Events DC Community Grants

The Events DC Community Grant Program is an initiative designed to support nonprofit organizations that promote youth engagement in sports, performing arts, and cultural arts within Washington, DC. Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, serves as a steward of economic and community development. Through this grant program, the organization aims to invest in the wellbeing and development of local youth, ensuring that they have access to enriching programs that cultivate creativity, teamwork, discipline, and cultural awareness. The program underscores Events DC’s commitment to being an active and supportive community partner. For Fiscal Year 2026, Events DC has allocated $750,000 to be distributed across two grant cycles, with $375,000 available in each cycle. Eligible nonprofit organizations may apply for single-year grants ranging between $5,000 and $25,000 per cycle. The funds are intended to directly support programmatic activities that engage children and youth through structured initiatives in sports and the arts. These may include new or ongoing projects, organizational operations, and other eligible expenses that align with the program’s objectives. The second grant cycle opens in December 2025, with a final application submission deadline of February 2, 2026. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations based in Washington, DC, with IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and exemption from DC income and franchise taxes. Additionally, they must hold an active business license issued by the District’s Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), valid at the time of application and throughout the grant period. Financial documentation, such as an audit conducted by a certified public accountant or an IRS Form 990 (or 990EZ), is required. Incomplete applications or those submitted with expired documents will not be considered. The application must include a description of the organization’s mission, history, target population, and programmatic goals. A detailed budget outlining the intended use of funds and a clear evaluation strategy for measuring success are also required. Applications must be submitted through Events DC’s Community Grant Application Portal. Submissions via email are not accepted. Award notifications will be issued in April 2026 for the second cycle, and grant recipients will be required to sign a formal Grant Agreement before receiving funds. Recipients must utilize grant funds solely for the purposes described in their applications. They are also required to submit a final report summarizing project activities, number of youth served, evaluation metrics, and a detailed budget report. Events DC reserves the right to request updates and review progress at any time during the grant period. The grant performance period is one year from the date of award, with the possibility of reapplication in future cycles for continued support. Events DC has also scheduled a series of eight informational sessions in January 2026 to help prospective applicants understand the grant process and requirements. These sessions offer applicants an opportunity to clarify any questions and ensure a successful submission. All applicants are encouraged to attend one of these sessions to maximize their understanding of the program and improve their application’s competitiveness.