Community Resilience Initiative Bridge Grants

The Greater Washington Community Foundation is a prominent philanthropic organization serving the Greater Washington region, including the District of Columbia, Montgomery County, Northern Virginia, and Prince George’s County. Known for its longstanding community impact initiatives and commitment to addressing regional challenges, the Foundation partners with donors, nonprofits, and civic leaders to support equitable outcomes and sustainable change. One of its strategic response mechanisms is the Community Resilience Initiative, designed to help nonprofit organizations navigate crises while continuing to deliver essential services to vulnerable communities. The Community Resilience Initiative offers Bridge Grants, which are targeted financial resources to help nonprofits weather disruptions, particularly in times of operational or financial instability. The grants support two critical focus areas. The first, Funding Loss, targets organizations that have experienced significant reductions in financial support since January 2025. The second, Scenario Planning and Transitions, assists nonprofits in preparing for strategic changes such as mergers, winddowns, or forming strategic alliances. This dual-track approach ensures that organizations can both sustain their current operations and thoughtfully plan for future adaptations. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or have a fiscal sponsor, and must serve and operate within the Greater Washington area, including specific jurisdictions such as Washington, DC, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Fairfax, Alexandria, and Falls Church. Additionally, applicants must not be listed on the OFAC or Southern Poverty Law Center hate group lists and must be in compliance with any prior grants received through the Foundation. These parameters help ensure that funds are directed to reputable, community-serving organizations. Funding decisions will be based on demonstrated organizational need, potential community impact, and the availability of funds. Grants may be awarded for a period of up to 24 months, with the possibility of extension depending on specific circumstances. While the exact amounts vary, most grants under the Funding Loss category are expected to be under $100,000, and those under Scenario Planning and Transitions are expected to be under $50,000. The grants may be used for operating, programmatic, or capital expenses as appropriate to the recipient’s situation. The application process begins with an eligibility form. Once an organization is deemed eligible, it receives further instructions on how to submit the complete application. Importantly, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning that they are accepted and assessed continuously until the available funds are depleted. This rolling model is designed to accommodate urgent and ongoing needs, allowing applicants to submit as their situations evolve. An informational webinar was held on July 8, 2025, to provide details about the grant and address applicant questions, although participation in the session is not required to apply. For any inquiries regarding the Bridge Grants or the Community Resilience Initiative, applicants are encouraged to contact the Community Foundation via email at communityresilience@thecommunityfoundation.org. The Foundation’s office is located at 1750 H Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006, and operates Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding federal holidays.