Best District of Columbia Grants for Nonprofits

Nonprofit youth-serving organizations in the District of Columbia can receive funding for inclusive recreational field trips and engagement activities. With a mission to expand accessible recreation, DC Department of Parks and Recreation provides $10,000 Engagement Grants to support physical, social, and emotional wellness opportunities for local youth groups.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia seeking funding for education, arts and culture, health, or human services projects can apply for Kerr Foundation Grants. The Kerr Foundation supports capital, program, and operating needs, and D.C.-area organizations may be eligible alongside those in Oklahoma and surrounding states.

The Folk and Traditional Arts Community Projects Grant, offered by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, supports projects that enhance traditional arts and cultures in the mid-Atlantic region. Non-profit organizations can apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, with a required 1:1 match. Eligible activities include performances, workshops, and public art collaborations, particularly those engaging underrepresented communities. This initiative fosters artistic expression and cultural connection across diverse communities.

The Mid Atlantic Tours Grants program supports presenters in the mid-Atlantic region who engage Roster Artists during their project periods. Eligible presenters can receive up to a 50% subsidy for artist compensation, which includes fees, housing, and travel. The application process is straightforward and non-competitive, but early engagement with the artist's tour manager is advised due to limited funding. This initiative fosters a diverse range of performances and community engagement.

Grants from DC Department of Parks and Recreation help District of Columbia youth-serving organizations fund equipment, supplies, and materials for existing recreational programs. Nonprofits offering sports, cultural arts, or youth development activities can apply for US $5,000 to expand inclusive, accessible programming that promotes physical, social, and emotional wellness for local young people.

Grants from the Bloedorn Foundation help District of Columbia 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving vulnerable children and at-risk residents with education, after-school care, job training, health, and housing programs. Organizations based in the greater Washington, D.C. region, including nearby Maryland and Virginia counties and Jefferson County, West Virginia, may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations in the District of Columbia offering inclusive recreation, physical fitness, or wellness programming can apply for the REC for All Programming Grant, with awards up to US $75,000. Focused on accessible, community-based activities, DC Department of Parks and Recreation supports programs that promote physical, social, and emotional well-being for diverse residents.

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 PLTW Computer Science grant, funded by Lockheed Martin, aims to support schools in expanding or establishing PLTW Computer Science courses. This initiative addresses the critical shortage of skilled professionals in STEM fields, enabling students to gain essential knowledge and skills. Since 2007, Lockheed Martin has successfully partnered with PLTW to implement programs across the nation, impacting over 77,000 students. Schools are encouraged to apply for funding to enhance their computer science curriculum.

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company empowers employees to make a significant impact through pooled donations. Established over 60 years ago, this employee-managed fund supports charitable organizations in communities where Boeing operates. The Potomac Region Chapter, formed in 2000, focuses on education, veterans, and low-income communities, with over 130 members contributing to the cause. Grants are available to nonprofits that align with these focus areas, fostering community engagement and support.

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 Vulcan Materials Company Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life through education, environmental stewardship, and employee involvement. Established in 1988, the Foundation supports public charities and government units, prioritizing proposals that improve public education and promote sustainable practices. Special consideration is given to initiatives that engage Vulcan employees and integrate multiple focus areas, ensuring a positive impact in the local communities where Vulcan operates.

ConocoPhillips Charitable Investments focus on Water and Biodiversity Stewardship, promoting conservation and restoration of ecosystems. The initiative emphasizes collaboration with communities and organizations to enhance biodiversity, improve water availability, and foster innovative conservation practices. Proposals are evaluated based on their alignment with long-term conservation goals, community engagement, and innovative approaches. Eligible organizations must be recognized as tax-exempt charities or government subdivisions, while ineligible entities include those advancing political causes or engaging in discriminatory practices.

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 Equitable Food Access Initiative: Home Delivered Meals, led by the DC Department of Health, aims to enhance food access for District residents. This program invites proposals from qualified community and non-profit organizations to implement effective strategies for delivering meals to those in need. By focusing on evidence-based approaches, the initiative seeks to improve food environments and ensure equitable access to nutritious food options for all residents.

Pharmacy Wellness Hub: Diabetes Prevention, Management and Self Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP) Programs

This funding opportunity supports pharmacies who are implementing and evaluating evidence-based and evidence-informed strategies to prevent and manage diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the District of Columbia. Specific emphasis is placed on the prevention and control of hypertension and diabetes.

The Diminished Tree Species Grant Program focuses on restoring native tree species crucial for biodiversity and forest health. By funding scientific research, seed orchard development, and land preservation, the program aims to combat climate change through effective tree restoration projects. The Oak Hill Fund, a private entity, encourages project-specific applications, prioritizing organizations that meet eligibility criteria under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. This initiative is vital for sustaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating environmental impacts.

The Radiance Gives Fund Grant, established in 2022 by Radiance Technologies, supports 501(c)(3) organizations in local communities. This employee-run charitable initiative ensures that 100% of contributions go directly to grant awards, enhancing community impact. With no administrative fees deducted, Radiance empowers its employees to make meaningful contributions to the causes they care about, fostering a culture of giving and community support.

The My Rides Transportation Program Grant, offered by the District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health, aims to provide essential transportation services for residents in need of treatment for opioid and stimulant use disorders. By eliminating transportation barriers, the program facilitates access to crucial recovery support services. Eligible applicants include licensed Digital Taxi Solutions providers and Transportation Network Companies. A pre-application webinar will be held on December 22, 2025, for interested parties.

The MartinConnects Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, aims to empower employees through charitable initiatives. This grant program focuses on addressing homelessness, supporting STEM education, aiding veterans, and assisting women and children in need. Eligible recipients include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and governmental agencies within specific geographic areas, ensuring funds are directed towards impactful community projects and programs.

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.

Private Fleet Diesel Electrification and Low-NOx

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) solicits grant applications from eligible entities. The goal of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to improve public health by reducing diesel emissions in the District by replacing class 4+ medium- or heavy-duty diesel-powered vehicles with zero-emission vehicle equivalents. The number and amount of grants will vary depending on DOEE’s evaluation of the applications.

Purpose of the Grant

The purpose of this grant is to select and replace diesel vehicles with zero-emission vehicle equivalents, when these replacements will have a significant community benefit. DOEE will rebate a portion of the cost of vehicle replacements in fleets owned by non governmental organizations, faith-based organizations, universities, or private enterprises.

Department of Behavioral Health

The Department of Behavioral Health provides prevention, intervention and treatment services and supports for children, youth and adults with mental and/or substance use disorders including emergency psychiatric care and community-based outpatient and residential services.

DBH serves eligible adults, children and youth and their families through a network of community based providers and unique government delivered services. It operates Saint Elizabeths Hospital—the District’s inpatient psychiatric facility.

Hospital -Based Peers Support Services

The Government of the District of Columbia, Department of Behavioral Health, Adult Services Administration is soliciting applications from qualified organizations to implement the Hospital-Based Peer Support Services program under the District of Columbia Opioid Response (DCOR) grant. The DCOR grant, guided by LIVE.LONG.DC.(LLDC), is focused on increasing access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment, reducing unmet treatment needs, and reducing opioid overdose-related deaths in the District of Columbia through the provision of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services (RSS) to individuals with stimulant use disorder (STUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD).

Target Population

The target population is individuals who have OUD and/or STUD that receive care in a participating hospital within the District of Columbia. Individuals may be in the hospital ED or an inpatient unit for OUD/STUD-related reasons (e.g., overdose or injection-related infection) or for any other reason. 

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Gerstbrein/McCanna Scholarship for the Arts

After a long and rewarding career in Landscape Design and Art Education, Lisa Gerstbrein/McCanna wanted to promote the Arts and Industrial Arts in the community where she made her home and her livelihood. Her career brought her tremendous joy in pursuits that she loved as well as the satisfying reward of helping students find inspiration in the worlds of Art and Industrial Art. She is a true believer in the concept of STEAM based education. Accordingly, she established a fund to provide scholarships for the advanced education of advancing Senior High School Students in these areas who are residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and are pursuing higher education in an approved program within 300 miles of their respective school - Armstrong High School, West Shamokin High School or Lenape Technical School. 

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

The Buprenorphine Drug Assistance Program (BUP-DAP) provides vital support for low-income individuals diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) in Washington, D.C. By offering approved Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), the program enhances access to quality treatment for those lacking health care coverage. It aims to integrate these individuals into a comprehensive system of care, fostering recovery and improving overall community health. This initiative emphasizes collaboration with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to maximize outreach and effectiveness.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.