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

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 External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.

The Community-Built Playspace Grants, funded by KaBOOM!, aim to empower communities to create kid-designed playspaces that foster health and well-being. These grants address inequities in access to safe play areas, particularly in communities of color, ensuring that all children can benefit from spaces that promote social, emotional, and physical development. By supporting the construction of these playspaces, KaBOOM! works to enhance resilience and learning opportunities for children, transforming neighborhoods into vibrant, engaging environments.

Bird Friendly Buildings Grant

DOEE seeks eligible entities to reduce bird collisions in the District by promoting voluntary, high-impact retrofits of existing buildings.

This grant is intended to 

• Develop a priority list that identifies existing buildings that pose the greatest risk of bird collision to accelerate bird-safe improvements; 
• Educate building owners and operators about the benefits of bird friendly retrofits to their existing buildings; and
• Pilot the direct implementation of at least one high-risk building retrofit during the grant period.

The amount available for the project is $150,000.

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 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 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 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.

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.

The Kenneth Jay Boss Fellowship in Invertebrate Zoology supports graduate students conducting independent research on mollusks and other invertebrates at the National Museum of Natural History. Recipients receive a stipend of $1,000 per week for housing and subsistence, with potential additional funding for research supplies. Fellowships are awarded biannually, with proposals generally lasting from one week to six months. Applicants must be graduate students, proficient in English, and work closely with an IZ research scientist.

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 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 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.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Gerstbrein/McCanna Scholarship for the Arts

After a long and rewarding career in Landscape Design and Art Education, Lisa Gerstbrein/McCanna wanted to promote the Arts and Industrial Arts in the community where she made her home and her livelihood. Her career brought her tremendous joy in pursuits that she loved as well as the satisfying reward of helping students find inspiration in the worlds of Art and Industrial Art. She is a true believer in the concept of STEAM based education. Accordingly, she established a fund to provide scholarships for the advanced education of advancing Senior High School Students in these areas who are residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and are pursuing higher education in an approved program within 300 miles of their respective school - Armstrong High School, West Shamokin High School or Lenape Technical School. 

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

The Kristian Fauchald Polychaete Research Fellowship offers funding for polychaete biologists at all career stages to conduct independent research at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. This fellowship promotes global collaboration in polychaete studies, providing access to extensive resources and facilities. Fellowships are awarded biannually, supporting projects of one week to six months, with eligible expenses including relocation and research costs. Applicants must engage actively in collections-based research and contact the curator before applying.

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 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.

General Operating Support (GOS)

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) is soliciting applications from qualified arts, humanities, or arts education organizations for its Fiscal Year 2027 General Operating Support Grant Program (GOS). Award amounts vary. An award to an individual organization with an annual operating budget exceeding $115,000 may not exceed 50% of the organization's annual operating budget exclusive of funds granted by the Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

Applicants may submit one (1) grant application to this program per fiscal year cycle.

• Single Year Applicants
• Multi-year Applicants
• Capacity Building Applicants

Capacity Building Applicants

Applicant organizations must not have previously received a competitive grant award from CAH.

This category consists of arts and humanities organizations whose primary purpose is to present and/or produce arts and humanities experiences for the residents of, and visitors to, the District of Columbia. This cohort will support arts and humanities organizations that have not previously been awarded a competitive grant by CAH. Organizations must have been in operation for at least one year by the start of the fiscal year to which they are applying. Capacity Building needs can include but are not limited to staff training, longer organizational initiatives, and sector-strengthening that increases access and awareness of programs for the DC community. 

The Synod of the Mid-Atlantic offers the New and Small Church Grant Fund to support new and small churches in their mission projects. Funded through generous donations from Presbyterians, these grants help churches implement priorities in education, evangelism, and social justice. Eligible applicants include PCUSA churches within the Synod's bounds. Interested parties can find brochures and applications on the Synod's website or by contacting the Synod Office.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

The Synod of the Mid-Atlantic's Visionary Fund supports innovative and inclusive programs addressing education, evangelism, and social justice. These grants, funded by generous donations from Presbyterians, aim to foster community growth and development. Contributions are vital for continuing this mission, with options available for individual, group, or congregational donations, as well as estate bequests and gifts of securities or real estate. Together, we can make a meaningful impact.

The Rec for All Support, Engagement, and Events Grant, offered by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, aims to enhance community wellness by funding organizations that provide inclusive recreational opportunities for all youth. With a total funding of $5,000, this grant supports programs focused on sports, cultural arts, and youth development, ensuring equitable access and fostering a sense of belonging among participants, regardless of their background or abilities.

About DMPSJ

The mission of the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice (DMPSJ) is to provide direction, guidance, support, and coordination to the District’s public safety agencies to develop and lead interagency public safety initiatives to improve the quality of life in the District’s neighborhoods.

Safe and Secure DC Nonprofit Fund

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice (DMPSJ) is in year two of managing the Safe and Secure DC Nonprofit Fund. This program is designed to enhance the security and safety at the physical site(s) of a nonprofit organization located in the District of Columbia. The grant will improve and increase the physical/cyber security and facility/target hardening of nonprofit organizations’ facilities at risk of a terrorist of other extremist attack, safeguarding the lives and property of District residents and visitors.

The Rec for All Support, Engagement, and Events Grant, provided by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, offers $10,000 to support inclusive recreational opportunities for youth. This initiative aims to enhance physical, social, and emotional wellness, fostering a diverse community that promotes lifelong learning and personal growth. Organizations are encouraged to apply for funding that facilitates field trips and engagement activities, ensuring accessibility for all youth regardless of their backgrounds.

The Rec for All Support, Engagement, and Events (See) Grant offers a $10,000 funding opportunity aimed at promoting inclusive recreational activities for youth. This grant, provided by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, supports events, tournaments, and travel for athletic competitions, ensuring accessibility for all participants, regardless of their background or ability. The initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing community wellness and fostering engagement through diverse recreational opportunities.

The Group Violence Reduction Strategy Grant, administered by the DC Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, aims to reduce gun violence in Washington, D.C. This initiative seeks applications from organizations providing violence intervention services to engage high-risk individuals aged 18-35. By fostering community partnerships and implementing effective intervention strategies, the grant supports efforts to prevent violence and offer alternatives to crime, ultimately enhancing safety and well-being in local neighborhoods.