Community Grants
Each Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) receives an annual allocation of funds that may be used for public purposes within the Commission area or for the functioning of the Commission office. While ANCs are not required to issue community grants, the D.C. Official Code permits them to do so.
To be eligible, grant-funded projects must:
Serve a public purpose that significantly benefits people who live or work in the ANC’s boundaries.
Not to be used for general organizational support or private gain.
Not duplicate services or programs already provided by the District Government
Examples of Allowable Grants
To neighborhood civic associations or nonprofit organizations for public-facing projects that significantly benefit the community.
To Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs), charter schools, or private institutions for community events.
Examples of Prohibited Grants
Projects for private or non-public purposes.
Grants to individuals or where the primary beneficiary is a specific person or group.
Grants duplicating services are already provided by the District government.
Grants used to support fundraisers.
Direct grants to DC Public Schools.
Any grantee(s) on this list of Prohibited Grantees
How to Apply for a Grant
Step 1: Review Previous and Current Grants
Step 2: Complete the Grant Application Form
Your application must include:
A description of the proposed project.
A statement of expected public benefits—clearly explain how the project will benefit residents or workers in the ANC area.
The total cost of the project, including other sources of funding.
A breakdown of expected overhead costs (must not exceed 15% of the total grant).
A detailed budget, clearly identifying which expenses ANC funds will cover.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Send the completed application to the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (OANC) at [email protected]
Note: Failure to submit to OANC may delay or disqualify your application.
Grant Guidelines
Only organizations may apply though it is not required to be incorporated
Projects must be public in nature and not duplicate District government services.
Grants must be approved by a majority vote at a public ANC meeting following a public presentation.
Expenditures must be supported by documentation (e.g., proposal, receipts, meeting minutes).
Grantees must use funds as approved and submit a use-of-funds statement within 60 days of receiving the grant—and every 90 days thereafter for the duration of the grant.