Best Grants for Charities in District of Columbia

The AHRQ Health Services Research Dissertation Program (R36) provides crucial funding for doctoral candidates engaged in health services research. This program aims to support individuals in their academic pursuits, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the field of healthcare. By fostering innovative research, AHRQ enhances the quality of health services and promotes evidence-based practices. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time, ensuring timely submissions for those seeking to advance their academic careers.

The ACS Award in Pure Chemistry recognizes early career researchers for their outstanding contributions to fundamental research in pure chemistry. Established in 1931, the award includes a $5,000 prize and reimbursement for up to $1,000 in travel expenses to the award presentation meeting. Nominees must have less than 10 years of experience since their terminal degree and demonstrate exceptional research merit. Special consideration is given to originality and independence of thought in submitted research.

The Toor Scholarship for Strong Public-School Libraries, established by the Toor Family, honors the legacy of Jay and Ruth Toor, who advocated for state-certified librarians in every school. This scholarship supports U.S. public school librarians who create local marketing campaigns to promote their libraries as vital community resources. Each recipient receives a $1,000 stipend to attend the AASL National Conference and must present their project, contributing to the advancement of school librarianship.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs are launching a pilot emphasis on advancing scientific instrumentation and enabling technologies to drive innovation and economic growth in the U.S. This initiative supports startups and small businesses developing critical scientific equipment and platforms, with funding opportunities up to $2 million for R&D. By prioritizing next-generation instrumentation, NSF aims to enhance the scientific enterprise and foster breakthroughs essential for the future of AI-driven discoveries and broader scientific advancements.

Village of the Living Dead Kenneth Fulton Memorial Scholarship

Kenneth Fulton was a member of the St. Charles Haunted House since its very beginning in 1985 until his passing at the haunted house in 1998. He volunteered and also brought along with him his kids and brothers to volunteer as well. Ken was a quiet gentle man that loved what the haunted house stood for and who it was all about – the kids. His favorite character to play was Michael Myers. He was tall and quiet and was able to scare the patrons with his eerie silence. He loved the members of the haunted house as his own family. He is greatly missed and would be so proud to be a part of this scholarship.  

Evaluation Criteria

• Community service (50)
• Financial need (25)
• Letters of recommendation from two volunteer organizations (13)
• Extracurricular/school activities (12)

The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research's Visiting Scholar Awards aim to enhance capacity building in underdeveloped Antarctic research programs. Open to scientists and academics with over five years post-PhD experience, the awards support short-term visits (1-4 weeks) to SCAR member countries for training and mentoring. Awards cover international flights and living expenses, promoting long-term research partnerships while considering virtual applications amidst unforeseen circumstances.

Mary's Pence Grants provide essential funding and support for women's social justice organizations in the U.S. and Canada. Established over 30 years ago, the program is dedicated to empowering women on the margins by funding grassroots initiatives that focus on community-centered, sustainable change. Organizations with budgets under $200,000 are eligible to apply for grants up to $5,000, fostering relationships and collaborative efforts to address systemic issues and promote social justice.

Robert H. Moser Essay Award

To honor the late Robert H. Moser, MD (AΩA, Georgetown University, 1969). Awarded to one outstanding essay celebrating the life of a physician like Dr. Moser who has enriched the world through his/her career in medicine.

Background

Dr. Moser organized and worked in one of the first MASH units during the Korean War. He was a pioneering flight controller for NASA during the Project Mercury and Project Apollo space programs, served as Chief of Medicine at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, and treated patients at the Kalaupapa Leper Colony in Molokai. He was Chief of Medicine at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, editor of JAMA, Executive Vice President of the American College of Physicians and a member of The Pharos Editorial Board.

The Award

One award of $4,500 for an essay highlighting the life of a physician who has enriched the world of medicine. The winning essay will be published in The Pharos. The winning author must submit a W-9 form prior to issuance of the award check.

About

At Creative Pinellas, we believe the arts are essential to a vibrant, thriving community. Through programs, partnerships, and advocacy, we empower artists and cultural organizations across Pinellas County—enhancing quality of life, driving economic growth, and inspiring residents and visitors alike.

At Creative Pinellas, we’re all about celebrating the power of the arts to bring people together and make life better. We support local artists, spark creative experiences, and help build a cultural scene that makes Pinellas County an inspiring place to live, work, and play. From gallery shows and public art to festivals and performances, the arts play a big role in drawing visitors to the area—boosting local businesses and showcasing everything our vibrant community has to offer.

Arts Tourism Funding Program: Celebrating Pinellas County’s Creative Spirit Grant

Creative Pinellas is spearheading a transformative new arts tourism funding program designed to position Pinellas County as a premier cultural destination while strengthening its creative economy. On Tuesday, March 24, the Pinellas Board of County Commissioners approved the $500,000 program by unanimous vote. Creative Pinellas will direct the program, which is funded by Visit St. Pete-Clearwater (VSPC) with outreach and event support provided by St. Petersburg Arts Alliance and Clearwater Arts Alliance.

The inaugural program will fund a wide range of experiences created by artists and arts organizations selected through a competitive process. The experiences will shape a countywide, multi-week festival of the arts during Fall 2026 featuring performances, exhibitions, workshops, public art, and immersive cultural experiences across beaches, parks, downtown districts, and cultural venues. It is expected to reach an estimated 2.5 million visitors during that time.

This marks the first time Creative Pinellas has distributed arts funding to support not only individual artists and nonprofits, but also for-profit arts organizations.

Award Amounts and Frequency

• The panel plans to select approximately 20-30 arts experiences, totaling $350,000 to Individual Artists and Organizations. It is possible that more or fewer experiences will be selected. Another $50,000 is planned for those selected to provide opening and closing experiences for the month of the arts.
• The panel reviewing applications will be asked to fund in two categories: individuals and organizations.
• Individual Artists may apply for $5,000 to $15,000.
• Organizations may apply for $15,000 to $50,000.
• The panel predicts to select a very limited number of arts experiences at the higher funding levels.
• All applicants acknowledge that Creative Pinellas may offer funding at a different amount than applied for.

The Pilcrow Foundation offers the Disaster Relief Grant to support libraries in rural areas of the United States affected by natural disasters. This grant provides $800 worth of quality, hardcover children's books to aid in rebuilding children's departments. Libraries must demonstrate a commitment to serving their communities and possess a limited operating budget. This initiative ensures that children in disaster-stricken regions have access to new books, enhancing literacy and fostering a love for reading.

Enhearten Micro Grant supports unseen leaders by providing funding for community-driven projects that embody values of humility, integrity, and love. Grants range from $500 to $1,000 and are awarded after a thorough review process. Enhearten aims to empower these leaders, who often lack access to traditional funding sources, by fostering reparative networks that prioritize equality and justice. This initiative seeks to create opportunities for transformative community engagement and support.

The IECA Foundation Grant offers up to $5,000 to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that assist underserved youth and young adults in achieving their educational goals. The Foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and align with its mission of fostering positive outcomes through personalized support and community engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with an annual budget of $1 million or less, focusing on innovative, project-based initiatives.

The Corporation Associates Local Section & International Chapter Grant, offered by the American Chemical Society (ACS), provides funding up to $1,000 for ACS local sections and international chapters. This grant supports industry-focused events like job fairs, résumé workshops, and networking receptions, aimed at enhancing the professional development of members employed in the chemical industry. By fostering community engagement, ACS helps empower local chapters to champion scientific integrity and advance knowledge.

The Corporation Associates Seed Grant, offered by the American Chemical Society, provides up to $5,000 per year for innovative projects in chemical sciences education, public engagement in the chemical industry, and safety enhancements in chemistry. This grant supports one-time initiatives that align with the goals of the ACS Committee on Corporation Associates. Note that funding excludes research, equipment purchases, travel, and illegal activities, ensuring resources are allocated to impactful educational endeavors.

The ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant supports AASL Chapters in developing leadership programs for school library associations at various levels. This grant encourages initiatives that engage new members, train current leaders, and foster collaboration among organizations. Successful applications clearly define program objectives, participant groups, and include well-structured budgets and evaluation plans. The grant aims to promote innovative leadership approaches that can be replicated by other chapters, enhancing the overall effectiveness of school libraries.

The Local Section Member Engagement (LS-MEET) Grant Program, provided by the American Chemical Society, aims to enhance community engagement within local sections. With a funding cap of $2,000, this program supports initiatives that attract new members and strengthen existing communities. Eligible projects may include innovative technology use, targeted events for underrepresented local chemist groups, and activities that promote interaction among members. Applications should align with local section goals and detail specific budgetary needs.

The KidsGardening Youth Garden Grant supports organizations in the U.S. or U.S. Territories that aim to enhance youth gardening programs. With a focus on underserved communities, the grant provides resources to develop or improve garden projects for youth aged 0-18. This initiative not only promotes educational opportunities but also fosters community engagement through gardening. Recipients receive a variety of supplies, including seeds and gardening tools, to help cultivate sustainable gardening practices.

The Rosenberg Fund for Children supports the educational and emotional needs of children and youth up to age 24 who are linked to targeted progressive activists. Grants can cover tuition, counseling, and other essential services to help beneficiaries thrive despite the challenges faced by their families. The fund emphasizes direct support to programs and providers, ensuring that assistance reaches those most affected by activism-related adversities.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Richard A. Isaacson Award in Gravitational-Wave Science

This award recognizes outstanding contributions in gravitational-wave physics, gravitational-wave astrophysics, and the technologies that enable this science.

The annual award consists of $5,000, a certificate, travel reimbursement and a registration waiver to attend the APS April Meeting to give an invited talk and accept the award.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Rolf Landauer and Charles H. Bennett Award in Quantum Computing

This award recognizes recent outstanding contributions in quantum information science, especially using quantum effects to perform computational and information-management tasks that would be impossible or infeasible by purely classical means. The award is given annually and will consist of $5,000 and a certificate citing the contributions of the recipient, plus an allowance for travel to an APS meeting to receive the award and deliver an invited lecture.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Stanley Corrsin Award

To recognize and encourage a particularly influential contribution to fundamental fluid dynamics.

The Prize consists of $5,000, an allowance for registration and travel to the meeting at which the Prize is awarded, and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient. The award will be presented annually at the Division of Fluid Dynamics annual meeting and will be accompanied by a Distinguished Lecture from the Award winner.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Stuart Jay Freedman Award in Experimental Nuclear Physics

This award is presented annually to an outstanding early career experimentalist in nuclear physics. The award will consist of an $5,000, a certificate, a registration waiver, and an allowance for travel to the Fall Meeting of the APS Division of Nuclear Physics (DNP) to give an invited prize talk and receive the award.

Nominations will be considered for two review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

The Lend A Hand Society offers the Book Mission Grant to assist low-income individuals and families by funding the acquisition of books for educational institutions and libraries. This initiative supports various programs focused on emergency assistance and camperships for children. Non-profit organizations across the United States can apply, with grants aimed at enhancing literacy and education. Grantees must provide reports detailing the use of funds and project progress, ensuring transparency and accountability.

The Hope Goddard Iselin Fellowship in Public Horticulture, established in 2013 by the Hope Goddard Iselin Foundation, honors the legacy of its namesake, a pioneer in enhancing urban landscapes. This fellowship supports graduate students engaged in practical research and training at recognized public gardens or similar institutions across the U.S., providing annual funding of $5000. It aims to foster experiential learning and promote the study of public horticulture, thus connecting people with nature.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Thomas H. Stix Award for Outstanding Early Career Contributions to Plasma Physics Research

Recognizes an individual researcher who has made outstanding contributions (theoretical, experimental, computational, or technical) in plasma physics early in their career. Areas of plasma physics covered by the award include, but are not limited to: fundamental plasma physics, fusion plasmas, astrophysical or space plasmas, low-temperature plasmas, or high-energy-density plasmas.

The award consists of $5,000, a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient, and a travel reimbursement of up to $1,000 to attend the APS Division of Plasma Physics (DPP) meeting. Information on allowable travel expenses appears here.

The recipient will be asked to deliver an invited talk at the DPP meeting and will receive a meeting registration waiver.

The award will be presented annually.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

The Garden Club of America offers the Scholarship in Garden History and Design to promote the study of garden history and design. This scholarship supports students pursuing internships at the Archives of American Gardens or similar institutions. Each year, the scholarship funds students with a maximum of $6,000 for a ten-week internship. Eligible candidates include U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in relevant graduate programs, with previous experience in photographic or visual materials preferred.

The Major Research Grants on Reducing Inequality, funded by the William T Grant Foundation, support research aimed at reducing inequality in youth outcomes for ages 5-25 in the U.S. Grants range from $100,000 to $600,000 over 2-3 years. Studies can explore various systems such as education, mental health, and justice, focusing on mechanisms for change, intervention effectiveness, and improved measurement of inequality.