DC 2050 CBO Engagement Grant

The DC 2050 CBO Engagement Grant is administered by the DC Office of Planning (OP) and supports community-based organizations (CBOs) in facilitating public engagement for DC 2050, the District’s next comprehensive plan. This grant aims to amplify the voices of underserved communities and improve participation in the city’s long-term planning processes. The Office of Planning is specifically seeking to collaborate with organizations that have established trust and service experience within one or more of the following priority groups: residents with low incomes in Wards 4, 5, 7, or 8, and residents with limited English proficiency. Grantees will be responsible for designing and implementing tailored outreach programs that address barriers to civic engagement and help meet the Office of Planning’s goals for equity-centered public input. Engagement activities must support inclusive communication and bridge access gaps in communities historically underrepresented in city planning decisions. This funding opportunity recognizes the role of grassroots organizations in creating effective two-way communication channels between the city and its diverse populations. To be eligible for the DC 2050 CBO Engagement Grant, applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. They must also be registered and in good standing with the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, have a physical office within the District of Columbia (or serve the city through a local office), and possess a current Clean Hands certificate, confirming good financial standing with the District. Awardees will also be required to meet specified insurance requirements. The maximum award under this program is $30,000 per organization. Grants will fund work from November 2025 through September 30, 2026. Funds are not guaranteed, as the Office of Planning reserves the right to decline or limit awards. The Request for Applications (RFA) will be made available to eligible organizations by email and via the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs’ District Grants Clearinghouse website. The RFA will be officially released on September 24, 2025. All applications must be submitted by October 22, 2025. A Pre-Bidder’s Webinar will be held on September 29, 2025, at 2:00 PM to assist potential applicants in preparing strong proposals. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Edward Giefer at edward.giefer@dc.gov or by phone at 202-442-7629.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the Pre-Bidder’s Webinar on September 29, 2025 to strengthen their application.