Best Grants for Charities in District of Columbia

501(c)(3) public charities serving District of Columbia residents can seek funding for community services, education, arts and humanities, environment, and health and wellness programs. Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation supports organizations aiding vulnerable and underserved people across the DC metro area, including capacity building and systemic-change efforts that improve residents’ long-term self-sufficiency and well-being; awards range from US $10,000 - US $250,000.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations seeking support for education, human services, health, conservation, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation’s grants, typically ranging from US $2,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to strengthen communities, McGraw Foundation provides nonprofits, including those serving District of Columbia residents, with project, general operating, or occasional capital funding, though grants are generally limited to greater Chicago organizations.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia can seek approximately US $10,000 from the Venable Foundation for general operating support or projects in areas like human services, education, health, workforce development, and arts and culture. Focused on equity for economically disadvantaged people, it prioritizes place-based programs serving communities where Venable has major offices.

District of Columbia graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through the American Water Works Association. This US $3,000 Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship supports actionable, timely research addressing current challenges in the water industry, and may benefit students connected to local charities or nonprofit initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) charities serving District of Columbia residents can seek US $30,000 - US $75,000 from the Philip L. Graham Fund for one-time projects, capital needs, or select program and operating costs. Funding supports health and human services, education, arts and humanities, and community endeavors across the D.C. metropolitan area through a two-step LOI and proposal process.

With a mission to support environmental sustainability, nonprofits and schools in District of Columbia can receive US $25,000 - US $100,000 for decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource-use programs. American Honda Motor funding supports projects like energy efficiency upgrades, onsite solar or wind, recycling, composting, and other initiatives that benefit communities where Honda associates live and work.

Eligible 501(c)(3) charities in the Washington, DC area can seek US $100,000 for significant projects in arts and culture, education, environment, family support, or health and wellness. Grants from Impact100 DC help District of Columbia charities serving historically underserved and marginalized residents implement impactful, time-bound programs or capital projects within 24 months.

Charitable organizations running arts, education, environmental, or health and wellness projects or events in the District of Columbia can seek support for community initiatives through Stantec. Focused on strengthening communities near its office locations, Stantec invites applications for short- or long-term projects and community events that align with these core areas.

Charitable and community-focused organizations in the District of Columbia can seek funding for programs that improve health, financial security, community connection, and environmental sustainability. TD Charitable Foundation prioritizes initiatives serving diverse, historically underserved, and low-to-moderate income populations through its TD Ready Commitment focus areas, including Better Health, Connected Communities, Financial Security, and Vibrant Planet.

Charitable organizations in District of Columbia supporting women and children through humanitarian aid, education, health care, or self-sufficiency programs can apply for The Father's Table Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $750,000. Funding supports projects like homelessness services, job readiness, microfinance, child welfare, anti-trafficking, food security, and water and sanitation initiatives.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in the U.S. territories and states, including District of Columbia, can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards to support small-scale biomedical research and student research experiences. Eligible baccalaureate institutions with limited prior NIH funding may receive up to US $375,000 to strengthen their biomedical research environment.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations and certain public entities addressing education, hunger, health, disaster relief, or environmental needs in the District of Columbia can apply for project support. Focused on community impact, International Paper Company Foundation offers US $2,500 - US $10,000, with priority for its signature causes and programs involving International Paper employees.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations working on economic mobility, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, or affordable housing can access funding and leadership development through Bank of America in the District of Columbia. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help charities build organizational capacity via the two-year Neighborhood Builders Program, supporting income creation and stable housing initiatives in eligible local communities.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia can seek general operating or program support for arts, environmental, medical research, or veterans initiatives. Cornelia T Bailey Foundation supports visual and performing arts access, environmental ingenuity, high-mortality disease research, and veterans’ therapeutic programs; applicants start with a Letter of Inquiry.

Early-career clinical researchers at low- or middle-income country universities or research institutions conducting health-related studies can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, which provides approximately US $140,000 for mentored career development. Focused on global biomedical and public health research, the National Institutes of Health invites applicants whose work may partner with institutions in the District of Columbia.

Early-career health researchers at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries, including those with ties to District of Columbia charities, can seek career development funding to support mentored research projects. The National Institutes of Health’s Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award provides approximately US $140,000 over three to five years for protected research time and training.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering education-focused or youth, arts, community, or related programs in District of Columbia can access funding through John Ben Snow Memorial Trust. U.S.-based charities may receive US $5,000 - US $20,000, with preference for new or expanded programs, short-term bridge support, matching grants, or final capital campaign dollars.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) charities in District of Columbia that provide direct care or services to underprivileged children, homeless individuals, or the elderly can apply for Cloudbreak Foundation’s project grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $20,000. Funding supports specific programs meeting critical or basic human needs, with preference for organizations in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

With a mission to support healthcare advancement, Medtronic provides District of Columbia 501(c)(3) charities with grants and donations for independent medical conferences, charitable events, medical education, and public education programs. Local health-focused organizations working in areas like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, women’s health, or pain management may be eligible to apply; submit requests at least 60 days in advance.

The Joseph Robert Foundation Grant provides essential funding for non-profit organizations focused on the arts, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Based in Pennsylvania, the foundation prioritizes smaller local organizations in the mid-Atlantic region, offering grants typically under $10,000. It encourages innovative projects and supports first-time grant seekers, prioritizing those with limited resources. Organizations can apply for general operating support or specific project funding to further their missions and impact their communities.

Biogen Corporate Sponsorships provide funding to support congresses, events, and initiatives in exchange for tangible benefits such as marketing opportunities and recognition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and requests must be submitted 50 days in advance. Biogen considers various disease areas for sponsorship, including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Approval depends on funding availability, alignment with interests, and event details, ensuring transparency for all potential sponsors.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

Bell's Brewery Small Grassroots Grants support projects focusing on water stewardship across the Great Lakes watershed. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, eligible organizations can apply for funding to improve ecosystem health, enhance public health through better water resource management, and promote resilience against climate-related water risks. This initiative highlights Bell's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support in all 50 states and DC.

The MGM Resorts Foundation Community Grant Fund supports nonprofit agencies providing essential services in areas such as affordable housing, education, and health. Grants are awarded for a one-year period and focus on regions where MGM Resorts employees live and work. Eligible applicants must comply with diversity policies and serve individuals or families. The foundation does not fund governmental agencies or projects exclusively for medical research. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being through targeted support.

The Competitive Graduate Research Fellowship, offered by Maryland Sea Grant, supports graduate students conducting research on critical issues affecting the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters. This fellowship emphasizes social relevance and community engagement, particularly focusing on underserved populations. Awarded fellows receive a stipend of $34,000, tuition remission, and travel allowance. A professional mentor is required to ensure research aligns with the needs of resource managers and policy makers. Applications are encouraged from a diverse pool of candidates.