For churches in Washington DC, finding funding for programs whether it’s youth outreach, food pantries, renovation, or social justice—is a big challenge. Thankfully, there are several local and national grants that support faith-based organizations in their mission to serve the community. Below is a guide to active and upcoming opportunities, each with a summary of what it offers and its deadline.

1. Walmart Spark Good Local Grants
Walmart’s Spark Good Local Grants offer $250 to $5,000 per store for hunger relief and basic-needs programs. Churches can apply to multiple DC-area Walmart locations at once, making it possible to bundle several micro-grants for bigger impact. Application deadlines for 2025 are March 10–April 15, May 1–July 15, August 1–October 15, and November 3–December 31.
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2. Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation
This regional funder (serving DC, Maryland, and Virginia) has three grant cycles a year. The next deadline is July 1, 2025. The foundation routinely funds food-access initiatives and capital equipment requests, sometimes up to $250,000—making it a strong option for larger projects or facility needs.
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3. LISC / Foot Locker Foundation Community Empowerment Program
Grants between $25,000–$75,000 support operating youth programs, while up to $100,000 is available for capital improvements to youth spaces. DC is a priority area, and nonprofits with annual revenue under $5 million are eligible. The application deadline is September 30, 2025. Perfect for expanding youth events or upgrading recreation spaces.
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4.Community Developers Program (CDP) via United Methodist Global Ministries
CDP offers Seed Grants up to $10,000 for racial-ethnic congregations doing community-engaged work. These grants are ideal for pilot projects, partnership-building, or early-stage outreach. Applications are accepted monthly on a rolling basis. To apply, you’ll need to request more info by email.
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5. Jacques Pépin Foundation Principal Grant Program
Up to $10,000 is available for culinary training that benefits returning citizens. If your church runs a community kitchen or food-related job training, this is a great fit. The application deadline is October 1, 2025.
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6. Baltimore-Washington Conference Grants
These grants support mission-related projects, including housing and economic initiatives. Application deadlines are April 1 (spring) and October 1 (fall) each year. If your church serves the wider metro area or operates outreach beyond DC, these funds could help.
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7. W.K. Kellogg Foundation Grants
With a focus on supporting children, families, and vulnerable youth, these grants are a good match for churches running leadership, educational, or youth support programs. Applications are accepted year-round (rolling deadline). Learn more

8. General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) Social-Justice Grants
There are three annual grant streams: Ethnic Local Church, Human Relations Day, and Peace with Justice. Grants of up to $15,000 fund ministries addressing poverty, youth violence, or systemic injustice. Applications for the 2025 cycle open in July, with a deadline of October 31, 2025. Learn more

9. Mustard Seed Migration Grants (UMC)
One-time awards of $2,000 help congregations start hands-on ministries with immigrants and refugees—think ESL classes, food pantries, or newcomer outreach. Applications are rolling until September 1, 2025, or until all 100 grants are awarded.
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10. Philip L. Graham Fund The Graham Fund supports projects that improve the DC metro community. The next application deadline is July 25, 2025 at 6:00 PM EST, but you’ll need to submit a Letter of Inquiry starting June 25. Learn more

11. Young People’s Ministries of the United Methodist Church
There are two major grant streams: The Youth Service Fund (up to $2,000 for projects led and designed by youth ages 12–18) and the Grants for Ministries with Young People (GMYP), which support broader youth ministry efforts. Short proposals are due April 15, and, if invited, full applications are due June 15 each year. Learn more

12. Lowe’s Hometowns Grant Lowe’s annually funds 100 large-scale community renovation projects ($50,000 to $100,000 each), targeting spaces for youth, food security, housing, or public wellbeing. Selected projects also get volunteer labor support, making it ideal for facility upgrades or renovations. The program typically opens once a year; check the Lowe’s site for 2025 application dates. Learn more

Tips for Successful Grant Writing

1. Start Early and Stay Organized: Deadlines creep up fast. Mark your calendar and give yourself time to gather materials, write, and get approvals.
2. Match Your Project to the Grant: Read guidelines carefully. Tailor your proposal so it clearly fits what the funder wants to support.
3. Use Real Numbers and Stories: Combine data (how many people you’ll help) with a brief story or example to show impact.
4. Follow Up: If you don’t get funded, ask for feedback—then try again. Persistence pays off.

Finding the right grants and writing a strong application takes work, but it opens the door for your church to do even more good in the community.