Best Grants for Preschools in District of Columbia

Department of Behavioral Health

The Department of Behavioral Health provides prevention, intervention and treatment services and supports for children, youth and adults with mental and/or substance use disorders including emergency psychiatric care and community-based outpatient and residential services.

DBH serves eligible adults, children and youth and their families through a network of community based providers and unique government delivered services. It operates Saint Elizabeths Hospital—the District’s inpatient psychiatric facility.

Youth Recovery Residence with Intensive Care Management

Purpose

The purpose of this RFA is to select an applicant through a competitive application review process to establish a ten (10) bed YRR that provides safe, substance-free housing combined with comprehensive care management and RSS for young adults (ages 18–24) with OUD and/or STUD. The program will integrate peer recovery coaching, life skills training, education and employment support, and strong clinical linkages for ongoing treatment, including MOUD. The goal is to provide young adults with the foundation they need for longterm recovery, stability, and community reintegration. The YRR initiative will focus on providing six to twelve months of recovery housing support to young adults (ages 18–24) with OUD and/or STUD. 

The objectives of the initiative are:

• Objective 1: Create housing for young adults (18–24 years) that provides comprehensive, family-centered, recovery-oriented services.
• Objective 2: Support sustained recovery from OUD and/or STUD among residents.
• Objective 3: Promote housing stability and independent living skills.
• Objective 4: Increase educational attainment and/or workforce readiness of residents.
• Objective 5: Strengthen family and community connections for residents.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The Jeanne Spurlock Congressional Fellowship, honoring Dr. Jeanne Spurlock, offers two psychiatry residents or early career psychiatrists the chance to work in a congressional office for 10 months. Funded by the APA Foundation, this fellowship provides a stipend of $85,000, a $10,000 housing allowance, and health insurance support. Recipients gain invaluable experience in federal legislative healthcare issues, engage with policymakers, and participate in APA meetings, enhancing their understanding of the intersection of policy, medicine, and mental health advocacy.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

Preschools and other 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia serving Black youth and adults can seek up to US $10,000 for social, economic, or environmental initiatives. Focused on advancing equitable opportunities, Dow Company Foundation invites eligible community-based projects that address locally identified educational and economic challenges.

The Henry A. Jordan, M.D., Preservation Excellence Fund supports innovative projects in the Mid-Atlantic region, offering up to $5,000 to organizations committed to protecting cultural and natural resources. Established in 1996, this fund promotes collaboration among various stakeholders, facilitates policy development, and enhances public engagement in preservation issues. Eligible activities include planning and education efforts, requiring applicants to match grant funds and adhere to specific conditions to ensure effective use of resources for community sustainability.

The DC Bar Foundation, a leading funder of legal aid in Washington, D.C., has been providing General Support Grants since 1978 to enhance access to justice for low-income residents. With over $34 million allocated, these grants offer unrestricted funding to cover essential operational costs for legal aid organizations. The Foundation's commitment ensures that vital legal services remain available to those in need, supporting a diverse range of community legal aid initiatives.

The DC Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program provides need-based funding for District of Columbia residents pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree at select colleges. As a last-dollar award, it helps cover tuition gaps after other financial aid. Eligible applicants must have been DC residents for at least a year, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and have household incomes below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. Funding caps are $4,000 annually, with limits on total awards.

The Third-Party Competitive Grant (DC) aims to support DC-based nonprofit organizations with proven success in enhancing academic outcomes for public charter school students. This funding, part of the SOAR Act, encourages projects that directly impact student achievement or strengthen charter LEAs' operational capacity. With a funding pool exceeding $2 million, organizations can receive up to $400,000 per award for direct or indirect assistance. Interested entities are advised to submit a Notice of Intent and attend pre-application webinars.

District of Columbia preschools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and local government entities can access in-kind transportation and railroad materials support through CSX Foundation’s charitable investments program. Organizations serving military families, veterans, first responders, or broader community services in CSX network communities may be eligible for intermodal freight moves or donated railroad-related equipment.

The Scholarships for Opportunity and Results (SOAR) Facilities Grant provides essential funding to public charter schools in the District of Columbia. With a total of $3.5 million available, grants can reach up to $750,000 per award. This program supports renovations aimed at increasing both the capacity and quality of charter school facilities, ensuring that more students have access to high-quality educational environments. Eligible entities are encouraged to submit a Notice of Intent to Apply.

The Florence Nesh Charitable Trust Grant focuses on supporting medical or scientific research and education in the Greater Washington DC area. It funds projects that provide direct services, demonstrate community needs, and foster collaboration among organizations. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years of operation and prior measurable outcomes. The trust prioritizes sustainability and diversified income, while avoiding support for general operating costs, for-profit entities, and organizations lacking public charity status.

The Access to Justice (ATJ) Grants Program, administered by the DC Bar Foundation, aims to enhance civil legal services for District residents. Since 1977, the Foundation has invested over $200 million to support legal aid providers. Grants will fund services in underserved areas, housing, and interpreter banks, with eligibility for nonprofit partners. This program ensures equitable access to justice for all, leveraging a grant from the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants for 2026.

Preschool and early education 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia can seek funding for capital, program, or operating needs that create new or enhanced opportunities, especially for young people. Grants from Kerr Foundation also support arts and culture, health, and human services initiatives, with Oklahoma organizations receiving overall priority for funding.

The Martha’s Table Community Impact Fund aims to empower grassroots organizations in Ward 8, Washington D.C., which have historically faced barriers to institutional philanthropy. This fund, established by Martha’s Table, focuses on strengthening these organizations to better serve their communities. Grant funding can support diverse initiatives, from innovative solutions to capacity-building projects, ultimately fostering resilience and growth within the local community.

The Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program Grants, awarded by the DC Bar Foundation, support DC-based non-profit organizations providing critical civil legal aid to low-income residents facing eviction. Since 2018, over $50.4 million has been granted to enhance legal representation for underserved tenants in landlord-tenant court, ensuring access to justice and assistance during eviction-related proceedings.

The ISF Congressional Policy Fellowship is a prestigious, nonpartisan program designed to enhance diversity and inclusion in government. Over a 9-month period, selected fellows will gain valuable experience in policy-making while working closely with Congressional members. The fellowship offers mentorship, professional development, and opportunities to engage in tasks such as drafting legislation and conducting policy research. This initiative aims to empower American Muslims in public service, ensuring their voices contribute to shaping effective public policies.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving vulnerable children and at-risk residents in the District of Columbia can seek funding for education, after-school care, job training, health, and housing programs. Focused on community well-being, the Bloedorn Foundation invites local groups, including those operating preschool and early childhood initiatives, to apply for annual support.

The Capitol Hill Community Foundation offers Fall and Spring Grants to support local programs in education, youth, arts, social services, and community spaces. Each grant can provide up to $3,000 to nonprofits, schools, and neighborhood groups that enhance the lives of Capitol Hill residents. Since 1989, the Foundation has contributed over $6.6 million to various projects, fostering a stronger and more caring community.

The Capitol Hill Community Foundation offers Mini-Grants of up to $500 to support various programs and projects that benefit the Capitol Hill neighborhood. These grants are available throughout the year and are typically aimed at one-time or emergency needs. Eligible areas include educational enrichment for schools, youth programming, arts and culture initiatives, social services, and enhancements for community spaces.

The Arnold F. Keller Jr. Grant, offered by the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, provides a single $25,000 grant annually to support new initiatives or the expansion of existing projects that benefit the Capitol Hill community. Since 1989, the Foundation has invested over $6.6 million into local projects, emphasizing community engagement and support for vulnerable populations. This grant aims to enhance community well-being through innovative programs and initiatives.

The John Franzén Grant for the Arts, established by the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, offers a $25,000 annual award to support visual, performing, and architectural arts programs that foster community engagement on Capitol Hill. This grant honors John Franzén, a dedicated community leader, and aims to enhance the cultural landscape by helping artists and organizations increase their outreach and impact. Since its inception in 1989, the Foundation has invested over $6.6 million in community projects.

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.

Preschools and early childhood 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia offering special programs beyond regular school budgets may be eligible for community-focused funding supporting safety, basic needs, environmental education, and community connections. Washington Gas supports education and environmental stewardship in its service territory through the Community Investment Fund, prioritizing long-term community resilience across the DMV region.

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 Foot Locker Foundation Community Empowerment Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower youth in underserved communities, addressing racial inequities and promoting wellness. Grants range from $25,000 to $100,000 and are available for youth programming and capital improvement projects. Eligible organizations must serve low-to-moderate income communities, have diverse leadership, and engage local Foot Locker teams in volunteer efforts. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for youth by connecting them with essential services and mentorship.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.