Best District of Columbia Grants for Nonprofits

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 Deems Taylor/Virgil Thomson Awards, established in 1967 by the ASCAP Foundation, honor exceptional books, articles, and liner notes about music. With total prizes of $4000, awards are given to top submissions in Pop and Concert Music genres. Eligible works must be published in the previous year and meet specific criteria. The foundation aims to celebrate the legacy of Deems Taylor and Virgil Thomson, prominent figures in American music history.

TC Energy’s Build Strong program supports vital organizations in communities near its operations. By providing grants, scholarships, and in-kind support, the program aims to enhance safety, education, environmental protection, and community well-being. Eligible applicants include non-profits and community groups addressing local needs. Ineligible activities include operational expenses and for-profit endeavors. The program prioritizes projects demonstrating measurable community impact, fostering a collaborative relationship between TC Energy and local stakeholders.

The Wawa Foundation offers Financial Grants through its Local Connection Grants program, providing funding under $2,500 to support local non-profit organizations. This initiative emphasizes health, hunger, and community heroes, ensuring that support is directed toward registered 501(c)(3) organizations within Wawa's operational areas. Applicants can expect feedback within four weeks after submission, with ongoing inquiries accepted until budget limits are reached, encouraging re-application for future funding.

The Michael Masser Scholarship, established by the late composer Michael Masser, supports talented students in music. It offers $3,000 to recipients for educational advancement, with nominations made by ASCAP representatives. Eligible nominees must demonstrate exceptional talent in music composition or performance and be entering a collegiate music program. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of music creators and enrich the arts community through financial assistance.

The Leiber & Stoller Music Scholarship, funded by The ASCAP Foundation, offers $2,500 annually for four years to high school seniors pursuing a music major. Aspiring songwriters, musicians, and vocalists are encouraged to apply. The selection process evaluates music and lyric writing, overall craftsmanship, and artistry. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or residents and meet specific criteria. The scholarship is aimed at nurturing the next generation of music creators, ensuring their educational journey is supported.

The Peoples Bank Foundation Grant aims to create a significant impact in local communities by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations. With over 20 years of service, the foundation has awarded more than $7.5 million in grants and scholarships across several states. It prioritizes initiatives that assist low to moderate-income individuals and families, encouraging organizations within its footprint to apply for funding to enhance their community-focused programs.

The Wilson Center Fellowship offers scholars, practitioners, and journalists an opportunity to conduct impactful research on pressing foreign policy challenges. Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent experience, and projects should align with the Center's scholarship pillars, including strategic competition and technology innovation. The fellowship includes remote work and a trip to Washington D.C. for presentations, fostering engagement with policymakers and other experts. The program emphasizes nonpartisan research and aims to translate academic insights into actionable policy recommendations.

The ISF Congressional Policy Fellowship is a prestigious, nonpartisan program designed to enhance diversity and inclusion in government. Over a 9-month period, selected fellows will gain valuable experience in policy-making while working closely with Congressional members. The fellowship offers mentorship, professional development, and opportunities to engage in tasks such as drafting legislation and conducting policy research. This initiative aims to empower American Muslims in public service, ensuring their voices contribute to shaping effective public policies.

The CTBF: Eager to Learn Grant Program provides essential support for college test preparation and promotes access to trade schools. Aimed at empowering students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, the program funds organizations that enhance SAT and ACT scores and offer mentorship. Grants, capped at $25,000, focus on equitable opportunities in education, ensuring all students can pursue their optimal paths, whether through college or vocational training.

Technology Ecosystem Fund RFA

The Technology Ecosystem Fund (TEF) provides grant funding to organizations that support the creation, incubation, acceleration, relocation, and growth of technology companies in the District of Columbia. The Program also aims to support organizations and projects that have a direct or indirect effect on the District’s technology ecosystem. This includes, but is not limited to, increasing access to capital for technology companies, providing support services to companies and entrepreneurial ecosystem intermediaries, and hosting events that bring together technologists, founders, startups, and entrepreneurs.

The total amount of funding available for this Program is $2,000,000.00. DMPED anticipates making multiple awards in line with the following funding areas and contingent on the availability of an appropriated budget in such amount. The amounts and number of awards in each category are subject to change in DMPED’s sole discretion.

The Paul E. Sluby, Sr. Historic Burial Grounds Preservation Program Grant RFA aims to protect and restore historic burial grounds in Washington, DC, particularly those significant to African American history, established before 1955. With only four intact burial sites remaining, the program encourages applicants to propose activities starting in Fall 2025 to document, research, and enhance these culturally important locations, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

The ISF Congressional Policy Internship offers a unique opportunity for American Muslim students to gain experience in legislative and public policy work. This selective, nonpartisan program promotes diversity on Capitol Hill, providing networking opportunities with congressional representatives and experts in the field. Interns will participate in educational workshops designed to foster meaningful discussions and inspire the next generation of policymakers. Applications are accepted at different times throughout the year for Spring, Summer, and Fall internships.

The Vicky Collins Charitable Foundation Grant aims to support children with special needs in the Washington Metropolitan area. Established in memory of Vicky Collins, who suffered from Locked-in Syndrome after a stroke, the foundation has awarded nearly $2 million since its inception. Funding has been allocated to various initiatives, including the Arlington Pediatric Clinic and providing accessible vehicles for families of disabled children, ensuring improved quality of life for those affected.

The Partnerships for School Attendance (PSA) Grant Program, administered by the District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), aims to combat chronic absenteeism in schools. Offering $2 million in funding for FY26, the program seeks to foster collaboration between community-based organizations and DC public schools. Through wraparound services and strategic partnerships, this initiative strives to enhance educational opportunities and improve student attendance, benefiting underserved learners across the District.

The A. W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship at the National Gallery of Art supports research in the history, theory, and criticism of visual arts across various periods and regions. This two-year residential program allows fellows to engage in seminars and teach at local universities, enhancing scholarly contributions in understudied areas. The fellowship offers a stipend of $55,000 per year, along with allowances for medical insurance and travel, fostering a vibrant academic community.

The Beinecke Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts supports research in the history and theory of visual arts across various cultures and periods. This prestigious fellowship offers a two-year residency in Washington, D.C., providing access to valuable resources and opportunities for collaboration. Applicants must hold a PhD obtained within the last five years and demonstrate proficiency in two languages, with a focus on historically marginalized fields. The fellowship includes a stipend of $55,000 per year.

The Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts offers Beinecke Visiting Senior Fellowships for scholars to conduct full-time research in the visual arts. This program provides access to extensive resources, including the National Gallery of Art and the Library of Congress. Fellows, who must hold a PhD for five years or equivalent experience, receive stipends ranging from $7,000 to $8,000, along with housing subject to availability. Applications are welcomed from diverse disciplines, enhancing the study of visual culture.

The Ceres Foundation Grant focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance education and career pathways for historically underserved communities. With a commitment to measurable outcomes, the foundation prioritizes initiatives in college access, career pathways, and family strengthening. While currently not accepting new partnerships until Summer 2025, existing grantees can submit proposals for continued support. Grants typically average $70K annually, aimed at fostering long-term collaborations and capacity building.

The Luther I. Replogle Foundation Grant supports organizations in metro areas like Boston and Washington, DC, focusing on youth, women with children, and those in long-term poverty. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000, emphasizing mental health, vocational training, and educational services. First-time applicants are welcome, but the foundation prioritizes innovative programs with annual expenses under $1 million. Certain areas, such as religious activities and for-profit businesses, are not funded.

The Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts at the National Gallery of Art offers Paul Mellon Visiting Senior Fellowships aimed at scholars researching the history and theory of visual arts across all periods and regions. Recipients receive a stipend of $7,000 or $8,000, along with housing, to support two months of full-time research. Applications are open to those holding a PhD or equivalent professional experience, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary insights into visual artifacts.

The Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts at the National Gallery offers Leonard A. Lauder Visiting Senior Fellowships for scholars engaged in research on the history and criticism of visual arts. Fellowships support full-time research and include access to extensive resources, including the National Gallery and Library of Congress. Applicants should have held a PhD for at least five years and demonstrate proficiency in two languages. The program encourages applications from historically marginalized fields.

The William C. Seitz Senior Fellowships at the National Gallery of Art support research on modern and contemporary art. Designed for scholars with a PhD or equivalent professional experience, these fellowships provide a stipend of $50,000, office space, and access to the Gallery's extensive resources. Eligible candidates can reapply after five years, and all must demonstrate proficiency in two languages besides English. This prestigious program fosters a vibrant community of art scholars.

Washington, DC Global Soft Landing

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 Washington, DC Global Soft Landing (“GSL”) initiative (the “Program”). The purpose of the GSL Initiative is to support international entrepreneurs, startups, and companies seeking to establish operations in the District of Columbia (“District”).

The GSL initiative connects international entrepreneurs and startups to a network of economic developers, local government, universities, chambers of commerce, and business service providers to support a successful market entry into Washington, DC. Through the Program, DMPED intends to award funds to a Program Operator to manage and coordinate a comprehensive suite of services for international companies navigating the U.S. market entry process (“Project”). Grant funds are intended to support the day-to-day operations of the GSL initiative, as further outlined in the RFA

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.

Youth Recovery Residence with Intensive Care Management

Purpose

The purpose of this RFA is to select an applicant through a competitive application review process to establish a ten (10) bed YRR that provides safe, substance-free housing combined with comprehensive care management and RSS for young adults (ages 18–24) with OUD and/or STUD. The program will integrate peer recovery coaching, life skills training, education and employment support, and strong clinical linkages for ongoing treatment, including MOUD. The goal is to provide young adults with the foundation they need for longterm recovery, stability, and community reintegration. The YRR initiative will focus on providing six to twelve months of recovery housing support to young adults (ages 18–24) with OUD and/or STUD. 

The objectives of the initiative are:

• Objective 1: Create housing for young adults (18–24 years) that provides comprehensive, family-centered, recovery-oriented services.
• Objective 2: Support sustained recovery from OUD and/or STUD among residents.
• Objective 3: Promote housing stability and independent living skills.
• Objective 4: Increase educational attainment and/or workforce readiness of residents.
• Objective 5: Strengthen family and community connections for residents.

The Farmers' and Retail Market Support Grant Program, managed by the District of Columbia Department of Health, aims to build capacity and increase access to farmers' markets and mobile markets in food-insecure areas. Eligible applicants must register with the federal Systems for Award Management and possess a Tax ID. This initiative focuses on enhancing awareness of local food resources, particularly emphasizing support for fruit and vegetable producers to promote health and wellness in the community.

The Connection, Assistance, Resources and Education Grant for Dementia Caregivers in DC (CARE DC) aims to enhance the quality of life for dementia caregivers by establishing a coordinated network of resources. This initiative seeks to increase caregiver support and reduce the long-term health impacts associated with caregiving. By facilitating access to dementia navigation services, CARE DC promotes wellness and equity among caregivers in the District, addressing critical health risks and enhancing community collaboration.