Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in District of Columbia

501(c)(3) public charities serving residents of the District of Columbia and nearby counties can seek funding for community services, education, arts and humanities, environment, and health and wellness programs. The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation offers US $10,000 - US $250,000 to strengthen nonprofits and improve outcomes for vulnerable and underserved DC-area residents.

Small 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt nonprofits can seek McGraw Foundation funding for education, human services, conservation, health, and cultural programs, generally awarding US $2,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to support community-focused initiatives, McGraw Foundation provides grants that may benefit smaller organizations in District of Columbia with related programming.

Focused on community services, small 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the District of Columbia can seek approximately US $10,000 from the Venable Foundation for general operating support or projects. Organizations working in human services, legal aid, education, workforce development, youth programs, health, environment, or arts and culture that serve economically disadvantaged residents may be eligible.

District of Columbia small nonprofits will not be eligible; this $3,000 scholarship is for individual graduate students conducting research on drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health. Students in North America can apply to the American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship for projects offering actionable solutions to current water industry challenges.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving residents of Washington, D.C. can access funding through the Philip L. Graham Fund for one-time needs, such as equipment, capital projects, or other special expenses. Grants of US $30,000 - US $75,000 support direct services in health and human services, education, arts and humanities, and community endeavors in the D.C. metro area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools with environmental programs in the District of Columbia can seek US $25,000 - US $100,000 for decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use projects. With a mission to help communities thrive, American Honda Motor provides programmatic support for initiatives like energy upgrades, solar or wind installations, recycling, and zero-waste efforts that benefit its local communities.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits with $300,000–$5 million in annual revenue serving District of Columbia area residents can apply for Impact100 DC’s US $100,000 grant to expand impactful community programs. Grants from Impact100 DC help small nonprofits advance arts and culture, education, environment, family support, and health and wellness for historically underserved populations.

Small nonprofits running arts, education, environmental, or health and wellness projects or events in the District of Columbia may be eligible for support through the Stantec Community Engagement Grant. Focused on community initiatives near its offices, Stantec invites applications for short- or long-term projects and community events that strengthen local communities.

Small nonprofit organizations in District of Columbia working on health, community services, financial security, or environmental initiatives can receive more than US $5,000 in regional support. TD Charitable Foundation prioritizes programs serving diverse, historically underserved, and low-to-moderate income communities across its TD Ready Commitment focus areas.

Small nonprofits in District of Columbia supporting women, children, and families through self-sufficiency, education, or humanitarian aid can apply for The Father's Table Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $750,000. Funding may support programs in homelessness, employment assistance, food security, microfinance, health care, disaster relief, and related community services.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in the District of Columbia conducting biomedical research can apply for National Institutes of Health AREA awards, with grants up to US $375,000 for small-scale projects. Eligible colleges and universities must award baccalaureate science degrees and have limited prior NIH funding, and may involve small nonprofit partners in research activities.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible public entities addressing education, hunger, health, disaster relief, or environmental needs in the District of Columbia can apply for grants of US $2,500 - US $10,000. Focused on community and environmental programs, International Paper Company Foundation invites organizations near its operations to propose projects serving underserved populations and critical local needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on economic opportunity or affordable housing can receive capacity-building funding and leadership development in the District of Columbia. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help established nonprofits advance income creation, workforce readiness, small business resilience, and stable, equitable housing through a two-year Neighborhood Builders program for CEOs and emerging leaders.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving District of Columbia residents can seek general operating or program support for arts, environmental, medical research, or veterans initiatives. Cornelia T Bailey Foundation supports projects such as visual and performing arts for youth, environmental ingenuity, high-mortality disease research, and therapeutic programs for veterans through a letter of inquiry process.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in low- or middle-income countries can seek NIH support for mentored clinical research in areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, and other health conditions. Focused on global health, the US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health offers approximately US $140,000 over three to five years.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits and schools in the District of Columbia can seek funding for STEM education, environmental sustainability, or community safety and wellness projects. Focused on these areas, Westinghouse invites eligible organizations within 50 miles of a company site to propose programs that enhance learning, protect natural resources, or improve public safety and vitality.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries can apply for approximately US $140,000 in mentored health research career development funding, including support from U.S. mentors. The National Institutes of Health Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award may benefit small nonprofits in the District of Columbia partnering with LMIC investigators or hosting mentors.

John Ben Snow Memorial Trust provides District of Columbia small nonprofits with US $5,000 - US $20,000 for education-focused programs and related initiatives. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may also propose arts and culture, community, youth, environmental, disability access, or historic preservation projects, with a strong preference for new or enhanced programs and short-term, one-time support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia providing direct care or services to underprivileged children, people experiencing homelessness, or the elderly can apply for Cloudbreak Foundation’s grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $20,000 for specific projects and programs. Small nonprofits meeting basic or critical needs are especially well-suited to this opportunity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia can seek Medtronic support for independent medical conferences, charitable events, medical education, and public education programs. With a mission to improve global health, Medtronic provides healthcare-focused small nonprofits with grants and donations across many specialties, including cardiovascular, diabetes, neurological, and other disease areas.

The Joseph Robert Foundation Grant provides essential funding for non-profit organizations focused on the arts, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Based in Pennsylvania, the foundation prioritizes smaller local organizations in the mid-Atlantic region, offering grants typically under $10,000. It encourages innovative projects and supports first-time grant seekers, prioritizing those with limited resources. Organizations can apply for general operating support or specific project funding to further their missions and impact their communities.

Biogen Corporate Sponsorships provide funding to support congresses, events, and initiatives in exchange for tangible benefits such as marketing opportunities and recognition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and requests must be submitted 50 days in advance. Biogen considers various disease areas for sponsorship, including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Approval depends on funding availability, alignment with interests, and event details, ensuring transparency for all potential sponsors.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

Bell's Brewery Small Grassroots Grants support projects focusing on water stewardship across the Great Lakes watershed. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, eligible organizations can apply for funding to improve ecosystem health, enhance public health through better water resource management, and promote resilience against climate-related water risks. This initiative highlights Bell's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support in all 50 states and DC.

The MGM Resorts Foundation Community Grant Fund supports nonprofit agencies providing essential services in areas such as affordable housing, education, and health. Grants are awarded for a one-year period and focus on regions where MGM Resorts employees live and work. Eligible applicants must comply with diversity policies and serve individuals or families. The foundation does not fund governmental agencies or projects exclusively for medical research. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being through targeted support.