Best Scouting Organization Grants in District of Columbia

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups in the District of Columbia working in greater Takoma Park can access funding through the Greater Washington Community Foundation; awards US $1,000 - US $5,000 for mission-supporting work. Programs may include youth leadership, community connection, anti-racism and inclusion, or support for vulnerable and underrepresented residents.

High school seniors from select central Minnesota schools planning full-time study at a four-year college outside the five-state Upper Midwest region can receive the Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, a US $5,000 award for higher education. CommunityGiving supports youth development and leadership, and student leaders or athletes involved in scouting organizations in the District of Columbia may be eligible if they meet these criteria.

High school students involved with a YMCA program who want advocacy and leadership training can join this four-month Youth Advocate Program in the District of Columbia. With a mission to develop youth leadership, National Council of Young Mens Christian Assns of the USA provides students with policy education, peer networking, and hands-on experience meeting with Members of Congress alongside local Y leaders.

Nonprofits and community providers in the District of Columbia can seek funding to create a 10-bed youth recovery residence offering safe, substance-free housing and intensive care management for young adults with substance use disorders. The District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health supports programs integrating peer coaching, life skills, education and employment support, and strong clinical treatment linkages, which may benefit youth development and leadership initiatives, including scouting-focused efforts. Awards up to US $220,000 are available.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the District of Columbia region can apply for England Family Foundation grants to support general operations or programs in youth leadership, education, family services, housing, food security, and community safety. DC-area scouting organizations that build youth leadership and civic engagement may be eligible if they actively serve local communities.

With a mission to support youth and families, nonprofits in the District of Columbia can seek up to US $250,000 to provide truancy reduction services for referred students and their families. Funding from the District of Columbia Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice supports mental health, mentoring, enrichment, parent groups, and culturally competent youth development activities, including for scouting-age youth.

Emerging cooperative leaders, new co-op professionals, and post-secondary students in North America can access leadership development and networking support through this 8‑month fellowship, including up to US $1,630 in stipends and honoraria. Cooperative Development Foundation supports civic and youth leadership by funding participation in events, training, and co-op tours in the District of Columbia and New York.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Washington, DC that provide health, education, mentoring, or career development programs can apply for Foot Locker Foundation’s Community Empowerment grants, awarding US $25,000 - US $100,000. Funding supports youth programming or capital improvements, with priority for organizations in underserved communities, led by people of color, and able to engage local Foot Locker volunteers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth in the District of Columbia can seek funding for programs, projects, or general operating support in creative arts, education, health, and play. With a mission to improve children’s lives, Pincus Family Foundation supports youth development and leadership initiatives that benefit marginalized communities and their families.

Youth development and leadership nonprofits in District of Columbia can seek funding for local programs that educate and empower young people, build storytelling skills, or boost community engagement. Focused on youth education, next-generation storytellers, and volunteerism, the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation invites eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in its Washington market to apply for Local Impact Grants supporting positive community change.

Youth-serving nonprofit community-based organizations in the District of Columbia can seek up to US $100,000 to run programs that prevent youth violence and support long-term wellbeing. Focused on youth development and leadership, the District of Columbia Office of the Attorney General invites proposals that identify and mitigate risk factors among young people, which may include scouting-style leadership initiatives.

Nonprofit and for-profit training providers offering IT and cybersecurity workforce programs for youth in the District of Columbia can access funding through the Training for Emerging Cyber Heroes (TECH) Force Grant, awarding up to US $200,000. District of Columbia Department of Employment Services supports certification-based training, mentorship, and job placement that can benefit youth leadership and development programs, including scouting organizations.

Youth-serving nonprofits in the District of Columbia can seek US $25,000 - US $50,000 from the Allianz Foundation for North America to create or significantly expand (by 50% or more) personal and professional growth experiences for teens and young adults ages 16–25. Scouting organizations offering leadership and development programming may be strong candidates.

Youth development and leadership nonprofits in the District of Columbia can seek funding for programs that build in-demand skills, provide work experiences, and support career and college preparation. Focused on skills for a thriving future, RBC Foundation USA invites 501(c)(3) charities with $100,000+ budgets in its service communities to apply.

Nonprofit and community organizations serving District of Columbia youth ages 9–13 can receive up to US $280,000 to run summer career and educational exploration programs, including work readiness, life skills, and academic enrichment. Grants from the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services may benefit scouting organizations offering youth development and leadership activities.

Youth-serving organizations in the District of Columbia can seek funding to launch or expand ongoing recreational programs for young people at Fort Dupont Ice Arena. With a mission to provide quality urban recreation, DC Department of Parks and Recreation offers up to US $235,000 for multi-week leisure skating, hockey, and competitive youth hockey team programming.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities serving youth and families in the District of Columbia can seek funding for youth development, leadership, education, community services, arts, environment, and health programs. The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation awards US $10,000 - US $250,000, and DC-area scouting organizations with comprehensive, equity-focused programming may be eligible.

With a mission to expand youth recreation, DC Department of Parks and Recreation provides District of Columbia youth organizations with funding for inclusive programs, events, and activities. Community-based groups serving ages 6–18 can seek up to US $540,000 across support, engagement, and event/travel sub-grants to enhance recreation, skill-building, and safe opportunities for young people.

Students pursuing higher education or vocational training, especially those focused on youth development and leadership, can receive more than US $2,000 from the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington. This scholarship supports graduates of the Quillayute Valley or Cape Flattery School Districts, including scouting youth in the District of Columbia who have relocated from these Washington communities.

District of Columbia youth development and leadership organizations can access funding through the Marietta Kiwanis Foundation’s Scott Chadwick Scholarship for Emerging Leaders. Graduate or undergraduate students who are Cobb County residents and active servant leaders in civic, nonprofit, educational, faith-based, arts, military, or justice organizations may receive US $2,500 toward accredited college or university studies.

About Us

The Youth Climate Justice Fund aims to support climate justice young leaders with trust-based funding, resources, and capacity strengthening, enabling them to amplify their voices and to keep their vision and influence alive.

Collectively, we have the power to ignite meaningful change and build equitable and sustainable futures. Despite the challenges posed by the current crisis, youth climate justice organizers remain determined to address current issues and explore new approaches.

Mission & Purpose

We work to strengthen existing organizing efforts and support emerging youth-led initiatives with a focus on bridging funders and organizers to enable flexible and impactful support. Through capacity strengthening and resource sharing, we empower and support young people to drive change and build a just and sustainable future.

How To Apply

The Youth Climate Justice Fund provides funding to emerging youth-led climate justice and socio-environmental groups through a participatory decision-making process.

The Big Bald Dave Adventure Scholarship, provided by the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, honors Dave Mueller's passion for outdoor adventure. It offers a unique summer trip for Big Sky students in grades 9-11 who demonstrate leadership and a love for the outdoors. Supported by Adventures Cross Country, this scholarship is a wonderful opportunity for students to engage in enriching experiences while giving back to the community. Notably, it is not based on financial need.

The Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, aims to support high school seniors, college students, and non-traditional students from Benton, Stearns, or Sherburne County in Minnesota. Eligible applicants should have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and pursue a degree in Criminal Justice or First Responder programs. This scholarship fosters leadership and community involvement, ensuring a lasting impact on public safety and local services.

The BTCF: Simple Gifts Fund Grant supports young artists aged 13-19 in the Berkshire Taconic region, providing financial assistance for summer enrichment programs in the arts. Established in 1998 in memory of folk singer Bill Crofut, the fund aims to empower youth through small grants that can cover costs for tuition, art supplies, or living expenses. The grant fosters creativity and personal growth, ensuring that young individuals have opportunities to pursue their passions.

The Eleanor & Henry Jansen Foundation, established in 1998, supports nonprofit organizations in Whatcom County, focusing on youth programs. The foundation encourages proposals that directly impact the community and emphasizes the importance of a substantial volunteer base. Special consideration is given to projects that were significant to Eleanor and Henry Jansen. Applicants are encouraged to seek matching funds from multiple sources, with priority given to youth-serving initiatives.

The Champions for Change program, initiated by the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, empowers Native youth through leadership opportunities. Founded in 2011, it selects 5-6 exceptional young leaders (ages 14-24) each year to inspire their communities and promote positive change. Participants engage in tailored advocacy training, fostering skills to create impactful stories from Indian Country, while all applicants join the CNAY network, enhancing their community involvement.

The Bezos Scholars Program, supported by the Bezos Family Foundation, is a transformative, no-cost leadership development initiative designed for high school juniors. Each year, selected scholars from the U.S. and Africa engage in a year-long program, developing leadership skills through civic engagement and community projects. Participants receive personalized college advising, funding for their projects, and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Aspen Ideas Festival, fostering a diverse community of changemakers committed to making a difference.