Best School Health Grants in District of Columbia

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

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.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community services, including school health efforts in District of Columbia, can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation support. Funding can back food pantries, healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle initiatives such as medical research and screening.

School health and education organizations in the District of Columbia working with urban low-income children can seek more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling efforts. Focused on education, health, and family economic stability, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds qualified nonprofits and social enterprises in the U.S., India, and South Africa.

District of Columbia 501(c)(3) public charities working on education, health, and community services can apply for US $10,000 - US $250,000 to improve outcomes for local residents. Grants from Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation help school-based and youth-serving programs, including those advancing student wellness, academic success, and equitable access to essential services in the DC metro area.

District of Columbia school health and wellness nonprofits can access funding through Impact100 DC for projects that address unmet needs rooted in systemic racism and structural inequity. 501(c)(3) organizations in the DC metro area with $300,000–$5 million in annual revenue can apply for US $100,000 to support education, health, family, arts, or environment initiatives benefiting local residents.

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.

Focused on school health and attendance, this grant supports organizations in the District of Columbia providing truancy reduction services for youth ages 10–17 and their families, with awards up to US $250,000. The District of Columbia Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice seeks providers offering mental health, enrichment, mentoring, and family support in selected schools.

District of Columbia nonprofits serving women, children, and families in socioeconomic need can access funding through Many Hands for programs in education, health, housing, and economic empowerment. 501(c)(3) organizations with $500,000–$6 million budgets and at least five years of operation may receive up to US $100,000 in unrestricted support, which can include school-based health initiatives.

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.

District of Columbia school health and education nonprofits can seek project funding for programs in education, health care, social services, civic and cultural, environmental, and related areas. Dr Scholl Foundation provides U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations with US $5,000 - US $25,000 in one-year grants through an annual application cycle running October 1 to March 1.

AAFP state and territorial chapters and chapter foundations in the District of Columbia can apply for American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation funding; awards US $750 for philanthropic chapter programs. Eligible projects support students or residents, member outreach, or public health initiatives that improve family and community health and may include school-based health activities.

AAFP state chapters and chapter foundations in the District of Columbia and other eligible locations can apply for the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation’s Family Medicine Chapter Alliance awards to support philanthropic programs. Funding backs student or resident initiatives, member outreach, and public health projects, which may include school-based health education or wellness activities.

School health and wellness-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations in the District of Columbia can use this grant to tell powerful stories about their impact. Grants from Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation support storytelling projects for programs in education, mental health, wellness, outdoor access, early childhood development, and related community initiatives, with awards of more than US $50,000.

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.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Students pursuing nursing or related fields at accredited institutions can apply for the Dashanna K. McNeil Memorial Scholarship to support their education and professional goals. This U.S. scholarship honors Dashanna McNeil’s legacy and may benefit those in the District of Columbia preparing for school health or broader nursing careers at the high school through master’s levels.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

District of Columbia students pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree can receive last-dollar tuition and fee support through the Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program, including developmental or remedial courses. The District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education offers up to US $24,000 for eligible residents attending select area colleges and universities, which may benefit school health career pathways.

District of Columbia Prevention Centers (DCPC)

Overview

The Government of the District of Columbia, Department of Behavioral Health, Children and Youth Services Division is soliciting applications from qualified organizations to implement and establish one of four (4) DC Prevention Centers. This solicitation includes one (1) application opportunity under the District of Columbia Prevention Centers (DCPC).

This initiative is funded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, & Recovery Services Block Grant (SUPTRS) and the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant.

The District of Columbia Opioid Response (DCOR) grant, guided by LIVE.LONG.DC., the District’s Plan to Reduce Opioid Use, Misuse, and Related Deaths (LLDC), is focused on increasing access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment, reducing unmet treatment needs, and reducing opioid overdose-related deaths in the District of Columbia through the provision of overdose prevention, treatment, and recovery support services (RSS) to individuals with OUD and/or STUD.

This initiative addresses the following LLDC goals:

• PC. 1: Provide age-appropriate, evidence-based, education and prevention initiatives in all public schools and public charter schools regarding the risk of illegal drug use, prescription drug misuse, and safe disposal of medications
• PC 2: Conduct outreach and training activities in community settings to engage youth, parents, educators, school staff, and childcare providers on effective communication and engagement strategies to support individuals impacted by substance use disorders.
• PC 3: Coordinate across stakeholders, wards, and jurisdictional/regional areas to connect consumers, review data, and inform progress

The goal of the DCPCs is to prevent the early onset of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) use, including stimulants and opioids, while reducing risk and increasing protective factors for children, youth, families, and adults. The geographical locations and coverage areas for the DCPCs are: one (1) serving Wards 1 & 2, one (1) serving Wards 3 & 4, one (1) serving Wards 5 & 6, and one (1) serving Wards 7 & 8.

Focused on community health and well-being, Delaplaine Foundation invites District of Columbia 501(c)(3) public charities and qualifying 509(a) institutions to seek support for health and human services programs. School-based health and wellness initiatives that fit these priorities and demonstrate measurable, long-term community benefits may be competitive for funding.

FY27 School Behavioral Health Services Comprehensive Expansion ( District of Columbia Public Charter School Local Education Agency (LEA) Grant)

This RFA will allow DC Public Charter Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to directly hire no more than four (4) school behavioral health clinicians where the school has the capacity, willingness, ability to implement school behavioral health services; provided, that each clinician shall receive onsite clinical supervision and shall perform duties exclusively related to the School Behavioral Health Program and provide prevention, early intervention, and treatment services using the Comprehensive School Behavioral Health Model in a total of eight (8).

Anticipated Number of Awards:

• Up to four (4) separate awards 

Anticipated Amount Available:

• Up to $480,000

Floor Award Amount:

• $120,000

Ceiling Award Amount:

• $480,000

School Behavioral Health Services Comprehensive Expansion

This RFA will deliver prevention, early intervention, and treatment services by Community Based Organizations (CBO) providers within the Comprehensive School Behavioral Health Model in 52 District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and District of Columbia Public Charter Schools (DCPCS).

DBH will allocate funding to develop and further expand the District’s Comprehensive School Behavioral Health System in the District’s schools. The school behavioral health services will be aligned with the behavioral health unmet needs/gaps within the school. The array of services includes prevention, early intervention and treatment. Additionally, the selected CBOs will participate in the overall evaluation of the implementation.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools in the District of Columbia can receive US $25,000 - US $100,000 to run environmental programs focused on decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient use of natural resources. With a mission to support community sustainability, American Honda Motor provides programmatic funding that may complement school-based health and wellness initiatives with a strong environmental component.