Best Washington Grants for Nonprofits in District of Columbia

The DC Bar Foundation, a leading funder of legal aid in Washington, D.C., has been providing General Support Grants since 1978 to enhance access to justice for low-income residents. With over $34 million allocated, these grants offer unrestricted funding to cover essential operational costs for legal aid organizations. The Foundation's commitment ensures that vital legal services remain available to those in need, supporting a diverse range of community legal aid initiatives.

The ASCAP Foundation Mariana & Paul Williams "Sunlight of the Spirit" Award supports organizations dedicated to addiction recovery through music. Established by the ASCAP Foundation and Paul Williams, the award recognizes efforts that improve lives affected by addiction. Eligible nominees must be 501(c)(3) organizations with a commitment to music-based recovery. The award includes a $5,000 prize to further their impactful work in the community, fostering healing through the therapeutic power of music.

The Stephen Schwartz Musical Theatre Teacher of the Year Award, presented by The ASCAP Foundation and the Educational Theatre Association, recognizes outstanding middle and high school musical theatre teachers. Awarded annually, the recipient, selected by a panel of experts, will receive a $5,000 prize and be honored at the EdTA Theatre Education Conference in Minneapolis, MN. This prestigious award highlights the significant impact of dedicated educators in shaping the future of musical theatre.

The Coby Foundation Grant is dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, focusing on innovative projects related to textiles and fashion. Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of inquiry with a project description and budget at least nine months prior to the project start. The foundation seeks exhibitions, public programs, and publications that enhance understanding of textile arts, while promoting underrepresented artists and cultures.

The Sammy Cahn Award, presented by The ASCAP Foundation, honors exceptional lyric-writing talent among songwriters of original songs. Established in 1995 to commemorate Sammy Cahn's legacy, the award offers a $5,000 prize to recipients. Eligible entrants include ASCAP writer members in good standing or independent songwriters. Submissions are judged anonymously based on lyric quality and overall craft, ensuring the recognition of artistic excellence within the songwriting community.

The Wawa Foundation offers in-kind support to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations within its six-state area, focusing on health, hunger, and everyday heroes. Organizations can request product donations, such as Wawa brand beverages, or gift baskets for fundraising events. Requests must be made at least four weeks in advance, and support is subject to availability. This initiative aims to strengthen community ties and enhance local philanthropy through meaningful contributions.

The Peggy Lee Songwriter Award, presented by the ASCAP Foundation, honors lyricists of original songs who exhibit a sophisticated command of language and demonstrate significant talent. This prestigious award recognizes contributions to jazz and popular music, with a prize of $2,500 shared among co-writers. Eligible entrants must be U.S. citizens or residents, at least 18 years old, and ASCAP members in good standing. This award celebrates the legacy of Peggy Lee, a pioneering figure in music.

The Baltimore Life Community Grants Program, established by the Baltimore Life Foundation, awards grants of up to $500 to nonprofit organizations in various states, including Maryland and Virginia. This initiative aims to enhance community quality of life through projects that focus on family safety and community enhancement. Eligible applicants must be IRS-certified 501(c)(3) organizations, with priority given to those with volunteer support. This program reflects Baltimore Life's commitment to corporate citizenship and community involvement.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows program offers a unique opportunity for exceptional midcareer professionals to engage in health policy and science in Washington, D.C. This comprehensive fellowship emphasizes a full-time commitment, requiring a minimum 12-month residency. Participants will meet influential leaders, develop skills in legislative processes, and contribute to significant health policy initiatives. With funding available for eight fellows, this program aims to cultivate future leaders who will impact health and healthcare across the nation.

The Morton Gould Young Composer Awards, presented by The ASCAP Foundation, support emerging composers under 30 by recognizing their original concert music. This prestigious award honors Morton Gould's legacy and offers monetary prizes to recipients. Eligible entrants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, aged at least 13, and can submit one original work. Previous winners of three or more awards are ineligible, ensuring a fair opportunity for new talents.

The Special Presenter Initiatives Grants, offered by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation in partnership with various local arts organizations, aim to support the presentation of professional performing artists at small and mid-size community venues. This initiative encourages projects that feature touring artists and includes community engagement activities, fostering meaningful interactions between artists and local audiences. The program seeks to enhance the cultural landscape of the participating jurisdictions through diverse and innovative performances.

The Wawa Foundation offers financial grants exceeding $2,500 to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in its six-state market, focusing on health, hunger, and supporting everyday heroes. Applications are accepted in January, April, July, and October, with grant requests reviewed prior to the next submission window. Eligible organizations include those working to improve lives through health initiatives, hunger relief efforts, and support for community heroes. For more details, visit the Wawa Foundation's official site.

The ASCAP Foundation's Jay Gorney Award honors songwriters who create original music with socially conscious themes. Established in 2009, this award commemorates composer Jay Gorney's legacy, particularly his iconic song 'Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?' Entrants are judged on their ability to convey powerful messages through artistry and lyrical excellence. The award includes a $1,000 monetary prize, fostering creativity and social awareness in the music community.

The Public Art Building Communities (PABC) grant program, offered by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, aims to support artists and organizations in creating new public art installations. Projects must be accessible to the public and can be either temporary or permanent, with specific guidelines regarding maintenance and sustainability. Applicants must engage with the local Advisory Neighborhood Commission to secure support and promote community involvement in the project's design and execution.

The Rotary Foundation of Washington DC, established in 1922, focuses on charitable works and community support. Celebrating its 102nd year, it offers Special Project Grants of $20,000 to fund impactful projects that foster sustainability and engage Rotary members in local volunteer efforts. Eligible non-profit organizations can apply for these grants, while general operating costs are not supported. This grants program highlights the Foundation's commitment to enhancing community development both locally and internationally.

The Rotary Foundation of Washington DC, established in 1922, supports community service projects through grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. These grants are aimed at non-profit organizations that provide essential services and support to residents in the Washington Metropolitan Area. With a commitment to charitable engagement, the foundation continues to empower grassroots initiatives, ensuring tangible benefits to the community while celebrating over a century of impactful service.

The Smithsonian Institution is offering the Margaret S. Vining and Barton C. Hacker Fellowship in Women's Military History for the 2025-26 term. This fellowship invites research on women’s roles in national defense up to 1945, utilizing the museum's extensive collections. Stipends of up to $30,000 are available, depending on the candidate's status. Applicants must reside in Washington, DC and commit to a minimum of three days per week at the museum. Non-US candidates should inquire about visa and tax implications.

The Lemelson Center Fellowship Program offers support for innovative projects that delve into the history of invention and technology in American society. It encourages research on diverse inventors and technologies, particularly those related to under-represented groups. Fellowship tenure is flexible, with stipends of $850/week for pre-doctoral and $1,100/week for post-doctoral applicants. The program provides access to Smithsonian resources, fostering academic exchanges and presentations to enhance scholarly contributions in the field.

Behavioral health clinics and community providers in Washington, District of Columbia can receive up to US $199,000 to plan adoption of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model. The District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health offers funding plus training and technical assistance on staffing, services, technology, payment systems, reporting, and partnerships.

The Arthur Molella Distinguished Fellowship, endowed by The Lemelson Foundation, supports senior scholars in technology and innovation studies at the Smithsonian Institution. Eligible candidates include experienced authors and scholars from various related fields. The fellowship offers flexible funding of $35,000 for sabbaticals, short visits, or residencies, encouraging research that highlights diverse inventors and innovations. The program fosters participation in museum activities and provides necessary support for non-US citizens.

The Charles A. Lindbergh Chair in Aerospace History Fellowship is a prestigious 12-month opportunity for senior scholars to advance their research in aerospace history. Offering up to $100,000 for living expenses in Washington, D.C., this fellowship encourages interaction with museum professionals and participation in seminars. Applications are due December 1, two years prior to the fellowship start date, ensuring scholars have ample time for necessary arrangements.

The Ward 6 DC Main Streets Support Grant Program, managed by the District’s Department of Small and Local Business Development, allocates $350,000 to support DC non-profits enhancing small businesses and community development. Applications open on March 24, 2025, for two funding pools: $100,000 for 5-10 grants ($5,000-$20,000 each) and $250,000 for 1-3 grants ($75,000-$250,000 each). Eligible applicants include only DC-incorporated non-profits.

The Juried Exhibition Grant Program supports District-based artists in showcasing their works at a themed visual art exhibition. It invites submissions for the Rip! Tear! Collage as Critique exhibition, emphasizing collage as a contemporary means of social commentary. Artists can submit up to five original artworks, with funding varying based on the number of works accepted, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 for site-specific installations. This initiative aims to foster artistic expression amid societal fragmentation.

The Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Awards, supported by The ASCAP Foundation, encourages emerging jazz composers aged 13-30. This annual award offers a platform for creativity and innovation in jazz music. Eligible applicants must submit original works, including a score and recording, by the deadline. Previous winners may apply if their submission is a new piece. The foundation focuses on nurturing talent and enhancing arts education, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape.

Sustainable Communities Grants Program

National Park Trust, in partnership with Pepco, is excited to offer the 2026 Sustainable Communities Grants Program. Municipalities and nonprofit organizations from across the Pepco service area in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties in Maryland, and Washington, DC are eligible. This program provides $100,000 in support for environmental stewardship and community resilience projects.

• Environmental Stewardship Grants: Open space is a major driver of quality of life in the DC Metro region. These projects will enhance resiliency in this region by stewarding open space and protected lands, which protect water quality in streams and rivers, mitigate urban heat island effects, and promote social benefits such as health, a sense of place, and community connections.
• Community Resiliency Grants:Though the Washington metropolitan region is known for its rich diversity, it remains one of the most socioeconomically segregated urban areas. As a result, many communities do not have the resources to prepare for or mitigate the impacts of extreme weather or other emergencies. These grants will focus on projects that demonstrate innovation in providing a safe and reliable resource that minimizes potential impacts to the community during a time of emergency. 

Pepco values the environment and is always working to deliver a cleaner, brighter future for communities. For Pepco and its parent company, Exelon, diversity, equity, and inclusion are core foundational values both in the workplace and in outreach to the people it serves. The company strongly encourages underrepresented communities to apply for the Sustainable Communities Grant. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consider collaborating with neighboring municipalities and/or local nonprofit organizations to propose projects with regional implications and benefits.

Grants will be awarded to support community environmental stewardship and resiliency projects:

Environmental Stewardship Grants

• Awards up to $10,000
• Total of $60,000 awarded
• Up to 7 awards expected

Community Resiliency Grants

• Awards up to $20,000
• Total of $40,000 awarded
• Up to 2 awards expected

The AAFP Family Medicine Chapter Alliance Grant Awards support the philanthropic efforts of AAFP Constituent Chapters and Chapter Foundations. Since 2006, these grants have been designed to fund activities that align with specific priority areas including education, outreach, and public health initiatives. Eligible applicants include AAFP Chapters and Foundations, focusing on projects that promote community health and wellness.