DCA Together Relief Fund
A Community Response of Support and Compassion
After tragedy struck near DCA Airport on January 29, 2025, the Capital Region Community Foundations responded by mobilizing generosity, collaboration, and care—forging a partnership-driven model that redefines what's possible when people unite and compassion meets action.
This is the story of how local community foundations, countless donors, and dedicated partners came together to demonstrate that in our darkest hours, collective caring can create extraordinary impact.
A Collaborative Community Response
In the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy, the Capital Region Community Foundations came together to launch a community-supported crisis response fund to aid impacted families, first responders, and nonprofit organizations supporting recovery and healing. In close coordination and partnership with the Wichita Foundation and its ICT Together Fund, the goal was to provide immediate and long-term assistance, ensuring that those affected received the care, resources, and support they need.
A Collaborative Community Response
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of over 560 donors from across the country, and with matching funds from our partners at the Wichita Foundation’s ICT Together Fund, we were able to provide critical support when it was needed most. We are also deeply grateful to our corporate partners, including Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Truist, Forvis Mazars, and Legum & Norman/Associa Cares, Inc., whose generous support was instrumental to this effort.
Your Impact in Action
Through your collective support, we were able to:
$775,119
in total funds raised and distributed
$45,000
awarded in grants to support first responders and provide mental health services for impacted families and communities
$730,119
distributed in direct financial assistance to families who lost loved ones to help them navigate their immediate and long-term needs
Your contribution made a profound difference in the lives of those affected by this heartbreaking loss and demonstrated the power of community coming together in remembrance and support.
Nourishing and Supporting First Responders
An emergency grant to Food on the Stove provided over 1,000 hot meals to first responders during recovery efforts and launched the "Food for Thought" initiative—weekly events offering food, counseling, and mental health support services.
Supporting Individual and Community Healing
An initial emergency grant to Wendt Center for Loss and Healing funded urgent grief counseling and mental health services for impacted communities. Now an ongoing partnership will support continued healing through psychoeducational sessions and school-based capacity building for counselors and educators.
Legacy on Ice: Star-Studded Tribute for Families and First Responders
We were honored to be one of three designated charity partners selected by Monumental Sports & Entertainment for their tribute to the victims and their families. The "Legacy on Ice" benefit event at Capital One Arena in DC on March 2 featured a star-studded figure skating tribute that raised over $1.2 million to support the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy, as well as first responders who participated in recovery efforts. All proceeds and donations went to the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation's Legacy on Ice Program, which directly benefited and were split equally among the U.S. Figure Skating Foundation, DCA Together Relief Fund, and DC Fire & EMS Foundation.
The DCA Together Relief Fund was made possible through extraordinary collaboration during an unimaginable tragedy.
The Capital Region Community Foundations extend our deepest gratitude to our strategic partners: the Wichita Foundation, US Figure Skating, and the American Red Cross for their vital leadership, coordination, and support.