Best Housing Grants in District of Columbia

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

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 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.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits can seek the Storytelling Grant to showcase the impact of their preservation, education, or wellness work, including in the District of Columbia. Grants from Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation support media and storytelling projects that highlight efforts like conservation, historic preservation, education, and mental health initiatives.

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.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

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.

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.