Best Disaster Preparedness and Relief Grants in District of Columbia

Nonprofit organizations and eligible public entities working on disaster preparedness or relief in the District of Columbia can seek project support, typically US $2,500 - US $10,000. Focus areas include disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and related community needs in areas where International Paper operates, with priority for efforts involving International Paper employees.

District of Columbia Catholic diocesan ministries can access funding through Catholic Extension to establish, expand, or enhance pastoral and social outreach, including disaster-related support. Grants may cover catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, evangelization media, liturgical life, social outreach to homeless, immigrants, or incarcerated people, and minor assistance restoring ecclesial services after disasters in approved Extension Dioceses.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing disaster relief or broader humanitarian aid in the District of Columbia can seek support for programs serving vulnerable people and communities. With a mission to back education, health care, humanitarian services, and at-risk children, Gratis Foundation provides competitive funding to organizations demonstrating achievement, excellence, significance, or leadership in their field.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing disaster relief or broader humanitarian aid in the District of Columbia can seek project or program support, with awards up to US $5,000. Grants from Nora Roberts Foundation also consider related work in literacy, children, the arts, social justice, and the environment, with some flexibility for general operating needs tied to programming.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years and serving communities south of the Mason-Dixon line can seek support for disaster relief and humanitarian aid projects, including work in the District of Columbia. Grants from Robinson Foundation also consider related efforts for children and families, poverty relief, and medical assistance with tangible, measurable impact.

Nonprofit organizations near Corning business locations in the District of Columbia can seek funding for education, human services, culture, and disaster relief or humanitarian aid programs. Grants from Corning Incorporated Community Impact & Investment Philanthropy are invitation-only and support community-based initiatives within a 20-mile radius of qualifying facilities.

District of Columbia disaster preparedness and security nonprofits can access funding through the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice to strengthen physical and cyber protections at facilities. Grants support target hardening, planning, and exercises or training for community-based organizations in D.C. at heightened risk of terrorist or extremist attacks.

K–12 public schools with existing libraries in the District of Columbia that suffered significant library damage from recent disasters can seek funding to rebuild collections, media, and equipment. Grants from Dollar General Literacy Foundation support school libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store or distribution center, within 36 months of the qualifying event.

Community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing emergency needs in the District of Columbia can seek one-time, unplanned disaster-related funding for emotional, occupational, or nutritional health responses. The Rosendin Foundation reviews requests as needed and awards up to US $5,000 for emergencies such as fires, floods, tornadoes, pandemics, or similar crises.

AAFP chapters and chapter foundations that are 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organizations can seek support for philanthropic programs emphasizing education, research, and humanitarian or public health projects, including community disaster-related needs, in the District of Columbia and beyond. American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation requires at least 70% of each grant for program services and up to 30% for staff and administration.

AAFP Chapters and Chapter Foundations that are 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organizations in the District of Columbia can apply for American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation’s Family Medicine Chapter Alliance Chapter Engagement Grants, awarding US $750 for philanthropic projects. Funding supports student/resident initiatives, member outreach, or public health and humanitarian activities, which may include disaster relief or preparedness work.

Public and nonprofit entities in disaster-impacted regions, including the District of Columbia, can apply for the Economic Development Administration’s FY25 Disaster Supplemental, with awards up to US $50,000,000 for economic recovery and resilience projects. Funding supports readiness planning, implementation of recovery projects, and large-scale industry transformation efforts following 2023–2024 natural disasters.

Nonprofit organizations in North America working on disaster preparedness, disaster relief, medicine and food access, cancer prevention, or health equity initiatives can apply for McKesson Foundation support up to US $25,000. The foundation prioritizes programs in the U.S. and Canada, including efforts that strengthen crisis response and humanitarian aid that may benefit District of Columbia communities.

Nonprofit and local government organizations that own their facilities and provide essential services through disasters can apply for backup power project funding, including those in the District of Columbia. Focused on disaster preparedness and relief, Hillman Family Foundations offers US $300,000 to support resilient, uninterrupted access to basic needs during emergencies.

District of Columbia nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation for disaster preparedness, mitigation, and recovery efforts. Programs that also advance community safety, education, or community development, such as financial literacy or neighborhood revitalization, may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit organizations addressing health-focused disaster preparedness, relief, or humanitarian aid in District of Columbia can apply for McKesson Foundation grants of more than US $25,000. Eligible programs may also include cancer prevention, healthcare workforce development, food access, STEM education, or other initiatives advancing health equity across the U.S. and Canada.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) institutions can seek support for Japan–U.S. collaborative projects addressing global challenges such as disaster preparedness, disaster relief, and community resilience. Japan Foundation’s program backs joint policy-oriented research and dialogue among nonprofits, universities, and think tanks, which may benefit District of Columbia organizations working on disaster preparedness and relief issues.

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

The EA Funds: Long-Term Future Fund Grant focuses on improving civilization's long-term trajectory by funding projects that mitigate global catastrophic risks. With grant sizes ranging from $1,000 to over $500,000, it welcomes applications from individuals and organizations globally. The fund particularly supports innovative small teams and individuals, emphasizing projects that reduce existential risks from AI and enhance global governance of transformative technologies. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if unsure of eligibility.

The IATSE Local 700 Hardship Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to eligible members of the performing arts and entertainment industry during critical times. This support helps cover essential living expenses, such as housing and healthcare, to prevent eviction and utility shut-offs. To qualify, members must have met minimum dues requirements or be officially retired. The fund does not cover expenses like credit cards, loans, or business-related costs.

The IATSE Local 798 Fund offers emergency financial assistance to performing arts and entertainment professionals facing unexpected critical needs. This support helps cover essential living expenses, including housing, utilities, and healthcare, to prevent eviction or service shut-offs. Eligible applicants must be union members for at least two years and have experienced unforeseen financial hardship due to circumstances beyond their control, such as injury or natural disasters.

The Broadcasters Foundation of America Emergency Grant provides vital financial assistance to broadcasters facing acute financial hardship due to natural disasters or emergencies. These one-time grants support those who have dedicated years to the broadcasting profession and are in need of help to recover. Applications can be submitted by individual broadcasters or their employers within 30 days of the event, ensuring timely support for those affected.

Screen Actors Guild American Federation

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering comprehensive professional development and educational resources as well as emergency financial and health assistance programs to SAG-AFTRA artists nationwide.

The Foundation values the essential contributions of performing artists to entertainment, media, the arts, and culture. In a rapidly changing industry and world, the Foundation is dedicated to providing SAG-AFTRA actors, voiceover artists, broadcasters, dancers, and other members with new and valuable tools to navigate industry shifts, along with training opportunities to hone and develop their craft.

In addition, the Foundation supports SAG-AFTRA artists throughout the various phases of a career in the arts, offering emergency assistance and scholarship programs to ensure no performer faces tough times alone.

The Foundation also encourages celebrated performers to give back through its children’s literacy program, Storyline Online, fostering a love of reading in millions of children worldwide.

Committed to education and community, the Foundation strives to create a supportive and innovative environment where performers can expand their skills to achieve their highest potential while staying grounded and knowing they have support in times of urgent need.

Emergency Financial Assistance

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation offers critical financial assistance programs for eligible SAG-AFTRA members experiencing urgent financial need due to an unexpected life crisis.

This program cannot replace government unemployment/disability assistance and is meant to provide temporary relief during unexpected crises. The financial programs adhere to IRS guidelines to qualify as an emergency hardship program; grants cannot be given simply because someone is a SAG-AFTRA member, and the programs are not offered as a membership benefit.

We Help Members Facing:

• Eviction, foreclosure, or immediate temporary housing emergencies (only once per member’s lifetime)
• Catastrophic damage rendering primary residence dangerous or uninhabitable
• Auto or other accidents causing injury or personal property destruction
• Costs associated with the burial or cremation of a SAG-AFTRA member, or a member’s spouse/legal dependent
• Financial impacts of experiencing a verifiable crime
• Senior members, age 65 and older, experiencing a life crisis
• Medical expenses due to serious illness or injuries (not covered by insurance)
• In limited cases, we can help pay your SAG-AFTRA health insurance or COBRA premiums (restrictions apply). We cannot extend health insurance eligibility, which is determined by the SAG-AFTRA Pension & Health Plan based on qualifying SAG-AFTRA earnings
• Other emergencies as described in IRS guidelines for emergency financial grants to individuals

BioMarin offers funding through its donation program focused on improving healthcare and patient advocacy, particularly for rare diseases. Organizations eligible for support include hospitals, accredited providers, and patient advocacy groups. BioMarin prioritizes innovative therapeutic solutions for rare genetic conditions. The company is dedicated to enhancing patient care and education, and it reviews funding requests year-round, although specific deadlines apply for year-end funding. This initiative reflects BioMarin's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.

The Bertin Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) public charities that align with the foundation's mission of community strengthening and compassion. Grant requests are accepted annually from July 1 to August 31, focusing on program or project support rather than general endowment. The foundation values measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship, and gives preference to organizations with Gold or Platinum status on Candid.

The Disaster Resilience Program Fellowship supports low-income communities affected by disasters by mobilizing lawyers and law students to provide free civil legal aid. This initiative ensures access to essential legal services, helping families navigate recovery barriers. Attorney Fellows receive a salary while Student Fellows earn a stipend for their service. Participants engage in outreach, build community relationships, and receive comprehensive training to enhance their legal skills, contributing to the resilience of affected communities.