Foundations that fund organizations in DC, Washington
Worked out from where the grants went, not where the foundations sit.
Funding landscape for DC nonprofits
6 private foundations gave $2.0M to DC organizations in their latest filings; 3 of the 6 that say either way accept applications.
7 grants in total, with a typical foundation's median grant to DC around $10K. 0 of these funders are based in Washington; the rest give here from elsewhere.
- Foundations giving here
- 6
- Accept applications
- 3
- of 6 that state a policy
- Dollars to DC
- $2.0M
- latest filings
- Grants
- 7
- Typical median grant
- $10K
- Based in WA
- 0%
- of funders listed
Funders, by dollars given to DC organizations
| Foundation | Based in | Grants here | Dollars here | Median | Accepts applications | Typical purposes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John S and James L Knight Foundation | Miami, FL | 1 | $2.0M | $2.0M | Yes | To provide the lead investment in the american journalism p… |
| Lloyd a Fry Foundation | Chicago, IL | 1 | $10K | $10K | Yes | Membership grant |
| The Seeds Initiative | Vestavia, AL | 1 | $10K | $10K | Preselected only | charitable |
| The Pfizer Foundation Inc | New York, NY | 2 | $1,520 | $760 | Preselected only | Matching gifts; Volunteer program |
| The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation | Detroit, MI | 1 | $100 | $100 | Yes | Trustee Matching Grant |
| Assurant Foundation | Atlanta, GA | 1 | $100 | $100 | Preselected only | Financial Assistance |
Source: IRS Form 990-PF Part XV, latest electronic return per foundation (2026-10-28). "Accepts applications" reflects the foundation's own checkbox on Part XV line 2. Grants to individuals excluded.
Common questions
Which foundations give to nonprofits in DC, Washington?
John S and James L Knight Foundation, Lloyd a Fry Foundation, The Seeds Initiative, The Pfizer Foundation Inc, The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation and 1 others reported grants to DC organizations on their latest Form 990-PF.
How do I approach a foundation that doesn't accept applications?
A foundation that checks "contributes only to preselected organizations" on its 990-PF won't review a cold proposal. Look at who it funds, find a shared board member, grantee or advisor, and ask for an introduction. Foundations that accept applications usually list a contact and deadlines in Part XV; we show that text on each foundation's page.
Is this list complete?
No. It covers private foundations (Form 990-PF filers) whose latest electronic return lists at least one grant to an organization in DC. Community foundations and corporate giving programs file different forms and are not included yet.