Best Grants for Youth Programs in District of Columbia

About Us

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is the chief legal office of the District of Columbia. The Office enforces the laws of the District, defends and provides legal advice to District government agencies and protects the interests of DC residents. OAG’s goal is to be the nation’s most effective and respected public law office.

Leaders of Tomorrow – Youth Violence Prevention Grant

The Office of the Attorney General (“OAG”) is seeking proposals from non-profit Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), interested in operating the Leaders of Tomorrow: Youth Violence Prevention Grant Program to identify and mitigate risk factors associated with youth violence and contribute to the long-term wellbeing and success of young individuals. OAG recognizes the importance of providing financial support to local non-profits dedicated to identifying and mitigating risk factors associated with youth violence. These organizations play a crucial role in developing strategies that align with promising and evidence-based approaches, ultimately contributing to the long-term wellbeing and success of young individuals. OAG will make up to $100,000 in funding per grant per organization available for Fiscal Year 2025. Total grant funding will not exceed $500,000.

Youth-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia working in literacy, children’s services, the arts, social justice, or the environment can seek program or project funding, with typical awards up to US $5,000. Grants from Nora Roberts Foundation may also cover related operating costs when essential to delivering these programs.

Nonprofit organizations providing high-quality out-of-school-time programs for children and youth in the District of Columbia can apply for the DC Out of School Time Program, with awards up to US $350,000 to expand programming. Funding from the District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education supports after-school and summer youth services, tutoring, mentoring, and educational equity efforts.

Pincus Family Foundation

PFF is driven by the values that our founders David and Gerry Pincus lived by: “to get involved, not just think about your own life, you are supposed to do things for other people.” Today, the second and third generation of Pincus Family members have added their ethos, while keeping the founders’ legacy alive.

Pincus Family Foundation Grant

Mission Alignment: We support our non-profit partners to develop and enhance programs that improve the lives of children, their families, and their communities.

PFF Funds Projects, Programs, & General Operating Support in Four Priority Areas

Creative & Performing Arts

The Pincus Family Foundation’s Creative and Performing Arts portfolio supports programs where young people use art as a tool to address the structural inequities they face. Five strategic priorities:

• Arts for Social Change Focus – Integrating artistic practice with community organizing, policy advocacy, and/or systemic change efforts
• Hyperlocal Community Integration – Deep community embedment with extensive local partnerships
• Teaching Artist Investment – Commitment to the professional development and well-being of teaching artists
• Cultural Responsiveness – Programming that incorporates community cultural wealth with community input
• Environmental Justice Integration – Authentic integration of environmental themes from community-identified priorities

Target Constituency: Organizations serving preK-12 youth from marginalized communities with arts for social change programming that connects them to the power of art to question and transform systems.

Education

High school readiness for many low-income students, largely is a result of poor preparation in middle school. PFF is funding programs/projects that support middle school engagement and focus on achievement filling a funding gap. 

Target Constituency: We support non-profit organizations serving middle school students who face gaps in comprehensive high school readiness. These organizations implement innovative programming that creates challenging yet nurturing environments—preparing students for achievement while inspiring them to become engaged, confident citizens ready to contribute to their communities.

Health & Wellness

Goal: Advance children’s health and well-being by supporting nonprofits that strengthen social conditions, empower youth, and build healthier environments in marginalized communities.

Target Constituency: Nonprofits whose work strengthens social determinants of health for children in marginalized communities.

Play & Recreation

Goal: Advance children’s social-emotional development and physical well-being by supporting nonprofits that create inclusive play-based programming, competitive sports opportunities, and outdoor recreational experiences in under-resourced communities.

Target Constituency: Non-profits whose work promotes access to quality recreational programming for children ages 6-18 in under-resourced communities.

For all grants, the organization’s mission and scope must align with the Foundation’s mission. For the latter, these grants can be either unrestricted or restricted to a particular program or project. The type of grant and what it is used for will dictate the goals and objectives to be met.

The DC Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) was created to address gun violence in the District of Columbia. The ONSE aims to foster community-based strategies to help prevent violence and increase public safety. To support this mission, ONSE announces the availability of funding offered through the Violence Intervention Initiative (VI). The VI division supports District residents in reducing gun-related violence in the community and focuses on innovative ways to interrupt violence. 

Violence Prevention Mini-Grant

The goal of this RFA is to promote and ensure the fairest, most efficient means to obtain the benefits of the most qualified, responsive, and responsible proposals.

Funding is targeted for individuals between the ages of 12 – 35.

Purpose

The primary focus of the RFA is to support initiatives that contribute to the prevention of violence in the District of Columbia. We seek creative and impactful proposals addressing the root causes of violence, promoting community engagement, and fostering a safer and more resilient environment. Categories for funding include: Behavioral Health; and Restorative Justice

The goals of this opportunity include:

• Community Safety
• Create Positive Change
• Youth Involvement

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations working in the District of Columbia can apply for Encova Foundation of West Virginia grants to support programs that improve communities and families, promote education, and encourage wellness. U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on health, education, safety, and children may benefit, especially those with active Encova associate involvement.

Children’s hospitals, general hospitals with pediatric departments, and nonprofits serving ill children near Dunkin’ locations can access funding for pediatric gaming programs through the Connecting Joy Grant; awards US $25,000 - US $65,000 per year. Grants from Joy in Childhood Foundation help District of Columbia youth services enhance patient care, engagement, and virtual connections for teens.

Youth-serving children’s hospitals and general hospitals with pediatric departments in the District of Columbia can receive US $20,000 - US $50,000 to host prom-like events for teen patients missing traditional prom due to illness. The Joy in Childhood Foundation’s Dunkin’ Prom Grant funds themes, space, food, entertainment, photos, and formal wear for pediatric patients ages 13–19.

District of Columbia youth-serving educational agencies working with homeless children and teens can access funding through the District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency to support school enrollment, attendance, and academic success. This McKinney-Vento program funds LEAs in the District of Columbia to address educational and related needs of homeless children and youth during the 2026–2027 grant period.

Youth-serving nonprofits in the District of Columbia can apply for US $25,000 - US $50,000 to create or significantly expand (by 50% or more) personal and professional growth experiences for teens and young adults ages 16–25. Grants from Allianz Foundation for North America support programs that build successful, self-reliant, socially conscious young people, including in Washington, DC.

Youth-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia can seek project support for education, youth services, community welfare, and arts and culture programs. Mitsui U.S.A. Foundation supports well-developed initiatives, with a preference for programs backed by a local Mitsui office and those emphasizing international education or U.S.-Japan exchanges.

District of Columbia youth-serving nonprofits can seek approximately US $10,000 from the Venable Foundation for general operations or projects. Focused on youth impact, education, health, and related services, the funder invites 501(c)(3) organizations based in or impacting D.C. to support economically disadvantaged children and teens through their programs.

High school students who are YMCA members or program participants can join a four‑month advocacy training program in the District of Columbia focused on youth leadership and civic engagement. With a mission to build youth advocates, National Council YMCA provides students with policy education, peer connections, and hands‑on experience meeting with Congressional offices during National Advocacy Days.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the Washington, DC area serving women, children, youth, and families in socioeconomic need can apply for Many Hands grants of up to US $100,000 for unrestricted operating, program, or capital support. Funding focuses on economic empowerment, education, health, and housing, including youth services in the District of Columbia.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and children in need in the District of Columbia can seek project-focused funding for specific programs. TowerCares Foundation supports youth services, children’s health, and families of military and veterans across the Baltimore/Washington corridor, with lower priority for general operations, annual giving, capacity building, or capital campaigns.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits working with children in the District of Columbia and the mid-Atlantic region can seek program support for critical, medical, or educational needs through Dover Grants. Focused on vulnerable children, Speedway Children's Charities prioritizes homelessness, foster care, orphans, and victims of sex trafficking, as well as health, therapy, tutoring, literacy, and after-school programs.

With a mission to reduce truancy and support at-risk youth, nonprofits and community organizations in the District of Columbia can access up to US $250,000 for comprehensive youth and family services. Funding from the District of Columbia Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice supports mental health care, enrichment, mentoring, parent groups, and culturally competent youth programs.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia that have operated for over three years can seek funding for programs supporting children, families, education, poverty relief, and related services. Grants from Robinson Foundation help Southern-region nonprofits address hardships through youth services, family support, disaster relief, medical assistance, animal welfare, conservation, spiritual endeavors, and veterans’ issues, excluding capital projects.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, religious institutions, and government agencies in the District of Columbia can receive $2,000 - $8,000 to support program costs and related staff or volunteer training. The Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville’s MartinConnects Fund focuses on homelessness, STEM, veterans, and women and children, which can include youth-focused initiatives.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia can seek funding to improve community quality of life and access to safe transportation. Grants from Mileone Community Giving Foundation help cover programs, multi-year projects, capital campaigns, or operating expenses that benefit youth, especially in underserved areas where the funder does business.

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 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 Peoples Bank Foundation Grant aims to create a significant impact in local communities by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations. With over 20 years of service, the foundation has awarded more than $7.5 million in grants and scholarships across several states. It prioritizes initiatives that assist low to moderate-income individuals and families, encouraging organizations within its footprint to apply for funding to enhance their community-focused programs.

The Synod of the Mid-Atlantic's Thanksgiving Offering Fund supports child and youth care agencies through grants funded by the generous contributions of Presbyterians. Established in 2001, this initiative allows individuals, groups, and congregations to donate, ensuring continued support for vital services. Contributions can be made through direct donations, bequests, or gifts of various assets. Funds are allocated based on designations and a formula for undesignated contributions, promoting community welfare.

The Sprague Charitable Contribution Program focuses on giving back to communities through charitable donations. With awards ranging from $250 to $10,000, priority is given to organizations that support children and environmental stewardship, particularly within Sprague's operational areas. The program seeks impactful contributions that can achieve significant results, reflecting Sprague's commitment to social responsibility and community improvement.

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.

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.