Community Foundation’s Sharing Community Initiative Announces more than $1.25 Million in Funding for Region Nonprofits
Photo Credit: Abe Schuchman Housing Unlimited, Sharing Montgomery
The Greater Washington Community Foundation is excited to announce $1,267,000 in grants awarded through its Sharing Community Funds this past cycle.
The Sharing Community Funds bring together donors who share our passion for building more equitable, just, and thriving communities. With expert facilitation by Community Foundation staff, donors join together to learn first-hand about the challenges facing our community. Thanks to the generosity of this growing community of givers, together we discover and invest in visionary nonprofits working on the frontlines of our region’s most pressing needs.
In alignment with our Strategic Vision, the Sharing Community Funds focused on the three intervention areas of the racial wealth gap — Basic Needs, Economic Mobility, and Community Wealth Building.
Grants were awarded in accordance with principles of trust-based philanthropy including investments in general operating and organizational capacity building.
See below for a complete list of our nonprofit partners for 2026 or click here to learn more about their incredible work!
2026 Sharing Community Fund Nonprofit Partners - Basic Needs
Photo Credit: Red Wiggler Farm, Sharing Montgomery
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Food Justice DMV - Food Justice DMV distributes food every Saturday in DC through adaptive, dynamic distributions that apply an eco-lens to reduce environmental footprint. Beyond food, the organization communicates real-time information about rent support, pro-bono legal resources, vaccinations, utility assistance, and more — all created in tandem with impacted community members.
Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network - Anchored by Peace House DC, Beloved Community Incubator, East of the River Mutual Aid, and Sanctuary DMV, the Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network has been welcoming migrants arriving in DC since the first Texas bus arrived in April 2022 — operating through solidarity, not charity.
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Sasha Bruce Youthwork –combats youth homelessness in Washington, DC and Prince George’s County by offering safe housing, life-skills education, and workforce support to help young people build stable and self-sufficient futures. (Multi-year award)
Melwood –empowers individuals with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities to live, work, and thrive in their communities by offering inclusive employment, job-training, home and community-based support, life-skills development, and recreational programs that foster independence and opportunity.
Community Legal Services – provides free civil legal services and advice to low-income individuals and families in Prince George’s County, ensuring equal access to justice and offering support in matters such as housing, domestic violence, consumer rights, foreclosure prevention, and more.
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AfriThrive empowers African immigrants to grow and share healthy, culturally appropriate produce with residents facing food insecurity, and its training programs help families achieve self-reliance and economic stability.
The Black and Brown Coalition for Educational Equity and Excellence unites traditionally marginalized communities to advocate for equitable access to the resources needed to thrive and the dismantling of systemic barriers that have underserved and limited the success of Black, Brown, and students from low-income families.
Community Bridges, Inc. empowers girls in elementary, middle, and high schools to discover their unique identity, voice, and potential through leadership development, college and career readiness, and family support and mentoring.
Community Development Network of Maryland promotes, strengthens, and advocates for Maryland’s community development industry. Its Montgomery Housing Alliance is a coalition of members working to increase affordable housing through expanding public investment, promoting equitable development, and prioritizing the needs of vulnerable communities.
Community FarmShare supports low-income children and adults struggling with diet-related chronic diseases through fresh produce purchased from small-scale local farmers.
CREATE Arts Center provides art classes, art therapy, and community outreach, with a focus on fostering academic, social, and emotional development for students.
Crittenton Services of Greater Washington provides virtual and school-based programs which teach teenage girls to value their education, build healthy relationships, speak up for their own needs, and explore paths toward college and careers.
Home Care Partners provides in-home services that support vulnerable seniors, helping them to age-in-place with safety, dignity, and comfort.
Horizons Greater Washington supports students from low-income families for nine years (K – 8th grade) through engaging summer and school-year programs which foster a joyful environment full of academic, artistic, and athletic activities that build a love of learning.
Housing Unlimited provides affordable, independent housing for adults in mental health recovery in Montgomery County, empowering tenants to focus on becoming valued and integrated members of the community.
KID Museum provides interactive programming to populations that are traditionally underrepresented in STEM, aiming to foster a “mind of a maker” mindset so kids become empathetic and persistent problem-solvers, teammates, and changemakers.
Kingdom Global Community Development Corporation operates the East County Hub which coordinates the efforts of numerous partners working to expand food security, distribute diapers, and provide other essential supports.
Manna Food Center serves as the lead food bank in Montgomery County, working to eliminate hunger through food distributions, healthy eating education, and advocacy.
Mary's Center provides primary health care, dental, behavioral health, education, and social services to build healthier and stronger communities.
Montgomery County Food Council leads the coordination and advocacy efforts to create a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable local food system by enhancing food access, expanding food education, and supporting the county’s farms and food/beverage businesses.
National Alliance on Mental Illness of Montgomery County (NAMI MC) provides comprehensive support, education, advocacy, and public awareness to promote recovery so that individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
Pathways to Housing provides outreach, housing, and supportive services to help people experiencing homelessness achieve stability and long-term independence.
Rainbow Community Development Corporation provides relief for food insecurity paired with other safety net services including eviction and utility cutoff prevention, temporary short-term shelter, and job search and resume assistance.
Rainbow Place Shelter provides emergency overnight shelter to women during the hypothermia season and assists them as they transition to a better quality of life.
Red Wiggler Community Farm provides comprehensive on-farm training and education programs for adults with developmental disabilities. Half of its organic produce is donated to low-income households throughout Montgomery County.
Stepping Stones Shelter provides emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness with the goal of moving a family from crisis to stability within 90 days.
Story Tapestries seeks to enhance literacy, social-emotional, and STEAM skills through artistic performances, workshops, artist residencies, and educator training programs.
The UpCounty Hub, Inc. supports low-income individuals and families through drive-thru food distributions, home deliveries, choice-pantry walk-in services, and wrap-around supports.
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Bailey's Crossroads Health Access Partnership (Culmore Clinic) - is a nonprofit healthcare clinic offering free, compassionate, respectful and inclusive medical care, counseling, and specialty referrals to uninsured adults in the Falls Church, VA area.
Defensores de la Cuenca - is a Latino-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit that connects the community to nature through shared experiences and opportunities to preserve and defend the Chesapeake Bay watershed for a healthier mind, body, and soul. We are building a network of leaders who are taking action to support Madre Tierra, our Mother Earth. We create family friendly events that are welcoming and inviting to ensure that participants have fun and make positive connections to nature.
Growth and Healing Hub - is more than just a mental health center—it’s a movement. We are a culturally-inclusive wellness community committed to empowering diverse youth, ages 12-24, in the Gum Springs Community and beyond. Through free, professional, and trauma-informed mental health services, we create safe spaces for young people and families to heal, grow, and thrive.
Joyful Hands - strives to break down barriers and bridge gaps in access to essential resources through initiatives such as our annual Back-to-School Supply Drive, Annual Community Health Fair, Monthly Food Distributions, and Literacy Enrichment Program. Together, we are making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
Learn & Live Wholestic Health Services - provides medical, counseling and mediation services that improve and maintain wellness in physical, psychological and social relation among families and for individuals.
Loving Hands Touch Ministry - develops health and educational programs and training, locally and internationally, to enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve. Our services include individual and family support, community programs, transitional housing, and partnerships with other organizations.
SPHC Foundation - Smart Public Health Consulting Foundation delivers ready-made workshops that help people learn about health in simple, practical ways. Each workshop is designed to build understanding and give communities the tools they need for self-care and overall well-being.
2026 Sharing Community Fund Nonprofit Partners
Economic Mobility
Photo Credit: Just Neighbors, Sharing NoVA
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CARE Anacostia - CARE Anacostia works strategically to provide safe schools, promote student joy, and create cohesive learning environments during school transitions. Their four Pillars of CARE guide this mission:
Community — uplifting neighbors, guardians, educators, and leaders
Advocacy — dismantling injustice and reforming educational inequities
Resources — raising funds and mobilizing community support
Education — partnering with educators to enhance student experiences
Healthy Babies Project - Healthy Babies Project works hand-in-hand with young District mothers who are pregnant or parenting, empowering these resilient youth to build better lives for themselves and their children. HBP provides homeless, pregnant, and parenting youth with evidence-based, one-on-one case management and peer support so they can establish healthy families and move toward economic independence.
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Jacobs Ladder –empowers at-risk youth to steer away from the juvenile justice system by providing academic support, mentoring, workforce training, and life-skills programs to foster successful, productive futures. (Multi-year Award)
Training Source –empowers low-income youth and adults in Suburban Maryland and the Washington, DC area by offering free job training, youth leadership, career-readiness programs, and supportive services to build sustainable economic mobility.
First Generation College Bound (FGCB) –helps low-income and first-generation youth in Maryland access and complete college by providing academic support, college-entry guidance, financial aid advising, and personalized mentoring from high school through post-secondary graduation.
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CareerCatchers empowers people to pursue living-wage jobs by providing intensive career coaching and navigation services geared for unemployed and under-employed, low-income residents of Montgomery County.
CollegeTracks works to improve college access and retention for students at risk of not pursuing higher education, primarily first-generation, low-income, minority, and immigrant youth.
Cross Community, Inc. supports low-income families in Montgomery County by distributing food and delivering community-based services that advance economic mobility and self-determination.
Crossroads Community Food Network provides training and support for startup food businesses and healthy eating education to local students, in addition to matching federal nutrition benefits so low-income shoppers at the Crossroads Farmers Market can purchase healthy produce from local farmers.
Emma's Torch provides a paid culinary training program followed by support services to help refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking obtain jobs and achieve long-term stability.
Future Link, Inc. provides career counseling, mentoring, tutoring, academic advising, scholarships, and internships to help connect disadvantaged youth to post-secondary educational opportunities.
Homes Not Borders provides basic needs assistance and promotes economic mobility for refugees including home setup support, food distributions, and skill-building programs to help families on the pathway to financial stability.
Identity helps youth and their families develop social and emotional skills, do better in school, and get ready to work through programs augmented by intensive case management, nonclinical emotional support, and counseling when something extra is needed to succeed. (2024 Sharing Montgomery Multiyear Award)
Interfaith Works mobilizes volunteers from 165 faith communities to provide emergency assistance, food, clothing, shelter, and vocational services through integrated programs that move low-income residents from crisis to stability. (2025 Sharing Montgomery Multiyear Award)
Montgomery County Black Collective empowers start-up entrepreneurs and small business owners through business development coaching, financial literacy programs, mentorship, and peer support to achieve economic independence and drive positive change in their communities. (2025 Sharing Montgomery Multiyear Award)
Per Scholas provides accelerated, hands-on technology training paired with career coaching and support to empower adults to earn industry-recognized certifications and pursue careers in tech.
2026 Sharing Community Fund Nonprofit Partners
Community Wealth Building
Photo Credit: Melwood Community Services, Sharing Prince George’s
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City Blossoms- Youth Entrepreneurship Cooperative - Since 2008, City Blossoms has cultivated community well-being through creative programming in kid-driven gardens, designing, developing, and providing programming for over 100 projects throughout Washington, DC and nationwide. Their work is centered in neighborhoods where children and youth ages 2–19 — typically in majority Black, Latino, and immigrant communities — do not otherwise have access to safe, community-led green space.
The Youth Entrepreneurship Cooperative program, anchored by a youth-led business called Mighty Greens, combines environmental and food justice with job readiness skills. Participants maintain garden spaces, create value-added products, and sell produce back to their communities through seasonal CSAs and farmers markets.
William O. Lockridge Foundation – International Ambassadors Program - Founded in 2011 and located in Southeast Washington, DC, the William O. Lockridge Community Foundation promotes access to higher education for students in Wards 7 and 8 through scholarships, emergency financial assistance, and international travel. Their programs include:
Emergency Student Assistance Fund — support during unexpected financial hardship
International Ambassadors Program — cross-cultural exchange connecting DC students with students abroad through shared storytelling, volunteer activities, and cultural immersion
Scholarship Opportunities — financial aid for DC Public School graduating seniors pursuing post-secondary education
US Foreign Service Initiative — exposing Ward 7 and 8 students to government and private sector career opportunities overseas
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United Way NCA, Financial Empowerment Center –improves the lives of underserved individuals in the Greater Washington, DC region by focusing community resources on creating measurable and lasting impact.
Purple Line Corridor Coalition – is a collaborative working to leverage Maryland’s largest transit investment in the 21st century to prevent displacement and ensure racially equitable growth.
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Housing Initiative Partnership (HIP) revitalizes neighborhoods through affordable housing development and equips low-income residents with the financial and housing counseling needed to achieve lasting stability. (2025 Sharing Montgomery Multiyear Award)
IMPACT Silver Spring builds inclusive local economies through grassroots community-building, leadership trainings, entrepreneurial classes, business cooperative support, and technical assistance that empower people to pursue their goals and build assets that help them and their neighbors thrive. (2026 Sharing Montgomery Multiyear Award)
Latino Economic Development Center advances economic prosperity for low-income communities by expanding access to capital, financial empowerment, small business development, and homeownership programs. (2026 Sharing Montgomery Multiyear Award)
2026 Sharing Community Fund Nonprofit Partners
Capacity Building
Photo Credit: Rainbow Place Shelter, Sharing Montgomery
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Leadership Montgomery is a community leadership organization committed to building thriving, inclusive workplaces and communities through dynamic leadership programs, targeted skills training, and collaborative convenings of Montgomery County leaders. As a capacity-building partner, Sharing Montgomery is supporting the new Stronger Together initiative, which convenes cross-sector stakeholders to take collective action on our most pressing challenges.
Montgomery Moving Forward was founded as a collective impact initiative to convene leaders from government, business, philanthropy, education, and nonprofits to solve complex problems facing the county. As a capacity building partner, Sharing Montgomery’s grant will support MMF’s transition as it transfers advocacy efforts to the newly formed Maryland Early Care and Education Coalition.
Nonprofit Montgomery supports local organizations around government relations, advocacy, strategic communications, financial management, metrics tracking, and cross-sector problem solving. As a capacity building partner, Sharing Montgomery’s support will enable direct-service nonprofits to receive personalized support and connections necessary to deepen their impact.
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Arm and Arm Inc - Provides peer support, mentoring and training for people struggling in Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.
CARE, Inc - is a non-profit organization formed in 1996 by community parents and advocates of disadvantaged communities in Virginia. We are empowered by the needs of families and a vision of supporting and serving the disadvantaged.
Hispanics Against Child Abuse & Neglect (HACAN) - is a nonprofit educational and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening families in Northern Virginia through parent education and out-of-school activities that serve and support youth. Founded in 1985, HACAN fosters strong family relations and promotes community child abuse awareness and prevention.
Hardemon Dynasty - provides affordable housing for young adults aging out of foster care and offer sufficient support during their transition to independence. We will make sure that the youths in our program know about all the community Outreach programs that will benefit them.
Just Neighbors - provides high-quality immigration legal services to low-income immigrants, asylees and refugees in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia; and, to build community among clients, staff, volunteers and the larger society through education, advocacy, and volunteerism.
Libertys Promise - supports young immigrants in need while encouraging them to be active and conscientious American citizens. Our programs aim to make the immigrant experience an affirmative one for young newcomers while instilling in them a sense of pride and support for American ideals of democracy and freedom. By doing so, Liberty’s Promise seeks to reaffirm our fundamental egalitarian and democratic traditions for future generations.
Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke - provides services enabling older adults to continue to live independently, offer opportunities for enrichment, learning, and socialization and enables older adults to use the skills and knowledge they have accrued over a lifetime in service to their community.
We Care Services, Corp - offers reliable and affordable non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and non-medical transportation services in the Washington, D.C. metro area.
Special Thanks to Yolonda Earl-Thompson, Executive Director of LAZERA Ministries for serving as the lead facilitator, cohort director, and community organizer for Sharing NoVa.
LAZERA Ministries transforms communities by creating lasting social and economic equity, through shared power, intergenerational partnerships, leadership development, and healing-centered practices.