Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Grant Program

The FY2025 African American Community Development Grant, offered by the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor’s Office of African American Affairs (MOAAA), aims to support Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) serving the District of Columbia’s African American community. This grant is designed to foster community development and align with the broader mission of empowering District residents, protecting the middle class, and ensuring Washingtonians across all eight wards have access to opportunities to build a better life. The grant provides funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with a duration of one year (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025). The primary beneficiaries of this grant are LGBTQIA+ residents and/or business owners in the District of Columbia, although the overarching goal is to support the African American community at large. The grant's impact goals are centered around creating significant, lasting change in the District. This includes reimagining a vibrant Downtown, enhancing public safety by reducing violence, and improving education to ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through these efforts, the grant seeks to improve the quality of life for residents and strengthen communities. The grant prioritizes three key areas: Downtown Comeback, Public Safety, and Education. "Downtown Comeback" focuses on revitalizing downtown D.C. as a dynamic center for living, working, and playing, and positioning the District as a global leader. "Public Safety" aims to reduce all forms of violence, including gun violence, through investments in education, housing, and economic development. "Education" emphasizes strengthening schools as community hubs and providing children with foundational skills in reading and math, as well as access to recreational activities like sports, arts, and civic engagement. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and active Downtown, a significant reduction in violence, and improved educational outcomes for children, leading to enhanced health and well-being for residents and students. Measurable results will likely be tied to progress in these priority areas, reflecting the grant's contribution to community development and quality of life improvements within the District's African American and LGBTQIA+ communities. The grant's strategic priorities are deeply rooted in a theory of change that posits that by investing in these critical areas, the District can foster a more equitable, safe, and prosperous environment for all its residents.