The Closet of Greater Herndon Community Grant Program

The Closet of Greater Herndon is a nonprofit thrift store based in Herndon, Virginia, founded in 1974. It operates with the mission of serving the Northern Virginia community through the resale of donated items, and it redistributes surplus revenues to local nonprofit organizations. Since its founding, The Closet has awarded over $2.5 million in grant funding to support local efforts aimed at community development and assistance for vulnerable populations. Its philanthropic work supports organizations located in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, which are among the most populous and diverse counties in the state of Virginia. The grant program offered by The Closet is focused on supporting local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are actively working to strengthen the social fabric of Northern Virginia. Specifically, organizations that serve low-income and at-risk individuals and families in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties are encouraged to apply. The purpose of the funding is to create positive change in these communities by supporting initiatives that address local needs. These could range from social services and food distribution to shelter, education, or other critical services that uplift individuals and families in need. The Closet typically provides grants in the range of $500 to $5,000. The availability of funding depends on surplus revenues from thrift store operations, and there is no fixed amount available per cycle. As a result, the number and size of awards may vary from year to year. Applicants are encouraged to be specific about the amount they are requesting and to clearly describe how the funds will be used to benefit the community. Submissions should also include detailed information about the applicant organization's mission, geographic focus, and history of service to Northern Virginia. Grant applications must be submitted by the last day of March, June, September, or December. These quarterly deadlines allow for ongoing opportunities to seek funding throughout the year. Once submitted, applications are reviewed, and responses are typically provided by the end of the following month. This structure provides a clear timeline for organizations seeking support, with a relatively short turnaround between submission and decision. Applicants are encouraged to include a brochure or similar supporting material that highlights their organization’s community impact. Applications must be sent both by email to theclosetinc@verizon.net and in hardcopy format to The Closet at P.O. Box 42, Herndon, VA 20172-0042. This dual-submission requirement ensures that all materials are received and reviewed by the organization. The Closet can be contacted for more information at theclosetinc@verizon.net or by phone at (703) 437-7652. Its physical location is 845 Station Street, Herndon, VA 20170. While the grant does not appear to have an open Q&A or pre-application deadline, the frequent submission windows and relatively simple requirements make it accessible to a wide range of eligible local nonprofits. There is no indication that matching funds are required. Grants are recurring quarterly, so organizations that miss one deadline may reapply in a future cycle.

Include a brochure or supporting materials demonstrating impact in Northern Virginia.