Best Washington Grants for Nonprofits in District of Columbia

Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice (DMPSJ) was reconstituted in 2011 to provide guidance, support and coordination of public safety and justice agencies of the District of Columbia. The role of the agency was expanded to include oversight of service programs that previously operated as independent agencies. DMPSJ provides agency oversight and support for citywide public safety and justice related policies, activities and initiatives under its jurisdiction including:

• Developing and supporting policies and programs to improve the delivery of services by government agencies and contracted providers;
• Coordinating interagency activities and initiatives;
• Identifying opportunities for reducing redundancies, leveraging resources, creating economies of scale, and improving outcomes;
• Ensuring compliance with local and federal mandates; and
• Collecting and disseminating performance data for agency activities and initiatives.

Safe and Secure DC Nonprofit Fund

Purpose

The grant will improve and increase the physical/cyber security and facility/target hardening of nonprofit organizations’ facilities at risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack, safeguarding the lives and property of District residents and visitors. All grant activities must be linked to enhancing the security and safety at the physical site of the nonprofit organization. This grant will prioritize preparedness activities of nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack, with broader state and local preparedness efforts.

The grant will fund activities implemented by nonprofits in three focus areas (enhancing the protection of soft targets/crowded places; planning; and/or exercises and training). The Program shall be funded in accordance with D.C. Official Code § 1-301.192 (d)(1) and will be awarded as a grant to the selected recipients.

The Capital Food Bank Partnership Program invites not-for-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status to join in addressing food insecurity. Partners will receive essential food and health education materials to distribute within the Washington metropolitan area. Key eligibility requirements include a budget for food procurement, access to technology, and a designated food storage facility. The program aims to enhance community access to nutritious food while prioritizing partners based on regional needs.

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation is offering the Rec for All - Fort Dupont Ice Arena Grant to support inclusive recreational programming for youth. Organizations can request up to $235,000 for innovative programming that promotes physical and emotional wellness, with categories including leisure and competitive activities. This initiative aims to foster community engagement and personal growth while providing structured opportunities for youth at Fort Dupont Ice Arena.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

The General Operating Support Grant Program offers essential funding to non-profit organizations focused on arts and humanities. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to diverse artistic expressions and community engagement, aligning with the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities' goals. The program reviews applications based on three categories: Generalists, Service Organizations, and Capacity Building, ensuring that a significant portion of resources is dedicated to arts and humanities initiatives.

The DC Oral History Collaborative Grants support individuals and community organizations in Washington, DC to document local histories through oral interviews. This initiative offers training and resources for both novice and experienced oral historians. Grantees will have their projects archived in the DC Public Library, helping to preserve the diverse narratives of the community. Applications are welcome from those aiming to enrich the historical landscape of DC through personal stories.

The DC Oral History - Beyond the Archive Grants provide funding for community organizations and individuals to create public humanities projects utilizing existing oral history collections. These projects should focus on themes relevant to Washington, DC, and benefit its residents. Possible outcomes include exhibitions, performances, written research, and educational curricula, all aimed at showcasing the unique stories of the city’s diverse communities.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

The Visions – Projects + Events Grant, administered by HumanitiesDC, invites DC-based nonprofit organizations to create innovative public humanities programs. By supporting projects that engage with the community through documentaries, events, and educational initiatives, this grant fosters creative interpretations of humanities scholarship. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a connection to Washington, DC, and incorporate relevant expertise in their projects. This funding opportunity encourages collaboration and accessibility, enriching the cultural landscape of the District.

The DC Health Community Health Administration is seeking qualified applicants for the Equitable Food Access Initiatives: School Based Nutrition Market. This initiative aims to enhance food access in communities facing food insecurity by implementing evidence-based interventions. Targeting over 10,000 vulnerable residents throughout the year, the program will support families with children by promoting healthier food environments and reducing chronic disease burdens. Applications are encouraged from those ready to improve nutrition and food security for all.

The Training for Emerging Cyber Heroes (TECH) Force Grant, provided by the District of Columbia Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice, aims to support innovative cyber safety initiatives. This grant encourages the development of programs that empower youth with cybersecurity skills, promoting public safety and digital resilience. Organizations focused on cybersecurity education and youth engagement are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is June 29, 2026.

The Nonprofit Resource Training Grant offers up to $1,000 for tax-exempt organizations to send employees to essential training and conferences. This initiative supports community-based groups that serve low- to moderate-income populations and align with The Ready Commitment. By enhancing employee skills, the grant aims to strengthen nonprofits and their impact in the community, ensuring they provide valuable services effectively.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

About DC Health Community Health Administration

The Community Health Administration works to prevent the leading causes of death, protect and promote the health of mothers and children and eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities in health. CHA focuses on nutrition and physical activity promotion; cancer and chronic disease prevention and control; access to quality primary health care services; and the health of families across the lifespan. CHA’s approach targets the multiple factors that influence health through evidence-based programs, policies and systems change.

Equitable Food Access Initiative: Produce Incentives

Purpose

The DC Health Community Health Administration (CHA) is requesting applications from qualified applicants to improve food access and food environments in communities experiencing inequities resulting in food insecurity.

Applicants shall implement evidence-based, multi-level interventions designed to improve food environments, food access, food security, and reduce the burden of chronic disease for vulnerable residents across the life span. 

Target Population

Grantees shall provide services to at least 6,000 District residents across the lifespan (16 years or older) who are disproportionately impacted by chronic disease and experience higher barriers to accessing healthy foods. Programming shall prioritize residents that participate in or are eligible for one of the following programs:

• Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP, locally Grocery Plus)
• SNAP (formerly food stamps)
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• WIC

Emphasis should be placed on residents of Wards 5, 7, and 8.

District Department of Transportation

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) was established by The District Department of Transportation Establishment Act of 2002 as a cabinet-level agency responsible for the management of transportation infrastructure and operations (D.C. Law 14-137 [2002]).

Every day, over 1,000 members of the DDOT team work tirelessly to ensure that the District’s roads are safe, reliable , and easy to navigate for the millions of residents, commuters, and visitors who use the transportation network each year.

Mission: The District Department of Transportation’s mission is to equitably deliver a safe, sustainable and reliable multimodal transportation network for all residents and visitors of the District of Columbia. 

National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program Funding Round #1

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) invites organizations, businesses, and District of Columbia property owners to apply for a competitive grant to design, install, operate, and maintain federally compliant Direct Current (DC) fast charging stations. Under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, DDOT is receiving $16.7 million over five (5) years to invest in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure throughout the District of Columbia (District) in accordance with the program’s guidance, specifications, and requirements. These first round of stations must be withing one (1) travel-mile of federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) for the District to achieve fully built out status. The District currently has six (6) AFCs. 

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.

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.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Washington, District of Columbia that run summer youth education and career exploration programs can apply for the Career Ready Early Scholars Program Grant, offering up to US $280,000. With a mission to support early workforce development, the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services funds academic enrichment, life skills, and work readiness activities for youth ages 9–13.

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 Seaboard Foundation Grant aims to enhance education, ensure food security, and foster animal welfare in communities where Seaboard operates. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with a U.S. Federal Tax ID. The Foundation's mission is broad, allowing for flexibility in focus and grant-making activities as determined by its Board of Directors. Applications are encouraged to be submitted early, adhering to the specified deadlines for consideration.

The Honda USA Foundation provides funding to support mobility initiatives that empower individuals, particularly those facing disabilities, by removing barriers and expanding opportunities. Focused on sustainable change in underserved communities, the Foundation encourages applications for programs in education, infrastructure, and technology that align with its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Eligible organizations must be based in the U.S. with appropriate tax-exempt status and can apply for multiple funding opportunities while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

The State Street Foundation Grant supports nonprofits and NGOs that promote economic opportunity and reduce equity gaps in education and employability. Organizations seeking funding must operate in areas where State Street has a business presence and demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes and focuses on racial equity and social justice, ensuring that grants support initiatives that foster community engagement and sustainable impact.

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 Washington Home Grant supports innovative programs aimed at improving the quality of life for older adults and terminally ill residents in the Washington, D.C. area. Priorities include caregiver relief, support for the critically ill, addressing food insecurity, reducing social isolation, and providing sponsorships for eligible organizations. By funding diverse initiatives, the grant enhances community engagement and well-being among vulnerable populations, ensuring vital resources and services are accessible to those in need.

The EDA Philadelphia FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program aims to enhance regional economic development by providing grants for creating and implementing Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). This initiative supports eligible organizations, including Indian Tribes and District Organizations, to develop plans that foster economic prosperity and job retention in distressed areas. Through various investments, the program strengthens local capacities for effective economic development and job creation.

The Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington connects donors with high-impact nonprofits in the D.C. area, promoting local charities through educational support and visibility. Though not a grant-maker, their partnerships help organizations raise significant funds, enhancing community engagement. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) registered, with budgets between $100,000 and $4 million, and based in the greater Washington region. This initiative facilitates development opportunities without financial obligations, showcasing impactful stories through various marketing channels.