Best Grants for Women in District of Columbia

501(c)(3) nonprofits in District of Columbia supporting children, education, or health and human services can apply for Costco Foundation’s charitable contributions; awards fund monetary requests only. Women- and girl-serving organizations that fit these priorities may be eligible, with applications reviewed in 4–6 weeks and evaluated on community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and budget strength.

District of Columbia nonprofits serving women and girls can access funding through the Creag Foundation if they are 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative approaches to social problems. The foundation supports human services and related fields, and interested groups may submit a letter of inquiry to be considered for an invitation-only application.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth worldwide can seek funding for programs advancing health, education, development, and welfare, including basic needs and enrichment. With a mission to enrich children’s lives, Dan Paul Foundation provides District of Columbia women- and girl-serving programs with up to US $15,000 for initiatives like child advocacy, homelessness, poverty, and refugee support.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in the District of Columbia can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants may benefit programs serving women and girls through housing, job training, financial literacy, STEM, and community revitalization efforts.

Cultural nonprofits in the District of Columbia offering arts or science programming can seek more than US $100,000 for program, capital, or limited general support through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant. Organizations serving women and girls through arts education, STEAM, or artist development initiatives may be especially competitive if they meet the foundation’s national scale and impact expectations.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community programs, including those serving women and girls in the District of Columbia, can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation support. Grants may fund food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles through research and screening.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Nonprofits serving women and girls with health, education, or humanitarian programs in the U.S., including the District of Columbia, can apply for Semnani Family Foundation support. Funding may benefit initiatives in women’s health, healthcare access, literacy, and related social services for marginalized communities locally and worldwide.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, social justice, health, or the arts can apply for Cowles Charitable Trust grants, with awards up to US $10,000 for programs or general operating support. Organizations in Downstate New York and South Florida are primary priorities, and women- and girl-serving initiatives in these fields may be competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits can receive more than US $50,000 to tell powerful stories about their preservation, education, or wellness work, including in the District of Columbia. Grants from Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation help organizations share real-world impact, such as wildlife conservation, mental health, early education, and community wellbeing initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the Southern region, including the District of Columbia, can seek Robinson Foundation support for programs serving children and families, education, health, poverty relief, disaster relief, veterans, animal welfare, or spiritual endeavors. Grants from Robinson Foundation help women- and girl-serving organizations that meet these criteria fund single-year, high-impact projects rather than capital needs.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations in the District of Columbia can apply for TJX Foundation grants supporting basic needs, at-risk youth education and workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence. Eligible groups must align with TJX’s community mission, meet distance and nondiscrimination requirements, and may include programs serving women and girls.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries seeking funding for environmental or human services programs in the District of Columbia can apply for unrestricted operating or project support, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000. Focused on environment and human services, Lawrence Foundation invites eligible groups, including those serving women and girls, to submit proposals.

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.

District of Columbia nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and budgets between $300,000 and $5 million can access funding through Impact100 DC for $100,000 projects in arts and culture, education, environment, family support, or health and wellness. Women-focused organizations serving historically marginalized residents in the DC metro area may be especially competitive.

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.

District of Columbia nonprofits serving women, children, and families in socioeconomic need can access funding through Many Hands for programs in economic empowerment, education, health, and housing. 501(c)(3) organizations with budgets between $500,000 and $6 million may receive unrestricted awards up to US $100,000 to strengthen organizational or programmatic capacity for local residents.

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 Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Public or private community-based nonprofits and eligible for-profit organizations in the District of Columbia can seek funding to provide trauma-informed services for victims of crime, including domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault. The District of Columbia Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants supports programs that enhance victim safety, promote offender accountability, and assist survivors through justice processes.

District of Columbia organizations addressing domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault can access funding through the District of Columbia Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants to support coordinated, victim-centered responses. Eligible partners may include law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and nonprofit victim service providers working together to improve safety for women and accountability for offenders.

With a mission to improve community health, the District of Columbia Department of Health provides District of Columbia community-based organizations with funding to launch a mobile outreach initiative engaging Black men in Wards 7 and 8. Grants of US $45,000 - US $49,999 support connecting participants to primary care and essential social services, which may benefit women- and girl-serving organizations with relevant programs.

Nonprofit organizations with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for national recognition and support through the Community Partnership Award, open to U.S. nonprofits including those in District of Columbia. With a mission to honor impactful collaborations, Mutual of America Foundation provides awards that spotlight innovative, multi-sector approaches to significant social issues.

District of Columbia women’s and community health organizations can access funding through the District of Columbia Department of Health to deliver comprehensive HIV, STI, and hepatitis prevention services. Grants of US $75,000 - US $175,000 support screening, PrEP/PEP education, and culturally appropriate outreach for high-risk groups, including African American women and unhoused individuals.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including women and girls, may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $250,000 to support social services and humanitarian programs in District of Columbia and other countries. Gupta Family Foundation funds smaller, non-sectarian organizations, typically 501(c)(3)s, with strong founder-led leadership and high direct-beneficiary impact.