Palisades Community Fund (PCF)

Established: December 1995

The Palisades Community Fund (PCF) was established by the Palisades Citizens Association (PCA) in December 1995 as the grant-making committee of the PCA. All contributions to the PCF are fully tax-deductible. PCF obtains its non-profit status via its affiliation with the Greater Washington Community Foundation, which provides PCF with administrative services including accounting, bookkeeping, investment services, and other advice.

Geographic Scope

• Location: Palisades, Washington, DC
• Projects should be located physically within the Palisades community or have a potentially significant effect on a substantial number of Palisades community residents

Focus Areas

The PCF finances projects that promote:

• Charitable activities
• Cultural enrichment
• Community education and service
• Economic improvements
• Environmental enhancements

Eligibility

• Required Status: Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) organization
• Exception: Individuals or informal groups without 501(c)(3) status must find a sponsoring 501(c)(3) to act as fiscal agent
• Organizations proposing new projects, events, or community outreach to benefit Palisades DC residents

What PCF Supports

• New projects, events, or community outreach
• Capital projects with installation and maintenance
• Projects that clearly describe novel contribution to community and specific needs met

What PCF Does NOT Support

• General operating expenses

Past Grant Examples

• School projects
• Palisades Branch library
• MacArthur Boulevard beautification
• Rec Center landscaping
• Fire station lockers
• Community information kiosk

Meeting Schedule & Deadlines

• Spring meeting: Requests due by April 15
• Fall meeting: Requests due by October 15
• Next proposal deadline: October 15, 2026

Award Requirements

• Grant recipients are required to provide a final report/financial accountability document upon completion of the project

General Instructions

• Applications need not be complex but must include:
  • Budget for the project
  • Budget for maintenance (if applicable)
  • For capital projects with installation and maintenance: names of individuals responsible
• Applications must spell out in detail how the project/program will specifically aid Palisades residents (e.g., service proposals should stipulate number of Palisades residents who participate or are served)
• All proposals should clearly describe their novel contribution to the community and explain the specific need the project meets
• Applications must include how the organization will recognize and publicize the grant from the PCF
• All applications must include name, address, and phone/email of someone who can answer questions about the proposal

Submission Methods

1. Preferred: Online form at palisadesdc.org
2. Alternative: Mail (see below)

Mailing Address (if submitting by mail)

Chair, Palisades Community Fund
PO Box 40603, Palisades Station
Washington, DC 20016

Application Format & Required Sections

I. BASIC INFORMATION

• Name and address of Requesting Group or Organization
• Principal Sponsors/Contact Persons (names, roles, address, telephone numbers, fax, email)
• Finance Contact and Contact Information (if different from sponsor)
• Organization's Operating Budget (if applicable)

II. PROJECT INFORMATION

• Name of Project
• Status: New or Ongoing
  • If ongoing: (a) project start date/month, (b) operating budget
• Project Objectives
• Project Description: Describe the activities, plans for implementation, and how the project will aid Palisades residents
• Itemized Project Budget, including Total Other Funding Sources
• Evaluation: Specify when and how success will be defined and measured; if applicable, how many Palisades residents will benefit
• Timeline for completion

III. REQUEST AMOUNT

• Specify the amount of the request and how a PCF grant will be spent

IV. OTHER DONORS

• Specify amounts from other sources (foundation grants, large individual gifts, general donations, or other sources)
• Indicate whether funds are promised or received

V. RECOGNITION OPTIONS

• Specify options for recognizing the PCF grant and publicizing it to the community or constituents
• Examples: recognition on website, event posters/banners, electronic/print newsletter, physical plaques for capital projects

VI. PAST PALISADES COMMUNITY FUND GRANTS

• If organization has received PCF funding in the past: provide date, amount, and purpose for grants received within past five years

VII. SIGNATURES

• Signatures of Principal Sponsors and Date of Request

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

1. Meets requirements of the Foundation for the National Capital Region (e.g., Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) requirements)
2. Has substantial Palisades community impact (located physically within Palisades community or has potentially significant effect on substantial number of Palisades residents)
3. Promotes charitable activities, cultural enrichment, community service or education, economic improvement, or environmental enhancement

Important Notes

• Incomplete requests cannot be considered
• For additional information, contact 202.630.5331