Best Social Justice Grants in District of Columbia

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in District of Columbia that support children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary grants from the Costco Foundation. Programs with clear community need, measurable outcomes, and strong collaboration may be competitive, including social justice and human rights efforts serving children and families.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children’s health, education, development, and welfare can apply for Dan Paul Foundation grants of up to US $15,000, including in District of Columbia. With a mission to enrich and protect youth, the foundation supports programs in child advocacy, homelessness, poverty, refugee enrichment, and related social justice efforts.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in the District of Columbia can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. State Farm Companies Foundation supports projects such as disaster preparedness, neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, financial literacy, and K–12 or higher education that may advance social justice and human rights goals.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in the U.S. offering arts, arts education, or science-related programming can seek more than US $100,000 for program, capital, or limited general support. Focused on culture, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation invites large, established organizations, including those in District of Columbia, that reach broad audiences and demonstrate measurable impact to apply.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million that provide direct social services to address chronic poverty may be eligible for this Hearst Foundation grant, including organizations in District of Columbia. Grants support proven programs, capital projects, or general operations that promote economic independence, strengthen families, and can scale to reach more underserved people.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in health and welfare, education, or community services in District of Columbia can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to expand equitable care and education. Funding may support food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM programs, or health screenings that advance social justice and human rights.

Organizations working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability for urban low-income youth can seek project or scaling support, including in the District of Columbia. Focused on improving opportunities for children in poverty, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds U.S., India, and South Africa initiatives requesting more than US $50,000.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs may be eligible for this funding, which must be used in the U.S. Focused on broad community benefit, the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust supports well-managed organizations whose services significantly improve general welfare and can include social justice or human rights work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in District of Columbia seeking support for community-focused programs can apply for sponsorship funding that advances economic mobility and social progress. With a mission to strengthen low- and moderate-income communities, Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides support for basic needs, workforce development, community development, arts and culture, environmental initiatives, and diversity and inclusion efforts.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits in the U.S., including those in District of Columbia, can seek support to develop storytelling projects that highlight their community impact. Grants from Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation back work within its preservation, education, and wellness pillars, which may benefit social justice and human rights programming.

Nonprofit legal organizations, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation can access recoverable grants from the Impact Fund to cover out-of-pocket litigation costs. Focused on social, racial, economic, and environmental justice, this U.S.-wide program may support District of Columbia cases seeking systemic reform and community-wide benefits, with awards of US $10,000 - US $50,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in the Southern region, including the District of Columbia, can seek funding for programs in areas like poverty relief, disaster relief, children and families, education, and veterans’ issues. Grants from Robinson Foundation help established organizations create tangible, meaningful impact for vulnerable and underserved people.

Focused on community and environmental initiatives, this grant invites District of Columbia 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek support for charitable programs. The Dudley T Dougherty Foundation funds organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding, which may include social justice and human rights efforts in the region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations in the District of Columbia can apply for The TJX Foundation’s grants to support basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence. Social justice and human rights programs serving vulnerable families and at-risk youth may be eligible after completing the required eligibility questionnaire and LOI process.

Grants from the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation help District of Columbia 501(c)(3) public charities fund programs in justice, community services, education, health, environment, and the arts. Eligible nonprofits serving DC-area residents, especially vulnerable and underserved populations, can request US $10,000 - US $250,000 for direct services, advocacy, and capacity-building efforts that advance equity and systemic change.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing basic needs, community development, or volunteer-driven causes in the U.S., including the District of Columbia, can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s Community Grants to support programmatic work. Grants may benefit social justice and human rights efforts through services like housing, hunger relief, workforce readiness, financial literacy, and arts access for underserved residents.

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 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on education, social services, health care, civic or cultural, or environmental programs can receive US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of project funding. The Dr Scholl Foundation primarily supports U.S. organizations, with a single application accepted per organization each grant year.

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.

Organizations in the District of Columbia providing crime victim services and crime prevention programs can receive support for crisis intervention, case management, counseling, housing, and advocacy. The District of Columbia Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants also funds community engagement, media campaigns, technology, and culturally appropriate outreach that advance social justice and support victims through the justice process.

Nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for the Community Partnership Award, which includes recognition for impactful, scalable collaborations. With a mission to honor exemplary partnerships, Mutual of America Foundation provides national awards that may benefit District of Columbia groups advancing social justice and human rights through cross-sector collaboration.

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.