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District of Columbia

Grants, foundations, and funding data for District of Columbia (DC).

Foundations

654

Total Assets

$11.3B

Total Giving

$3.0B

Active Grants

348

National Rank

#39

District of Columbia Grant Programs: Small Business Innovation, Community Investment, and Cultural Enrichment

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Key State Programs

DSLBD Growth Fund

Supports entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses relocating to or expanding in Washington, DC. Focuses on growth-stage startups ready to scale, encouraging job creation and filling commercial office space throughout the District.

Housing Stabilization Grants (DMPED)

A $12 million investment providing support for the District's portfolio of affordable housing providers. Covers rent arrears for property owners and supports income-restricted affordable housing projects through the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.

Events DC Community Grants

Provides $750,000 annually in two grant cycles to qualifying nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting children through sports, performing arts, or cultural arts in the District of Columbia.

CBE Sustainable Energy Grants

Administered by DSLBD, this initiative supports Certified Business Enterprises in energy efficiency, electrification, renewable energy, and other green energy markets. Includes the RECS Grant awarding up to two grants of $50,000 each for development training delivery.

Locally Made Manufacturing Grant Program

Invites applications from qualified organizations to support businesses proposing manufacturing core operations in DC, encouraging the local production of consumer goods and strengthening the District's manufacturing sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

What small business grants does DC offer?

DC offers several small business grant programs through the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD). The Growth Fund supports scaling startups relocating to or expanding in DC. The Locally Made Manufacturing Grant Program supports local consumer goods production. The Emerging Retail Initiative targets retail businesses. DSLBD also offers CBE Sustainable Energy Grants for certified businesses in clean energy markets. Visit dslbd.dc.gov for current funding opportunities and deadlines.

How can nonprofits find grant opportunities in DC?

Nonprofits can access more than 300 funding opportunities totaling over $63 million in the District. Serve DC produces a free Funding Alert highlighting opportunities for community-based, faith-based, and 501(c)(3) organizations. Events DC provides $750,000 annually for youth-focused sports and arts nonprofits. HumanitiesDC offers cultural and oral history grants. The Mayor's Office of Community Affairs runs the Community Grant Program for neighborhood-based organizations.

What affordable housing grants are available in DC?

The Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) administers Housing Stabilization Grants, which provided $12 million to support affordable housing providers and address rent arrears. Mayor Bowser has also announced a $100 million investment in the Housing Production Trust Fund. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) provides additional housing grants and services for District residents and housing providers.

Are there grants for clean energy businesses in DC?

Yes. DSLBD offers CBE Sustainable Energy Grants for Certified Business Enterprises working in energy efficiency, electrification, renewable energy, and related green energy markets. The FY26 RECS Grant awards up to two grants of $50,000 each to businesses delivering targeted development training to DC Sustainable Energy Utility program participants. These programs reflect DC's commitment to growing the clean energy sector while supporting local businesses.

What arts and cultural grants does the District provide?

Events DC provides $750,000 annually in Community Grants supporting nonprofit organizations focused on children's sports, performing arts, and cultural arts. HumanitiesDC offers grants including the DC Oral History Collaborative with awards up to $12,000 for public projects utilizing oral history collections. Additional cultural funding is available through the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, which supports individual artists and arts organizations across the District.

Top Foundations

Largest Foundations in District of Columbia

#FoundationAssets
1Indian Paintbrush Foundation$1.9B
2Wyss Foundation$1.7B
3Bainum Family Foundation$731.8M
4Freedom Forum Inc.$650.2M
5Morris And Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation$636.1M

Active Grants

Open Grants in District of Columbia

Department of Health And Human Services
SAM.govActive

Nurse Corps Scholarship

Nurse Corps Scholarship is sponsored by Department of Health And Human Services. The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program provides scholarships to nursing students in exchange for a minimum of 2 years, full-time service commitment at an eligible health care facility with a critical shortage of nurses. This listing is currently active. Program number: 93.303. Last updated on 2026-01-05.

Recent federal obligations suggest $30,878,333 (2026).Deadline: Apr 9, 2026
Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation
DiscoveredActive

Folk and Traditional Arts Community Projects Grants

Folk and Traditional Arts Community Projects Grants is sponsored by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. These grants fund projects that support the vitality of traditional arts and cultures in the mid-Atlantic region. Eligible activities include performances, public art collaborations, workshops/trainings, exhibitions, fieldwork/documentation, and creation of new traditional work. The program encourages projects that support or engage underserved or underrepresented artists, practitioners, traditions, or constituents. A 1:1 cash match is required.

$1,000 – $5,000Deadline: Apr 30, 2026
Mid Atlantic Arts
DiscoveredActive

Mid Atlantic Presenter Initiatives (MAPI)

Mid Atlantic Presenter Initiatives (MAPI) is sponsored by Mid Atlantic Arts. Supports performing arts engagements, including public performances and community engagement, at small and mid-size arts and community organizations in the mid-Atlantic region.

Deadline: Apr 30, 2026

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