Best District of Columbia Grants for Nonprofits

The Programmatic Support - Education Pillar Award by Honda aims to enhance workforce readiness in the manufacturing sector. It supports nonprofit organizations and schools focused on hands-on programs in design, software/data analytics, and AI/machine learning. Eligible applicants must be US-based and have 501(c)(3) status. The initiative prioritizes projects that train individuals for manufacturing roles, develop technical skills, and introduce automation to prepare for evolving industry demands, ultimately fostering economic prosperity in local communities.

The Samuel H. Kress Senior Fellowships, offered by the National Gallery of Art, support research on European art pre-19th century. Scholars receive a stipend of $50,000 for the academic year, with the possibility of prorated awards for single terms. Access to the National Gallery's resources and community is provided. Eligible applicants include those with a PhD for five years or more, and fellowships are awarded without regard to age or nationality. Reapplications are accepted after five years.

The Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts at the National Gallery offers the Ailsa Mellon Bruce Senior Fellowships to support research in the history, theory, and criticism of visual arts. Scholars with a PhD or equivalent professional experience are encouraged to apply. Fellowships include a stipend of $50,000, office space, and access to the Gallery's extensive resources. This opportunity enhances scholarly engagement within a vibrant community dedicated to the arts.

The Cloudbreak Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on aiding underprivileged children, the homeless, and the elderly. Letters of Inquiry are accepted year-round, with specific deadlines for summer and winter cycles. Eligible applicants must hold a valid 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. The Foundation prioritizes projects that address critical needs in these communities, particularly those located in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. This grant offers vital funding for mission-driven initiatives.

The Paul Mellon Senior Fellowships at the National Gallery of Art promote in-depth research in visual arts history, theory, and criticism. Scholars receive $50,000 annually, housing, and access to extensive resources, fostering a collaborative academic environment. Open to PhD holders with five years of experience, these fellowships are awarded without regard to age or nationality. Candidates can apply for a single term or the full academic year, with opportunities for associate appointments available.

The Investing in Artists: Tools & Equipment Grant, offered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, provides funding between $1,000 and $5,000 for individual craft artists in the U.S. to purchase essential tools and equipment. This program aims to enhance the creative support system, enabling artists to produce object-based work and meet safety standards. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their craft and have presented public artistic work within the last three years.

The Equitable Food Access Initiative: Healthy Corner Stores aims to enhance food access for District residents by supporting corner stores through evidence-based strategies. Managed by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, this initiative seeks proposals from community-based organizations and local businesses to improve food environments. By fostering partnerships, the program intends to create healthier, more sustainable food access points within the community, ensuring that all residents can benefit from nutritious food options.

The Helen Wardman Naselli Memorial Fund Grant, established in 1990, supports organizations dedicated to aiding elderly individuals in need. The foundation prioritizes funding for charities in the Washington, DC area that provide care and relief for the aged. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code. However, larger charitable organizations reliant on public appeals and grants for individuals or capital projects are ineligible for funding.

The William L. Fisher Congressional Geoscience Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for individuals to engage with the legislative process in Washington, D.C., for 12 months. This fellowship, with a stipend of $78,000, is designed for candidates with a strong geoscience background and excellent communication skills. Applicants must have a Ph.D. by the appointment date and be U.S. citizens or eligible to work in the U.S. This position aims to apply geoscientific knowledge to federal policy issues.

The England Family Foundation Grant aims to amplify local solutions for inclusive prosperity in Washington, DC. It welcomes 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for general operating grants that align with its strategic priorities, including economic justice and community safety. The foundation prioritizes funding for organizations addressing systemic inequalities and fostering leadership among youth. Grants are awarded twice a year, with a commitment to reducing gun violence and supporting vulnerable communities. Interested applicants can submit inquiries via an online portal.

Cooperative Development Foundation

Mission

CDF builds the capacity of the cooperative business community to solve societal challenges, reinforce democratic decision-making, and improve economic opportunities for all.  

Cooperative Developer Professional Development Scholarships

These scholarships support cooperative developers that serve rural communities in accessing professional development opportunities that strengthen their skills, improve their practice, and contribute to the cooperative development field. Scholarships may be used for conferences, trainings, workshops, and other relevant learning opportunities that strengthen the applicant's ability to meet the needs of rural co-ops and communities.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Registration or training fees
• Travel and lodging (when applicable)

National Geographic Society: Request for Proposals

Award Overview

The National Geographic Society (NGS) is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for academic researchers and graduate students investigating topics related to geography education in select states and locations. Awards of up to $10,000 (for researchers) and $5,000 (for graduate students) are available to support research projects.

At NGS we spark curiosity, empower exploration, and inspire change. We fund inspiring changemakers around the world who use the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. 

We welcome submissions from researchers across disciplines but successful proposals must include research related to educational approaches or processes including but not limited to specific learning activities, learning outcomes, or educational tools that advance knowledge. Research that illuminates barriers and/or advances access for those farthest from opportunity is encouraged. 

Research proposals should generate new knowledge, and can either be new or scaled up versions of existing successful projects (e.g. evaluating a different group of learners or geographic area). 

The FY 2026 Community Legal Education and Resources Grant (CLEAR) aims to empower Community-Based Organizations and legal professionals in the District of Columbia. This grant will provide essential funding to enhance legal services for vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to justice. By mobilizing pro-bono talent and offering multi-year grants to experienced organizations, DHS seeks to strengthen support systems for those in need, fostering a more just community.

The Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invites proposals for grants ranging from $75,000 to $500,000. These funds aim to support on-the-ground conservation projects that enhance vital fish and wildlife habitats within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Up to $8.5 million in funding is available, contingent on resources.

The Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program, led by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), invites proposals for Planning and Technical Assistance Grants up to $75,000. This initiative focuses on enhancing conservation and stewardship efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, supporting local partners in effective project implementation. With an estimated $8.5 million available, applicants are encouraged to engage with NFWF staff for proposal guidance and feedback to strengthen their submissions.

The Building Opportunities & Sustainable Startups (B.O.S.S. UP) Grant aims to empower out-of-school youth by providing essential skills and resources for entrepreneurship. This initiative offers hands-on business training, mentorship, and financial literacy education. Selected organizations will deliver a structured curriculum and facilitate work experiences. The grant supports sustainable business launches, ensuring young entrepreneurs have the necessary tools to succeed in their ventures. Awarded for one year, with potential extensions based on funding.

The Exhibitions Abroad Support Grant Program, initiated by the Japan Foundation in New York, offers financial aid to U.S. museums and art institutions organizing exhibitions that showcase Japanese art and culture internationally. This program supports a range of events, including biennials and triennials featuring Japanese artists. Eligible applicants are non-profit organizations from designated states, with a focus on promoting cultural exchange and understanding through art.

Lockheed Martin is funding PLTW grants to schools for adding or expanding PLTW Engineering programs. This initiative aims to meet the growing need for engineers and technology professionals by providing students with essential skills in engineering and computer science. Since 2007, over 300 PLTW programs have been launched, benefiting more than 77,000 students nationwide. Schools can apply for funding to either start new programs or enhance existing ones, promoting innovation in education.

The Art Bank Program (ABP) supports local visual artists and nonprofit organizations in DC by acquiring original artwork for its permanent collection. This program aims to enhance public spaces and provide exposure for artists. Eligible applicants include legal residents of DC or those within a 50-mile radius, with requirements for artists and nonprofit galleries to ensure community representation and artistic diversity. The program fosters a vibrant cultural environment and enriches the aesthetic experience in government buildings.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program. Grants of up to $16,000 are available, with $12,800 allocated for the first year and $3,200 for the second. Schools must commit to offering PLTW Engineering courses for three academic years. Eligible schools include public, private, and charter institutions located in the U.S., U.S. territories, or DC. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities in engineering.

DC Health

The mission of DC Health is to promote and protect the health, safety, and quality of life of  residents, visitors, and those doing business in the District of Columbia. The agency is  responsible for identifying health risks; educating the public; preventing and controlling diseases,  injuries, and exposure to environmental hazards; promoting effective community collaborations;  and optimizing equitable access to community resources.

HAHSTA Prevention Services

Purpose

This funding announcement is to support a comprehensive approach that identifies and prevents HIV, STI, and HBV/HCV among populations, such African American women, youth (18-24), men who engage in male to male sexual contact (MMSC), biological males who identify as female, biological females who identify as male, African American males, unhoused individuals, and others most at risk for exposure. Applicants should ensure that all people are aware of their health status and of methods to reduce their risk of these diseases. This approach may lead to improved health outcomes, enhanced self-efficacy, improved health literacy, viral suppression, and reduced new infections. The framework fully supports the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) in the District of Columbia (DC).

Applicants who exhibit the capacity to deliver comprehensive HIV prevention activities that include HIV, STI, and HBV/HCV screening and delivery of PrEP/PEP education will be considered for funding. Services are to be fully accessible and well-suited to each population’s behavioral and cultural settings.

About Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers grants and education to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region.

The program serves Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The program is administered by Northeast SARE's host institution, the University of Vermont.

Farming Community Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Farming Community Grant applies social science research and education projects that strengthen farming and food systems at the community level.

These projects explore innovative approaches to improving the health and sustainability of agricultural communities in the Northeast. This program supports projects that are grounded in community partnerships and informed by the lived experiences of farmers. It encourages collaboration among farmers, service providers, researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-create solutions that are responsive to local needs and scalable across the region.

This program encourages innovative solutions to challenges in farming and food systems in the Northeast USA, including but not limited to the areas of: Marketing and business; Crop production; Raising livestock; Aquaculture; Economic and social sustainability; Ecological knowledge; Projects related to climate and/or bioenergy work that provide direct or indirect benefits to farmers,ranchers, and private foresters; and more.

Technical Assistance Program

Applicants and grantees of the Farming Community Grant Program are eligible for Technical Assistance (TA) provided by Northeast SARE’s Technical Assistance Providers.

Funding: This grant is reimbursement based; you must spend money to receive the grant funds.

The Dalmas A. Taylor Memorial Summer Policy Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for doctoral students in psychology to engage in public policy work during a full-time, 8-12 week summer program. Funded by the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, this fellowship emphasizes participation in policy activities, including crafting policy briefs and attending key events in Washington, DC. With a stipend of $3,000 and additional travel support, it aims to foster commitment to ethnic minority issues in the field of psychology.

The Color the Curb: School Safety Program invites District-based artists to create large-scale murals at intersections near three DC Public Schools in Washington, DC. Funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities in collaboration with local government and education departments, this initiative encourages community engagement and artistic expression while enhancing school safety. Artists must meet specific eligibility criteria, including residency and previous funding history, to apply for this grant aimed at fostering youth engagement through art.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program aims to enhance recreational opportunities in underserved communities through significant funding. Offering matching grants up to 50%, with awards ranging from $300,000 to $15,000,000, this program encourages applicants to connect with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection early in the application process for guidance. This initiative supports large-scale projects that improve access to recreational facilities.

Project Lead The Way Inc is offering a grant of $14,000 to schools looking to implement the PLTW Computer Science program for the first time. Schools must commit to offering PLTW Computer Science courses over the next three years, ensuring that at least one course is available in the first year. This funding will support program implementation costs, with awards distributed directly to PLTW accounts for eligible schools.