District of Columbia Private Grants

This funding initiative provides financial support to established organizations in Washington, DC, that are dedicated to dismantling systems of oppression and promoting community-led change for people of color.

This program provides financial support to established grassroots organizations in Washington, DC, that have a proven track record of driving systemic change and are led by changemakers of color.

This funding initiative provides financial support to emerging organizations in Washington, DC, focused on racial justice and systemic change, particularly those led by and for communities directly affected by systemic harm.

This funding initiative provides financial support to small food businesses in specific cultural corridors of Washington, DC, helping them grow and thrive while preserving the community's cultural identity.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Washington, DC that provide youth sports and arts programs, helping to enrich the lives of local children and youth through structured activities.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative projects by nonprofit organizations in Washington, DC, aimed at improving health equity and economic mobility for marginalized communities by addressing the root causes of health disparities.

This funding opportunity supports programs that provide structured financial industry exposure and training for District youth aged 16 to 18, fostering early career interest and skill development.

This funding opportunity provides unrestricted financial support to small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations in Washington, DC that focus on the humanities, helping them strengthen their operations and sustainability.

This funding opportunity supports individuals and non-profit organizations in preserving historic and cultural sites, encouraging community engagement and education in preservation efforts.

This grant provides funding to organizations that support entrepreneurship education and workforce development for youth in Washington, D.C., helping them gain essential business skills and leadership experience.

This program provides free training in journalism to empower Washington, DC residents aged 18 and older to tell impactful local stories through workshops and mentorship.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations in Washington, DC, to create innovative public humanities projects, such as festivals, exhibitions, and performances, that engage and educate the community.

This grant provides funding for individuals and organizations in Washington, DC, to create projects that celebrate and preserve the culture and heritage of local communities, culminating in a public event to showcase their work.

This funding opportunity supports individuals and organizations in Washington, DC, to document and preserve the oral histories of local residents, focusing on community collaboration and culturally significant themes.

This grant provides funding for DC-based individuals, community groups, and nonprofit organizations to create innovative public programs that showcase existing oral history collections and engage the local community.

This funding opportunity supports community-driven projects in Washington, D.C. that promote environmental education and innovative stormwater management, particularly for small organizations and historically excluded groups.

The 2025 Rec for All Programming Grant, administered by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), seeks to support community-based organizations in delivering inclusive and accessible recreational opportunities for youth in the District of Columbia. This initiative aligns with Mayor Bowser's goals of fostering physical, social, and emotional wellness while promoting skill development and community engagement. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Grants Management System by January 8, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST, and late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. The program provides funding of up to $100,000 per award to support the launch or expansion of structured recreational programs. Eligible categories include Cultural Arts (e.g., mural development, theater, and drama therapy), Youth Development (e.g., leadership development and STEM/STEAM education), Environmental Initiatives (e.g., gardening and nutrition), Sports/Athletics (e.g., fitness and e-sports), and Therapeutic Recreation. Programs must deliver at least 120 hours of structured services over a minimum of six weeks to youth aged 6–18. Applicants must demonstrate their capacity to provide high-quality programming and align their proposals with DPR’s core values of equity, inclusion, empowerment, community, sustainability, and innovation. Proposals must include a detailed program narrative, participant recruitment strategies, an itemized budget, and proof of the program’s location and accessibility. Grantees are required to comply with reporting, monitoring, and branding requirements set by DPR, including regular updates and data collection. Applications will be evaluated by a review panel based on scoring criteria, including organizational and participant profiles, program description, and budget justification. The total funding pool for FY25 is $2 million, with multiple awards anticipated. Notifications of award decisions will be issued after a thorough review process, and grantees must meet compliance requirements, including background checks and site inspections, before program launch. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to attend the pre-application meeting on December 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM at DPR Headquarters. For additional information or assistance, contact LaShaun N. Basil at [email protected]. Detailed requirements and application materials are available on the DPR Grants webpage.

The 2025 REC for All Support, Engagement, and Events (SEE) Grant, offered by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), aims to support community organizations in delivering engaging recreational programming for underserved youth in the District of Columbia. This initiative aligns with Mayor Bowser’s vision of creating inclusive opportunities that enhance physical, social, and emotional well-being. Applications are due by January 8, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST, and must be submitted electronically via the DPR Grants Management System. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. The SEE Grant provides funding in three categories. The Support Grant offers up to $5,000 for purchasing equipment, supplies, or materials to improve existing programs in areas such as sports, cultural arts, and youth development. The Engagement Grant provides up to $10,000 to fund field trips and other youth engagement activities. Finally, the Event and Travel Grant allocates up to $10,000 to support events, tournaments, or travel for youth athletic competitions. Applicants may choose one category and must clearly demonstrate how the funding will enhance their programming. Eligible applicants include nonprofit, community, and faith-based organizations, as well as public and private service providers with a demonstrated track record of effectively engaging youth. Proposals must address the program’s core values of equity, inclusion, empowerment, community, sustainability, and innovation. Applications should include a program description, participant demographics, and an itemized budget with a narrative detailing how the funds will be utilized. Personnel costs are generally disallowed, except for transitional needs. A pre-application meeting will take place on December 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM, offering applicants an opportunity to learn more about the grant requirements and application process. Interested organizations must register by emailing [email protected]. Grantees are required to maintain records for three years post-grant, comply with all reporting and audit requirements, and submit final deliverables no later than 30 days after the program ends. The SEE Grant program has a total funding pool of $550,000, with multiple awards anticipated. Funded programs must operate within the District of Columbia and provide proof of site ownership or occupancy. For additional information or assistance, applicants can contact LaShaun N. Basil at [email protected]. Detailed application instructions and resources are available on the DPR Grants webpage. This funding opportunity is an excellent chance for organizations to expand recreational offerings and create impactful experiences for youth across the city.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and community groups in Washington, DC, to create Family Success Centers that help vulnerable families improve their economic stability and access essential resources in underserved neighborhoods.