Best Community Health Grants in District of Columbia

District of Columbia Prevention Centers (DCPC)

Overview

The Government of the District of Columbia, Department of Behavioral Health, Children and Youth Services Division is soliciting applications from qualified organizations to implement and establish one of four (4) DC Prevention Centers. This solicitation includes one (1) application opportunity under the District of Columbia Prevention Centers (DCPC).

This initiative is funded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, & Recovery Services Block Grant (SUPTRS) and the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant.

The District of Columbia Opioid Response (DCOR) grant, guided by LIVE.LONG.DC., the District’s Plan to Reduce Opioid Use, Misuse, and Related Deaths (LLDC), is focused on increasing access to medication 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 overdose prevention, treatment, and recovery support services (RSS) to individuals with OUD and/or STUD.

This initiative addresses the following LLDC goals:

• PC. 1: Provide age-appropriate, evidence-based, education and prevention initiatives in all public schools and public charter schools regarding the risk of illegal drug use, prescription drug misuse, and safe disposal of medications
• PC 2: Conduct outreach and training activities in community settings to engage youth, parents, educators, school staff, and childcare providers on effective communication and engagement strategies to support individuals impacted by substance use disorders.
• PC 3: Coordinate across stakeholders, wards, and jurisdictional/regional areas to connect consumers, review data, and inform progress

The goal of the DCPCs is to prevent the early onset of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) use, including stimulants and opioids, while reducing risk and increasing protective factors for children, youth, families, and adults. The geographical locations and coverage areas for the DCPCs are: one (1) serving Wards 1 & 2, one (1) serving Wards 3 & 4, one (1) serving Wards 5 & 6, and one (1) serving Wards 7 & 8.

Community organizations providing lead poisoning prevention education and outreach to expectant and new parents in the District of Columbia can apply for this grant, with awards of approximately US $67,281. The District of Columbia Department of Energy & Environment supports community health education and environmental health efforts that protect children ages 0–6 from lead exposure risks.

Nonprofit organizations running education, human services, culture, or community health programs in the District of Columbia near a Corning business location may be eligible for invitation-only support. Grants from Corning Incorporated Community Impact & Investment Philanthropy provide direct cash awards for community-based initiatives within a 20-mile radius of qualifying facilities, with applications accepted once per 12-month cycle.

Community organizations and institutions improving community health education and health information access in District of Columbia can apply for the National Library of Medicine’s Express Health Information Outreach Awards, offering US $5,000 for outreach projects. Grants support health information literacy, technology tools, and partnerships that expand access to reliable, culturally appropriate health information, especially for underrepresented populations.

Nonprofit organizations providing community health, education, or social services in the District of Columbia can apply for regional grants from TD Charitable Foundation. Funding of more than US $5,000 supports programs in areas like community health education, healthcare access, poverty alleviation, and climate and environmental resilience, with emphasis on diverse and historically underserved or low-to-moderate income populations.

Nonprofit community-based organizations providing community health education and preventive healthcare can seek US $45,000 - US $49,999 to run a mobile outreach initiative in the District of Columbia. Grants from the District of Columbia Department of Health fund efforts engaging Black men in Wards 7 and 8, linking them to primary care and essential social supports.

Nonprofit or public health organizations improving food access and community health education in the District of Columbia can apply for funding to run farmers’ market produce incentive programs. With a mission to promote health and reduce disparities, District of Columbia Department of Health offers US $2,100,000 for evidence-based or evidence-informed initiatives serving lower-income residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community health and healthcare access in the District of Columbia can apply for Qlarant Foundation grants of up to US $50,000. Grants from Qlarant Foundation help community health education and wellness programs expand services for uninsured and underserved residents through high-impact projects over a 12‑month period.

The nccPA Health Foundation's Oral Health - Community Outreach Grant offers up to $2,500 for PA-led initiatives that enhance oral health awareness and treatment. Open to certified PAs, PA students, and organizations, this grant aims to empower applicants to bridge healthcare gaps in oral health. Applications are accepted year-round, promoting continuous engagement in advancing community health. This initiative highlights the vital role of PAs in enhancing access to oral healthcare services.

The SHAPE America Hall of Fame Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to health and physical education, ensuring these fields remain central to educational programs. This prestigious award honors dedicated professionals, including educators and leaders, who have demonstrated exemplary commitment and leadership in promoting physical activity, health education, and related disciplines. Through their efforts, they enhance the quality of education and the well-being of students across the nation.

Individual SHAPE America members conducting curriculum and instruction research in health or physical education can be nominated for the Curriculum and Instruction Honor Award, recognizing outstanding scholarly contributions across the U.S., including the District of Columbia. Community health education leaders in school-based settings may be strong candidates if they meet membership and award criteria.

Minority health and physical education professionals in the U.S. who are long-time SHAPE America members can be honored for advancing scholarship, mentorship, and service to underserved communities. Grants from Society of Health and Physical Educators help District of Columbia community health education leaders recognize those increasing ethnic minority involvement in HPERD and SHAPE America. No more than two awards are given annually.

Early-career researchers in health or physical education curriculum and instruction across the U.S., including the District of Columbia, can be recognized for impactful scholarship through the Helen M. Heitmann Young Scholar Award. Grants from Society of Health and Physical Educators honor SHAPE America members three to six years post-doctorate for significant, high-quality research contributions.

Health and physical education professionals in the U.S., including those in the District of Columbia, can be honored for long and distinguished service through the Luther Halsey Gulick Award. Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) recognizes leaders advancing school-based health, physical activity, dance, sport, and community health education.

Graduate students in psychomotor measurement and evaluation at U.S. colleges or universities can receive support for professional expenses through this award, which may benefit those contributing to community health education in the District of Columbia. Grants from Society of Health and Physical Educators help SHAPE America members advance research-focused graduate training in health and physical education fields.

Health and physical education professionals contributing to community health education and measurement work, including those in the District of Columbia, may be eligible for the Measurement and Evaluation Honor Award recognizing individual achievement. Grants from Society of Health and Physical Educators honor SHAPE America members advancing the Measurement and Evaluation SIG’s mission in school and community health contexts.

Experienced SHAPE America members advancing measurement and evaluation in health and physical education can be honored for lifetime scholarly impact through this national award. Grants from Society of Health and Physical Educators help recognize leaders whose research strengthens community health education and K–12 physical activity, including professionals serving the District of Columbia.

Current SHAPE America members proposing projects that expand opportunities for girls and women in sport can receive US $1,000 for research, professional development, after-school programs, or similar initiatives. With a mission to advance health and physical education, SHAPE America provides District of Columbia community health educators and sports leaders with annual support through the NAGWS Legacy Award.

Nonprofit and community organizations working on community health, education, workforce development, environmental stewardship, or social justice in the District of Columbia may be eligible for grants that support programs with measurable local impact. AES Hawaii Foundation considers projects serving communities near its renewable energy initiatives as well as broader efforts with statewide or community-wide benefits.

Master’s students in school-based health education programs at accredited U.S. or U.S. territory colleges, including those serving District of Columbia communities, can receive a US $1,000 Barbara A. Cooley Master’s Scholarship for any educational needs. With a mission to advance health and physical education, Society of Health and Physical Educators also provides a complimentary one-year student membership.

District of Columbia undergraduate community health education students can access funding through Society of Health and Physical Educators’ Bill Kane Undergraduate Scholarship, which provides US $1,000 and a one-year student membership. Eligible applicants are full-time sophomores, juniors, or seniors majoring in school-based health education at accredited U.S. colleges or universities with at least a 3.25 GPA.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation is launching a $100,000 community grant program for 2024-2026, focusing on patient navigation for cancer prevention and early detection. Community-based organizations can apply for funding over two years to enhance their efforts. Priority will be given to applicants demonstrating best practices, established community partnerships, and initiatives that address health disparities. Note that the application cycle opens in 2026, emphasizing the importance of proactive health measures.

The NNLM Region 5 Professional Development Award offers funding for individuals at member institutions to enhance their knowledge and skills in health-related areas. This initiative aims to support meetings, workshops, and training that focus on health literacy, public health, and evidence-based practices. By fostering professional development, the NNLM seeks to improve healthcare services and access to health information across various communities, ultimately contributing to better public health outcomes.

The NNLM CHIS Training Award Year 5 aims to enhance the capabilities of rural and small library staff in providing reliable health information. This initiative not only supports health literacy but also promotes community engagement by enabling awardees to conduct CHIS classes. By utilizing existing materials, participants can present these classes in various formats, ensuring broader access to essential health resources. This award fosters local health information leaders, ultimately improving public health outcomes.

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Inc supports independent medical education to enhance healthcare professional competence and improve patient health outcomes. Their mission is to be a global leader in innovative medical education, focusing on evidence-based activities that address critical gaps in knowledge. By fostering excellence in healthcare, they aim to ensure measurable improvements in performance and patient outcomes across various disease areas.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

Breast Cancer Screening & Prevention Initiative

The Breast Cancer Screening & Prevention Initiative, supported by the McKesson Foundation and administered by the NAFC, aims to expand access to lifesaving breast cancer screening and prevention services for uninsured and medically underserved. Through this initiative, the NAFC will provide $30,000 grants to members to establish or strengthen breast cancer screening programs in alignment with evidence-based guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society. Funding will support activities such as improving patient identification and referral systems, increasing access to mammography services through partnerships or mobile units, strengthening staffing and technology capacity, and providing patient education and case management to ensure follow-through with recommended screenings. By enhancing early detection and preventive care, the initiative seeks to reduce barriers to care and improve health outcomes for women who might otherwise go without critical cancer screening services.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

Food as Medicine Initiative

The Food as Medicine Initiative, supported by the McKesson Foundation and administered by the NAFC, aims to address food insecurity as a critical driver of health outcomes for uninsured and medically underserved patients. Research continues to demonstrate the strong connection between food insecurity and poor health, including increased risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and certain cancers. Through this initiative, NAFC will provide $20,000 grants to member free and charitable clinics to implement or expand food insecurity screening and patient-centered interventions that improve access to healthy food and nutrition education as measured by the US Household Food Security Module or Hunger Vital Signs and patient education focused on food as medicine for eligible patients in order to increase the percentage of patients with improved food security scores within one year of project implementation.