Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in District of Columbia

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities serving District of Columbia residents can seek funding for community services, education, arts and humanities, environment, and health and wellness programs. Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation supports comprehensive, culturally competent efforts, including capacity building and workforce development, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $250,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations, primarily in the greater Chicago area, can seek McGraw Foundation support for education, human services, conservation, health, and cultural programs. With a mission to strengthen these fields, McGraw Foundation provides grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000, including general operating, project, and occasional capital support, which may benefit organizations investing in staff professional development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia working in human services, education, workforce development, health, environment, legal services, or arts and culture can seek approximately US $10,000 for general operations or projects. Focused on community well-being, Venable Foundation invites place-based organizations to support economically disadvantaged residents, including efforts that may build staff or organizational capacity.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through the American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. This US $3,000 award supports actionable, timely research addressing current challenges in the water industry, which may benefit nonprofits in District of Columbia through enhanced professional expertise.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving District of Columbia residents can seek US $30,000 - US $75,000 for one-time projects, capital needs, or select program and operating costs. Philip L. Graham Fund supports direct services in health and human services, education, arts, and community endeavors, which may include staff training or capacity-building tied to these programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools in the District of Columbia with environmental programs can seek US $25,000 - US $100,000 for decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use projects. With a mission to support sustainability, American Honda Motor provides programmatic funding for initiatives like energy efficiency upgrades, onsite solar or wind, recycling, composting, and greenspace improvements.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the Washington, DC metro area can seek US $100,000 for community programs in arts and culture, education, environment, family support, or health and wellness. Grants from Impact100 DC help District of Columbia nonprofits addressing systemic racism and structural inequity implement significant projects within 24 months.

Nonprofit and community organizations running arts, education, environmental, or health and wellness projects or events in the District of Columbia can seek support for their initiatives. Focused on community engagement, Stantec invites applications for short- or long-term projects and community events, with preference for work occurring near its office locations.

Nonprofit organizations running community, health, education, or environmental programs in the District of Columbia can apply for regional grants supporting TD’s Ready Commitment focus areas. TD Charitable Foundation provides more than US $5,000 for initiatives like better health, connected communities, financial security, and a vibrant planet, with emphasis on underserved and low-to-moderate income populations.

Nonprofit organizations supporting women and children through self-sufficiency, education, humanitarian aid, or related services can apply for The Father's Table Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $750,000. U.S.-based groups in the District of Columbia may be eligible if their programs build long-term resilience alongside meeting immediate needs.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in the District of Columbia can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards to support small-scale biomedical research projects and student research experiences. This U.S. Department of Health and Human Services program offers up to US $375,000 to institutions with limited prior NIH funding that award baccalaureate science degrees.

Nonprofit organizations and eligible public entities in the District of Columbia can seek funding for community programs that address education, hunger, health and wellness, disaster relief, and critical environmental needs. Focused on these areas, International Paper Company Foundation invites applicants located where the company operates to request US $2,500 - US $10,000, with priority for projects involving employee engagement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia focused on income creation, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, or affordable housing can access funding and a two-year leadership program through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Grants help build organizational capacity and nonprofit leadership, benefiting groups with clear three-year plans and established executive leadership.

Early-career research scientists in low- or middle-income countries conducting clinical trials in areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, or other biomedical fields can seek multi-year career development support through this award. Focused on global health research, the National Institutes of Health invites eligible investigators, including those collaborating with District of Columbia nonprofits, to build independent research careers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia can seek general operating or program support for arts, environmental, medical research, or veterans initiatives. Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation supports nonprofits by funding visual and performing arts access for children, environmental ingenuity, research on high-mortality diseases, and therapeutic programs for veterans in its active regions.

Early-career research scientists in low- or middle-income countries can receive approximately US $140,000 in career development funding for mentored health research, including training and protected research time. The National Institutes of Health’s Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award supports LMIC faculty whose projects reflect their country’s health priorities, which may include collaborations with institutions in the District of Columbia.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering education-focused programs in District of Columbia and other U.S. regions can apply for John Ben Snow Memorial Trust support, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Funding may benefit nonprofits that include staff training or professional development within broader educational, youth, arts, community, or environmental initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia can seek funding to support independent medical conferences, charitable events, medical education, and public education programs. With a mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life, Medtronic provides healthcare-focused nonprofits with grants and donations that may also advance staff training and professional development goals.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia providing direct care or services to underprivileged children, people experiencing homelessness, or the elderly can apply for Cloudbreak Foundation’s project grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $20,000. Programs that meet critical or basic needs may be especially competitive, including those run by nonprofits also investing in staff development.

The Joseph Robert Foundation Grant provides essential funding for non-profit organizations focused on the arts, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Based in Pennsylvania, the foundation prioritizes smaller local organizations in the mid-Atlantic region, offering grants typically under $10,000. It encourages innovative projects and supports first-time grant seekers, prioritizing those with limited resources. Organizations can apply for general operating support or specific project funding to further their missions and impact their communities.

Biogen Corporate Sponsorships provide funding to support congresses, events, and initiatives in exchange for tangible benefits such as marketing opportunities and recognition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and requests must be submitted 50 days in advance. Biogen considers various disease areas for sponsorship, including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Approval depends on funding availability, alignment with interests, and event details, ensuring transparency for all potential sponsors.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

Bell's Brewery Small Grassroots Grants support projects focusing on water stewardship across the Great Lakes watershed. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, eligible organizations can apply for funding to improve ecosystem health, enhance public health through better water resource management, and promote resilience against climate-related water risks. This initiative highlights Bell's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support in all 50 states and DC.

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.

The Climate Change Investment Initiative Grant Program, funded by the Exelon Foundation, aims to support innovative start-ups focused on climate change solutions within Exelon's service territories. With a commitment of $20 million over ten years, the program promotes not only environmental sustainability but also social equality and economic prosperity. Eligible businesses can benefit from substantial equity investments and valuable in-kind services. The initiative seeks to empower diverse leadership teams, particularly those representing women and minorities, to drive impactful change.