Community Non-Profits Receive $750,000 in Events DC Grants to Support Youth Programs

67 local non-profits received grant funding to enhance programs focused on culture, sports and performing arts

Events DC, the official convention and sports authority of Washington, DC, announced that 67 local non-profit organizations received $750,000 in community grants in fiscal year 2026 to support their youth sports, cultural and performing arts programs.

"We are honored to support District-based non-profit organizations across all eight wards that provide our youth with vital opportunities in sports, performing and cultural arts," said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. "Congratulations to our fiscal year 2026 grantees for their dedication to our city's future. I encourage more local non-profit organizations to apply for the fiscal year 2027 grant program, ensuring that every corner of our city has the resources to help our young people thrive."

Each fiscal year, the Events DC Community Grants Program awards a total of $750,000 across two cycles to local non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting District youth programs in the areas of sports, performing arts and cultural arts.

"For more than 30 years, S.A.F.E. has used tennis as a vehicle to develop character, academic success and leadership. Event DC's investment allows us to continue opening doors for young people by providing the relationships, experiences and opportunities that prepare them for success both on and off the tennis court," expressed Carroll "Coach Spyke" Henry, Executive Director of Smart Activities for Fitness and Education (S.A.F.E.) and fiscal year 2026 community grantee.

"Every girl deserves the chance to know she is capable, confident, and strong," said Devoria Armstead, Executive Director of Girls on the Run-DC. "Thanks to Events DC's partnership, Girls on the Run-DC is reaching more girls across DC - especially in Wards 7 and 8- helping them to build confidence, develop life skills, and believe in themselves. That's the kind of investment that can change a girl's future."

For fiscal year 2026, Events DC received more than 300 applications, which included over 80 submissions from first-time applicants.

The first cycle for fiscal year 2027 closes on August 3, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. The last informational sessions will be hosted on July 28, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Registration is available here: Informational Session Registration.

Last year, Events DC launched SmartSimple, a grant management software that makes it more accessible for non-profits to complete the application. For more information on past grantees, eligibility and the upcoming grant cycle, please visit https://www.eventsdc.com/community/community-grants.