Community Resilience Initiative
Bridge Grants

Across the Greater Washington region, nonprofits are navigating significant challenges, from shifts in federal funding to increasing demand for services, while continuing to provide essential services to our communities. These organizations cannot afford to pause their work, and our communities cannot afford to lose these vital services.

In times of crisis, the Greater Washington Community Foundation serves as a community convener, advocate, and philanthropic first responder to ensure our region is prepared and equipped to effectively respond to challenges. The Greater Washington Community Foundation along with our regional philanthropic partners are coordinating to meet this moment with concrete action. Together we launched the Community Resilience Initiative to ensure the region’s critical nonprofit organizations can continue to meet urgent needs, advocate effectively, and sustain impact for the communities we all serve.

The Community Foundation is now accepting applications for Bridge Grants to provide targeted support to help nonprofit organizations maintain their critical work while navigating operational challenges. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.

We're accepting applications for Bridge Grants in two critical areas:

Category 1: Funding Loss

Supporting nonprofits that have experienced substantial funding losses since January 2025.

Category 2: Scenario Planning & Transitions

Providing resources for organizations to engage in scenario planning and explore strategic options such as a merger, winddown, or strategic alliance.

General Eligibility Requirements

501(c)(3) Status: Organization must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or a fiscal sponsor.

Geographic Presence: Organization must have a presence in and serve the Greater Washington region (Washington, DC; Prince George’s County; Montgomery County; Arlington County; Fairfax County; Fairfax; Alexandria; Falls Church).

Organization cannot be listed on OFAC or Southern Poverty Law Center’s hate group list and must be in compliance with reporting if it has received a grant through the community foundation.

Award

Grant awards and amounts will be determined based upon organizational need, potential impact, and available funding. Operating, program, and capital grants can be awarded via this RFP for a period of up to 24 months from the award date - with the possibility of extension based on circumstances.

We anticipate that most grants awarded under Category 1 will be under $100,000 and most grants under Category 2 will be under $50,000.

View Proposal Guidelines

How to Apply

Applicants should fill out an eligibility form after reading the full RFP. After completing the eligibility form, eligible applicants will be provided with application submission instructions.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis. Funding decisions will be made and communicated promptly to support urgent organizational needs.

Fill Out An Eligibility Form