Best Grants for Nonprofit Child Care Centers in District of Columbia

Child and youth care agencies serving children and teens in the District of Columbia can seek funding that supports care, welfare, and related services. Focused on child and youth care, the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic’s Thanksgiving Offering Fund distributes support based on donor designations and a shared formula for undesignated gifts, which may benefit nonprofit child care providers.

Focused on child welfare and support, Speedway Children's Charities invites District of Columbia children’s nonprofits to seek Dover Grants for critical, medical, and educational services. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving children in DC and the mid-Atlantic, including child care and related programs, may receive project-focused support, with priority for homeless, foster, orphaned youth, and victims of sex trafficking.

Public school districts and tribal compact schools seeking to remodel, purchase, or construct early learning and child care facilities can apply for this competitive Early Learning Facilities funding in the District of Columbia and beyond. Focused on expanding access for children from low-income households, the Washington State Department of Commerce supports ECEAP and Working Connections Child Care capacity growth.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia supporting child care, early childhood development, or youth services can seek monetary or in-kind dining certificate donations to benefit kids, hunger, and education programs. Grants from Brinker International help eligible groups host events or initiatives, with requests accepted year-round and limited to one donation per organization each calendar year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia providing direct care or services to underprivileged children, the homeless, or the elderly can apply for Cloudbreak Foundation’s US $5,000 - US $20,000 grants. Programs meeting critical basic needs, including child care and related support services, in the greater Washington, D.C. metro area may be prioritized.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) child care and family service organizations in the Southern region, including the District of Columbia, can apply for Robinson Foundation grants to support programmatic work (not capital projects). Grants from Robinson Foundation help providers addressing children and families, education, poverty relief, and related services strengthen their impact and demonstrate tangible results.

Nonprofit child care and community organizations in the District of Columbia planning highly visible events or projects can apply for sponsorship support from Tyson Foods; awards fund activities that align with its core values and community focus. Programs serving families and children, especially around food access or social services, may be particularly competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving educational outcomes and child development, including child care and early learning programs, can apply for $5,000 - $75,000 from Comis Foundation for pilots, capacity building, and innovative operations. With a mission to equip children to explore, learn, and thrive, it supports work in Metro Washington, D.C., Colorado, the San Francisco Bay Area, and select national efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) child care and early childhood service providers in the District of Columbia can apply for the Sachs Family Foundation’s support to strengthen economic and educational opportunities for low‑income families. Funding may include grants or low‑interest program-related investments for child care services, after-school programs, housing, health, and broader community development efforts that are or can become self-sustaining.

Child care organizations in the District of Columbia without 501(c)(3) status can seek Eastern Bank Foundation Neighborhood Donations to support programs or events. Focused on community vibrancy and economic inclusion, this funding may benefit child care services working in areas like education, basic human needs, housing, health care access, and employment services, with awards of US $100 - US $1,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing child care and early childhood services in the District of Columbia can apply for WK Kellogg Foundation’s WKKF Grant to support young children and families. Funding can back nurturing early care and education, maternal and child health, good food access, family-sustaining career pathways, and racial equity initiatives across the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting children’s health, wellness, or child care services in the District of Columbia can apply for grants up to US $15,000 to improve the lives of children. 15 and the Mahomies Foundation reviews requests quarterly and supports communities in need of resources and other child-focused charitable initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations serving the needs of children, including those providing child care services in the District of Columbia, can seek funding for programs that improve children’s health, welfare, and development. CAPTRUST Community Foundation provides national partnership grants to charities that align with its mission to positively impact children through sustained collaboration.

District of Columbia child care and child welfare nonprofits can access funding through Thing 123 Foundation to support programs that improve and enhance children’s lives. U.S.-based organizations, including those providing child care services, may be considered if they submit a complete application and their requests align with the foundation’s mission and founding documents.

Joseph G Markoly Foundation Inc

When Joseph Markoly originally established the foundation more than thirty years ago, its focus was on Alzheimer’s and heart disease support, funded through a number of the larger national disease-related organizations. Over time the focus has shifted to helping small to mid-size organizations in our local communities which support children and seniors in a variety of effective ways. 

Markoly Foundation was established in honor of Joseph G. Markoly, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who wanted to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Joseph’s family was affected directly by both Alzheimer’s and heart disease having lost a family member to each condition. For that reason, the foundation dedicates a majority of their resources to providing grants to organizations that focus on the treatment of each of these diseases. In addition, Markoly Foundation supports a variety of programs dedicated to helping children and seniors by providing services, supplies, programs and research in areas impacting these demographics.

Joseph G. Markoly Foundation Grant Support for Children’s Organizations

Children are the future of this world and the Markoly Foundation is proud to fund local programs dedicated to improving the lives of children and their families. From providing vision services for school kids to classes on parenting, we are proud to do our part to help fund critical community programs for families.

We are dedicated to providing funding for local nonprofit programs that improve the quality of life for all, but particularly for the children and elders in our community.

Theresa Alessandra Russo Foundation Inc

The Theresa Foundation honors the memory of Theresa Alessandra Russo by touching the lives of children with special needs and their families. The Foundation fosters each child’s unique abilities by supporting programs focusing on art, music, dance, drama, and recreation.

The Theresa Foundation has a vision of the world where artistic expression and physical recreation are just as important to adults as they are to children. We believe in a world where every child, regardless of ability or challenging conditions, is free to communicate through and participate in every art or recreational activity. A society without art is a society without soul. Art enables us to express our inner thoughts, fears, joys, and sadness.  

The Theresa Foundation Grant Program

The Theresa Foundation Grant Program is committed to providing financial support for programs in art, music, dance, drama, or recreation that are designed specifically for children with special needs in order to ensure that no one is excluded from these activities. 

We believe that every individual should have the opportunity to participate in art, music, dance, drama or recreation if they so choose. Our grant program works to provide direct funding for the success of these activities, while also promoting an environment of acceptance and inclusiveness where all can take part without judgment or fear. 

As of 2026, the Theresa Foundation has provided over $3,300,000 in grant funding for over 200 programs in 29 states throughout the country and 4 international grants. With your help we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those with special needs by providing them access to enriching experiences that would otherwise be out of reach. 

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

District of Columbia child care and youth-serving nonprofits focused on health, education, or community programs can access funding through Labcorp Charitable Foundation to support services and education for children and families. Grants may back food pantries, healthcare and patient services, STEM programming, or healthy lifestyle initiatives that benefit local communities.

Focused on wellness for frontline survivor-support staff, Joyful Heart Foundation invites District of Columbia child care and child advocacy nonprofits, Tribal entities, and government agencies to apply for Heal the Healers micro-grants up to US $5,000. Funding supports staff self-care training, small capital items, and team-building activities, plus access to a national peer learning cohort.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

District of Columbia nonprofit child care and early education organizations can access funding through Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation to support storytelling projects that highlight their community impact. Registered 501(c)(3)s or aligned for-profits working in early childhood education or wellness may apply for awards of more than US $50,000 to share their work through compelling media.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

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.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.