The Martha’s Table Community Impact Fund, administered in partnership with the Greater Washington Community Foundation, supports grassroots organizations rooted in and serving Washington, DC’s Ward 8. Launched in response to the strategic priorities identified by more than 1,000 community members during Martha’s Table’s 5-Year Strategic Planning process, the Fund aims to address historic exclusions from institutional philanthropy by funding organizations whose leadership and staff reflect the demographics and lived experiences of the communities they serve.
In its fourth year, the 2025 grant cycle will award up to 10 unrestricted, two-year general operating grants, each providing up to $15,000 annually, for a total possible award of $30,000 per grantee. These flexible funds can support capacity-building, operational growth, or targeted initiatives aligned with the fund’s mission. Martha’s Table has a particular interest in programs that focus on economic mobility, quality early childhood education, youth development, health and wellness, and mental and emotional well-being.
Eligible applicants must either be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or operate under a fiscal sponsor with such status and must be in good standing with the IRS. Applicants must also have been based in or primarily serving Ward 8 for at least one year, have an annual operating budget under $1,000,000, and cannot appear on the OFAC Sanctions List or be identified as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Applications must be submitted via The Community Foundation’s online portal no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 15, 2025. Grants will be awarded for the period of November 15, 2025, to November 14, 2026, with notifications issued in November. The application process requires financial documentation, staff and board demographics, program narrative, and specific questions related to community involvement and service in Ward 8. For technical assistance with the application portal, applicants may contact Benton Murphy. For programmatic questions, contact Charlie Gussom at Martha’s Table.
Applicants are advised to visit Martha’s Table's Commons location if they need internet access, and to contact the foundation with questions about eligibility or technical access.
