Best Public Infrastructure Grants in District of Columbia

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with $100,000+ budgets offering workforce readiness, youth development, or community accessibility programs in the District of Columbia can apply for funding that supports skills-building, inclusive prosperity, and environmental sustainability. Focused on workforce preparation and public-serving spaces, RBC Foundation USA invites eligible charities in its business communities to seek program and capital support.

Philip L. Graham Fund provides District of Columbia 501(c)(3) public charities with US $30,000 - US $75,000 for one-time projects, capital needs, and some program or operating costs. Nonprofits improving health and human services, education, arts, community development, parks, and public spaces in D.C. and nearby Maryland and Virginia counties may be eligible.

The FY26 Bollards Competitive Grant Program aims to enhance pedestrian safety by funding bollard installation projects. This initiative targets areas frequented by large crowds to prevent injuries and potential acts of terrorism. Eligible applicants include State Departments of Transportation and local government entities, with a 100% federal funding share for projects. This program is vital for improving public safety in urban environments.

The Fiscal Year 2026 National Dam Safety Program focuses on rehabilitating high hazard potential dams that do not meet state safety standards. Funded by FEMA, this initiative aims to protect lives and property by providing federal funds to eligible states, which then pass these funds to non-Federal governmental or nonprofit organizations. Rehabilitation involves repairing, replacing, reconstructing, or removing dams to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Public agencies and other eligible entities developing marine highway transportation projects in the U.S., including the District of Columbia, can apply for US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration grants. Awards up to US $12,000,000 support public infrastructure and mass transit-related projects that reduce landside congestion and expand or promote marine highway transportation routes.

State and local transportation agencies in the U.S., including those serving the District of Columbia, can apply for DOT Federal Highway Administration’s ATTAIN program, offering up to US $12,000,000 to deploy advanced transportation technologies. Grants support projects that improve public infrastructure, safety, mobility, congestion management, and overall system performance.

Research institutions, policy organizations, and public agencies in the District of Columbia can seek funding for transportation research, policy development, and implementation projects that improve U.S. public infrastructure. Focused on transportation systems and public infrastructure, Arnold Ventures supports work on capital investment reform, cost control, access and mobility, permitting, procurement, and related policy reforms, with awards up to US $200,000.

Nonprofit-led community partnerships implementing publicly funded infrastructure projects in the District of Columbia can seek US $45,000 - US $120,000 for workforce development, job creation, and inclusive economic strategies. The Funders' Network supports public infrastructure efforts, especially water-related projects, by funding the human infrastructure for collaboration, community engagement, and equitable implementation, with a required 50% match from place-based or regional funders.

District of Columbia public infrastructure entities and nonprofits serving very small, financially distressed rural communities can access funding through USDA: Rural Development for predevelopment planning of water and waste disposal facilities. Support covers feasibility studies, preliminary design and engineering, and technical assistance for applications tied to rural water, sewage, solid waste, and stormwater projects.

Research institutions and evaluation teams in the District of Columbia conducting quasi-experimental studies on social programs and policies can seek support from Arnold Ventures. With a mission to improve lives through evidence-based policy, Arnold Ventures provides funding for rigorous causal research in areas such as public infrastructure, higher education, workforce training, and public finance.

Industrial and energy-technology organizations developing thermal or electric storage solutions for industrial facilities in the U.S., including the District of Columbia, can compete for up to US $700,000 to design, prototype, and validate new systems. With a mission to advance industrial efficiency, the U.S. Department of Energy provides multi-phase support for scalable, cost-effective storage concepts.

Federally recognized Indian Tribes working on public infrastructure in the District of Columbia can access funding through the Federal Highway Administration’s TTP Bridge Program to improve unsafe or aging bridges. Support covers planning, design, engineering, construction, rehabilitation, seismic retrofits, and safety or deicing countermeasures for eligible BIA, tribally owned, or other TTP bridges in poor condition.

State and local governments, counties, Tribal governments, transit agencies, and port authorities in the District of Columbia can seek funding for major surface transportation infrastructure projects through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. US Department of Transportation offers up to US $25,000,000 for multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional projects with significant local or regional impact across eligible U.S. jurisdictions.

Nonprofits, government entities, tribal organizations, and other eligible entities in the U.S. can receive US $50,000 - US $200,000 to implement innovative, evidence-based traffic safety projects. National Safety Council’s Road to Zero Community Traffic Safety Grants support Safe System approaches and research that reduce fatalities and improve public infrastructure, including mobility safety and access in places like the District of Columbia.

Local governments, tribes, community-based nonprofits, and academic institutions planning temporary street safety pilots in small to mid-sized cities can receive up to US $25,000 to address dangerous or divisive arterial roads. Smart Growth America supports teams that jointly include a public agency and community organization, with a focus on reconnecting harmed neighborhoods and improving public infrastructure, including in the District of Columbia.

Public infrastructure and community development nonprofits and government entities in District of Columbia can seek support for projects that strengthen local facilities, services, and public systems. With a mission to build healthier, more sustainable, and opportunity-rich communities, SC Johnson Giving provides U.S.-based 501(c)(3)s and public agencies with grants and product donations for place-based initiatives.

Nonprofits, local governments, Keep America Beautiful affiliates, and community organizations in the District of Columbia can apply for Keep America Beautiful’s MLK Corridor Community Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $20,000 for projects along or near MLK corridors. Funding supports community revitalization, beautification, public art, green spaces, and other lasting improvements to public areas.

Public charities planning capital projects that enhance community spaces, nature, STEM education, or skilled trades training in the District of Columbia may be eligible for grants up to US $25,000. Grants from Ash Grove Charitable Foundation help fund construction, renovation, repairs, and restoration of facilities serving local communities.

District of Columbia public infrastructure and culture-change organizations can access funding through Pop Culture Collaborative’s Infrastructure Grants to advance pop culture strategies for social justice and long-term narrative change. U.S.-based nonprofits, for-profits, and fiscally sponsored projects serving marginalized communities may receive US $20,000 - US $200,000 for artist cohorts, narrative infrastructure, research, or mass audience activation reaching at least one million people.

The Creation & Development Fund, administered by the National Performance Network, supports the creation and mobility of artistic works that promote racial and cultural justice. It fosters collaboration between artists and communities through financial support, enabling artists to develop meaningful relationships and present their work. The fund emphasizes equity, access, and the importance of public engagement, ensuring that diverse voices are represented while addressing systemic injustices in the arts.

Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

The Change Happens Foundation Grant focuses on supporting charitable initiatives aligned with environmental science, education, and human services. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the foundation prioritizes funding for organizations holding 501(c)(3) status, while advocating for innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. Grants aim to foster systemic change, empower underrepresented communities, and bridge gaps in access to nutrition and healthcare. The foundation operates nationally and internationally, seeking to create significant impact through strategic investments.

The OpenAI A People-First AI Fund supports U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on AI literacy, community innovation, and economic opportunity. It aims to enhance public understanding of AI, promote participatory design in AI applications by communities, and expand access to meaningful work through inclusive practices. Organizations at all stages of AI adoption are encouraged to apply, especially those addressing the needs of traditionally marginalized populations. This initiative emphasizes equitable distribution of AI benefits.

The When Georgia Smiled Grant, established by the Robin McGraw Revelation and Dr. Phil Foundation, focuses on aiding victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. The foundation prioritizes programs that provide shelter, education, and mental health services to ensure safe and fulfilling lives for affected individuals. Additionally, it supports initiatives for children and disaster relief, fostering community resilience and family reunification efforts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations operating in the U.S. with a commitment to inclusivity.

The Emergent Fund Grant, established in 2016, supports BIPOC-led social justice movements through rapid response funding. It addresses urgent community needs by providing low-barrier grants to organizations facing crises such as family separation and systemic oppression. The fund prioritizes initiatives that foster Black liberation, multiracial solidarity, and empower communities to build transformative power. By investing in innovative strategies, the Emergent Fund aims to challenge oppressive structures and advance social justice, ensuring that impacted communities are at the forefront of their own advocacy.