Best Grants for Community Service Projects in District of Columbia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 501(c)(3) organizations serving low-income communities in the District of Columbia can access community development and revitalization funding through Citi Foundation’s Community Progress Makers Fund. Grants of US $1,000,000 over three years provide unrestricted support plus technical assistance for work in affordable housing, economic development, financial health, and workforce readiness.

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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) 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.

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.

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.

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.

About RWJF

At the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, we take bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime and pave the way, together, to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. We take our responsibilities seriously, and pledge to work in ways that reflect our values.

Connecting Champions for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Health Professions

RWJF seeks to fund one lead organization or consortium to serve as a national network-weaver for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the health professions. The selected grantee will connect and support leaders, organizations, and institutions across the ecosystem, strengthening relationships, aligning strategy and communications, and facilitating shared learning and collective action. By building the connections and infrastructure needed for collaboration, the grantee will help advance belonging, accountability, and systems change across health professions education and healthcare institutions.

Achieving a healthcare system grounded in equity requires both a diverse health professions workforce and institutions committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). While diverse teams improve quality of care and health outcomes, RWJF has learned that increasing representation alone is insufficient without addressing structural and institutional barriers that shape belonging, leadership, advancement, and accountability. Structural racism and other forms of systemic inequity continue to limit opportunity across the health professions education and healthcare institutions.

Lasting change requires not only supporting diverse leaders, but also strengthening connections among educational institutions, healthcare organizations, professional associations, accrediting and credentialing bodies, students, advocates, community actors, and others within the health professions ecosystem, whose relationships, actions, practices, and mindsets shape health outcomes for the communities they serve. These relationships create the support, trust, shared learning, and coordinated action necessary to advance DEIB and build a more equitable healthcare system. 

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 Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants Program aims to enhance the educational capabilities of HSIs through innovative teaching and community development initiatives. Funded projects will not only serve the Hispanic population but will benefit the entire student body, promoting inclusivity. This program encourages applications that integrate applied research with community outreach, fostering experiential learning opportunities for students. The initiative aspires to set benchmarks for educational excellence at regional and national levels.

Melton Foundation

The Melton Foundation is an international 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered in the USA, and a leading proponent of Global Citizenship education and practice worldwide. Established nearly thirty years ago with the credence that collaborations across boundaries can forge sustainable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, today, our programs reach millions of young leaders, having crystallized into a network of over 750 life-long Melton Fellows spread across 40+ countries. Our primary operations are in Chile, China, Germany, Ghana, India, and the United States of America, with legal subsidiaries in Bangalore, India; Jena, Germany; Temuco, Chile; and Accra, Ghana. 

Through our fellowship and collaborative programs we promote and enable global citizenship as a way for individuals and organizations to work together across boundaries of place and identity to solve challenges in an interconnected world.

Melton Foundation Action Grants

The Melton Foundation offers grants year-round to support Melton Fellows in developing skills, perspective and wider networks to further their capacity as global citizens and contribute towards building an equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world.

In almost 10 years of granting, more than 100 Fellows’ initiatives have been awarded with a Melton Foundation grant to

• Build awareness and/or further awareness raising around global issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
• Develop individual and collective responsibility for sustained, collaborative action,
• Grow capacity to collaboratively drive and sustain social impact at the local and/or global level,
• Further the design, implementation and evaluation of collaborative actions that embody the spirit of global citizenship practice and further social impact, or
• Support coordinated social-impact efforts in a particular or across (emerging) Melton Foundation Hub regions to promote global citizenship practice (s) and the organization’s mission.

The Distressed Cities Technical Assistance (DCTA) Program provides competitive funding for eligible applicants to deliver technical assistance to local governments serving economically distressed communities of 50,000 or fewer residents. Selected awardees collaborate closely with HUD to enhance the capabilities of UGLG officials and staff, ensuring they effectively address community needs. Applicants may focus on broad HUD jurisdictions or specific areas as specified in the program's NOFO.