Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in District of Columbia

The My Rides Transportation Program Grant, offered by the District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health, aims to provide essential transportation services for residents in need of treatment for opioid and stimulant use disorders. By eliminating transportation barriers, the program facilitates access to crucial recovery support services. Eligible applicants include licensed Digital Taxi Solutions providers and Transportation Network Companies. A pre-application webinar will be held on December 22, 2025, for interested parties.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The Ward 7 Public Space Activation Grant, offered by the District of Columbia Office of Planning, aims to enhance public spaces and boost local commerce in Ward 7. Eligible organizations can apply to create vibrant environments through art installations, community events, and necessary infrastructure. This initiative fosters inclusivity and engagement, ensuring that all residents can benefit from improved public spaces, which are essential for community well-being and economic growth. Applications are welcomed from qualified entities with relevant experience.

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.

The TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship supports students pursuing healthcare careers, continuing a 30-year tradition of helping those dedicated to caring for others. Eligible applicants must be U.S. residents, graduate students or seniors enrolling in graduate school for the 2024-25 academic year, and provide proof of enrollment in an accredited healthcare program. Scholarships cover tuition, fees, and necessary supplies, ensuring that future healthcare professionals receive the support they need.

The Helen Wardman Naselli Memorial Fund Grant, established in 1990, supports organizations dedicated to aiding elderly individuals in need. The foundation prioritizes funding for charities in the Washington, DC area that provide care and relief for the aged. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code. However, larger charitable organizations reliant on public appeals and grants for individuals or capital projects are ineligible for funding.

The Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program Grants, awarded by the DC Bar Foundation, support DC-based non-profit organizations providing critical civil legal aid to low-income residents facing eviction. Since 2018, over $50.4 million has been granted to enhance legal representation for underserved tenants in landlord-tenant court, ensuring access to justice and assistance during eviction-related proceedings.

The Access to Justice (ATJ) Grants Program, administered by the DC Bar Foundation, aims to enhance civil legal services for District residents. Since 1977, the Foundation has invested over $200 million to support legal aid providers. Grants will fund services in underserved areas, housing, and interpreter banks, with eligibility for nonprofit partners. This program ensures equitable access to justice for all, leveraging a grant from the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants for 2026.

The DC Bar Foundation, a leading funder of legal aid in Washington, D.C., has been providing General Support Grants since 1978 to enhance access to justice for low-income residents. With over $34 million allocated, these grants offer unrestricted funding to cover essential operational costs for legal aid organizations. The Foundation's commitment ensures that vital legal services remain available to those in need, supporting a diverse range of community legal aid initiatives.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, initiated by the Arbor Day Foundation, encourages colleges and universities to cultivate community forests while promoting environmental stewardship. By meeting five essential standards, campuses can achieve recognition for their efforts in tree care, community engagement, and sustainability. This program not only beautifies educational spaces but also enhances mental health and reduces energy consumption, ultimately fostering a healthier planet for future generations.

The EDA Philadelphia FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program aims to enhance regional economic development by providing grants for creating and implementing Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). This initiative supports eligible organizations, including Indian Tribes and District Organizations, to develop plans that foster economic prosperity and job retention in distressed areas. Through various investments, the program strengthens local capacities for effective economic development and job creation.

The DC Oral History - Beyond the Archive Grants provide funding for community organizations and individuals to create public humanities projects utilizing existing oral history collections. These projects should focus on themes relevant to Washington, DC, and benefit its residents. Possible outcomes include exhibitions, performances, written research, and educational curricula, all aimed at showcasing the unique stories of the city’s diverse communities.

The Raftelis Leadership Scholarship, offered by the American Water Works Association, supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a consulting career in water utilities. With a value of $5,000, this scholarship aims to foster relationships with diverse, promising students who demonstrate leadership and strong academic performance. Applicants from various academic backgrounds, including business and finance, are encouraged to apply, emphasizing initiative and a desire to contribute positively to the community.

The Capital Projects Grant Program, offered by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, supports organizations that own or rent facilities, intend to own facilities, or seek capital project support for permanent assets in the arts and humanities. It aims to promote stability and growth, preserve infrastructure, ensure access to quality spaces, reduce displacement risk, and foster access for all residents.

The Color the Curb: School Safety Program invites District-based artists to create large-scale murals at intersections near three DC Public Schools in Washington, DC. Funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities in collaboration with local government and education departments, this initiative encourages community engagement and artistic expression while enhancing school safety. Artists must meet specific eligibility criteria, including residency and previous funding history, to apply for this grant aimed at fostering youth engagement through art.

The Wold Foundation Grant, established in 1985, aims to support charitable, scientific, literary, and educational projects primarily benefiting Wyoming citizens and youth. It prioritizes initiatives in education, human services, cultural activities, healthcare, and scientific endeavors that promote conservation and outdoor recreation. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) classified and operate in the U.S. The foundation does not fund individuals or projects that discriminate based on sex, age, or religion.

The Global Executive Arts Management Fellowship, hosted by the University of Maryland, supports executives in the arts and cultural sector. This immersive program offers three years of fully-subsidized training, including strategic planning, leadership, and fundraising. Participants engage in cohort-based activities and residencies, fostering collaboration and personal reflection. Designed for leaders at pivotal career moments, it strengthens their impact within their organizations and communities by sharing best practices and experiences.

The Dale Jr. Foundation, founded by NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., has raised over $8 million since 2007 to support various charities focusing on youth and underprivileged communities. The foundation emphasizes empowerment, education, wellness, hunger relief, and hope, aiming to provide resources that enhance confidence and opportunities for children facing hardships. Through fundraising efforts and partnerships with organizations like Make-A-Wish, the foundation strives to positively impact lives and foster a sense of normalcy among children in need.

The Safe Passage, Safe Blocks RFA aims to enhance student safety during their commutes by funding community-based organizations to provide a visible adult presence along designated routes. This initiative seeks to reduce violence and disruptions while fostering positive youth engagement, creating a supportive environment for students, families, and school communities in priority areas. The program utilizes trained Safe Passage Ambassadors to identify and intervene in potential threats, ensuring safer travel for all.

L3Harris Technologies partners with PLTW to inspire PreK-12 students in STEM education. The program provides $20,000 in grants to schools starting or expanding PLTW Computer Science courses in the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible public and charter schools in specified counties can receive funding to support diverse and economically challenged communities. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and ensure students gain essential skills for future careers in technology and engineering.

L3Harris Technologies is expanding its partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance STEM education for PreK-12 students. This initiative aims to support schools in launching or expanding PLTW Computer Science programs for the 2026-2027 academic year, focusing on diverse and economically challenged communities across multiple states. Eligible schools can receive grants to implement new courses, additional class periods, or teacher training, fostering a strong foundation in technology and engineering.

The Smithsonian Institution is offering the Margaret S. Vining and Barton C. Hacker Fellowship in Women's Military History for the 2025-26 term. This fellowship invites research on women’s roles in national defense up to 1945, utilizing the museum's extensive collections. Stipends of up to $30,000 are available, depending on the candidate's status. Applicants must reside in Washington, DC and commit to a minimum of three days per week at the museum. Non-US candidates should inquire about visa and tax implications.

The Investing in Artists: Tools & Equipment Grant, offered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, provides funding between $1,000 and $5,000 for individual craft artists in the U.S. to purchase essential tools and equipment. This program aims to enhance the creative support system, enabling artists to produce object-based work and meet safety standards. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their craft and have presented public artistic work within the last three years.

The PLTW Computer Science grant, funded by Lockheed Martin, aims to support schools in expanding or establishing PLTW Computer Science courses. This initiative addresses the critical shortage of skilled professionals in STEM fields, enabling students to gain essential knowledge and skills. Since 2007, Lockheed Martin has successfully partnered with PLTW to implement programs across the nation, impacting over 77,000 students. Schools are encouraged to apply for funding to enhance their computer science curriculum.

Project Lead The Way Inc is offering a grant of $14,000 to schools looking to implement the PLTW Computer Science program for the first time. Schools must commit to offering PLTW Computer Science courses over the next three years, ensuring that at least one course is available in the first year. This funding will support program implementation costs, with awards distributed directly to PLTW accounts for eligible schools.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.

The Robert D. Hevey, Jr. and Constance M. Filling Fellowship in Anthropology supports graduate students engaged in research on indigenous communities, linguistics, and cultural diversity at the National Museum of Natural History. This ten-week fellowship offers a stipend of $8,000 and additional allowances for research and relocation. Applicants must be enrolled graduate students fluent in English, eligible for both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens, while previous Smithsonian employees are ineligible.