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 Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service provides funding for essential technical assistance and training aimed at resolving water and waste management issues. This program supports applicants in preparing loan and grant applications, enhancing the operational efficiency of water systems, and ensuring compliance with best practices in facility management. However, grant funds cannot be used for duplicating existing services or for capital expenditures.

The Prioritization Process Pilot Program (PPPP) Competitive Grant Program, funded by the DOT Federal Highway Administration, offers up to $26 million for innovative transportation planning in FYs 2024-2026. Grants of up to $2 million will support the development of transparent, data-driven prioritization processes for project selection in transportation plans, ensuring that funded projects deliver public benefits and meet community needs.

The FY 2027 Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) FAA Contract Tower Competitive Grant Program offers up to $100 million for airport traffic control tower projects. This initiative aims to support airports in modernizing and repairing aging infrastructure, ensuring safety and efficiency in air traffic management. Eligible projects may involve construction, rehabilitation, or installation of essential air traffic control equipment, enhancing the operational capabilities of the nation's airports.

The BJA FY 2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)—Formula Grants Program aims to support states and local governments in enhancing their DNA analysis capabilities. By providing funding for existing crime laboratories, this initiative seeks to increase the processing capacity for DNA samples, thereby reducing the backlog in forensic DNA analysis and ensuring timely entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Applications are due by November 5, 2026.

The Affordable Rural Cooperative (ARC) Energy Program, initiated by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), aims to enhance rural electric systems through substantial funding of approximately $175 million. This initiative focuses on increasing emission-free nuclear power and improving transmission infrastructure efficiency, promoting long-term reliability and affordability. Eligible entities include electric cooperatives serving rural areas and their subsidiaries. The program aligns with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, thus fostering a sustainable energy future.

About Boeing

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company

One of the largest employee-managed funds of its kind in the world, the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company has empowered employees to make a greater impact by pooling their tax-deductible donations for more than 60 years. Employee-led grantmaking committees at 20 Boeing sites provide combined employee donations to nonprofits in their communities through ECF grants.

Charitable or educational organizations can apply for grants from the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company.

Puget Sound Chapter

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of Boeing Puget Sound is a pooled fund consisting of recurring payroll contributions from generous Boeing employees. It funds local nonprofits that help thousands of families and individuals in the Puget Sound region where Boeing employees live and work.

ECF focus areas

ECF makes grants to 501(c)(3) Health & Human Service nonprofits such as food banks, job-training programs, shelters, transitional housing, mental health services, and low-income medical clinics. ECF seeks the direct client benefit of each grant to ensure that our employees’ contributions directly help those in need.

ECF funding criteria

ECF has two distinct grant categories – Supporting Grants and Capital Campaign Grants.

ECF of Boeing Company: Puget Sound Chapter Supporting Grants

Consideration is given to nonprofits/agencies that are performing well and are seeking to upgrade, replace or modify elements of their infrastructure.

• Supporting grants cannot exceed $50,000. The requested amount cannot be more than 10% of an agency’s gross annual revenue.
• Supporting grants will be considered only for agencies benefiting residents in the Puget Sound Region.
• Supporting grants help agencies continue to effectively provide services through enhanced direct client benefit by aiding them in procuring and/or paying for items such as:
  • Equipment (ex. office, kitchen, industrial, furniture, etc.)
  • Vehicles used to support clients and/or transport food and/or goods (cost of vehicle and accommodations, tax, and licensing only; operating expenses, such as insurance, fuel, etc. is not allowed)
  • Phone systems
  • Cell phones for direct client use
  • Remodels and/or renovations (must hold at least a 10-year lease or own the building)
  • Purchase or construction of new buildings
  • Computers or tablets for direct client benefit and/or use
  • Software for direct client benefit and/or use (ex. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device)
  • Information Technology expenses, without which procured tools would not work
  • External improvements for client safety (i.e. security system, exterior lighting, improved ADA accessibility, new or refinished pavement or concrete)
• Supporting grants which are accepted must be spent as approved within nine (9) months.

The Impact Aid Discretionary Construction Grant Program (84.041C) offers $19M in funding to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to address urgent school facility needs. This initiative supports repairs, renovations, or replacements required to maintain safe educational environments. Grants cover projects that improve accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ensure that facilities meet health standards. The program aims to enhance learning conditions by responding effectively to emergency situations.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA: Capital Improvement Grants

Any request to support a project that seeks to improve a facility is considered a capital improvement. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Range improvements
• Berm improvements
• Clubhouse/Classroom facility improvements
• Shelter structures/covered firing lines/pavilions
• Road improvements
• Commercial-grade trap machines (see section regarding trap machines, below)
• Any other permanent improvement to an organization’s property or facility

The Grant Program considers requests for certain trap machines to be a capital improvement to the facility. Specifically, requests for commercial grade trap machines that have a capacity of 300 clays and up.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Ittleson Foundation Environmental Program Grants support innovative projects that enhance environmental activism through education and grassroots efforts. In 2025, grants will focus on initiatives that strengthen environmental movements and engage new constituencies, particularly in environmental equity. The Foundation has provided resources since 1932 to improve public policy and community welfare, alternating its grantmaking focus annually between mental health and environmental initiatives.

The Entergy Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting initiatives that foster thriving communities through education, poverty solutions, and environmental programs. The foundation prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities. Key areas include education development, innovative poverty solutions, and environmental restoration efforts, such as coastal wetland preservation. Organizations are encouraged to apply at least three months before funding is needed, ensuring timely support for impactful community projects.

The Fund for a Just Society Grant, offered by the Unitarian Universalist Association, supports nonprofit organizations that focus on social and economic justice through community organizing. This grant prioritizes innovative projects that seek systemic change and empower disenfranchised communities. Eligible organizations must operate with an annual budget under $500,000 and demonstrate a clear campaign for change. This funding aims to foster a more just society by addressing root causes and enhancing visibility for Unitarian Universalist principles.

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 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.

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.

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.