Best District of Columbia Grants for Nonprofits

The goal of the Emergency Shelter and Low Barrier Case Management Services Provider is to provide homeless youth with: 1) a safe, inclusive, and accessible space infused with supportive services in a comfortable and respectful environment 2) assessments to facilitate rapid connections and reconnection to housing 3) access to basic needs including showers and meals 4) assistance with obtaining identification documents and income supports 5) physical, mental, and sexual health resources, 5) workforce development activities and connections to employment 7) housing navigation supports (outside of the continuum of care). 

Request for Applications

Youth 90-Day Emergency Shelter and Low Barrier Case Management Services Provider

As outlined in Solid Foundations DC, the District’s strategic plan to prevent and end youth homelessness, the District is working to expand the continuum of support and services for unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness. According to the 2026 Point in Time (PIT) count, 333 unaccompanied Transition Aged Youth (TAY) were reported of which 38% of TAY counted identify as LGBTQ+.

The District recognizes that youth ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness need early intervention, access to basic needs, when appropriate reunification with family or diversion services, and at times, connection to housing resources in the homelessness continuum. Under this solicitation, the District will continue its investment in one 90-Day Emergency Shelter (ES) Provider and one Low Barrier Case Management Services (LBCM) Provider.

Prospective Grantees services will include, but are not limited to, coordination with homeless outreach teams, Homeless Shelter Hotline, and youth serving providers to identify youth experiencing homelessness, assessment and case management services to facilitate rapid housing placement, participation in the District’s Youth Coordinated Assessment Housing Placement (Y-CAHP) system, documenting shelter center services in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS); provision of showers, meals, onsite counseling, as well as mental and physical health services, employment identification and housing location supports, participation in the District’s Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) Youth Committee, Continuum of Care (CoC), and DHS sponsored training as appropriate.

The goal of the ES and LBCM is to provide homeless youth with:

a safe, inclusive, and accessible space infused with supportive services in a comfortable and respectful environment

assessments to facilitate rapid connections and reconnection to housing

access to basic needs including showers and meals

assistance with obtaining identification documents and income supports

physical, mental, and sexual health resources,

workforce development activities and connections to employment

housing navigation supports (outside of the continuum of care)

Through this solicitation, DHS is looking to the following:

• 90-Day Emergency Shelter: 54 beds
  • 24 beds must be dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth
• Low Barrier Case Management Services: Provide services for up to 20 youth.
  • 12 male identifying youth
  • 8 female identifying youth

The Prospective Grantee must demonstrate a youth development approach and cultural competency, language accessibility, and a system for reporting bullying and harassment in accordance with the HSRA (D.C. Official Code § 4-754.21(18)).

The TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship supports students pursuing healthcare careers, continuing a 30-year tradition of helping those dedicated to caring for others. Eligible applicants must be U.S. residents, graduate students or seniors enrolling in graduate school for the 2024-25 academic year, and provide proof of enrollment in an accredited healthcare program. Scholarships cover tuition, fees, and necessary supplies, ensuring that future healthcare professionals receive the support they need.

Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation

Who knew that a movie made 30 years ago would become the catalyst for the creation of a namesake non-profit, changing the lives of hundreds of thousands of kids by giving them access to learn and play music in school – keeping music education alive and strong across the country?

Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation was inspired by the acclaimed motion picture Mr. Holland’s Opus, the story of the profound effect a dedicated music teacher had on generations of students. Michael Kamen, who wrote the score for the film, started the foundation in 1996 as his commitment to the future of music education.

The Foundation donates high-quality musical instruments to deserving, under-funded music programs, and provides an array of support services to school districts. By increasing the school’s inventory of quality, playable instruments, music teachers are given the tools they need to deliver a quality music education to students who want to learn. In collaboration with committed school districts, the Foundation’s investments are strategically placed as part of a K–12 district-wide plan to achieve positive and lasting results. Generations of students will benefit.

Instrument Grants

Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation donates musical instruments to schools nationwide with a focus on increasing student access to music education programs in low-income communities.

Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation grants consist of musical instruments and equipment only; no cash grants are provided. Our team handles sourcing, ordering, and delivering the instruments. As part of the application process, we work with the teacher to assess the program’s needs to determine the appropriate instruments and equipment. Note that only student model instruments are provided, and the brand is at the Foundation’s discretion.

The Awesome Foundation offers Local Chapter Grants of $1000 to individuals and groups for innovative projects that enhance community engagement. Each chapter operates independently, focusing on unique interpretations of 'awesome' across various fields such as arts and technology. Grants are awarded monthly, emphasizing no-strings-attached support. This initiative encourages creativity and experimentation, aiming to inspire and delight communities worldwide. For more details, applicants can explore individual chapter preferences and restrictions through the foundation's website.

The Mitsui U.S.A. Foundation, established in 1987, focuses on supporting educational and community welfare initiatives across the U.S. It prioritizes qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that enhance the quality of life, particularly through international education and U.S.-Japan exchanges. With over 50 active programs, the Foundation promotes good corporate citizenship and encourages employee volunteerism while avoiding support for individuals, political groups, or non-monetary requests. Collaboration with local Mitsui offices is preferred.

FY26 Rhode Island Avenue Support Grant Program (RIASGP)

Section A. General Information

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (“DMPED”) invites the submission of applications from qualified organizations for the FY26 Rhode Island Avenue Support Grant Program (“RIASGP” or “Program”). The purpose of the Program is to provide grants to support businesses that (i) sign long-term leases of at least five (5) years with a minimum of three (3) years remaining on an existing lease in the Rhode Island Avenue Corridor in the District of Columbia (“District”) and (ii) offer retail, educational programs, community connections and attract foot traffic to the corridor.

The Program will provide up to $350,000 in total grant funding in FY26 to eligible businesses to offset the costs of rent or tenant improvements, contingent on the availability of an appropriated budget in such amount. Awards are anticipated to range from $10,000 to $100,000. Successful applicants may receive the awarded amount in the form of a one-time payment, subject to the availability of funds, successful certification of an active lease agreement outlined in this RFA, and compliance with the terms and conditions of the grant agreement.

The Citizens Grants: Financial Empowerment program supports nonprofits focused on creating measurable impacts in financial education for low to moderate income individuals and small businesses. This grant emphasizes partnerships with established 501(c)(3) organizations and encourages collaborative efforts that demonstrate alignment with funding priorities. By investing in financial literacy, Citizens aims to enhance fiscal health in underserved communities across select geographic areas.

The Citizens Charitable Foundation offers grants focused on Workforce Development and Financial Empowerment. Organizations applying must be IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in specific states. The foundation seeks to partner with high-impact nonprofits to create measurable community impact through innovative programs. Funding is directed towards job training, career education, and coaching initiatives, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and volunteerism.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV)

Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) FY 2027 Transport DC Grant Program

The Government of the District of Columbia, Department of For-Hire Vehicles (“DFHV” or “Department”), is soliciting applications from all eligible DFHV licensed taxicab companies (“Taxicab Companies”) with current DFHV Digital Taxicab Solution (“DTS”) licensing and Operational Authority to operate DFHV’s Transport DC (“TDC”) program. The TDC program has been in operation for the past seven years providing an alternative transportation service to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s paratransit services entitled MetroAccess. Current TDC providers support a cost-effective, curb-to-curb service for eligible and active MetroAccess customers. Transport DC customers may take up to ten (10) one-way trips (or five (5) round trips each month) to any destination within the District of Columbia (“DC”).

This program is expected to start at the beginning of Fiscal Year 2027 (“FY27”) and throughout the year without interruption after potential applicants are awarded a grant. DFHV will expect the awardee, or awardees, to participate and commitment staff to monthly advisory meetings, monthly provider meetings, and respond to any information and reporting requests immediately or upon a reasonable response time. An applicant should describe in detail who those program points of contacts shall be and tour of duty schedule.

DFHV is seeking candidates with an expertise in paratransit, on-demand, and pre-booking up to twenty-four hours of a requested pick-up. In addition, the selected applicant must be located within the District of Columbia and must comply with Title 31 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations in its entirety with an emphasis on: Chapter 9, Insurance Requirements for Public Vehicles-For-Hire in its entirety including Applications and Scope pertaining to WAV vehicles; Chapter 16, Dispatch Services and District of Columbia Taxicab Industry CO-OP, and Chapter 18, Wheelchair Accessible Paratransit Taxicab Services. DFHV is seeking to leverage the capacity of the local for-hire vehicle industry and use innovations and best practices to include on-demand mobility fields to provide an innovative TDC transportation solution to enhance an already popular and highly visible program while including advocates, DFHV’s Project Lead, and other stakeholders’ input and suggestions.

The Smithsonian Biodiversity Genomics Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (BioG) offers postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to engage in collaborative research in biodiversity genomics. The fellowship supports projects involving phylogenomics, population genomics, and bioinformatics analysis, with a stipend of $62,000 per year. Applicants must have completed or be nearing completion of their Ph.D. and propose to conduct research at Smithsonian facilities for 12 to 24 months, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.

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 Truancy Reduction Service Grant, offered by the District of Columbia Department of Human Services, focuses on providing essential services to combat truancy among youth aged 10-17 in selected schools. This initiative, aimed at enhancing mental health, mentorship, and family support, emphasizes the importance of culturally competent strategies and outreach. Applicants must demonstrate experience with at-risk youth and ensure services are accessible in Spanish, targeting diverse populations, including those facing housing instability and special needs.

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)

Department of Energy and Environment

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is the leading authority on energy and environmental issues affecting the District of Columbia. Using a combination of regulations, outreach, education, and incentives, our agency administers programs and services to fulfill our mission. We work collaboratively with other government agencies, residents, businesses, and institutions to promote environmentally responsible behavior that will lead to a more sustainable urban environment.

Lead Poisoning Prevention Outreach for Expectant and New Parents 

Purpose of the Grant

The purpose of this grant is to provide education and outreach activities focused on lead poisoning prevention to the expectant parent and new parent communities in Washington, DC. Expectant and new parents are an ideal community for lead poisoning prevention work because children age 0-6 face a particularly high risk of harm from lead poisoning.

The Housing for Everyone Grant Competition, part of the 2026 Initiative, aims to support eviction prevention in low-to moderate-income communities. This 20th annual initiative recognizes the destabilizing impact of eviction and displacement on families, which leads to job loss, school disruptions, and health issues. By funding innovative organizations, the competition seeks to provide stability for renters, enabling them to stay in their homes and communities.

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation's 'Rec for All - Extended Summer Programming' aims to engage underserved youth aged 10 to 13 through four weeks of enriching activities. This initiative promotes physical wellness, social-emotional growth, and community connections while providing equitable access to recreational opportunities. By offering diverse programs that include arts, technology, and career exploration, the aim is to foster skill development and ensure safe, affordable engagement in summer activities for all eligible participants.

The Rec for All - SUPPORT, ENGAGEMENT, AND EVENTS (SEE) Grant, provided by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, aims to enhance recreational opportunities for underserved youth aged 6 to 18. With funding up to $10,000, organizations can support community programs and events that promote skill development and physical wellness, fostering an inclusive environment for all participants. This initiative aligns with Mayor Bowser's commitment to engaging youth through quality recreation services.

The Emeril Lagasse Foundation offers Community Grants aimed at supporting 501c3 non-profit organizations that focus on culinary, nutrition, and arts education, with an emphasis on life skills development. Grants are available to organizations in communities where the foundation operates, including Greater New Orleans, Austin, and Southern California. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and align with the foundation's vision of empowering youth to reach their full potential.

Washington State Department of Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce’s mission is to strengthen communities in Washington. We are the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. We administer a diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and several state boards and commissions, all focused on helping communities achieve positive growth.

Early Learning Facilities (ELF) Public School District & Tribal Compact Schools Program

Program Purpose

The Early Learning Facilities (ELF) program supports Washington’s commitment of developing additional high quality early learning opportunities for children from low-income households. The Early Learning Facilities (ELF) Program goal is to expand Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) availability for children from income-qualified.

This competitive grant process is to assist public school district and tribal compact school child care providers to remodel, purchase, or construct early learning facilities and classrooms to create more early learning opportunities for children from income-qualified households. 

This funding round is specifically for the following:

• Public School Districts
• Tribal Compact Schools

All entities identified in RCW 43.31.575 including Private Schools and Schools not affiliated with a Public School District, are invited to apply for the Eligible Organizations competitive grant funding round.

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 American Honda Foundation provides programmatic support to nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S., empowering impactful initiatives aligned with community needs. Funding opportunities are available through Honda corporate and Honda USA Foundation, focusing on projects that enhance education and community welfare. Eligible organizations must have nonprofit status or be recognized educational institutions. The application process opens each fall, with funding decisions announced the following spring, ensuring alignment with Honda's commitment to social responsibility.

Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Access Model Care Coordination and Support Grant Program

CGT Care Coordination and Support Grant Program: DHCF will competitively award two (2) grants of up to $300,000 each to non-profit organizations to help eligible DC Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries with sickle cell disease overcome barriers to accessing and receiving gene therapy. One grant will focus primarily on youth and the other on adults. Grantees will provide direct services not covered by Medicaid or other funding sources when necessary to help beneficiaries initiate and complete treatment—such as transportation, lodging, childcare, nutrition assistance, and behavioral health care. They will also deliver or coordinate wraparound supports, such as case management, care coordination, patient navigation, and community health worker services. No grant funds may be used to provide services or supports already funded through any other source, including but not limited to Medicaid and CHIP.

Capitol Hill Construction Impact Grant Program

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (“DMPED”) invites the submission of applications from qualified organizations for a grant under the Capitol Hill Construction Impact grant program (“CHCI” or “Program”). The purpose of the program is to provide short-term financial relief to support small businesses impacted by District Department of Transportation (“DDOT”) construction near Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, and Potomac Avenue, SE, and along 8th Street SE, between Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, and Virginia Avenue, SE, in the District of Columbia (“District”).

Construction activities in these streets may limit access, visibility, and customer flow for neighborhood-serving small businesses. The Program provides short-term financial relief to help sustain affected businesses during this period.

Small businesses may use grant funds to prepare for or recover from any revenue losses they may face as a result of these construction projects. Specifically, grant funds may be used to pay or reimburse the following cost of the impacted business, provided they are sufficiently documented, reasonable and necessary for the operation of the business during the period of construction, and incurred within the same period as the applicable construction project(s) are conducted:

• Rent
• Utilities
• Insurance
• CAM (common area maintenance)
• Mortgage
• Other reasonable business operations costs as proposed by the applicant and approved by DMPED

Anticipated Number of Awards:

DMPED expects to award 10-30 grants under the Program, in an aggregate amount of up to $150,000, contingent on the availability of an appropriated budget in such amount. Awards are anticipated to range between $5,000 and $15,000. 

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

The Syringe Service Program Grant, offered by The Comer Family Foundation, aims to enhance harm reduction initiatives by funding syringe access programs across the U.S. These programs provide sterile syringes, education, and support services to mitigate the risks associated with drug use, including HIV and hepatitis transmission. Priority is given to organizations in underserved areas and those led by marginalized communities. Grants are available for operational costs, program development, and staff training, with a focus on sustainability and local partnerships.