Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in District of Columbia

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities serving District of Columbia residents can seek program funding across arts, education, community services, environment, and health, with awards from US $10,000 - US $250,000. The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation prioritizes vulnerable and underserved populations and may support comprehensive services, systemic change efforts, and capacity building for DC-area organizations.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations in the greater Chicago area can apply for McGraw Foundation grants supporting conservation, education, and human services, including general operating support. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, McGraw Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit nonprofits seeking unrestricted support similar to opportunities in the District of Columbia. Typical awards range from US $2,000 - US $10,000.

Focused on community services, 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the District of Columbia can seek approximately US $10,000 from the Venable Foundation for general operating support or projects. Funding priorities include human and legal services, education, workforce development, youth programs, health, environment, and arts and culture benefiting economically disadvantaged residents.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 through the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. District of Columbia nonprofits that partner with or support such students may benefit from this American Water Works Association funding opportunity for academic scholarship programs and clean drinking water research.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving District of Columbia residents with direct services in health and human services, education, arts, or community endeavors can receive US $30,000 - US $75,000 for primarily one-time projects and capital needs. Philip L. Graham Fund may also support select program or general operating requests through its two-step LOI and proposal process.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools in the District of Columbia with environmental programs can seek US $25,000 - US $100,000 for programmatic support focused on decarbonization, clean energy, or efficient resource use. With a mission to help people fulfill their potential, American Honda Motor provides funding for initiatives like energy upgrades, solar or wind installations, recycling, and zero-waste efforts.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the Washington, DC metro area can seek US $100,000 for projects in arts and culture, education, environment, family services, or health and wellness. Grants from Impact100 DC help District of Columbia nonprofits address unmet needs rooted in systemic racism and structural inequity through time-limited, project-based funding.

Nonprofit and community organizations running arts, education, environmental, or health and wellness projects in the District of Columbia can seek support for initiatives or events. Focused on community engagement, Stantec invites applications for short- or long-term projects and community events, with preference for work taking place near its office locations.

Nonprofit organizations in the District of Columbia and other eligible East Coast communities can seek support for programs in health, community services, financial security, and environmental sustainability. TD Charitable Foundation provides grants over US $5,000, with preference for inclusive initiatives serving diverse, historically underserved, or low-to-moderate income populations.

Nonprofit organizations serving women and children with programs like homelessness services, education, job readiness, food security, health care, or anti-trafficking can apply for up to US $750,000 from The Father's Table Foundation. District of Columbia nonprofits with projects building long-term self-sufficiency and resilience may be especially competitive for this faith-driven funding.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions conducting biomedical research in fields like public health, neuroscience, genetics, and medical education can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards, with awards up to US $375,000. Eligible U.S. institutions, including those in District of Columbia, must award baccalaureate science degrees and have limited prior NIH funding to qualify.

Nonprofit organizations and eligible public entities in the District of Columbia can seek funding for education, hunger relief, health and wellness, disaster relief, and other critical community needs. Focused on these areas, International Paper Company Foundation invites applicants located near its operations to apply for US $2,500 - US $10,000 project grants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on economic mobility, income creation, or affordable housing can access funding and leadership development through the Neighborhood Builders Program in District of Columbia. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help build nonprofit capacity via a two-year leadership program for CEOs and emerging leaders, supporting long-term community impact.

Early-career research scientists at low- or middle-income country academic or research institutions conducting clinical trials in areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, or environmental health may be eligible for this career development award. Focused on global health research, the National Institutes of Health invites applicants to seek approximately US $140,000 to support mentored research and protected time over three to five years.

District of Columbia 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking general operating or program support in arts, environmental ingenuity, medical research, or veterans initiatives can apply; funding may be unrestricted within these purposes. Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation supports projects serving residents in DC, Florida, New York, or Connecticut that align with its mission to advance arts, education, nature, and science-based initiatives.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries can seek approximately US $140,000 in mentored health research career development support, including for work relevant to District of Columbia collaborators. The National Institutes of Health Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award funds 3–5 years of protected time and research across multiple health-related disciplines.

John Ben Snow Memorial Trust provides District of Columbia 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for education-focused programs, including tutoring, literacy, scholarships, journalism, and youth initiatives. Nonprofits may receive US $5,000 - US $20,000, with preference for new or enhanced programs, short-term bridge support, matching grants, and last-dollar capital campaign needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia can apply for Cloudbreak Foundation’s grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000 to support specific projects serving underprivileged children, the homeless, or the elderly. Funding focuses on programs providing direct care or services that meet critical or basic human needs in these populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia can seek funding for independent medical conferences, charitable events, medical education, and public education programs. With a mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life, Medtronic provides healthcare-focused nonprofits with grants and donations; applications must be submitted at least 60 days before the funding decision or event date.

The Joseph Robert Foundation Grant provides essential funding for non-profit organizations focused on the arts, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Based in Pennsylvania, the foundation prioritizes smaller local organizations in the mid-Atlantic region, offering grants typically under $10,000. It encourages innovative projects and supports first-time grant seekers, prioritizing those with limited resources. Organizations can apply for general operating support or specific project funding to further their missions and impact their communities.

Biogen Corporate Sponsorships provide funding to support congresses, events, and initiatives in exchange for tangible benefits such as marketing opportunities and recognition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and requests must be submitted 50 days in advance. Biogen considers various disease areas for sponsorship, including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Approval depends on funding availability, alignment with interests, and event details, ensuring transparency for all potential sponsors.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

Bell's Brewery Small Grassroots Grants support projects focusing on water stewardship across the Great Lakes watershed. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, eligible organizations can apply for funding to improve ecosystem health, enhance public health through better water resource management, and promote resilience against climate-related water risks. This initiative highlights Bell's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support in all 50 states and DC.

The MGM Resorts Foundation Community Grant Fund supports nonprofit agencies providing essential services in areas such as affordable housing, education, and health. Grants are awarded for a one-year period and focus on regions where MGM Resorts employees live and work. Eligible applicants must comply with diversity policies and serve individuals or families. The foundation does not fund governmental agencies or projects exclusively for medical research. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being through targeted support.

The Competitive Graduate Research Fellowship, offered by Maryland Sea Grant, supports graduate students conducting research on critical issues affecting the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters. This fellowship emphasizes social relevance and community engagement, particularly focusing on underserved populations. Awarded fellows receive a stipend of $34,000, tuition remission, and travel allowance. A professional mentor is required to ensure research aligns with the needs of resource managers and policy makers. Applications are encouraged from a diverse pool of candidates.