Best Grants for Historic Buildings in District of Columbia

501(c)(3) nonprofits in District of Columbia working in children’s services, education, or health and human services can apply for Costco Foundation’s charitable contributions to support monetary program needs. Organizations involved in historic properties that also deliver these community services may be eligible if they demonstrate clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in the District of Columbia can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. State Farm Companies Foundation supports projects such as disaster preparedness, neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, and K–12 or higher education efforts that strengthen local communities.

Cultural nonprofits in the District of Columbia offering arts, science, or STEAM programming can seek more than US $100,000 to support impactful programs, capital projects, or limited general support. Focused on culture, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation favors arts education, artist development, and museum or performing arts initiatives that reach broad audiences, which may include historic buildings used as cultural institutions.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community services, including those in the District of Columbia, can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support their programs. Funding may assist initiatives like food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, or community projects that intersect with historic facilities or districts.

Accredited charities in District of Columbia seeking support for historic preservation, community development, science education, environment, or arts and culture projects may be eligible for Roche’s Corporate Donations and Philanthropy program, which operates globally. Roche prioritizes innovative, sustainable projects that engage local partners and employees and are managed within the same country as the local Roche affiliate.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs can apply for funding that must be used in the U.S. Focused on broad community benefit, the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust may support historic preservation efforts housed within eligible organizations’ wider service missions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, basic needs, workforce education, or cultural programming in District of Columbia can seek sponsorship support that advances economic mobility and social progress. With a mission to strengthen low- and moderate-income communities, Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides regional U.S. sponsorships that may benefit historic districts and preservation-related community events or programs.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving the District of Columbia and other Southern-region communities can seek funding for programs in areas like poverty relief, education, health, disaster response, families, and veterans. Grants from Robinson Foundation help established organizations (3+ years) deliver single-year projects with tangible, meaningful impact; capital projects are not supported.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

Focused on community and environmental initiatives, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation invites District of Columbia 501(c)(3) organizations to seek support for charitable programs. Nonprofits working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding that intersect with historic preservation or heritage-focused projects may be eligible for this flexible funding opportunity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near a TJX location in the District of Columbia can apply for The Tjx Foundation’s grants to support vulnerable children and families. Funding may benefit programs providing basic needs, out-of-school enrichment, workforce readiness, or safety from domestic violence, which can include services offered in historic community buildings.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities serving District of Columbia residents can seek funding for arts and humanities, education, community services, environment, and health and wellness programs. Grants from Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation help DC organizations, including those improving historic neighborhoods and community spaces, provide comprehensive services and pursue systemic change for vulnerable and underserved residents. Awards range from US $10,000 - US $250,000.

Nonprofit organizations in the District of Columbia can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs, facilities, and services. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help museums, cultural institutions, and other nonprofits that may include historic buildings fund arts, education, health, environmental, and social service initiatives across the U.S.

District of Columbia 501(c)(3) nonprofits with $300,000–$5 million in annual revenue can access funding through Impact100 DC for $100,000 projects serving the DC metro area. Eligible organizations address unmet needs through arts and culture, education, environment and recreation, family support, or health and wellness, including work that may involve preserving or activating historic community spaces.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. working on basic needs, community development, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial grants supporting hunger relief, housing, economic stability, and cultural enrichment. District of Columbia groups doing community revitalization or arts and cultural projects that strengthen local neighborhoods may be eligible, especially where Ameriprise volunteers are engaged.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

501(c)(3) organizations can seek project funding for education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, environmental, or community heritage work in the District of Columbia and beyond. Dr Scholl Foundation provides U.S.-focused grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000, which may benefit nonprofits undertaking historic preservation or related civic initiatives.

U.S.-based project teams focused on climate adaptation and resilience for communities under 300,000 residents, including historically disinvested areas, can apply for US $75,000 - US $115,000 to advance local climate resilience projects. With a mission to strengthen climate change resilience, Climate Resilience Fund supports partnerships among adaptation practitioners, community-based organizations, and local or regional governments, which may benefit District of Columbia historic preservation efforts facing climate hazards.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief can apply for O'Reilly Automotive Foundation funding to support community-focused programs and operations. Organizations in the District of Columbia working on community-serving historic buildings may be eligible if their projects advance quality of life for underserved or underrepresented residents.

District of Columbia nonprofits working on youth development, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards. Eligible 501(c)()(3)-equivalent organizations in the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, or Singapore may receive US $30,000 - US $350,000 for programs that support underserved young people and their families, which may include community facility or site improvements.

Nonprofit organizations in the District of Columbia with strong, replicable community partnerships may be eligible for national recognition and support through the Community Partnership Award. With a mission to strengthen communities, Mutual of America Foundation honors U.S. nonprofits that collaborate with public, private, or social sector partners to address significant social issues.

Historic preservation and community nonprofits in District of Columbia exploring people-first uses of AI to improve services, information access, or community voice can apply; funding is for U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities with primarily U.S. operations and small to mid-sized budgets. The Openai People-First AI Fund supports community services, arts and culture, and local journalism projects engaging thoughtfully with AI.

Non-sectarian nonprofits helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those in the District of Columbia, can seek US $5,000 - US $250,000 for poverty alleviation, disability services, social services, or disaster relief. Gupta Family Foundation supports smaller 501(c)(3) organizations or qualifying foreign entities operating in selected countries with high program-to-overhead impact.