Best Grants for Global Health in District of Columbia

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The Eastern Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes outstanding graduate students in entomology. Sponsored by the Entomological Society of America, it offers a fully funded trip to the ESA Annual Meeting, a $100 cash prize, and a certificate. Eligible nominees must be student members of ESA, pursuing or recently completing a graduate degree in entomology. Nominations are limited to two per university, ensuring the selection of the most deserving candidates.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to increase diversity in assistant coaching roles by providing financial support to member institutions. Over two years, selected schools receive $15,000 to cover salaries, requiring a matching contribution. This initiative encourages ethnic minority and gender representation, allowing up to 11 institutions to benefit annually, thus enhancing inclusivity in collegiate sports.

The LFF: Nature-Based Climate Action Grant aims to support initiatives that leverage natural systems to combat climate change. By funding projects focused on tree planting, prairie restoration, and carbon sequestration, the program seeks to engage communities and enhance understanding of climate challenges. Ideal applicants include rural organizations working to create measurable environmental impacts while fostering collaboration and policy change. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations ready to take significant strides in addressing the climate crisis.

The Projects, Events, or Festivals Grant, offered by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, supports a diverse range of arts and humanities initiatives in the District of Columbia. This funding opportunity aims to enhance access to high-quality cultural experiences, improve community quality of life, and boost the local creative economy. Eligible projects may include concerts, art shows, and festivals that engage residents and visitors, fostering a vibrant cultural landscape in the region.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to bolster ethnic minority and gender representation in senior athletics administration roles. With an annual budget of $1.6 million, it supports up to 46 schools and conferences over five years. Eligible institutions must be active NCAA Division III members and meet various requirements. This grant encourages diversity in leadership, fostering an inclusive environment for student-athletes.

The Virginia H. Glasson Charitable Trust Grant supports Christian charitable organizations and preferred beneficiaries. It funds projects in areas such as education, scientific research, religious activities, and arts and culture. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code, located in states such as California, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, and Washington D.C. However, individuals cannot apply for funding.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Access Model Care Coordination and Support Grant Program

CGT Care Coordination and Support Grant Program: DHCF will competitively award two (2) grants of up to $300,000 each to non-profit organizations to help eligible DC Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries with sickle cell disease overcome barriers to accessing and receiving gene therapy. One grant will focus primarily on youth and the other on adults. Grantees will provide direct services not covered by Medicaid or other funding sources when necessary to help beneficiaries initiate and complete treatment—such as transportation, lodging, childcare, nutrition assistance, and behavioral health care. They will also deliver or coordinate wraparound supports, such as case management, care coordination, patient navigation, and community health worker services. No grant funds may be used to provide services or supports already funded through any other source, including but not limited to Medicaid and CHIP.

The REC for All Programming Grant, offered by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, aims to promote inclusive recreational opportunities for all community members. This grant supports initiatives that enhance physical, social, and emotional wellness while fostering a sense of community. By encouraging diversity and lifelong learning, the grant seeks to improve the overall quality of life for individuals of all ages and abilities.

The Morton Gould Young Composer Awards, presented by The ASCAP Foundation, support emerging composers under 30 by recognizing their original concert music. This prestigious award honors Morton Gould's legacy and offers monetary prizes to recipients. Eligible entrants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, aged at least 13, and can submit one original work. Previous winners of three or more awards are ineligible, ensuring a fair opportunity for new talents.

The College Fellowship Program (CFP) aims to support recent college graduates in their transition to impactful careers in public and private sectors. This 6-month paid fellowship includes professional mentorship, leadership training, and necessary work experience. The District of Columbia Department of Employment Services invites applications from organizations experienced in workforce development to manage the fellowship process and ensure fellows receive valuable certifications to enhance their career prospects.

The NRP Research Grant Program offers up to $50,000 for healthcare professionals to explore optimal neonatal resuscitation methods. It encourages innovative research addressing gaps in transitional physiology and effective teaching of resuscitation skills. Applications must focus on evidence-based practices and demonstrate potential for meaningful impact in delivery room care. Researchers from Canadian and US institutions are eligible, though applications primarily focused on quality improvement without a research emphasis will not be considered.

The Dalmas A. Taylor Memorial Summer Policy Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for doctoral students in psychology to engage in public policy work during a full-time, 8-12 week summer program. Funded by the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, this fellowship emphasizes participation in policy activities, including crafting policy briefs and attending key events in Washington, DC. With a stipend of $3,000 and additional travel support, it aims to foster commitment to ethnic minority issues in the field of psychology.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The Anderson-Rogers Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental protection, animal welfare, climate change mitigation, and social support. Established in 2001, this family foundation prioritizes innovative projects and general operating support for small organizations facing financial constraints. Note that applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry, as the foundation does not fund scholarships or grants to individuals or religious organizations, nor does it support organizations outside the U.S.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

Entergy’s Open Grants Program aims to enhance community well-being through funding initiatives in arts, education, social services, and community improvement. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve diverse populations, including children and low-income communities. Eligible entities must have 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit recognition. Applications should be submitted three months in advance, allowing ample time for review. Entergy focuses on projects that foster self-sufficiency and enrich local neighborhoods.

Consolidated RFP for Affordable Housing Financing

The Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for affordable housing finance resources is focused on real estate development projects that produce or preserve affordable housing in the District of Columbia that require gap financing. This RFP is accepting applications for a range of Federal affordable housing finance resources including, 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs), District of Columbia LIHTCs (DC LIHTCs), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) program, the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF), the Recovery Housing Program (RHP), and the Local Rent Supplement Program (LRSP). Also, the DHCD Property Acquisition and Disposition Division (PADD) will have solicitations for offers for vacant sites in the District of Columbia available for acquisition.

The Stephen Schwartz Musical Theatre Teacher of the Year Award, presented by The ASCAP Foundation and the Educational Theatre Association, recognizes outstanding middle and high school musical theatre teachers. Awarded annually, the recipient, selected by a panel of experts, will receive a $5,000 prize and be honored at the EdTA Theatre Education Conference in Minneapolis, MN. This prestigious award highlights the significant impact of dedicated educators in shaping the future of musical theatre.

Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV)

Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) FY 2027 Transport DC Grant Program

The Government of the District of Columbia, Department of For-Hire Vehicles (“DFHV” or “Department”), is soliciting applications from all eligible DFHV licensed taxicab companies (“Taxicab Companies”) with current DFHV Digital Taxicab Solution (“DTS”) licensing and Operational Authority to operate DFHV’s Transport DC (“TDC”) program. The TDC program has been in operation for the past seven years providing an alternative transportation service to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s paratransit services entitled MetroAccess. Current TDC providers support a cost-effective, curb-to-curb service for eligible and active MetroAccess customers. Transport DC customers may take up to ten (10) one-way trips (or five (5) round trips each month) to any destination within the District of Columbia (“DC”).

This program is expected to start at the beginning of Fiscal Year 2027 (“FY27”) and throughout the year without interruption after potential applicants are awarded a grant. DFHV will expect the awardee, or awardees, to participate and commitment staff to monthly advisory meetings, monthly provider meetings, and respond to any information and reporting requests immediately or upon a reasonable response time. An applicant should describe in detail who those program points of contacts shall be and tour of duty schedule.

DFHV is seeking candidates with an expertise in paratransit, on-demand, and pre-booking up to twenty-four hours of a requested pick-up. In addition, the selected applicant must be located within the District of Columbia and must comply with Title 31 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations in its entirety with an emphasis on: Chapter 9, Insurance Requirements for Public Vehicles-For-Hire in its entirety including Applications and Scope pertaining to WAV vehicles; Chapter 16, Dispatch Services and District of Columbia Taxicab Industry CO-OP, and Chapter 18, Wheelchair Accessible Paratransit Taxicab Services. DFHV is seeking to leverage the capacity of the local for-hire vehicle industry and use innovations and best practices to include on-demand mobility fields to provide an innovative TDC transportation solution to enhance an already popular and highly visible program while including advocates, DFHV’s Project Lead, and other stakeholders’ input and suggestions.

Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services

The Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) is responsible for the supervision, custody, and care of young people charged with a delinquent act in the District of Columbia in one of the following circumstances:

• Youth who are detained in a DYRS facility while awaiting adjudication.
• Youth who are committed to DYRS by a DC Family Court judge following adjudication.

Youth can be initially committed to the agency until the age of 18 and may remain in the care of DYRS until the age of 21. The agency provides comprehensive support services to committed youth in our secure facilities as well as within the community. DYRS is designed to help young people get on the right track and successfully transition into adulthood. DYRS works with fellow District agencies, community partners, and juvenile justice experts to achieve these goals. We collaborate to implement innovative, research-based models that align with best practices in the juvenile justice and youth development fields.

Mission: The mission of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services is to give court-involved youth the opportunity to become more productive citizens by building on the strengths of youths and their families in the least restrictive, most homelike environment consistent with public safety.

Credible Messenger Initiative

The Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) seeks to award one local organization that demonstrates the capability to deliver mentorship programming inside the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services’ secure facilities- New Beginnings and at Youth Services Center; and up to three organizations rooted in neighborhoods where young people and families, and Credible Messengers reside and to provide transformative mentoring to youth committed to the agency, residing in the community. Through this initiative, mentoring services, family support programming, and other programs consistent with the goals and objectives of the Credible Messenger Initiative will be offered.

LSC’s Basic Field Grants aim to enhance access to civil legal services for low-income individuals across the U.S. and territories. These grants support eligible organizations for up to three years through a competitive application process. The funding is allocated to specific service areas, which change annually, and focuses on providing comprehensive legal assistance. The program includes three types of service areas, ensuring diverse populations, including agricultural and Native American communities, receive necessary legal support.

The Growing Tribal Economies Through Forest Market Innovations grant program, initiated by First Nations Development Institute, aims to empower Tribes and Alaska Native Villages to engage in emerging markets that enhance forest health and resilience. With funding of $200,000 to $500,000 per grant, this initiative supports projects focusing on sustainability, innovation, and traditional knowledge. Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop forest products, certifications, and practices that contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem management.

The goal of the Emergency Shelter and Low Barrier Case Management Services Provider is to provide homeless youth with: 1) a safe, inclusive, and accessible space infused with supportive services in a comfortable and respectful environment 2) assessments to facilitate rapid connections and reconnection to housing 3) access to basic needs including showers and meals 4) assistance with obtaining identification documents and income supports 5) physical, mental, and sexual health resources, 5) workforce development activities and connections to employment 7) housing navigation supports (outside of the continuum of care).