Best Housing Grants in District of Columbia

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on housing, shelters, and community development in the District of Columbia can seek sponsorship support for programs advancing economic mobility and social progress. With a mission to strengthen communities, Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits with funding for housing, workforce development, basic needs, arts, environment, and inclusion initiatives.

Nonprofit legal organizations, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation can access recoverable funding for out-of-pocket case costs via Impact Fund; awards US $10,000 - US $50,000. Focus areas include social, racial, economic, and environmental justice, which may support housing-related civil rights or homelessness cases in the District of Columbia.

501(c)(3) public charities providing equitable and affordable housing or related community development in the District of Columbia can access major multi-year support through the Community Progress Makers Fund. With a mission to expand economic opportunity, Citi Foundation provides unrestricted grants of US $1,000,000 plus technical assistance and peer-learning opportunities for organizations serving low-income communities.

Grants help District of Columbia 501(c)(3) public charities improve housing stability and related services for DC-area residents. The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation funds equitable and affordable housing, supportive housing and shelters, community development, and related wraparound services, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $250,000 for organizations serving the broader Washington, DC metropolitan region.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

District of Columbia 501(c)(3) nonprofits with $300,000–$5 million in annual revenue can access funding for $100,000 projects through Impact100 DC, including housing-related basic needs like housing stability and living-wage support for marginalized residents. Eligible organizations must serve the DC metro area and propose work in arts, environment, education, family support, or health and wellness.

Nonprofit and community organizations in the District of Columbia can seek funding to provide truancy reduction services for youth ages 10–17 and their families, including mental health support, mentoring, enrichment, and parent groups. Focused on youth at risk of justice involvement or housing instability, the District of Columbia Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice offers up to US $250,000 for multi-faceted support in selected schools, which may complement housing stability efforts.

District of Columbia nonprofits serving women, children, and families in socioeconomic need through housing, health, education, or economic empowerment programs can access funding through Many Hands. 501(c)(3) organizations with five-plus years of operation and budgets between $500,000 and $6 million may receive up to US $100,000 in unrestricted support for operating, program, or capital expenses.

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 and 501(c)(3) institutions preserving American orphan films can apply for National Film Preservation Foundation Basic Preservation Grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $20,000 for new lab work and access copies. District of Columbia archives, libraries, museums, universities, and historical societies may benefit if they provide public access to their film collections.

District of Columbia public and 501(c)(3) institutions with film preservation experience can access funding through the National Film Preservation Foundation for large-scale preservation, reconstruction, or restoration of American orphan films. Grants of US $20,001 - US $75,000 support laboratory work to create new preservation elements and public access copies, which may benefit housing or community history collections.

Entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses in the District of Columbia can seek Growth Fund support to establish or expand operations in commercial or coworking office space and create local jobs. With a mission to strengthen economic development, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development offers up to US $551,131 for eligible costs, benefiting organizations that may also advance housing and neighborhood vitality.

Developers and housing partners creating or preserving affordable housing in the District of Columbia can seek financing and development sites through this consolidated RFP. District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development supports real estate projects needing gap financing via LIHTCs, CDBG, HOME, NHTF, RHP, LRSP, and PADD site offerings.

Small and mid-size performing arts and community organizations in the District of Columbia can receive funding for public performances and community engagement through this program. Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation offers US $750 - US $5,000, covering up to 50% of artist presentation costs, including compensation, housing, per diem, and travel, for projects serving diverse and underserved audiences.

Public and 501(c)(3) nonprofit film archives preserving American avant-garde works can receive US $5,000 - US $50,000 for new laboratory preservation and access copies, including film prints. National Film Preservation Foundation Avant-Garde Masters Grants support projects across the U.S., which may benefit District of Columbia institutions safeguarding experimental film history.

Nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, and eligible housing entities with scalable affordable housing innovations can access funding through Enterprise Community Partners in District of Columbia and nationwide. The Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge awards US $2,000,000 grants for proven solutions in design and construction, finance, or service delivery and programs that expand affordable housing options.

Consultants and evaluation firms with expertise in housing, community development, or data analysis can apply to support program evaluation and related services for Enterprise’s national work, including the District of Columbia. Focused on impact measurement, Enterprise Community Partners seeks quantitative and qualitative analysis, training, technical assistance, and reporting on affordable housing and community development initiatives.

Nonprofit and housing providers offering supportive housing for people living with HIV in the District of Columbia and Prince George's County can apply for funding to deliver rental assistance and housing-related services. Focused on stable, affordable housing for low-income individuals with HIV, the District of Columbia Department of Health awards US $300,000 - US $8,000,000 through this program.

Nonprofit and community organizations in the District of Columbia can receive funding to provide crime victim services and community-based crime prevention, including emergency and transitional housing support. The District of Columbia Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants backs programs offering crisis intervention, case management, counseling, criminal justice support, outreach, and culturally appropriate engagement activities.

District of Columbia business development organizations and program operators can access funding to run services for international entrepreneurs and startups through the Washington, DC Global Soft Landing initiative. Administered by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, this grant offers up to US $250,000 to manage day-to-day operations supporting foreign companies entering the U.S. market.

Nonprofits and housing providers serving low-income people living with HIV in the District of Columbia and nearby Maryland counties can apply for District of Columbia Department of Health’s Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS awards of US $300,000 - US $8,000,000 to deliver rental assistance and housing-related supportive services that prevent homelessness and promote long-term housing stability.

Nonprofit and community-based 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia using AI to enhance community services, arts, culture, or local information ecosystems may be eligible for this funding. OpenAI supports U.S.-based, community-rooted groups exploring people-first AI to reduce barriers to services and information, including efforts that complement housing stability and related supports.

2026-2027 AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Competition

Overview

The Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships – ServeDC (ServeDC), is the DC Commission on National and Community Service as such ServeDC provides oversight and support to applicants selected as sub-grantees. Oversight includes monitoring and programmatic site visits, fiscal monitoring, and reporting requirements. Support includes AmeriCorps trainings, program director meetings, and one-on-one technical assistance.

ServeDC was established by an Executive Order in 2000 and is housed in the Office of Community Affairs in the Executive Office of the Mayor. ServeDC is the District of Columbia Government agency dedicated to promoting service as an innovative, sustainable solution to the challenges we face as a community and a nation. ServeDC engages District communities by building partnerships and organizational capacity, serving as the local lead for national volunteer and service initiatives, and providing and promoting meaningful service opportunities throughout the year. This application applies to Single State applicants operating only in the District of Columbia.

Nonprofit legal services providers in the District of Columbia can seek funding to deliver civil legal services focused on housing, underserved areas, and a shared interpreter bank. DC Bar Foundation’s Access to Justice Grants Program supports organizations strengthening housing stability and access to justice for District residents from January 1 to December 31, 2026.