Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in District of Columbia

The FCIDD Nonprofit Project Grants are designed to support 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across various states. Grants are awarded for projects that enhance accessibility, provide educational opportunities, and promote community engagement. The foundation encourages collaboration with local Civitan clubs, particularly in October and March funding rounds, while also offering open applications in July. The initiative aims to empower nonprofits to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Program Area Improvements

For I/DD specific 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) looking to add/improve programming potential via equipment and property improvements, updates and additions.

The Scholar-in-Training Awards, presented by the American Association for Cancer Research, recognize outstanding young investigators who are first authors of abstracts submitted to the AACR Annual Meeting. With over 5,000 awards since 1986, this competitive program supports attendance at the meeting, promoting innovative cancer research. Applicants must secure AACR membership and adhere to eligibility criteria, ensuring diversity in research areas. The application deadline is November 18, 2025, with strong encouragement for emerging researchers to apply.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

Capitol Hill Construction Impact Grant Program

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (“DMPED”) invites the submission of applications from qualified organizations for a grant under the Capitol Hill Construction Impact grant program (“CHCI” or “Program”). The purpose of the program is to provide short-term financial relief to support small businesses impacted by District Department of Transportation (“DDOT”) construction near Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, and Potomac Avenue, SE, and along 8th Street SE, between Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, and Virginia Avenue, SE, in the District of Columbia (“District”).

Construction activities in these streets may limit access, visibility, and customer flow for neighborhood-serving small businesses. The Program provides short-term financial relief to help sustain affected businesses during this period.

Small businesses may use grant funds to prepare for or recover from any revenue losses they may face as a result of these construction projects. Specifically, grant funds may be used to pay or reimburse the following cost of the impacted business, provided they are sufficiently documented, reasonable and necessary for the operation of the business during the period of construction, and incurred within the same period as the applicable construction project(s) are conducted:

• Rent
• Utilities
• Insurance
• CAM (common area maintenance)
• Mortgage
• Other reasonable business operations costs as proposed by the applicant and approved by DMPED

Anticipated Number of Awards:

DMPED expects to award 10-30 grants under the Program, in an aggregate amount of up to $150,000, contingent on the availability of an appropriated budget in such amount. Awards are anticipated to range between $5,000 and $15,000. 

The Wayne Shirley Fellowship, awarded by the Society for American Music, supports short-term research residencies at the Library of Congress, focusing on the diverse musics of the Americas. This annual fellowship honors Wayne Shirley's legacy as a dedicated librarian and music specialist. With a maximum award of $1,000, it encourages scholars at all career stages to explore American music and its cultural significance.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.

About Us

Mission 

Ensure DC agencies, businesses, and residents are prepared to prevent, protect against, respond to, mitigate, and recover from all threats and hazards. 

Vision 

The District of Columbia must be ready to prevent, protect and mitigate against, respond to, and recover from all threats and hazards that may adversely impact our workforce, residents, and visitors to the Nation’s capital. In 2027, DC will be a place where residents and businesses live, work, play, and thrive in a diverse, safe, and resilient environment. District partners work together to facilitate unimpeded information sharing and an understanding of their own—and partners’—capabilities, which are brought to bear during blue sky days and emergency situations. 

DC Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

On July 28, 2025, FEMA released the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the FY2025 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). This grant provides $274,500,000 funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to eligible nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack and other extremist attacks.

The 2025 NSGP has two components: 1) $137,250,000 million for eligible nonprofit entities that are within designated major urban areas (NSGP-UA); 2) $137,250,000 million for eligible nonprofit entities that are not within those designated major urban areas, through a state-level application (NSGP-S).

The District of Columbia and the surrounding National Capital Region urban area is only eligible to apply for the urban area NSGP program (NSGP-UA). It is estimated that the National Capital Region urban area will receive a target amount of $6,499,856 in NSGP awards.

The National Capital Region urban area (NCR) includes the District of Columbia, Montgomery and Prince George's Counties in Maryland, and Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William Counties and the City of Alexandria in Virginia. Any nonprofit applicants in Maryland and Virginia that are not within the boundaries of the NCR must submit their applications to the Maryland Department of Emergency Management or Virginia Department of Emergency Management, respectively.

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG) is seeking applications for funding to maintain the comprehensive network of trauma-informed services available to victims of crime; to address the issues of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault in a manner that promotes victim safety and offender accountability; to improve the treatment of victims of crime by providing them with the assistance and services necessary to aid their restoration after a criminal act, and to support and aid victims as they move through the criminal and civil justice processes. 

The Michael Masser Scholarship, established by the late composer Michael Masser, supports talented students in music. It offers $3,000 to recipients for educational advancement, with nominations made by ASCAP representatives. Eligible nominees must demonstrate exceptional talent in music composition or performance and be entering a collegiate music program. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of music creators and enrich the arts community through financial assistance.

The Leiber & Stoller Music Scholarship, funded by The ASCAP Foundation, offers $2,500 annually for four years to high school seniors pursuing a music major. Aspiring songwriters, musicians, and vocalists are encouraged to apply. The selection process evaluates music and lyric writing, overall craftsmanship, and artistry. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or residents and meet specific criteria. The scholarship is aimed at nurturing the next generation of music creators, ensuring their educational journey is supported.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program aims to enhance recreational opportunities in underserved communities through significant funding. Offering matching grants up to 50%, with awards ranging from $300,000 to $15,000,000, this program encourages applicants to connect with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection early in the application process for guidance. This initiative supports large-scale projects that improve access to recreational facilities.

The CTBF: Eager to Learn Grant Program provides essential support for college test preparation and promotes access to trade schools. Aimed at empowering students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, the program funds organizations that enhance SAT and ACT scores and offer mentorship. Grants, capped at $25,000, focus on equitable opportunities in education, ensuring all students can pursue their optimal paths, whether through college or vocational training.

About

What is the Pizza Hut Foundation?

In pursuit of happiness, the Pizza Hut Franchisee community, in partnership with Pizza Hut U.S. is proud to announce the formation of the Pizza Hut Foundation.

Our foundation is seeking to touch the lives of over 100 youth annually by partnering with youth-serving nonprofit organizations focusing on literacy education programs to enable our team members and their peers to be career and life ready.

Pizza Hut Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under the Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.

About the Slice of Literacy Grant

The bi-annual grant opportunity awards up to $10,000 to public libraries and non-profit organizations that are actively working to improve literacy initiatives in Pizza Hut communities.

The grants are made possible by the generosity of our customers purchase of the BOOK IT! Bundle menu item!

The Sammy Cahn Award, presented by The ASCAP Foundation, honors exceptional lyric-writing talent among songwriters of original songs. Established in 1995 to commemorate Sammy Cahn's legacy, the award offers a $5,000 prize to recipients. Eligible entrants include ASCAP writer members in good standing or independent songwriters. Submissions are judged anonymously based on lyric quality and overall craft, ensuring the recognition of artistic excellence within the songwriting community.

The Peggy Lee Songwriter Award, presented by the ASCAP Foundation, honors lyricists of original songs who exhibit a sophisticated command of language and demonstrate significant talent. This prestigious award recognizes contributions to jazz and popular music, with a prize of $2,500 shared among co-writers. Eligible entrants must be U.S. citizens or residents, at least 18 years old, and ASCAP members in good standing. This award celebrates the legacy of Peggy Lee, a pioneering figure in music.

The Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants offer one-time financial assistance of up to $3,000 for professional dancers facing urgent financial crises. Applicants must demonstrate a critical need due to circumstances like housing instability, healthcare costs, or food insecurity. Eligible dancers must be 21 or older, reside in the U.S., and have an income below specified thresholds. This program aims to support dancers in overcoming financial hardships exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and other unforeseen challenges.

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

CSX Charitable Investments offers the Pride in Service Grants to support organizations that honor and assist military members and first responders. Focus areas include safety, mental health, community bridging, workforce development, and addressing food insecurity. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status, government entities, and educational institutions. Grants aim to uplift communities and recognize the contributions of those who serve, while ensuring alignment with specific charitable criteria.

The Farmers' and Retail Market Support Grant Program, managed by the District of Columbia Department of Health, aims to build capacity and increase access to farmers' markets and mobile markets in food-insecure areas. Eligible applicants must register with the federal Systems for Award Management and possess a Tax ID. This initiative focuses on enhancing awareness of local food resources, particularly emphasizing support for fruit and vegetable producers to promote health and wellness in the community.

The ASCAP Foundation's Jay Gorney Award honors songwriters who create original music with socially conscious themes. Established in 2009, this award commemorates composer Jay Gorney's legacy, particularly his iconic song 'Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?' Entrants are judged on their ability to convey powerful messages through artistry and lyrical excellence. The award includes a $1,000 monetary prize, fostering creativity and social awareness in the music community.

The Deems Taylor/Virgil Thomson Awards, established in 1967 by the ASCAP Foundation, honor exceptional books, articles, and liner notes about music. With total prizes of $4000, awards are given to top submissions in Pop and Concert Music genres. Eligible works must be published in the previous year and meet specific criteria. The foundation aims to celebrate the legacy of Deems Taylor and Virgil Thomson, prominent figures in American music history.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.