Best Grants for Community Service Projects in District of Columbia

Nonprofits, schools, and neighborhood groups serving Capitol Hill residents in the District of Columbia can seek up to US $500 for one-time or emergency community projects. Focus areas include educational enrichment, youth programming, arts and culture, social services, and community space enhancements, which could support local community service initiatives.

DC-incorporated nonprofit organizations supporting small businesses and community development in Ward 6 can access funding through Serve DC, with awards from US $5,000 - US $250,000. Grants from Serve DC help District of Columbia community development groups activate vacant storefronts, run events, offer arts and cultural programming, and provide direct-to-business subgrants along designated Main Street corridors.

Nonprofits, schools, and neighborhood groups in the District of Columbia serving Capitol Hill residents can apply for the Arnold F. Keller Jr. Grant, awarding up to US $25,000 for major new initiatives or program expansion. This annual grant from Capitol Hill Community Foundation favors projects with broad community impact and timely local needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia working on community development, social services, STEM education, environment, or arts and culture can seek support for local programs and services. Focused on strengthening communities, Exelon Foundation invites eligible groups in its service territories to apply for its Community Grants Program, provided they meet its nondiscrimination and prior-funding requirements.

T7 Social Impact GrantsThe T.D. Jakes Foundation (TDJF), in partnership with Wells Fargo, is proud to launch the Social Impact Grant Challenge, a transformative funding opportunity designed to identify, support, and amplify nonprofit organizations creating meaningful change in communities across the United States.

Designed around the T.D. Jakes Foundation's pillars of service (Educational Access & Workforce Readiness, financial inclusion, and community transformation and well-being), the Challenge seeks innovative nonprofit organizations that are addressing critical social issues through impactful, scalable, and sustainable solutions.

Finalists selected through this process will have the opportunity to showcase their organization through a live presentation at the inaugural Thriving Seven (T7) Summit, taking place November 12 –14 in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to competing for grant funding, finalists will gain national visibility for their work and connect with nonprofit leaders, funders, and changemakers from across the country.Grant Funding: A total of $1,500,000 in grant funding is anticipated to be awarded: 

• One (1) - $500,000 grant
• One (1) - $250,000 grant
• Two (2) - $100,000 grant
• Eleven (11) - $50,000 grant

Municipalities and nonprofit organizations in the District of Columbia and nearby Pepco service areas can receive up to US $20,000 for environmental stewardship and community resilience projects. National Park Trust supports efforts that steward open space, protect water quality, mitigate urban heat, and provide innovative, reliable community resources during extreme weather or other emergencies.

District of Columbia 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, income creation, stable housing, or empowered communities can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation. Eligible organizations must serve low- and moderate-income communities within Bank of America’s designated local markets and focus on community development, revitalization, and equitable, affordable housing initiatives.

M&T Charitable Foundation 

Our purpose is to understand the individuals and the businesses in our neighborhood, so we can create the right opportunities for the people we serve. During our 165-year history, we evolved with the needs of our locations, and are guided by a leadership team that holds us accountable.

Adapting to the needs of our neighbors means finding new solutions and sharing the Research & Insights we learn along the way. We support local organizations by volunteering our time and reinvesting in our community.

M&T Charitable Foundation Community Sponsorship Program

At M&T Bank we are building a stronger community - together. Our purpose is to understand the individuals and the businesses in our neighborhood, so we can create the right opportunities for the people we serve.

Community Sponsorships enable us to partner with nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in the regions we operate.

Our goal is to make meaningful community-based contributions and to work closely with the organizations we support beyond a financial commitment. At M&T Bank, we consider supporting sponsorship opportunities that result in a mutually beneficial partnership.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running community service and safety projects in the District of Columbia can receive up to US $500 for specific programs such as child safety education or neighborhood clean-ups. Baltimore Life Foundation prioritizes groups with strong volunteer engagement and supports family services, public safety, and community enhancement initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving District of Columbia residents with direct services can seek US $30,000 - US $75,000 for one-time projects, capital, or equipment needs. Philip L. Graham Fund supports community development, basic needs, education, arts, health, and neighborhood-strengthening programs across its D.C. metro footprint through a two-step LOI and full proposal process.

Nonprofit organizations in the District of Columbia carrying out specific, identifiable community development or revitalization projects can apply for the Rotary Foundation of Washington DC’s Special Project Grants, which award US $20,000 for larger, sustainable initiatives. Projects should create long-term impact, engage Rotary volunteers, and raise the organization’s profile in the local community.

Nonprofit organizations seeking $1,000 to $5,000 for specific community service projects in the District of Columbia can apply for small capital or seed money support. With a mission to advance community development, Rotary Foundation of Washington Dc provides funding for identifiable program activities that deliver direct, tangible benefits to Washington metropolitan residents.

501(c)(3) nonprofits providing health and human services or community development within 100 miles of Coatesville, including the District of Columbia, can seek project, operating, capital, equipment, or last-resort support. The Stewart Huston Charitable Trust favors programs addressing clear community needs, leveraging other funding, and engaging strong volunteer and community participation.

Community-based organizations providing violence prevention outreach or victim response services in the District of Columbia can receive up to US $50,000 to support underrepresented communities. The Executive Office of the Mayor’s VPART program funds coordinated community service projects addressing crime victim support and opioid-related overdoses through a collaborative network of local partners.

District of Columbia community organizations and nonprofits running local education, youth, arts, social service, or community space projects can access funding through Capitol Hill Community Foundation. Grants up to US $3,000 support programs that benefit residents and community life within the Capitol Hill neighborhood, with fall and spring cycles offered annually.

District of Columbia community organizations focused on education or health can access funding through L B Research and Education Foundation to expand proven programs serving underserved populations. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with $500,000–$10 million budgets and at least three full-time staff may receive US $10,000 - US $75,000 for research-informed, innovative education or health initiatives.

Focused on community services, nonprofits in the District of Columbia can seek Venable Foundation support for general operations or projects. Grants of approximately US $10,000 back programs in human services, legal services, education, workforce development, youth impact, health, environment, and arts and culture that help economically disadvantaged residents thrive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with $100,000+ budgets in the District of Columbia can seek funding for workforce skills, inclusive prosperity, and environmental sustainability programs. Focused on future-ready skills, RBC Foundation USA invites community organizations to support job readiness, youth development, financial stability, accessible spaces, and net-zero transition projects where RBC Wealth Management has a business presence.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and eligible public entities in the District of Columbia can seek funding for community services, education, hunger relief, health, disaster relief, and environmental projects. Focused on critical community needs, International Paper Company Foundation offers US $2,500 - US $10,000 grants in communities where it operates, including support for underserved residents and employee-supported initiatives.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants up to $2,499 to support local programs that enhance community health and well-being. This initiative by Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration, focusing on areas such as physical and mental health, poverty alleviation, and neighborhood improvements. Organizations like non-profits and government agencies can apply for funding during a rolling application period, with decisions made monthly. The fund aims to empower communities and address health inequities through impactful partnerships.

The Ochylski Family Foundation supports registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations through grants aimed at enhancing their operational capacity. With an application deadline of October 1, organizations must submit a detailed request outlining their initiatives. The foundation's mission aligns with its commitment to foster community development and nonprofit effectiveness in Iowa, ensuring that resources are allocated to impactful projects that serve the public good.

Alliance for Social Trust: Trust in Practice Awards

Trust is the foundation of vibrant, resilient communities and healthy civic life. Across the country, local and national organizations are demonstrating the profound ways trust shapes our collective well-being—strengthening relationships between neighbors, cultivating confidence in institutions, and enabling people to work together to solve shared challenges. These efforts are often rooted in the knowledge and leadership of those closest to the work. 

The Trust in Practice Awards support non-profit organizations that are collaborating on new initiatives to build trust across local or virtual communities. Grantees will be part of a national network dedicated to fostering trust through the Alliance for Social Trust’s programs and storytelling platforms. Award recipients will also participate in the annual Trust in Practice Summit to celebrate the work of trust builders.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Student Fellow Applications

Fellow applications will open for eligible students once host projects have been reviewed and finalists selected. Students will apply to be considered for a specific host project. Top student candidates will be interviewed by NCRC as well as the host organization.

Fellow Requirements

• Must provide documentation confirming active enrollment (i.e. Letter of Enrollment from Registrar or transcript)
• Must commit to fellowship for full Period of September 14, 2026-May 14, 2027 academic school year
• Must commit to a 20 hour/week fellowship
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in-office of host organization

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Host Partnerships

Fellowship host partners must be NCRC members. If your organization would like to participate in the Fellowship but is not a member, you can join here and then apply.

Host Requirements

• A compelling project to provide a challenging assignment for fellows with real world application.
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in office for both fellow and host supervisor.

The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation supports initiatives that drive self-sufficiency and community enrichment for vulnerable populations. With over $4.31 million awarded last year, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and foster stronger communities. Eligible organizations include those designated as public charities by the IRS. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funders, avoiding sole financial support to ensure comprehensive community development.

The Peter Chortek Leadership Award honors Jewish high school students in San Diego who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to community service through tikkun olam. Awardees receive a $9,000 stipend, $540 to set up a Donor Advised Fund, and a professional video showcasing their project. This award encourages students to create or enhance community initiatives, fostering engagement in social justice and service projects.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.