve three goals:

• Increase the supply of affordable homes
• Advance racial equity after decades of systematic racism in housing
• Support residents and strengthen communities to be resilient to the unpredictable, and make upward mobility possible

Since 1982, we have invested $92.0 billion and created 1.1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We do all this to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging.

National Housing Innovation Grant Competition

Home is foundational. It’s where we plant roots, raise and care for our families, and build community bonds. Yet in every corner of the country, millions of people of all ages and backgrounds need a home they can afford.

Wells Fargo is meeting this moment with a powerful grant opportunity. Together with Enterprise, Wells Fargo has launched the third iteration of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge. The 2026 cycle of the housing innovation competition will identify and propel proven, ready-to-scale solutions that transform current practices and increase housing choice and access.

Eligible applicants will compete for five individual grants of $2 million to advance their innovation and drive meaningful, systems-level change in the housing and adjacent industries. Winners will gain access to mentorship and coaching from industry leaders and experts and join a powerful network of Breakthrough Challenge innovators.

Focus Areas

This third cycle of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge aims to meet the nation’s affordable housing challenges across all types of communities: Native, rural, suburban, tribal, and urban.

Proposals must encompass one or more of three focus areas:

• Design and Construction
• Finance
• Service Delivery and Programs

Applicants will be asked to show how their proof of concept or pilot program has achieved clear outcomes and success, and provide a clear pathway to expanding the innovation’s reach and impact

Round 1: Criteria and Scoring

Your innovation must meet the criteria below to advance to the official scoring stage.

Type of Community

Innovations can serve all types of communities:

• Rural
• Urban
• Suburban
• Tribal

Location

Priority scoring will be given to applications from entities that are based in – or whose innovations are designed for – one or more of these 28 states, plus D.C.:

• Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C.

Affordability

Innovations must serve residents at these income levels:

• Rental: 80% AMI or below
• Homeownership: 120% AMI or below
• Workforce housing: 120% AMI or below

The Rosendin Foundation Annual Grant provides financial support to community-focused 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations across various states, aiding initiatives in emotional, occupational, and nutritional health. Grants can reach up to $50,000 and are geared towards organizations that positively impact their communities. However, the foundation does not fund discriminatory practices, political efforts, or religiously affiliated projects, ensuring that support is directed towards inclusive and impactful community services.