Takoma Foundation Grants

The Takoma Foundation offers grants to enhance the social, environmental, and cultural vitality of Takoma Park. These grants, capped at $5,000 for small nonprofits and $1,000 for larger organizations, support initiatives in community connection, youth empowerment, anti-racism, and assistance for vulnerable populations. Eligible organizations must align with the Foundation's mission and primarily serve the Takoma Park area, ensuring equitable opportunities for all community members.

The mission of the Takoma Foundation is to make grants that promote a socially, environmentally, economically and culturally healthy Takoma Park community. The Takoma Foundation supports a dynamic, vibrant community that is inclusive, accepting, supportive and understanding.
The Foundation seeks proposals from organizations that promote:
Community Connection: Initiatives that build connections between people, encourage resident participation in community life, and foster community involvement and engagement.Youth Empowerment: Programs that actively engage and empower young individuals to become leaders, advocates, and contributors to their communities. Priority is given to initiatives that promote education, mentorship, skill development, and civic engagement for youth.Anti-Racism and Inclusion: Initiatives that actively work toward dismantling systemic racism, promoting inclusion, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all racial and ethnic groups. Priority is given to organizations that foster dialogue, awareness, and collaboration among diverse communities.Support for Vulnerable Populations: Programs that address both the immediate needs and long-term well-being of the most vulnerable populations, including low-income people, immigrants, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. Priority is given to organizations that provide opportunities to residents from marginalized communities that may otherwise be unattainable.
Community Grants
Grants are designed to support a small* nonprofit organization’s overarching mission. Grants are not restricted to specific projects or programs. They can be used to support utility bills, fundraising, board and leadership development, salaries, meeting expenses, materials, or a specific project—the discretion is left to the grantee. These grants are currently capped at $5,000.
* Small generally refers to nonprofit organizations with annual budgets of less than $150,000.
Solidarity Grants
Grants are designed to demonstrate support and commitment to the larger* nonprofit organizations doing work that aligns with Takoma Foundation’s mission in greater Takoma. These grants can be used to support the overarching mission. Grants are not restricted to specific projects or programs. These grants are currently capped at $1,000.
* Large generally refers to nonprofit organizations with annual budgets of more than $150,000.

Eligibility

The organization has current 501(c)3 status or has found an organization with 501(c)3 status that has agreed to act as a fiscal sponsor.The work of the organization is well-aligned with the mission of the Takoma Foundation and addresses one or more of the Foundation’s priority areas (above).The organization principally serves the greater Takoma Park community. This includes the following neighborhoods:City of Takoma ParkEast Silver SpringTakoma LangleyLong BranchTakoma, DCAn organization may only receive one grant of any type in a 12-month period.In the instance where a non-profit is linked to a for-profit entity, there should be a clear delineation between business operations to avoid conflicts of interest.

Ineligibility

Individuals and for-profit businesses do not qualify for grants offered by the Foundation.