Best Homelessness Grants in District of Columbia

The SpartanNash Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on Hunger, Heroes, and Hope. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located within a 30-mile radius of SpartanNash facilities. The Foundation ensures that every dollar raised directly benefits partner organizations, with a commitment to community impact. Grants are not available for ineligible entities, including those outside the radius or not aligned with the Foundation's mission. Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has positively influenced local communities.

The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation focuses on improving the lives of underserved individuals in the DC area through grants in five key areas: Arts and Humanities, Community Services, Education, Environment, and Health & Wellness. The Foundation supports organizations that demonstrate cultural competence and systemic change, aiming for self-sufficiency and holistic well-being for all community members. Grants emphasize access to resources and equitable opportunities to foster meaningful community engagement.

The Gratis Foundation Grant supports organizations focused on education, health care, humanitarian services, and at-risk youth. Applications are accepted in specific periods: October 1 to January 31 for health and medical research; February 1 to May 31 for education; and June 1 to September 30 for military and animal welfare. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and located in designated areas. The foundation emphasizes achievement and leadership in its funding decisions.

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.

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grant

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.

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.

The Cloudbreak Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on aiding underprivileged children, the homeless, and the elderly. Letters of Inquiry are accepted year-round, with specific deadlines for summer and winter cycles. Eligible applicants must hold a valid 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. The Foundation prioritizes projects that address critical needs in these communities, particularly those located in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. This grant offers vital funding for mission-driven initiatives.

Request for Applications

Youth 90-Day Emergency Shelter and Low Barrier Case Management Services Provider

As outlined in Solid Foundations DC, the District’s strategic plan to prevent and end youth homelessness, the District is working to expand the continuum of support and services for unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness. According to the 2026 Point in Time (PIT) count, 333 unaccompanied Transition Aged Youth (TAY) were reported of which 38% of TAY counted identify as LGBTQ+.

The District recognizes that youth ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness need early intervention, access to basic needs, when appropriate reunification with family or diversion services, and at times, connection to housing resources in the homelessness continuum. Under this solicitation, the District will continue its investment in one 90-Day Emergency Shelter (ES) Provider and one Low Barrier Case Management Services (LBCM) Provider.

Prospective Grantees services will include, but are not limited to, coordination with homeless outreach teams, Homeless Shelter Hotline, and youth serving providers to identify youth experiencing homelessness, assessment and case management services to facilitate rapid housing placement, participation in the District’s Youth Coordinated Assessment Housing Placement (Y-CAHP) system, documenting shelter center services in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS); provision of showers, meals, onsite counseling, as well as mental and physical health services, employment identification and housing location supports, participation in the District’s Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) Youth Committee, Continuum of Care (CoC), and DHS sponsored training as appropriate.

The goal of the ES and LBCM is to provide homeless youth with:

a safe, inclusive, and accessible space infused with supportive services in a comfortable and respectful environment

assessments to facilitate rapid connections and reconnection to housing

access to basic needs including showers and meals

assistance with obtaining identification documents and income supports

physical, mental, and sexual health resources,

workforce development activities and connections to employment

housing navigation supports (outside of the continuum of care)

Through this solicitation, DHS is looking to the following:

• 90-Day Emergency Shelter: 54 beds
  • 24 beds must be dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth
• Low Barrier Case Management Services: Provide services for up to 20 youth.
  • 12 male identifying youth
  • 8 female identifying youth

The Prospective Grantee must demonstrate a youth development approach and cultural competency, language accessibility, and a system for reporting bullying and harassment in accordance with the HSRA (D.C. Official Code § 4-754.21(18)).

The goal of the Emergency Shelter and Low Barrier Case Management Services Provider is to provide homeless youth with: 1) a safe, inclusive, and accessible space infused with supportive services in a comfortable and respectful environment 2) assessments to facilitate rapid connections and reconnection to housing 3) access to basic needs including showers and meals 4) assistance with obtaining identification documents and income supports 5) physical, mental, and sexual health resources, 5) workforce development activities and connections to employment 7) housing navigation supports (outside of the continuum of care). 

The Venable Foundation, a corporate funder, provides grants averaging $10,000 to nonprofits focused on human services, legal support, education, workforce development, youth impact, health, environment, and arts. Funding is targeted at organizations in specific regions, including Washington, DC, Baltimore, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, and Denver, reinforcing equitable opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals.

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.