Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in District of Columbia

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in District of Columbia working in children’s programs, education, or health and human services can apply for Costco Foundation’s charitable contributions. Funding is for monetary requests only and may support community-based initiatives that demonstrate measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a strong base of financial support in areas where Costco operates.

District of Columbia nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and innovative human services or social problem-solving programs can access funding through Creag Foundation. The foundation supports smaller or evolving organizations testing new approaches across areas like health, community development, literacy, public safety, and more. Funding is by invitation, but eligible groups may submit a letter of inquiry.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, and welfare can apply for grants up to US $15,000, including groups based in District of Columbia. With a mission to enrich children’s lives, Dan Paul Foundation provides funding for programs like early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness, poverty relief, refugee enrichment, and environmental education.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology for crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience projects in District of Columbia and worldwide can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation supports innovative, early-stage programs serving predominantly economically underserved communities, with applications accepted year-round via an LOI process.

Nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies in District of Columbia can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants support projects such as auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, STEM education, and food insecurity.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services to marginalized communities, including those based in the District of Columbia serving global populations, can apply for Semnani Family Foundation support. Grants may benefit programs in healthcare access, women and children’s health, disaster relief, literacy, social services, and related efforts in the U.S. and internationally.

Focused on charitable, scientific, medical, and educational work, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust invites District of Columbia 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for funding. Eligible tax-exempt organizations must use awarded funds within the U.S. for well-managed programs that broadly serve their target populations and materially advance general welfare.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on housing, jobs, hunger, arts, environment, or community development in the District of Columbia can seek sponsorship support for community-focused programs and events. With a mission to advance economic mobility, Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides regional U.S. sponsorships that may benefit D.C. nonprofits serving low- and moderate-income communities.

Nonprofit organizations and 509(a) public institutions in the District of Columbia can seek support for cultural arts, education, health, human services, historical preservation, and spiritual programs. Focused on strengthening families and communities, Delaplaine Foundation prioritizes projects with long-term benefits, measurable results, and diverse financial support, with some funding available beyond Maryland.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving the District of Columbia and other Southern-region communities can seek support for programs in areas like children and families, education, poverty relief, health, disaster relief, veterans, and faith-based work. Grants from Robinson Foundation help established organizations (3+ years) create tangible, meaningful impact through single-year, non-capital projects.

Nonprofit legal organizations, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation in the District of Columbia can seek recoverable grants for out-of-pocket case expenses. Focused on social, economic, environmental, and racial justice, the Impact Fund offers US $10,000 - US $50,000 to support class actions and other systemic reform cases benefiting oppressed communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near a TJX location in District of Columbia can apply for TJX Foundation grants supporting basic needs, youth education, workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence. Eligible groups must align with TJX’s community mission, meet distance and nondiscrimination requirements, and submit an eligibility questionnaire and letter of inquiry before invitation-only applications.

Nonprofit organizations in the District of Columbia seeking program or project support can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to strengthen community services, education, arts, health, environmental, or youth initiatives. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations where modest funding can make a significant impact.

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.

Nonprofits, faith-based groups, government agencies, educational institutions, and private enterprises in the District of Columbia can receive up to US $300,000 to run youth workforce development and reentry programs. With a mission to support justice-involved youth, the District of Columbia Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services provides funding to build skill-building, training, and job placement pipelines for court-involved young people.

Nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, and universities in the District of Columbia can seek funding to install and recycle rain barrels, issue rebates, and educate residents on stormwater management. Grants from the District of Columbia Department of Energy & Environment help District of Columbia environmental groups address nonpoint source pollution and support green infrastructure, with approximately US $521,000 available.

Nonprofit and public entities providing family planning and reproductive health services can apply for US $200,000 - US $22,000,000 to deliver comprehensive Title X services, including in the District of Columbia. With a mission to expand access to voluntary family planning, the Office of Population Affairs offers multi-year support for education, counseling, and related health services.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia seeking one-year project funding for education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. The Dr Scholl Foundation primarily supports U.S. applicants through an annual cycle running from October 1 to March 1.

Grants from Hansen Family Foundation help District of Columbia 501(c)(3) nonprofits fund programs for children, education, animals, the environment, humanitarian needs, and arts and culture. U.S.-based organizations with budgets under $1 million and overhead below 25% may request US $1,000 - US $10,000, including nonprofits serving local communities where board members reside.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits in the District of Columbia can seek more than US $50,000 to tell compelling stories about their impact through this storytelling grant. Grants from Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation help organizations working in preservation, education, and wellness share their work in areas like conservation, mental health, and early childhood education.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofit and preservation-focused organizations in the District of Columbia and other Mid-Atlantic states can apply for National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Henry A. Jordan, M.D., Preservation Excellence Fund; awards Up to US $7,500 for planning, education, and outreach projects that protect natural and cultural resources and advance community livability and sustainability.

Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services

The Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) is responsible for the supervision, custody, and care of young people charged with a delinquent act in the District of Columbia in one of the following circumstances:

• Youth who are detained in a DYRS facility while awaiting adjudication.
• Youth who are committed to DYRS by a DC Family Court judge following adjudication.

Youth can be initially committed to the agency until the age of 18 and may remain in the care of DYRS until the age of 21. The agency provides comprehensive support services to committed youth in our secure facilities as well as within the community. DYRS is designed to help young people get on the right track and successfully transition into adulthood. DYRS works with fellow District agencies, community partners, and juvenile justice experts to achieve these goals. We collaborate to implement innovative, research-based models that align with best practices in the juvenile justice and youth development fields.

Mission: The mission of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services is to give court-involved youth the opportunity to become more productive citizens by building on the strengths of youths and their families in the least restrictive, most homelike environment consistent with public safety.

Credible Messenger Initiative

The Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) seeks to award one local organization that demonstrates the capability to deliver mentorship programming inside the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services’ secure facilities- New Beginnings and at Youth Services Center; and up to three organizations rooted in neighborhoods where young people and families, and Credible Messengers reside and to provide transformative mentoring to youth committed to the agency, residing in the community. Through this initiative, mentoring services, family support programming, and other programs consistent with the goals and objectives of the Credible Messenger Initiative will be offered.