Philanthropy Front and Center - Washington, DC

Capacity Building Program for DC Nonprofits

The Washington, DC Office of Partnerships and Grant Services is seeking up to 30 nonprofit and/or faith-based organizations to participate in its year-long capacity building program, the Strengthening Partners Initiative (SPI).

This 12-month intensive training program will help you and your organization acquire skills and resources to respond to complex obstacles and opportunities encountered by nonprofits. Topics and activities include:

• Implementing successful fundraising plans
• Improving administrative and program operations
• collaborating with similar nonprofit organizations

This program is open to 501(c)(3) organizations incorporated in DC and serving DC residents. Over 175 nonprofit and faith-based organizations have successfully completed the SPI program since it began in 2002.

If you are interested in being part of the 2009-2010 SPI class, you can learn more about the program, review all eligibility requirements, and download the application here. The deadline for applying is August 28, 2009.

It's Time for DC Art Grants!

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities is now accepting applications from local artists and arts organizations for its fiscal year 2010 grant season. According to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, the District of Columbia ranks first among states in per capita investment in the arts.

The Commission is dedicated to growing and retaining the city’s artist-community base by offering free grant writing assistance to those applying for its grants. Resources include an online instructional video; one-on-one appointments with program coordinators; technical assistance workshops on Workshop Wednesdays with webinar access; and a new public resource center with computer workstations located within the Commission’s office that are available weekdays from 1 pm to 4 pm.

You can review a list of grant opportunities and deadlines on the Commission's web site. The first deadline is coming up on June 17, so don't miss out!

Free Workshop on Funding for DC Community Organizations

The Humanities Council of Washington, DC is offering a free workshop to learn about grants to help tell your neighborhood or community story. The DC Community Heritage Project, a program of the Humanities Council and the DC Historic Preservation Office, supports people who want to tell the stories of their neighborhoods and communities by providing information, training and financial resources.

The workshop will be held on Tuesday, April 21, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Southeast Neighborhood Library, 403 7th Street SE, and will give details on the funding requirements and process.

For further information, call 387-8391, or register to attend on the Humanities Council web site.