Best District of Columbia Grants for Nonprofits

The Martha’s Table Community Impact Fund aims to empower grassroots organizations in Ward 8, Washington D.C., which have historically faced barriers to institutional philanthropy. This fund, established by Martha’s Table, focuses on strengthening these organizations to better serve their communities. Grant funding can support diverse initiatives, from innovative solutions to capacity-building projects, ultimately fostering resilience and growth within the local community.

LSC’s Basic Field Grants aim to enhance access to civil legal services for low-income individuals across the U.S. and territories. These grants support eligible organizations for up to three years through a competitive application process. The funding is allocated to specific service areas, which change annually, and focuses on providing comprehensive legal assistance. The program includes three types of service areas, ensuring diverse populations, including agricultural and Native American communities, receive necessary legal support.

The Willson Center Distinguished Artist or Lecturer Program at the University of Georgia provides funding for faculty to invite leading thinkers and practitioners to campus. This initiative fosters innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration among departments. Each selected artist or lecturer receives a $2,000 honorarium, which should cover travel expenses. Faculty nominations are evaluated based on academic excellence and the potential impact on the arts and humanities community within UGA.

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.

The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants, administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts, provide one-time funding up to $5,000 for artists facing unexpected medical emergencies. This program aims to alleviate financial burdens caused by medical costs, ensuring that artists can receive necessary care without delay. Eligible applicants must be practicing artists in visual arts, film, or choreography, and demonstrate financial need. This initiative supports artists of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those outside major coastal cities.

The Henry A. Jordan, M.D., Preservation Excellence Fund supports innovative projects in the Mid-Atlantic region, offering up to $5,000 to organizations committed to protecting cultural and natural resources. Established in 1996, this fund promotes collaboration among various stakeholders, facilitates policy development, and enhances public engagement in preservation issues. Eligible activities include planning and education efforts, requiring applicants to match grant funds and adhere to specific conditions to ensure effective use of resources for community sustainability.

Focused on community resilience, Washington Gas invites District of Columbia 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek funding for basic needs, safety, environmental stewardship, and community-building programs. Eligible organizations must operate within the Washington Gas service territory, with projects such as housing and utilities support, first responder and safety initiatives, environmental education, and arts or community events.

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grant

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) will issue a Request for Applications for the fiscal year 2027 (FY27) McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grant Program (MKV) for eligible Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in the District of Columbia. Authorized under Title VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Section 726, as amended, the purpose of this grant is to facilitate the enrollment, attendance, and success in school of homeless children and youth.

Available Funding for Award:

A total of at least Three Hundred Thousand Dollars and Zero Cents ($300,000.00) in grant funds are available for award. District of Columbia LEAs shall use the funds to address the educational and related needs of homeless children and youth in DC. LEAs, with or without this funding, must ensure that children and youth experiencing homelessness have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including public preschool education, as provided to other children and youth. OSSE anticipates awarding 3-6 subgrants based on the highest-ranking applications. Grant funds shall only be used to support activities authorized by relevant statutes and regulations and that are included in the applicant’s submission.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

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.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

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.

DC Immunization Coalitioin Funding Grant

The District of Columbia, Department of Health (DOH), Community Health Administration (CHA), is seeking proposals from qualified applicants to build and sustain a coalition of immunization stakeholders to promote vaccination of the District's residents and visitors. This funding is available through the Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). 

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

Equitable Food Access Initiative: Produce Incentives

The total funding amount of $2,100,000 is anticipated for one (1) award for the first budget period. 

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.

The Community Health Administration (CHA) within DC Health works to prevent the leading causes of death, protect and promote the health of mothers and children, and eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities. CHA’s approach targets multiple factors that influence health through evidence-based programs, policies, and systems change.

The purpose of this funding is to attract qualified applicants to implement evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies to increase food access and improve food environments for District residents with lower incomes through farmers’ market produce incentives.

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.

Equitable Food Access Initiative: Healthy Corner Stores RFA

The Department of Health (DC Health) is requesting proposals from qualified applicants to implement evidence based or evidence informed strategies that increase food access and improve food environments for District residents through corner stores.

The purpose of this funding is to improve food access and food environments in communities experiencing inequities that contribute to food insecurity. The District of Columbia, Department of Health (DC Health), Community Health Administration (CHADistrict of Columbia to implement evidence-based, multi-level interventions designed to improve food environments, food access, and food security for vulnerable residents across the lifespan.

The total funding amount of up to $750,000 is anticipated for one (1) award for the first budget period

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and educational institutions in the District of Columbia can apply for CSX Foundation’s in-kind donations to support community services, military and veterans programs, and first responders. Support includes intermodal transportation services and donated railroad equipment or materials for eligible organizations within the CSX service network.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The Foot Locker Foundation Community Empowerment Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower youth in underserved communities, addressing racial inequities and promoting wellness. Grants range from $25,000 to $100,000 and are available for youth programming and capital improvement projects. Eligible organizations must serve low-to-moderate income communities, have diverse leadership, and engage local Foot Locker teams in volunteer efforts. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for youth by connecting them with essential services and mentorship.

The John Franzén Grant for the Arts, established by the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, offers a $25,000 annual award to support visual, performing, and architectural arts programs that foster community engagement on Capitol Hill. This grant honors John Franzén, a dedicated community leader, and aims to enhance the cultural landscape by helping artists and organizations increase their outreach and impact. Since its inception in 1989, the Foundation has invested over $6.6 million in community projects.

The Arnold F. Keller Jr. Grant, offered by the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, provides a single $25,000 grant annually to support new initiatives or the expansion of existing projects that benefit the Capitol Hill community. Since 1989, the Foundation has invested over $6.6 million into local projects, emphasizing community engagement and support for vulnerable populations. This grant aims to enhance community well-being through innovative programs and initiatives.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

The Access to Justice (ATJ) Grants Program, administered by the DC Bar Foundation, aims to enhance civil legal services for District residents. Since 1977, the Foundation has invested over $200 million to support legal aid providers. Grants will fund services in underserved areas, housing, and interpreter banks, with eligibility for nonprofit partners. This program ensures equitable access to justice for all, leveraging a grant from the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants for 2026.

The Civil Legal Counsel Projects Program Grants, awarded by the DC Bar Foundation, support DC-based non-profit organizations providing critical civil legal aid to low-income residents facing eviction. Since 2018, over $50.4 million has been granted to enhance legal representation for underserved tenants in landlord-tenant court, ensuring access to justice and assistance during eviction-related proceedings.

The Betsy James Wyeth Fellowship in Native American Art offers a unique opportunity for scholars to engage in a 12-month residency focused on Native American artists and methodologies. With a stipend of $53,000 and additional funding for research trips, this fellowship fosters scholarly exchange and professional development at the Smithsonian. Ideal candidates include predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers committed to Indigenous arts and cultures, ensuring a vibrant academic environment for innovative research.

The Audrey Flack Short-Term Fellowship offers a $5,000 stipend and travel allowance for a one-month residency in Washington, D.C. from June 2026 to May 2027. It is open to predoctoral, postdoctoral, and senior scholars in American art research, particularly those unable to commit to longer residencies. The fellowship promotes diversity and inclusivity, welcoming applications from underrepresented groups. Participants will have access to resources and opportunities for professional development at the Smithsonian.