Martha’s Table, JP Morgan Chase, and The Community Foundation Expand Initiative to Strengthen and Support Grassroots Organizations in Ward 8

Our partners at Martha’s Table have announced 14 high-impact nonprofits in Ward 8 that will receive Community Impact Fund grants to support innovative solutions to community challenges, organizational infrastructure, and program operations.

Martha’s Table launched the Community Impact Fund at The Community Foundation in 2022, which initially supported 10 high-impact, local organizations with $10,000 grants. JP Morgan Chase and The Community Foundation partnered to match these initial grants through the Equitable Development Fund.

Building on the success of the Fund’s first year, Martha’s Table doubled down on its direct investment in Ward 8 communities, ensuring that every Washingtonian can thrive. For the second grant cycle, 14 high-impact organizations were selected to receive $15,000 each by a committee comprised of Ward 8 neighbors.

The organizations will also receive a matching two-year grant from JP Morgan Chase and The Community Foundation through the Equitable Development Fund.

“We are reimagining community investments; through the Fund, we are helping to scale and deepen the impact of frontline organizations whose leadership and staff reflect the backgrounds and lived experiences of the communities they work alongside,” said Tiffany Williams, president and CEO of Martha’s Table. “This work is made possible through critical partnerships with key local funders who are committed to creating a more just and equitable region.”

In addition to the Greater Washington Community Foundation and JP Morgan Chase, the Bainum Family Foundation, the Horning Family Foundation, and the Leonard and Hilda Kaplan Charitable Foundation support the Fund.

Community Impact Fund grants provide up to $20,000 of general operating funds to support a range of capacity-building activities or targeted initiatives.

“At the Greater Washington Community Foundation, we understand the transformative power of philanthropy that is responsive to community needs,” said Tonia Wellons, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Community Foundation. “We are proud of this innovative partnership with Martha’s Table and JP Morgan Chase to increase and sustain funding to Ward 8-based organizations that make a profound impact on their local communities.”

“This work reflects our commitment to uplift community voice and involve more community members in the process and practice of grantmaking. Thank you to the community members who contributed their time and expertise to the grant review process and selection.”

This year’s recipients include:

  • Fihankra Akoma Ntoaso

  • Anacostia AMP Empowerment Center

  • A Beautiful Balance Inclusive

  • Traron Center

  • William O Lockridge Community Foundation

  • It Takes a Village

  • Project Create

  • Soul Trak Outdoors

  • Recovery Cafe

  • Best Kids

  • College Tribe

  • Fresh Start Catering

  • Women Involved in Re-Entry Efforts

For a complete program overview and a list of current and past grantees, please visit https://marthastable.org/communityimpactfund/.