Best Grants for 501(c)(3) in District of Columbia

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The Arts and Humanities Education Project Grant Program (AHEP) supports non-profit organizations in the District of Columbia to enhance student engagement in arts and humanities. AHEP aims to provide high-quality experiences that bolster academic achievement and strengthen the role of arts education. This competitive grant is open to projects of various sizes, focusing on in-school, out-of-school, professional development, and older adult initiatives, fostering a rich cultural landscape.

The Visions – Projects + Events Grant, administered by HumanitiesDC, invites DC-based nonprofit organizations to create innovative public humanities programs. By supporting projects that engage with the community through documentaries, events, and educational initiatives, this grant fosters creative interpretations of humanities scholarship. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a connection to Washington, DC, and incorporate relevant expertise in their projects. This funding opportunity encourages collaboration and accessibility, enriching the cultural landscape of the District.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Charles and Melva T. Owen Memorial Scholarships

First established by Charles Owen in loving memory of his blind wife, these two awards are now endowed to honor the memory of both. In founding these scholarships, Charles Owen wrote: "There shall be no limitation as to field of study, except that it shall be directed toward attaining financial independence.”

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants: Exploratory Projects aim to enhance agricultural producers' economic viability through innovative risk management education. Funded by the University of Delaware, these grants offer up to $10,000 for projects that address emerging risk topics or support producer workshops. With an 18-month duration from April 2026 to September 2027, this initiative encourages the development of new educational approaches to better serve the needs of farmers and ranchers.

The Ward 6 DC Main Streets Support Grant Program, managed by the District’s Department of Small and Local Business Development, allocates $350,000 to support DC non-profits enhancing small businesses and community development. Applications open on March 24, 2025, for two funding pools: $100,000 for 5-10 grants ($5,000-$20,000 each) and $250,000 for 1-3 grants ($75,000-$250,000 each). Eligible applicants include only DC-incorporated non-profits.

The Youth Workforce Development Program by the District of Columbia Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services aims to prepare justice-involved youth for successful transition into adulthood. Through structured job training, skill development, and real-world experience, the program facilitates pathways to sustainable employment. It emphasizes collaboration with community partners and focuses on proven results for youth aged 18 to 21. By fostering a supportive environment, this initiative seeks to empower young individuals and promote their reintegration into society.

The Cultural Humility Training Grant, offered by the District of Columbia Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism & Partnerships, aims to empower community-based organizations (CBOs) to enhance cultural competency and provide affirming spaces for youth, particularly those experiencing homelessness. This two-year initiative supports CBOs in delivering tailored training, improving service delivery, and fostering inclusive environments. The grant period extends from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2027, focusing on evidence-based practices to better serve vulnerable populations.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Mimi and Marvin Sandler Scholarship

The Mimi and Marvin Sandler award is funded by longtime friends of the Federation, Mr. and Mrs. Sandler. Marvin Sandler served as president of Independent Living Aids for more than thirty years. He and his wife wish to further academic excellence by sponsoring this award.

The Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP) Grant aims to support District youth aged 9-13 by offering comprehensive career and educational exploration activities. These activities include occupational skills training, academic enrichment, life skills development, and work readiness training during the summer. Administered by the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services, this program seeks to empower young individuals with essential skills for their future careers and personal growth.

The WAVForce Incentives Project aims to enhance the availability of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) in Washington, D.C., by incentivizing drivers and fostering partnerships within the for-hire industry. This initiative, backed by the District of Columbia Department of For-Hire Vehicles, seeks to ensure 24/7 WAV service availability while promoting self-sustainability through strategic collaborations. By dedicating significant funding towards driver incentives, the project intends to improve operational capacity and service quality for the community.

The MartinConnects Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, aims to empower employees through charitable initiatives. This grant program focuses on addressing homelessness, supporting STEM education, aiding veterans, and assisting women and children in need. Eligible recipients include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and governmental agencies within specific geographic areas, ensuring funds are directed towards impactful community projects and programs.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

E. U. and Gene Parker Scholarship

The E. U. and Gene Parker Scholarship honors two longtime leaders of the National Federation of the Blind whose participation stood for strong principles and strong support of the Federation's work.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Charles and Betty Allen Scholarship

The Charles and Betty Allen Scholarship, funded by Charles and Betty before their passing, is a reflection of their commitment to education. Charlie, who was extremely successful, left school at an early age to care for his family, but retained a strong belief in higher education.

The Great American Cleanup Grants, offered by Keep America Beautiful, aim to enhance community beautification and environmental efforts across the U.S. This initiative encourages KAB affiliates to remove litter, plant greenery, and restore public spaces, contributing to the larger goal of cleaning up 25 billion pieces of litter by 2026. With cash grants available, this program fosters collaboration among communities, promoting sustainable practices and a cleaner, greener future for all.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Edith R. and Alvin J. Domroe Foundation Scholarships

The Foundation supports college scholarships and has funded two scholarships to encourage academic excellence.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Jesse and Hertha Adams Charitable Trust Scholarship

The Jesse and Hertha Adams Trust Scholarship is made available for those individuals who wish to achieve their dreams. Success is acknowledged through hard work and the effort you put forth. And the Jesse and Hertha Adams Scholarship acknowledges both. In addition to funding this named scholarship, the trust generously contributes to our program travel expenditures for our winners and many of our National Federation of the Blind other scholarships.

The US Department of Health & Human Services, through the NIH, invites applications for innovative approaches to implement SBIRT/P for addressing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in adults facing health disparities. This funding opportunity encourages research that tests screening, brief interventions, and referrals for treatment or prevention services. Applications are due on specified deadlines from February 2024 through March 2027, fostering collaboration with healthcare and community partners to enhance public health outcomes.

Washington State Department of Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce’s mission is to strengthen communities in Washington. We are the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. We administer a diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and several state boards and commissions, all focused on helping communities achieve positive growth.

Early Learning Facilities (ELF) Public School District & Tribal Compact Schools Program

Program Purpose

The Early Learning Facilities (ELF) program supports Washington’s commitment of developing additional high quality early learning opportunities for children from low-income households. The Early Learning Facilities (ELF) Program goal is to expand Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) availability for children from income-qualified.

This competitive grant process is to assist public school district and tribal compact school child care providers to remodel, purchase, or construct early learning facilities and classrooms to create more early learning opportunities for children from income-qualified households. 

This funding round is specifically for the following:

• Public School Districts
• Tribal Compact Schools

All entities identified in RCW 43.31.575 including Private Schools and Schools not affiliated with a Public School District, are invited to apply for the Eligible Organizations competitive grant funding round.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Kurzweil Foundation and Ray Kurzweil

The Kurzweil Foundation and Ray Kurzweil contribute to each recipient’s award, and provide each finalist with a commemorative plaque in both print and Braille. Ray Kurzweil is a long-time friend of the Federation and deserves our special recognition.

The SpartanNash Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on Hunger, Heroes, and Hope. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located within a 30-mile radius of SpartanNash facilities. The Foundation ensures that every dollar raised directly benefits partner organizations, with a commitment to community impact. Grants are not available for ineligible entities, including those outside the radius or not aligned with the Foundation's mission. Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has positively influenced local communities.

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. 

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

National Federation of the Blind Scholarships

All other scholarships proudly carry the name National Federation of the Blind. Our members acknowledge academic excellence and leadership in making these awards.

About PCORI

PCORI funds patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER).

Our Mission

PCORI helps people make informed healthcare decisions, and improves healthcare delivery and outcomes, by producing and promoting high-integrity, evidence-based information that comes from research guided by patients, caregivers, and the broader healthcare community.

Broad Pragmatic Studies PCORI Funding

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA), seeking to fund patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. 

Research Initiative Highlights

CER compares at least two available health treatments, services or care delivery strategies. PCORI seeks proposals that compare clinical interventions (e.g., pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, screening and diagnostic approaches) and healthcare delivery system interventions (e.g., workforce, technologies, healthcare service delivery designs) to evaluate potential benefits and harms of different treatment and care delivery options, thus generating evidence that empowers patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community with information to make informed choices that reflect their needs and preferences.

Special Areas of Emphasis

For Cycle 2 2026, PCORI is particularly interested in submissions that address the following Special Areas of Emphasis (SAE) within the BPS funding opportunity. The purpose of identifying these SAEs is to encourage submissions to these areas, rather than limiting submissions to these topics. Applicants addressing one of the below SAEs should identify the area that is best associated with their research approach:  

• Addressing Obesity
• Diabetes Prevention, Care and Treatment
• Management of Urogynecological and Pelvic Pain
• Pain Management for Individuals Living With Sickle Cell Disease

In PCORI-funded research, patients and other research partners are expected to meaningfully contribute their lived experience or professional expertise to ensure studies are patient-centered, relevant and useful for healthcare decision making. Applicants must address PCORI’s Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research — an evidence-based framework supported by tools and resources to guide effective engagement strategies. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to consider the inclusion of a broad range of patient-centered burdens and economic outcomes. 

Broad Pragmatic Studies PFA: Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 Study Specifications

PCORI will commit up to $120 million in direct costs through this funding opportunity. This funding opportunity contains three categories for funding:

• Category 1: Category 1 will support research projects with direct costs up to and including $5 million.

• Category 2: Category 2 will support research projects with direct costs greater than $5 million and up to a maximum of $12 million. Applications for funding under Category 2 will be required to provide additional information in the Letter of Intent (LOI) and application to justify the size and scope of the proposed research projects and to explain how additional funds are necessary with respect to the scale, scope and complexity of personnel and material resources needed to address the research question.

• Category 3: Category 3 will support research projects with direct costs up to $12 million that utilize PCORnet® to conduct observational studies and/or pragmatic trials that are national in scale. Category 3 PCORnet Studies® must include two or more Clinical Research Networks and share study progress, performance metrics and best practices with the network to promote continuous learning and improvement. PCORnet Studies® will leverage the PCORnet Common Data Model® as appropriate. Additional details about Category 3 can be found on the PCORI website.  

Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

The Asia-Pacific region, home to over half the world's population, faces challenges due to its development goals, which strain natural resources, communities, and cultural heritage. These issues are exacerbated by adverse environmental changes. While research has shed light on these problems, it's clear that more challenges lie ahead. The Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) is well-positioned to generate new knowledge and solutions for these evolving global change and sustainability issues by supporting collaborative research and scientific capacity development activities, particularly those aimed at training the next generation of early career professionals.

APN 2025 Call for Proposals: CAPaBLE Programmes

CAPaBLE, our scientific capacity development programme, aims to enhance the capacity of scientists, policymakers and practitioners to assess global change issues, and explore options to resolve issues towards achieving sustainability. Through CAPaBLE, we support activities that enhance capacity at individual, organizational and systemic levels.

Activities of interest under the CAPaBLE Programme

APN supports CAPaBLE activities that enhance existing capacities of developing countries at three levels of individual-based capacity development; group, organisation, network-based capacity development; and societies, governance, and system level capacity development. APN accepts CAPaBLE proposals that engage 1 or more member/approved countries. Proposals must address one or more of the following activities:

SCIENTIFIC CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES that promote the following approaches related to one or more of the six thematic areas of APN:

• Utilising and strengthening existing capacity, 
• Creating opportunities to use/instil capacity, 
• Developing new capacity through innovative approaches.

AWARENESS-RAISING AND DISSEMINATION activities through policy- and decision-making communities, civil society, and/or the general public.

SCIENCE-POLICY interfacing in the context of the priority topics.

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP ACTIVITIES that contribute to the capacity development components of the evolving global change arena, including the UNFCCC Paris Agreement, IPCC, IPBES, post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the UN Decade of Ocean Science, and ongoing and new global change and sustainability research programmes.

Activities geared towards using SCIENCE COMMUNICATION to disseminate knowledge generated from projects, particularly to non-science audiences.