Best Grants for Preschools in District of Columbia

The Radiance Gives Fund Grant, established in 2022 by Radiance Technologies, supports 501(c)(3) organizations in local communities. This employee-run charitable initiative ensures that 100% of contributions go directly to grant awards, enhancing community impact. With no administrative fees deducted, Radiance empowers its employees to make meaningful contributions to the causes they care about, fostering a culture of giving and community support.

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.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program, managed by FEMA, allocates $41 million to enhance flood hazard mapping and data collection across nine regions. This initiative empowers local communities to effectively assess and mitigate flood risks, fostering informed decision-making and responsible planning. By providing crucial flood information, the CTP Program plays a vital role in increasing public awareness and resilience against flooding, ultimately contributing to safer communities.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The District of Columbia's Department of Energy and Environment is offering a grant to expand public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at government-owned sites. This initiative, with a funding pool of $609,500, aims to promote the use of clean energy and enhance access to EV charging. Eligible entities can plan, purchase, install, and maintain these charging stations, contributing to a sustainable future for the District. The program supports the agency's mission of fostering environmentally responsible behavior.

District of Columbia Watershed Stewardship Project

DOEE seeks an eligible entity to provide a comprehensive watershed stewardship educational project to District residents. The proposed project will educate participants about the basics of watershed stewardship and provide hands-on experiences relating to the sources of pollution and different types of policies and practices. The amount available for the two-year project to a single grantee is $70,000.

Purpose of the Grant

The purpose of this grant is to design and implement a comprehensive watershed stewardship educational project for District residents, and to equip District residents with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to address sources of water pollution and work toward improving the overall health of local waterways while fostering education and continuous community involvement.

The Small Building Re-tuning - Workforce Development Project aims to train participants in conducting re-tuning analyses and implementing energy conservation measures for buildings between 10,000 and 50,000 ft². This initiative, funded by the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment with a budget of $450,000, supports compliance with the District's Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) and promotes energy efficiency in urban environments.

Climate Resilience and Insurance Industry Collaboration Grant

DOEE seeks eligible entities to support innovative partnerships that address climate-related risks in insurance markets. This grant aims to bring together public and private stakeholders to explore solutions that improve insurance affordability, strengthen climate resilience, and protect economic stability in the District. The amount available for the project is $25,000.

A grantee may use grant funds only for allowable grant expenditures. Grant funds related to work performed will be provided on a reimbursement basis, except that, in limited circumstances, an advance of funds may be provided for grant administration expenses for a good cause approved by DOEE at its sole discretion. 

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 Training for Emerging Cyber Heroes (TECH) Force Grant, provided by the District of Columbia Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice, aims to support innovative cyber safety initiatives. This grant encourages the development of programs that empower youth with cybersecurity skills, promoting public safety and digital resilience. Organizations focused on cybersecurity education and youth engagement are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is June 29, 2026.

Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice (DMPSJ) was reconstituted in 2011 to provide guidance, support and coordination of public safety and justice agencies of the District of Columbia. The role of the agency was expanded to include oversight of service programs that previously operated as independent agencies. DMPSJ provides agency oversight and support for citywide public safety and justice related policies, activities and initiatives under its jurisdiction including:

• Developing and supporting policies and programs to improve the delivery of services by government agencies and contracted providers;
• Coordinating interagency activities and initiatives;
• Identifying opportunities for reducing redundancies, leveraging resources, creating economies of scale, and improving outcomes;
• Ensuring compliance with local and federal mandates; and
• Collecting and disseminating performance data for agency activities and initiatives.

Safe and Secure DC Nonprofit Fund

Purpose

The grant will improve and increase the physical/cyber security and facility/target hardening of nonprofit organizations’ facilities at risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack, safeguarding the lives and property of District residents and visitors. All grant activities must be linked to enhancing the security and safety at the physical site of the nonprofit organization. This grant will prioritize preparedness activities of nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack, with broader state and local preparedness efforts.

The grant will fund activities implemented by nonprofits in three focus areas (enhancing the protection of soft targets/crowded places; planning; and/or exercises and training). The Program shall be funded in accordance with D.C. Official Code § 1-301.192 (d)(1) and will be awarded as a grant to the selected recipients.

Department of Employment Services

The Department of Employment Services (DOES) mission is to connect District residents, job seekers, and employers to opportunities and resources that empower fair, safe, effective working communities.

American Job Center DC Alliance for Healthcare Careers Credential Training & Placement Grant

The District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) established the DC Alliance for Healthcare Careers to recruit, train, and support District residents in securing high-demand careers within the healthcare sector. The Alliance serves as a workforce pipeline initiative designed to connect residents to quality training, industry-recognized credentials, and direct employment opportunities in critical healthcare occupations.

Through the Alliance, participants gain access to comprehensive career services, occupational skills training, and nationally recognized certifications that prepare them for immediate entry into high-demand healthcare roles. DOES seeks to expand strategic partnerships with healthcare employers, training providers, and community stakeholders to broaden program reach, strengthen outcomes, and increase long-term impact.

Department of Employment Services

The Department of Employment Services (DOES) mission is to connect District residents, job seekers, and employers to opportunities and resources that empower fair, safe, effective working communities.

Training for Emerging Cyber Heroes (T.E.C.H) Force Grant

The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to identify a qualified vendor to administer the T.E.C.H. Force program, a workforce development initiative designed to provide youths aged 18-24 with a structured pathway to employment in IT and cybersecurity by offering certification-based training and direct job placement support. The program aligns with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) by incorporating occupational skills training, workbased learning, supportive services, financial literacy, and mentorship. Training providers will be responsible for equipping youth with industry-recognized credentials, delivering employerdriven instruction, and facilitating job placement opportunities.

The selected vendor must demonstrate expertise in IT fundamentals, digital literacy, emerging technologies, workforce development, and mentorship while effectively coordinating key program components, including recruitment, cohort management, certification facilitation, and employer engagement.

The DC Oral History Collaborative Grants support individuals and community organizations in Washington, DC to document local histories through oral interviews. This initiative offers training and resources for both novice and experienced oral historians. Grantees will have their projects archived in the DC Public Library, helping to preserve the diverse narratives of the community. Applications are welcome from those aiming to enrich the historical landscape of DC through personal stories.

The DC Oral History - Beyond the Archive Grants provide funding for community organizations and individuals to create public humanities projects utilizing existing oral history collections. These projects should focus on themes relevant to Washington, DC, and benefit its residents. Possible outcomes include exhibitions, performances, written research, and educational curricula, all aimed at showcasing the unique stories of the city’s diverse communities.

The Visions – Projects + Events Grant, administered by HumanitiesDC, invites DC-based nonprofit organizations to create innovative public humanities programs. By supporting projects that engage with the community through documentaries, events, and educational initiatives, this grant fosters creative interpretations of humanities scholarship. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a connection to Washington, DC, and incorporate relevant expertise in their projects. This funding opportunity encourages collaboration and accessibility, enriching the cultural landscape of the District.

About

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is committed to maintaining open communication and engagement with the community, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs), and the Council of the District of Columbia to find solutions for transportation-related matters. DDOT's Community Engagement Division (CED) coordinates, assesses, and addresses community and ANC requests, informs ANCs and communities on the status of DDOT projects and service requests, and identifies strategic and routine actions to build community support for the District's transportation infrastructure projects and program initiatives. 

DC Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)

The TAP or TA Set-Aside is a reimbursable federal aid funding program for transportation-related community projects designed to strengthen the intermodal transportation system. The program aims to expand travel choice, strengthen the local economy, improve the quality of life, and protect the environment by supporting non-traditional projects linked to the transportation system.

Projects will be reviewed through a competitive process and selected based upon a number of criteria, including the project’s expected benefits to the community, feasibility and project readiness, consistency with agency plans and missions, and the sponsor’s demonstrated ability to manage a federal-aid project.

The Transportation Planning Board (TPB) encourages TAP projects that support the following:

• Multimodal Transportation Options (with emphasis on non-auto modes)
• Activity Centers
• Access to Transit
• Safe Routes to School
• Disadvantaged Communities
• Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act

FY 25-26 Funding 

DDOT will be accepting projects on a 2-year cycle. Projects for both FY25 and FY26 will be selected and approved through this application cycle. A total of approximately $2,269,378 million in funding will be available through a citywide competitive process for qualifying, non-traditional projects. Awarded projects will be funded in either FY25 or FY26 based on project readiness and availability of funds, so Applicants should be prepared that they might not receive funding until 2026. The Transportation Planning Board (TPB) will work with DDOT to conduct the competitive selection process for funds. 

The Transportation Alternatives program is a part of the Federal-aid Highway Program. Although the program is a “grant” program under Federal regulation, it is not an “up-front” grant program and funds are available only on a reimbursement basis. Only after a project has been approved by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) division office can costs become eligible for reimbursement. This means project sponsors must incur the cost of the project prior to being repaid. Costs incurred prior to FHWA division office project approval are not eligible for reimbursement

The Consolidated Victim Services RFA provides funding to enhance a comprehensive network of trauma-informed services for crime victims in the District of Columbia. It addresses domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault while promoting victim safety and offender accountability. Eligible applicants include community-based non-profits and for-profits without profit in their application. Funding sources include VOCA, VAWA, and SASP grants, supporting recovery and navigation through justice processes.

The Consolidated Justice Grants RFA, administered by the District of Columbia Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG), aims to enhance public safety and improve the justice system for crime victims and their families. This initiative provides vital funding to local programs addressing violent crime and criminal justice issues, ensuring compliance with federal and local regulations. By fostering a comprehensive network of support, OVSJG strives to create effective systems of care for the community.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows program offers a unique opportunity for exceptional midcareer professionals to engage in health policy and science in Washington, D.C. This comprehensive fellowship emphasizes a full-time commitment, requiring a minimum 12-month residency. Participants will meet influential leaders, develop skills in legislative processes, and contribute to significant health policy initiatives. With funding available for eight fellows, this program aims to cultivate future leaders who will impact health and healthcare across the nation.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

The Special Presenter Initiatives Grants, offered by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation in partnership with various local arts organizations, aim to support the presentation of professional performing artists at small and mid-size community venues. This initiative encourages projects that feature touring artists and includes community engagement activities, fostering meaningful interactions between artists and local audiences. The program seeks to enhance the cultural landscape of the participating jurisdictions through diverse and innovative performances.

The Programmatic Support - Education Pillar Award by Honda aims to enhance workforce readiness in the manufacturing sector. It supports nonprofit organizations and schools focused on hands-on programs in design, software/data analytics, and AI/machine learning. Eligible applicants must be US-based and have 501(c)(3) status. The initiative prioritizes projects that train individuals for manufacturing roles, develop technical skills, and introduce automation to prepare for evolving industry demands, ultimately fostering economic prosperity in local communities.

The Public Art Building Communities (PABC) grant program, offered by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, aims to support artists and organizations in creating new public art installations. Projects must be accessible to the public and can be either temporary or permanent, with specific guidelines regarding maintenance and sustainability. Applicants must engage with the local Advisory Neighborhood Commission to secure support and promote community involvement in the project's design and execution.

District of Columbia preschools and early childhood providers offering mental health or substance use support can access funding through the District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health to plan adoption of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model. This planning grant offers up to US $199,000 plus training and technical assistance on staffing, services, technology, payment systems, and quality reporting.

The Wawa Foundation offers financial grants exceeding $2,500 to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in its six-state market, focusing on health, hunger, and supporting everyday heroes. Applications are accepted in January, April, July, and October, with grant requests reviewed prior to the next submission window. Eligible organizations include those working to improve lives through health initiatives, hunger relief efforts, and support for community heroes. For more details, visit the Wawa Foundation's official site.