Best Grants for New Nonprofits in District of Columbia

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grant

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) will issue a Request for Applications for the fiscal year 2027 (FY27) McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grant Program (MKV) for eligible Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in the District of Columbia. Authorized under Title VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Section 726, as amended, the purpose of this grant is to facilitate the enrollment, attendance, and success in school of homeless children and youth.

Available Funding for Award:

A total of at least Three Hundred Thousand Dollars and Zero Cents ($300,000.00) in grant funds are available for award. District of Columbia LEAs shall use the funds to address the educational and related needs of homeless children and youth in DC. LEAs, with or without this funding, must ensure that children and youth experiencing homelessness have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including public preschool education, as provided to other children and youth. OSSE anticipates awarding 3-6 subgrants based on the highest-ranking applications. Grant funds shall only be used to support activities authorized by relevant statutes and regulations and that are included in the applicant’s submission.

About Us

Mission 

Ensure DC agencies, businesses, and residents are prepared to prevent, protect against, respond to, mitigate, and recover from all threats and hazards. 

Vision 

The District of Columbia must be ready to prevent, protect and mitigate against, respond to, and recover from all threats and hazards that may adversely impact our workforce, residents, and visitors to the Nation’s capital. In 2027, DC will be a place where residents and businesses live, work, play, and thrive in a diverse, safe, and resilient environment. District partners work together to facilitate unimpeded information sharing and an understanding of their own—and partners’—capabilities, which are brought to bear during blue sky days and emergency situations. 

DC Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

On July 28, 2025, FEMA released the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the FY2025 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). This grant provides $274,500,000 funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to eligible nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack and other extremist attacks.

The 2025 NSGP has two components: 1) $137,250,000 million for eligible nonprofit entities that are within designated major urban areas (NSGP-UA); 2) $137,250,000 million for eligible nonprofit entities that are not within those designated major urban areas, through a state-level application (NSGP-S).

The District of Columbia and the surrounding National Capital Region urban area is only eligible to apply for the urban area NSGP program (NSGP-UA). It is estimated that the National Capital Region urban area will receive a target amount of $6,499,856 in NSGP awards.

The National Capital Region urban area (NCR) includes the District of Columbia, Montgomery and Prince George's Counties in Maryland, and Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William Counties and the City of Alexandria in Virginia. Any nonprofit applicants in Maryland and Virginia that are not within the boundaries of the NCR must submit their applications to the Maryland Department of Emergency Management or Virginia Department of Emergency Management, respectively.

The CTBF: Eager to Learn Grant Program provides essential support for college test preparation and promotes access to trade schools. Aimed at empowering students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, the program funds organizations that enhance SAT and ACT scores and offer mentorship. Grants, capped at $25,000, focus on equitable opportunities in education, ensuring all students can pursue their optimal paths, whether through college or vocational training.

The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants, administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts, provide one-time funding up to $5,000 for artists facing unexpected medical emergencies. This program aims to alleviate financial burdens caused by medical costs, ensuring that artists can receive necessary care without delay. Eligible applicants must be practicing artists in visual arts, film, or choreography, and demonstrate financial need. This initiative supports artists of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those outside major coastal cities.

Capitol Hill Construction Impact Grant Program

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (“DMPED”) invites the submission of applications from qualified organizations for a grant under the Capitol Hill Construction Impact grant program (“CHCI” or “Program”). The purpose of the program is to provide short-term financial relief to support small businesses impacted by District Department of Transportation (“DDOT”) construction near Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, and Potomac Avenue, SE, and along 8th Street SE, between Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, and Virginia Avenue, SE, in the District of Columbia (“District”).

Construction activities in these streets may limit access, visibility, and customer flow for neighborhood-serving small businesses. The Program provides short-term financial relief to help sustain affected businesses during this period.

Small businesses may use grant funds to prepare for or recover from any revenue losses they may face as a result of these construction projects. Specifically, grant funds may be used to pay or reimburse the following cost of the impacted business, provided they are sufficiently documented, reasonable and necessary for the operation of the business during the period of construction, and incurred within the same period as the applicable construction project(s) are conducted:

• Rent
• Utilities
• Insurance
• CAM (common area maintenance)
• Mortgage
• Other reasonable business operations costs as proposed by the applicant and approved by DMPED

Anticipated Number of Awards:

DMPED expects to award 10-30 grants under the Program, in an aggregate amount of up to $150,000, contingent on the availability of an appropriated budget in such amount. Awards are anticipated to range between $5,000 and $15,000. 

The Building Capacity Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the financial and operational capabilities of dioceses. This initiative focuses on funding projects that promote efficiency, financial stability, and effective fiscal management, ultimately fostering a self-sustaining community. Eligible programs include fundraising development initiatives and operational assessments, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently while supporting professional development for church leadership. This grant empowers dioceses to strengthen their foundations for future growth.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.

The Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Awards, supported by The ASCAP Foundation, encourages emerging jazz composers aged 13-30. This annual award offers a platform for creativity and innovation in jazz music. Eligible applicants must submit original works, including a score and recording, by the deadline. Previous winners may apply if their submission is a new piece. The foundation focuses on nurturing talent and enhancing arts education, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

The Scholar-in-Training Awards, presented by the American Association for Cancer Research, recognize outstanding young investigators who are first authors of abstracts submitted to the AACR Annual Meeting. With over 5,000 awards since 1986, this competitive program supports attendance at the meeting, promoting innovative cancer research. Applicants must secure AACR membership and adhere to eligibility criteria, ensuring diversity in research areas. The application deadline is November 18, 2025, with strong encouragement for emerging researchers to apply.

Viasat Corporate Giving focuses on enhancing community strength through various initiatives. Their commitment includes support for military and veteran outreach, skills-based volunteering, and promoting STEAM education, particularly for underserved communities. By engaging employees in these programs, Viasat aims to create meaningful connections and empower individuals, ensuring that families and service members thrive. This holistic approach not only fosters community growth but also inspires the next generation of STEM leaders.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

The Paul Mellon Senior Fellowships at the National Gallery of Art promote in-depth research in visual arts history, theory, and criticism. Scholars receive $50,000 annually, housing, and access to extensive resources, fostering a collaborative academic environment. Open to PhD holders with five years of experience, these fellowships are awarded without regard to age or nationality. Candidates can apply for a single term or the full academic year, with opportunities for associate appointments available.

The Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts at the National Gallery offers the Ailsa Mellon Bruce Senior Fellowships to support research in the history, theory, and criticism of visual arts. Scholars with a PhD or equivalent professional experience are encouraged to apply. Fellowships include a stipend of $50,000, office space, and access to the Gallery's extensive resources. This opportunity enhances scholarly engagement within a vibrant community dedicated to the arts.

The Samuel H. Kress Senior Fellowships, offered by the National Gallery of Art, support research on European art pre-19th century. Scholars receive a stipend of $50,000 for the academic year, with the possibility of prorated awards for single terms. Access to the National Gallery's resources and community is provided. Eligible applicants include those with a PhD for five years or more, and fellowships are awarded without regard to age or nationality. Reapplications are accepted after five years.

The Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts at the National Gallery offers Leonard A. Lauder Visiting Senior Fellowships for scholars engaged in research on the history and criticism of visual arts. Fellowships support full-time research and include access to extensive resources, including the National Gallery and Library of Congress. Applicants should have held a PhD for at least five years and demonstrate proficiency in two languages. The program encourages applications from historically marginalized fields.

The Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts at the National Gallery of Art offers Paul Mellon Visiting Senior Fellowships aimed at scholars researching the history and theory of visual arts across all periods and regions. Recipients receive a stipend of $7,000 or $8,000, along with housing, to support two months of full-time research. Applications are open to those holding a PhD or equivalent professional experience, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary insights into visual artifacts.

The Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts offers Beinecke Visiting Senior Fellowships for scholars to conduct full-time research in the visual arts. This program provides access to extensive resources, including the National Gallery of Art and the Library of Congress. Fellows, who must hold a PhD for five years or equivalent experience, receive stipends ranging from $7,000 to $8,000, along with housing subject to availability. Applications are welcomed from diverse disciplines, enhancing the study of visual culture.

The Beinecke Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts supports research in the history and theory of visual arts across various cultures and periods. This prestigious fellowship offers a two-year residency in Washington, D.C., providing access to valuable resources and opportunities for collaboration. Applicants must hold a PhD obtained within the last five years and demonstrate proficiency in two languages, with a focus on historically marginalized fields. The fellowship includes a stipend of $55,000 per year.

The A. W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship at the National Gallery of Art supports research in the history, theory, and criticism of visual arts across various periods and regions. This two-year residential program allows fellows to engage in seminars and teach at local universities, enhancing scholarly contributions in understudied areas. The fellowship offers a stipend of $55,000 per year, along with allowances for medical insurance and travel, fostering a vibrant academic community.

Bird Friendly Buildings Grant

DOEE seeks eligible entities to reduce bird collisions in the District by promoting voluntary, high-impact retrofits of existing buildings.

This grant is intended to 

• Develop a priority list that identifies existing buildings that pose the greatest risk of bird collision to accelerate bird-safe improvements; 
• Educate building owners and operators about the benefits of bird friendly retrofits to their existing buildings; and
• Pilot the direct implementation of at least one high-risk building retrofit during the grant period.

The amount available for the project is $150,000.

The Asian Cultural Council's Graduate Fellowship provides financial support for travel and living expenses to graduate students from Asia studying in the U.S. It offers $15,000 for one academic year, potentially renewable for another year, covering essential costs while pursuing full-time coursework. This initiative fosters international cultural exchange and enhances academic training in the arts. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited graduate programs and commit to at least two consecutive semesters of study.

The Wilson Center Fellowship offers scholars, practitioners, and journalists an opportunity to conduct impactful research on pressing foreign policy challenges. Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent experience, and projects should align with the Center's scholarship pillars, including strategic competition and technology innovation. The fellowship includes remote work and a trip to Washington D.C. for presentations, fostering engagement with policymakers and other experts. The program emphasizes nonpartisan research and aims to translate academic insights into actionable policy recommendations.