Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in District of Columbia

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, assists private landowners in restoring and protecting vital habitats for fish and wildlife. Since its inception in 1987, the program has provided technical assistance and financial support to enhance conservation efforts across the United States. By collaborating with local stakeholders, the program establishes habitat goals and directs resources effectively to conserve important ecosystems, benefiting both wildlife and the American people.

The Virginia H. Glasson Charitable Trust Grant supports Christian charitable organizations and preferred beneficiaries. It funds projects in areas such as education, scientific research, religious activities, and arts and culture. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code, located in states such as California, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, and Washington D.C. However, individuals cannot apply for funding.

The Mazamas is committed to exploring and preserving mountain environments in the Pacific Northwest through research grants. These grants support nonprofit research that aligns with the Mazamas’ mission, encouraging proposals from graduate and undergraduate students. Successful applicants often conduct field studies that enhance understanding of the region's natural features. Notably, the Mazamas also welcome innovative research ideas that may fall outside traditional grant guidelines, promoting a diverse range of scientific inquiry.

Consolidated RFP for Affordable Housing Financing

The Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for affordable housing finance resources is focused on real estate development projects that produce or preserve affordable housing in the District of Columbia that require gap financing. This RFP is accepting applications for a range of Federal affordable housing finance resources including, 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs), District of Columbia LIHTCs (DC LIHTCs), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) program, the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF), the Recovery Housing Program (RHP), and the Local Rent Supplement Program (LRSP). Also, the DHCD Property Acquisition and Disposition Division (PADD) will have solicitations for offers for vacant sites in the District of Columbia available for acquisition.

The Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based support.

Job Readiness Training - Homeless Population RFA

DOES is seeking qualified organizations to provide job readiness training services, along with short-term subsidized work experience and job placement services to District residents with barriers to employment. To increase program retention and successful completion, Grantees will provide support services and will coordinate an optional subsidized work experience that are conducive to developing the soft skills and work experience that increases the probability of successfully obtaining permanent unsubsidized employment. Organizations must have the infrastructure needed to deliver training effectively, facilitate job development and placement services, as well as the human capital needed to serve residents with multiple barriers to employment. 

Job Readiness Training - Ward 5, 7, and 8

DSI is seeking qualified organizations to provide job readiness training services, along with shortterm subsidized work experience and job placement services to District residents with barriers to employment. To increase program retention and successful completion, Grantees will provide support services and will coordinate an optional subsidized work experience that are conducive to developing the soft skills and work experience that increases the probability of successfully obtaining permanent unsubsidized employment. Organizations must have the infrastructure needed to deliver training effectively, facilitate job development and placement services, as well as the human capital needed to serve residents with multiple barriers to employment. 

The Betsy James Wyeth Fellowship in Native American Art offers a unique opportunity for scholars to engage in a 12-month residency focused on Native American artists and methodologies. With a stipend of $53,000 and additional funding for research trips, this fellowship fosters scholarly exchange and professional development at the Smithsonian. Ideal candidates include predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers committed to Indigenous arts and cultures, ensuring a vibrant academic environment for innovative research.

The College Fellowship Program (CFP) aims to support recent college graduates in their transition to impactful careers in public and private sectors. This 6-month paid fellowship includes professional mentorship, leadership training, and necessary work experience. The District of Columbia Department of Employment Services invites applications from organizations experienced in workforce development to manage the fellowship process and ensure fellows receive valuable certifications to enhance their career prospects.

The Synod of the Mid-Atlantic's Jubilee Trust Fund supports mission projects aimed at enhancing African-American leadership within congregations. Established in 1982, the fund promotes clergy recruitment, Christian education, and youth ministry. It addresses specific community needs through well-defined initiatives, ensuring that resources are allocated to projects that foster growth and presence of African-American churches in the region. Applications are reviewed by the Jubilee Fund Committee for potential funding.

The Catholic School Leadership Development Grant Program aims to cultivate and retain promising leaders within the Catholic school system. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University, this initiative offers a graduate-level online Certificate in Catholic School Administration, covering 80% of tuition costs and providing funding for essential travel. The one-year program focuses on mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, requiring participants to serve two years in their diocese post-completion, thereby enhancing local educational leadership.

Our Work:

The Citi Foundation commits $20 million to help nonprofit housing developers overcome financial and operational barriers to building and preserving affordable housing in the U.S.

Apply for Funding

Citi Foundation primarily provides funding through open Requests for Proposals (RFP). This model enables us to engage and support a broad range of organizations across the globe to tackle some of the most pressing social issues of our time. Each RFP launched is accompanied by detailed information on goals, selection criteria and relevant application deadlines.

Housing Affordability

Citi's Blueprint for Housing Opportunity

Recognized as the number one affordable housing lender in the U.S. by Affordable Housing Finance magazine, Citi knows increasing supply is essential to addressing housing affordability — one of the defining economic challenges of our time. That’s why we are putting our capital, community impact and expertise toward helping more Americans access housing they can truly afford.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

The Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors (SHINE) program aims to enhance nonmalignant hematology research aligned with the goals of the NIDDK, NIA, and NHLBI. It invites R01 grant applications focused on innovative and early translational hematology topics, fostering growth in this critical research area. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, allowing for both standard and renewal submissions.

The ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund, managed by Refed Inc., supports innovative solutions to minimize food waste and reduce methane emissions, a cost-effective strategy for climate action. This fund prioritizes initiatives that enhance food recycling and improve supply chain efficiency in the beef and dairy sectors. By focusing on proven methods, the grant aims to accelerate impactful changes in the food system, ultimately fostering sustainable practices and collaborative efforts to combat food waste.

The Scheidel Foundation College Success Grant aims to empower students to achieve post-secondary credentials through targeted support initiatives. This funding is designed for organizations that help students complete their degrees or certificates and succeed in their career transitions. The foundation prioritizes innovative programs that demonstrate measurable outcomes and impact underserved communities in specific U.S. metro areas, including Washington D.C. and Florida.

Entergy’s Open Grants Program aims to enhance community well-being through funding initiatives in arts, education, social services, and community improvement. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve diverse populations, including children and low-income communities. Eligible entities must have 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit recognition. Applications should be submitted three months in advance, allowing ample time for review. Entergy focuses on projects that foster self-sufficiency and enrich local neighborhoods.

The LFF: Nature-Based Climate Action Grant aims to support initiatives that leverage natural systems to combat climate change. By funding projects focused on tree planting, prairie restoration, and carbon sequestration, the program seeks to engage communities and enhance understanding of climate challenges. Ideal applicants include rural organizations working to create measurable environmental impacts while fostering collaboration and policy change. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations ready to take significant strides in addressing the climate crisis.

Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV)

Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) FY 2027 Transport DC Grant Program

The Government of the District of Columbia, Department of For-Hire Vehicles (“DFHV” or “Department”), is soliciting applications from all eligible DFHV licensed taxicab companies (“Taxicab Companies”) with current DFHV Digital Taxicab Solution (“DTS”) licensing and Operational Authority to operate DFHV’s Transport DC (“TDC”) program. The TDC program has been in operation for the past seven years providing an alternative transportation service to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s paratransit services entitled MetroAccess. Current TDC providers support a cost-effective, curb-to-curb service for eligible and active MetroAccess customers. Transport DC customers may take up to ten (10) one-way trips (or five (5) round trips each month) to any destination within the District of Columbia (“DC”).

This program is expected to start at the beginning of Fiscal Year 2027 (“FY27”) and throughout the year without interruption after potential applicants are awarded a grant. DFHV will expect the awardee, or awardees, to participate and commitment staff to monthly advisory meetings, monthly provider meetings, and respond to any information and reporting requests immediately or upon a reasonable response time. An applicant should describe in detail who those program points of contacts shall be and tour of duty schedule.

DFHV is seeking candidates with an expertise in paratransit, on-demand, and pre-booking up to twenty-four hours of a requested pick-up. In addition, the selected applicant must be located within the District of Columbia and must comply with Title 31 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations in its entirety with an emphasis on: Chapter 9, Insurance Requirements for Public Vehicles-For-Hire in its entirety including Applications and Scope pertaining to WAV vehicles; Chapter 16, Dispatch Services and District of Columbia Taxicab Industry CO-OP, and Chapter 18, Wheelchair Accessible Paratransit Taxicab Services. DFHV is seeking to leverage the capacity of the local for-hire vehicle industry and use innovations and best practices to include on-demand mobility fields to provide an innovative TDC transportation solution to enhance an already popular and highly visible program while including advocates, DFHV’s Project Lead, and other stakeholders’ input and suggestions.

The Capital Food Bank Partnership Program invites not-for-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status to join in addressing food insecurity. Partners will receive essential food and health education materials to distribute within the Washington metropolitan area. Key eligibility requirements include a budget for food procurement, access to technology, and a designated food storage facility. The program aims to enhance community access to nutritious food while prioritizing partners based on regional needs.

The Eastern Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes outstanding graduate students in entomology. Sponsored by the Entomological Society of America, it offers a fully funded trip to the ESA Annual Meeting, a $100 cash prize, and a certificate. Eligible nominees must be student members of ESA, pursuing or recently completing a graduate degree in entomology. Nominations are limited to two per university, ensuring the selection of the most deserving candidates.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

NCRC Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) - Housing Counseling Services

The Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) empowers NCRC network members to level up established service lines.

The Housing Counseling Services series within FEF supports HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in driving homeownership, such as through pre-purchase counseling. In addition, the program builds agency knowledge on heirs’ property challenges to better equip first-time and low-income homebuying households with the know-how to retain intergenerational wealth.

In doing so, FEF-HCS aims to help underserved families begin their homeownership journey, with an additional goal of ensuring foresight into the long-term future of their home purchase.

The FEF-HCS series is funded in partnership with Key Bank and HSBC, and targets communities within the Key Bank and HSBC branch footprints.

Through these partnerships, $2.5 million in Key Bank geographies and $1.5 million in HSBC geographies has been allocated for the subgrants for direct-to-client housing counseling services that will be awarded in three rounds in the FEF-HCS track.

Funding Support

Awardee agencies will receive subgrants to support their housing counseling services to clients.

Knowledge Building

Awardee agencies will attend a training session on heirs’ property challenges and best practices, hosted by NCRC National Training Academy. Bolstering counselor knowledge on this topic will ensure that your agency is not only serving clients in their personal wealth-building journey now, but also helping them preserve that wealth in generations to come.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to bolster ethnic minority and gender representation in senior athletics administration roles. With an annual budget of $1.6 million, it supports up to 46 schools and conferences over five years. Eligible institutions must be active NCAA Division III members and meet various requirements. This grant encourages diversity in leadership, fostering an inclusive environment for student-athletes.

The Henry A. Jordan, M.D., Preservation Excellence Fund supports innovative projects in the Mid-Atlantic region, offering up to $5,000 to organizations committed to protecting cultural and natural resources. Established in 1996, this fund promotes collaboration among various stakeholders, facilitates policy development, and enhances public engagement in preservation issues. Eligible activities include planning and education efforts, requiring applicants to match grant funds and adhere to specific conditions to ensure effective use of resources for community sustainability.

The Stephen Schwartz Musical Theatre Teacher of the Year Award, presented by The ASCAP Foundation and the Educational Theatre Association, recognizes outstanding middle and high school musical theatre teachers. Awarded annually, the recipient, selected by a panel of experts, will receive a $5,000 prize and be honored at the EdTA Theatre Education Conference in Minneapolis, MN. This prestigious award highlights the significant impact of dedicated educators in shaping the future of musical theatre.