Best Grants for Solar Panels for Nonprofits in District of Columbia

The Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship, offered by the National Federation of the Blind, honors the legacy of Jacquilyn Billey, a dedicated advocate for the blind. With thirty merit-based scholarships of $10,000 each available, applicants must be legally blind, reside in the U.S., and plan to pursue full-time post-secondary education. Awards are based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership, with finalists attending the NFB National Convention in July for selection.

The Cultural Humility Training Grant, offered by the District of Columbia Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism & Partnerships, aims to empower community-based organizations (CBOs) to enhance cultural competency and provide affirming spaces for youth, particularly those experiencing homelessness. This two-year initiative supports CBOs in delivering tailored training, improving service delivery, and fostering inclusive environments. The grant period extends from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2027, focusing on evidence-based practices to better serve vulnerable populations.

MBSYEP Pathways to STEM Grant

DOES connects District of Columbia (District) residents, job seekers, and employers to opportunities and resources that empower fair, safe, and effective working communities. DOES provides a range of programs and services to jobseekers, including job development, job search assistance, self-directed job search, vocational training, apprenticeship, unemployment insurance, transitional employment, and referrals to supportive services and educational programs.

The Office of Youth Programs (OYP) develops and administers workforce development programs for District youth. OYP provides occupational skills training, work experience, academic enrichment and life skills training to facilitate the development of work habits and skills that are essential for success in the workplace.

DOES, through OYP, is seeking applications for the District’s Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) Youth Pathways to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Grant. The MBSYEP Youth Pathways to STEM Grant will provide District youth who are interested in becoming STEM professionals with a 6-week learning experience that includes 5-weeks of in-person career exploration and five (5) days must be dedicated to visiting colleges and universities across the country to experience student life in a STEM-related major.

Up to $150,000.00 is available in total for awards through this RFA.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA) on Aug. 4, 2026, seeking to fund high-impact, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. This preannouncement provides potential applicants additional time to identify collaborators; obtain patient and stakeholder input on potential studies; and develop responsive, high-quality applications. 

Patient-centered CER compares at least two available health treatments, services or care delivery strategies. PCORI seeks proposals that compare clinical interventions (e.g., pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, screening and diagnostic approaches) and healthcare delivery system interventions (e.g., workforce, technologies, healthcare service delivery designs) to evaluate potential benefits and harms of different treatment and care delivery options, thus generating evidence that empowers patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community with information to make informed choices that reflect their needs and preferences. 

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.

Hospital -Based Peers Support Services

The Government of the District of Columbia, Department of Behavioral Health, Adult Services Administration is soliciting applications from qualified organizations to implement the Hospital-Based Peer Support Services program under the District of Columbia Opioid Response (DCOR) grant. The DCOR grant, guided by LIVE.LONG.DC.(LLDC), is focused on increasing access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment, reducing unmet treatment needs, and reducing opioid overdose-related deaths in the District of Columbia through the provision of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services (RSS) to individuals with stimulant use disorder (STUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD).

Target Population

The target population is individuals who have OUD and/or STUD that receive care in a participating hospital within the District of Columbia. Individuals may be in the hospital ED or an inpatient unit for OUD/STUD-related reasons (e.g., overdose or injection-related infection) or for any other reason. 

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants: Exploratory Projects aim to enhance agricultural producers' economic viability through innovative risk management education. Funded by the University of Delaware, these grants offer up to $10,000 for projects that address emerging risk topics or support producer workshops. With an 18-month duration from April 2026 to September 2027, this initiative encourages the development of new educational approaches to better serve the needs of farmers and ranchers.

The Career Ready Early Scholars Program (CRESP) Grant aims to support District youth aged 9-13 by offering comprehensive career and educational exploration activities. These activities include occupational skills training, academic enrichment, life skills development, and work readiness training during the summer. Administered by the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services, this program seeks to empower young individuals with essential skills for their future careers and personal growth.

The National Forest Foundation's Matching Awards Program connects communities to forests by funding stewardship activities that promote engagement with National Forests and nearby public lands. This program aims to create lasting impacts, ensuring that all communities can benefit from the rich resources of these natural areas. By supporting various projects, the program fosters a deeper relationship between people and the environment, ultimately enhancing conservation efforts and community well-being.

Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development 

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) assists the Mayor in the coordination, planning, supervision, and execution of economic development efforts in the District of Columbia with the goal of creating and preserving affordable housing, creating jobs, and increasing tax revenue. DMPED pursues policies and programs that create strong neighborhoods, expand and diversify the local economy, and provide residents with pathways to the middle class.

 Washington, DC Global Soft Landing Grant 

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 Washington, DC Global Soft Landing (“GSL”) initiative (the “Program”). The purpose of the GSL Initiative is to support international entrepreneurs, startups, and companies seeking to establish operations in the District of Columbia (“District”).

The GSL initiative connects international entrepreneurs and startups to a network of economic developers, local government, universities, chambers of commerce, and business service providers to support a successful market entry into Washington, DC. Through the Program, DMPED intends to award funds to a Program Operator to manage and coordinate a comprehensive suite of services for international companies navigating the U.S. market entry process (“Project”). Grant funds are intended to support the day-to-day operations of the GSL initiative, as further outlined in the RFA.

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.

Our Mission

We are dedicated to empowering organizations that promote the arts and develop programs designed to inspire, educate, and engage. Our vision is a world where the arts are not viewed as a luxury or elective, but as a vital part of every individual’s development and well-being.

Through strong community partnerships, we harness the transformative power of the arts to elevate educational outcomes, foster creativity, and enhance quality of life.

We believe in the synergy that arises when artists, educators, advocates, and creatives from all disciplines—musicians, museum professionals, actors, writers, and teachers—come together and collaborate. It is scientifically proven that the arts play a fundamental role in youth development, nurturing healthy brain function, social growth, and emotional resilience.

Aligned with our mission, we also support initiatives that protect and utilize nature as a source of enrichment and healing. Conservation and beautification efforts are not only essential to environmental health but also to individual and community well-being. Research consistently shows that time spent in nature supports both physical and mental health, especially for children. We are committed to partnering with organizations that recognize the vital connection between a thriving natural environment and a thriving population.

Equally important is our dedication to supporting veterans. We recognize the sacrifices made by servicemen and women and believe they deserve meaningful pathways to recovery, healing, and renewed purpose. That’s why we invest in programs that provide therapeutic support, service animals, respite opportunities, and community-centered initiatives that help veterans and their families thrive. Veterans’ well-being is not only a moral imperative but also a cornerstone of a strong, resilient community.

As a charitable foundation, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that drive progress, improve lives, and create lasting, positive impact across the arts, the environment, education, and veteran support.

The P/Arts Program

The P/Arts Program was created to strengthen connections between the philanthropic, arts, and education communities, fostering meaningful collaborations that enrich learning and inspire growth.

Eligible applicants must be accredited 501(c)(3) organizations that integrate visual and/or performing arts education into their work. Through P/Arts, we seek to support programs that:

• Revitalize learning by enhancing and transforming outdated public school curricula.
• Motivate and inspire students of all ages, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.
• Empower educators by deepening professional development opportunities for teachers, professors, and childcare providers.
• Bridge the gap between school and home, creating continuity in learning and support for children and families.
• Apply evidence-based, arts-based instruction proven to strengthen both academic and personal outcomes.
• Address inequities in education by helping to close the achievement gap and expand access to high-quality learning opportunities.

At its heart, the P/Arts Program reflects our belief that the arts are a powerful driver of educational transformation, unlocking potential not just in the classroom but in entire communities.

The Great Apes and Gibbons Program Grant, administered by the Arcus Foundation, supports conservation efforts for great apes and gibbons across 24 priority landscapes in Africa and Asia. The program emphasizes sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife, having awarded over 2,000 grants to more than 500 organizations globally. Funding is not available for individuals or specific lobbying activities, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful conservation initiatives.

The Emeril Lagasse Foundation offers Community Grants aimed at supporting 501c3 non-profit organizations that focus on culinary, nutrition, and arts education, with an emphasis on life skills development. Grants are available to organizations in communities where the foundation operates, including Greater New Orleans, Austin, and Southern California. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and align with the foundation's vision of empowering youth to reach their full potential.

The Ward 6 DC Main Streets Support Grant Program, managed by the District’s Department of Small and Local Business Development, allocates $350,000 to support DC non-profits enhancing small businesses and community development. Applications open on March 24, 2025, for two funding pools: $100,000 for 5-10 grants ($5,000-$20,000 each) and $250,000 for 1-3 grants ($75,000-$250,000 each). Eligible applicants include only DC-incorporated non-profits.

The Morgan Fund, a donor-advised fund at Seattle Foundation, is inviting proposals for its 2025-2026 grant cycle focused on performing arts, particularly dance and theatre. Eligible organizations can apply for project-based grants up to $25,000, with additional general operating support available for invited nonprofits. The fund prioritizes tax-exempt organizations located in the Puget Sound or Washington, DC areas, fostering local arts and culture.

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 National Institutes of Health (NIH) is inviting applications for the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment or Prevention (SBIRT/P) program. This initiative aims to address alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in adult populations facing health disparities. The application deadlines span from February 2024 to March 2027, focusing on innovative strategies for implementing SBIRT/P, which includes screening, intervention, and referral for treatment. Collaborative efforts with healthcare and community partners are encouraged.

FY26 McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance

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.

Length of Award:

The grant award period will be from October 1, 2026, or the date of the award if awards are made after this date, through September 30, 2027. LEAs must commit to obligate all grant funds awarded under this competition (RFA# GD0-MKV-FY2027) by September 30, 2027. Awards may be continued for a maximum of one additional year. Continuation awards are based on availability of funds; recipient’s implementation and/or operation of the program as submitted in the application; recipient’s demonstration that substantial progress has been made toward meeting the objectives set forth in the approved application, based on ongoing monitoring and review of the recipient’s reports; compliance with District and federal laws, regulations, and guidance; and appropriate expenditure of funds throughout each grant award period. All awards will be reviewed annually for consideration of continued funding.

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

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Mimi and Marvin Sandler Scholarship

The Mimi and Marvin Sandler award is funded by longtime friends of the Federation, Mr. and Mrs. Sandler. Marvin Sandler served as president of Independent Living Aids for more than thirty years. He and his wife wish to further academic excellence by sponsoring this award.

The Adrienne Asch Memorial Scholarship, offered by the National Federation of the Blind, provides thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships to legally blind students in the U.S. Selection criteria include academic excellence, community service, and leadership. Finalists attend the national convention in July, where winners are announced. This scholarship emphasizes the belief in the potential of blind individuals to achieve their dreams and contribute to society, making education accessible to all qualified candidates.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Charles and Melva T. Owen Memorial Scholarships

First established by Charles Owen in loving memory of his blind wife, these two awards are now endowed to honor the memory of both. In founding these scholarships, Charles Owen wrote: "There shall be no limitation as to field of study, except that it shall be directed toward attaining financial independence.”

The Department of Employment Services (DOES) connects District of Columbia (District) residents, job seekers, and employers to opportunities and resources that empower fair, safe, and effective working communities. DOES provides a range of programs and services to jobseekers, including job development, job search assistance, self-directed job search, vocational training, apprenticeship, unemployment insurance, transitional employment, and referrals to supportive services and educational programs.

DOES, Office of Workforce & Federal Programs Out-of-School Youth Program (OSY) provides occupational skills training, career awareness counseling, work readiness modules, basic education, GED preparation, supported internship experiences, vocational skills training, and pre-apprenticeship. Out-of-School programs serve young adults ages 16 - 24 who are no longer attending secondary or post-secondary school. It is a training vehicle that assists youth in achieving short and long term educational and employability goals through relevant occupational skills training and guidance.

OSY Pre-Apprenticeship Grant

Purpose

The goal of OSY Pre-Apprenticeship grant is to equip out-of-school youth ages 16 – 24 in Washington, DC with pathways to high-demand careers through traditional and nontraditional industry-aligned training, stackable credentials, and unsubsidized job placement. This structured program, up to 16-weeks in length, provides participants who are actively seeking unsubsidized employment with the opportunities to build career readiness, strengthen both technical & workplace skills, as well as gain exposure to the workforce. Program providers are responsible for delivering comprehensive career readiness training, recruiting and maintaining partnerships with pre-apprenticeship employer host sites, and facilitating participant placement and matching appropriate work experiences in the following industries. The goal is to prepare participants for entry into a registered Apprenticeship program or direct placement into unsubsidized employment within the pre-apprenticeship scope, while maintaining and creating sustainable pathways to longterm career success.

The MartinConnects Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, aims to empower employees through charitable initiatives. This grant program focuses on addressing homelessness, supporting STEM education, aiding veterans, and assisting women and children in need. Eligible recipients include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and governmental agencies within specific geographic areas, ensuring funds are directed towards impactful community projects and programs.

The Rosendin Foundation Annual Grant provides financial support to community-focused 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations across various states, aiding initiatives in emotional, occupational, and nutritional health. Grants can reach up to $50,000 and are geared towards organizations that positively impact their communities. However, the foundation does not fund discriminatory practices, political efforts, or religiously affiliated projects, ensuring that support is directed towards inclusive and impactful community services.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

JAWS for Windows Scholarship

Vispero is proud to once again sponsor the JAWS for Windows scholarship. For over three decades, JAWS, the world’s most widely used screen reader, has helped expand educational and employment opportunities for people who are blind through speech and Braille access. This scholarship reflects Vispero’s continued commitment to innovation in assistive technology and to supporting the next generation of blind and low vision students and future leaders. “We are honored to give back by supporting scholarships that empower blind students to pursue their educational and professional aspirations and help them achieve their goals.” Each scholarship winner will receive a five-year JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion Access license of their choice.

The Jacquilyn Billey Memorial Scholarship, offered by the National Federation of the Blind, provides thirty merit-based scholarships of $10,000 each to legally blind students pursuing post-secondary education in the U.S. The scholarship emphasizes academic excellence, community service, and leadership. Finalists are selected in spring and must attend the NFB National Convention in July for the award announcement. This initiative empowers blind individuals to pursue their educational and career aspirations, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and opportunity.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

E. U. and Gene Parker Scholarship

The E. U. and Gene Parker Scholarship honors two longtime leaders of the National Federation of the Blind whose participation stood for strong principles and strong support of the Federation's work.