DC Policy Center

EIN: 82-2380479

Mission Statement

The mission of the D.C. Policy Center is to arm decision makers with fact-based, unbiased, and reliable research and analyses to help create a vibrant local economy that can maximize opportunities for residents, workers, and businesses in the District of Columbia.


Program Summary

The D.C. Policy Center is an independent, non-partisan think tank that conducts rigorous, data-driven research to strengthen the District’s economy and improve outcomes for residents, workers, and businesses. Our work focuses on education, housing, workforce development, the business environment, and long-term economic competitiveness, offering clear insights that help leaders make informed policy decisions.

Because the District operates within a deeply interconnected regional economy, our research consistently examines D.C. in relation to neighboring jurisdictions—especially Arlington. We analyze commuting patterns, labor flows, housing markets, and economic trends that cross borders every day, providing a fuller understanding of the conditions that shape opportunity on both sides of the river.

By highlighting how shared challenges and regional dynamics influence outcomes in both communities, our work directly supports leaders in Arlington who rely on accurate, timely information to guide planning, investment, and collaboration. Through this regional lens, the D.C. Policy Center helps strengthen both the District and Arlington, contributing to a more competitive and resilient metropolitan area.


Impact Statement

The D.C. Policy Center’s work leads to clearer, more effective public policy decisions that directly impact the well-being of the communities we serve. Our research helps improve educational opportunities, strengthen the regional workforce, expand housing supply and affordability, and support a more competitive and resilient local economy. By equipping policymakers, nonprofit partners, and business leaders with actionable data and analysis, we contribute to policies and investments that enhance economic mobility, improve access to quality services, and create better outcomes for residents across the District and the broader region, including Arlington.


What ways can the public get involved?

The public can get involved by attending our events, briefings, and community conversations; subscribing to our newsletters to stay informed about new research and opportunities; and engaging with our work by sharing information, providing feedback, and participating in discussions that shape policy dialogue in the region.


How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

Charitable dollars directly support the research that drives policy change. Donations fund data analysis, policy studies, and publications that inform leaders and strengthen decision-making across the District and the region. Contributions also help us expand our capacity to respond quickly to emerging issues, ensuring our work continues to shape solutions that improve outcomes for residents, workers, and communities.

Information provided November 2025

Brain Injury Services

EIN: 54-1346045

Mission Statement

Empowering those impacted by brain injury


Program Summary

Brain Injury Services (BIS) helps children, adults, and families whose lives have been changed by brain injury build the skills and confidence they need to live their best life.

We work with individuals across Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, and surrounding communities who have sustained acquired or traumatic brain injuries. Our clients range from children and young adults to older adults and veterans.

Core Programs & Services

  1. Case Management & Service Coordination
    • Individualized assessment and goal planning.
    • Connection to medical, vocational, educational, and community resources.
    • Ongoing support to navigate systems and remove barriers to independence.
  2. ADAPT Clubhouse
    • Day program designed to foster social connections, skill-building, and community participation.
    • Peer-to-peer support in a welcoming, recovery-focused environment.
  3. Vocational Services
    • Career exploration, job readiness training, and supported employment.
    • Partnerships with employers and organizations to create accessible work opportunities.
  4. Children & Youth Services
    • Support for students with brain injuries to succeed in school and transition into adulthood.
    • Collaboration with families, educators, and healthcare providers.
  5. Mental Health Support
    • Counseling, peer mentoring, and therapeutic groups to address emotional and psychological needs related to brain injury.
  6. Assistive Technology & Independent Living Skills
    • Training and access to adaptive tools that improve daily functioning.
    • Skill development for independent living, community navigation, and self-advocacy.

Our Approach


Impact Statement

Brain Injury Services empowers individuals with brain injuries to reclaim their independence, re-engage in their communities, and achieve personal and professional goals. Through personalized support, skill-building, and access to resources, our clients gain increased confidence, improved daily functioning, stronger social connections, and greater participation in the workforce—transforming lives and reducing isolation for one of the most underserved populations in our region.


What ways can the public get involved?

1. Provide Financial Support

2. Support Events & Campaigns

3. Give In-Kind Donations

4. Volunteer

5. Become an Advocate

6. Leave a Legacy


How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

When you give to Brain Injury Services (BIS), you make it possible for children, adults, and families living with the effects of brain injury to rebuild their lives. Every donor dollar directly supports programs that foster independence, confidence, and community connection.

Your contribution helps fund:

By giving to BIS, you help reduce isolation, open doors to opportunity, and empower survivors of brain injury to thrive. Every dollar is an investment in recovery, dignity, and a brighter future.

Information provided August 2025

Arc of Northern Virginia

EIN: 54-0675506

Mission Statement

The Arc of Northern Virginia promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.


Program Summary

1. Transition POINTS Program
Transition POINTS guides individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families in Arlington through critical life transitions, from birth to adulthood. The program offers free tools, workshops, and customized support to help navigate decisions related to early intervention, school services, employment, independent living, and long-term planning. By empowering families with resources and guidance at each life stage, Transition POINTS helps promote independence, inclusion, and long-term well-being.

2. Special Needs Trust Program
The Arc of Northern Virginia administers Special Needs Trusts to help individuals with disabilities secure their financial future without jeopardizing eligibility for public benefits. These trusts are professionally managed and available to people of all ages and disability levels in Arlington. The program includes personalized trust management, financial oversight, and ongoing support for families to ensure that individuals with disabilities in Arlington can maintain quality of life while preserving public supports.

3. Advocacy & Public Policy
The Arc of Northern Virginia leads local and state advocacy efforts to advance policies that promote equity, access, and opportunity for individuals with IDD. Through community engagement, education, and legislative action, the organization works to influence public policy on issues like inclusive education, affordable housing, transportation, and employment.

4. Tech for Independent Living
This Arc of Northern Virginia program provides access to ongoing, customized support for employment and daily life for individuals with IDD in Arlington. At its core is the Arc2Independence app that focuses on four categories of skill building: Employment Skills: a “virtual job coach” supporting work tasks and soft skills; Travel Skills: a “virtual travel trainer” to support safe and independent public transit use; Safety Skills: “a virtual safety coach” to navigate real-world situations safely at home and in the community; and Daily Living Skills:” a virtual skills trainer” to support independence at home and in the community


Impact Statement

The Arc of Northern Virginia empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live full, independent, and inclusive lives. Through a wide range of programs and services, the organization supports people with disabilities across all life stages, from early childhood to adulthood and aging. We provide families critical guidance through complex systems, including school services, employment, housing, and long-term care planning. The Arc’s Special Needs Trust Program protects financial security without affecting public benefits, ensuring long-term stability and peace of mind. Innovative technology tools and personalized coaching promote daily living skills and greater independence, while advocacy efforts at the local and state levels drive policy changes that expand access to education, housing, and employment. Each year, thousands of individuals and families benefit from The Arc’s resources, workshops, and direct services, gaining the tools and confidence to lead self-determined lives. The organization also collaborates with schools, employers, and community partners to foster greater awareness, accessibility, and inclusion. As a result, more people with disabilities in Northern Virginia are achieving personal goals, connecting with their communities, and living “A Life Like Yours.”


What ways can the public get involved?

Community members play a vital role in supporting The Arc of Northern Virginia’s mission. There are many ways to get involved:


How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

Donations to The Arc of Northern Virginia directly support programs and services that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. Charitable dollars fund critical initiatives such as personalized support through the Transition POINTS program, employment and life-skills support through our Tech for Independent Living Program, access to life-planning tools and Special Needs Trusts, and the development of innovative technology that promotes independence.

Gifts also help provide free educational workshops, advocacy training, and one-on-one guidance to thousands of families each year. Additionally, donations sustain public policy efforts that lead to lasting systems change at the local and state levels.

Approximately 85% of every dollar goes directly to programs and services, ensuring that your contribution has a meaningful and immediate impact. The remaining funds support essential administrative and fundraising operations that keep our organization running efficiently and transparently.

Your support helps individuals with disabilities gain greater independence, secure their futures, and thrive as fully included members of our community. Every gift makes a lasting difference.

Information provided July 2025

Ronald McDonald House of Charities, Greater Washington DC

EIN: 52-1132262

Mission Statement

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington, DC (RMHCDC) provides essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.


Program Summary

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington, DC (RMHCDC) seeks to address the multifaceted challenges faced by families dealing with a child’s illness or injury. These challenges include:

RMHCDC addresses the challenge of supporting families with a sick child through a comprehensive, family-centered care approach. Recognizing that a child’s illness impacts the entire family, RMHCDC involves families in the healthcare process to make informed decisions alongside healthcare providers. This holistic approach aims to improve various outcomes such as psychosocial outcomes, clinical outcomes, resource distribution, and patient and family satisfaction.
We believe that when a child is sick, the entire family needs comfort and support. We believe that a home is more than four walls and a roof over your head – it is the intangible magic that transpires in moments shared together. We believe in building a global community that finds strength, hope and courage in embracing healing as a joyous experience. Please give today to help even more families stay close through the biggest challenge of their lives. Together, we can do big things!


Impact Statement

Our organization provides a supportive and healing environment for families with seriously ill or injured children receiving medical care in the greater Washington, D.C. region. Through our core programs—including two Ronald McDonald Houses. We offer families a place to rest, recharge, and stay close to the hospital without the financial burden of lodging or meals. In 2024, we provided nearly 15,000 occupied room nights—an increase of more than 2,600 over the prior year, allowing us to serve more families when they needed it most.

Beyond housing, we offer daily meals, emotional support, and enriching programming for children and caregivers. These services reduce stress, foster community, and improve overall family well-being during medical crises. Our work has a direct and measurable impact: families report reduced emotional and financial strain, increased time spent at their child’s bedside, and a greater sense of comfort and stability.

By removing barriers to care and meeting basic needs, we help families focus on what matters most, the health and recovery of their child. Through strong hospital partnerships and the support of donors and volunteers, our programs continue to grow in reach, impact, and relevance.


What ways can the public get involved?

The public can get involved by volunteering to prepare meals, organizing donation drives, or supporting our events like the Red Shoe 5K Run & Walk. We also welcome financial contributions and in-kind donations that help sustain our programs year-round. To learn more or sign up to help: https://rmhcdc.org/volunteer-new/

https://rmhcdc.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate-rmhcdc


How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

Charitable dollars directly support our mission to keep families close to their seriously ill or injured children. Donations help provide comfortable lodging, daily meals, transportation assistance, and family-centered programming at no cost to the families we serve. Funds also sustain the upkeep and operation of our Ronald McDonald Houses ensuring they remain warm, welcoming spaces during a medical crisis. Additionally, contributions help cover essential expenses like utilities, supplies, and program staff who deliver compassionate care and support.

Information provided July 2025

Little Beginnings Child Development Center

EIN: 52-1306992

Mission Statement

Established in 1986, Little Beginnings Child Development Center℠ is a non-profit, year-round, full-day childcare center based in Arlington, Virginia.

At Little Beginnings we believe that each child is entitled to responsive and respectful care, attuned to his or her developmental abilities, individual temperament, and interests. Through a collaborative framework, parents and teachers work together to create an inclusive, safe and nurturing environment where all children will grow and thrive.   


How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

As a non-profit organization, we welcome children and families from all backgrounds. Donations assist us with providing high-quality education to low-income children at our center. 

Information provided October 2024

Bridges to Independence

EIN: 54-1368484

Mission Statement

The mission at Bridges is to guide children and families out of homelessness and into stability and self-sufficiency. 

Since 1985, Bridges to Independence has empowered 16,000 homeless children and families in Arlington. What began as a small shelter has grown into a multifaceted family and children services agency.


Program Summary

Bridges provides the following programs for children and families experiencing homelessness in Arlington:


Impact Statement


What ways can the public get involved?


How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

Information provided April 2025

Spread The Vote + Project ID

EIN: 81-5308494

Mission Statement

A real democracy cannot flourish unless all of its citizens have full access to the rights and privilege of their citizenship. By helping the citizens and residents of the United States obtain the IDs they need to attain jobs, housing, health care, voting, and more, we build a society in which every human has an equal opportunity to achieve.


Program Summary

We help people obtain state IDs and all documents required to obtain those IDs, including birth certificates, marriage records, etc. We provide the funds for the documents and IDs, transportation to the DMV, and anything else needed to get an ID in the hands of our clients. 


Impact Statement

To date we have helped more than 1500 people obtain IDs in Virginia, more than 800 of those in Arlington. We have been working consistently in Arlington since 2017 and are deeply committed to the community and our clients. 


What ways can the public get involved?

We always welcome volunteers! All of our volunteers who work in Arlington live in Arlington and always welcome new members of the team. We also accept donations of funds as well as goods for our clients and partners.

If you are interested, email volunteers@spreadthevote.org.


How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

IDs cost an average of $40 each, donations go mainly to IDs and the documents required to obtain IDs (ex. birth certificate costs start at $20 and increase significantly depending on the state). The average ID cost in Virginia is $28.

Photo of Spread the vote volunteers tabling.

Information provided April 2024

Britepaths

EIN: 52-1596259

Mission Statement

Britepaths provides short-term safety-net services to our neighbors in need while empowering them to work toward long-term self-sufficiency. We deliver our services with respect, compassion, and equity, always preserving the dignity and self-esteem of our clients.


Program Summary

Britepaths brings personal finance classes and career building skills to partners in Arlington: Bridges to Independence, ACH Inc., Arlington Agency on Aging, Catholic Charities, ECDC African Community Center, Enterprise Development Group, and Melwood. Clients participate in a series of classes that vary with the needs of each partner and have options for further one-one-one financial empowerment and/or career building services. Arlington residents who have low or middle incomes are welcome to sign up for any of the free services offered through the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC). The FEC assists over 2,000 individuals annually, providing most services virtually which are offered in English, Spanish, and other languages as needed. Services include personal finance workshops, classes, financial coaching and mentoring, small business and tax consulting, tax assistance, and some legal services. Workforce development programs  include workshops, coaching, leadership skills and soft skills training, mentoring, and culinary skills training. The best place for the most recent options is to go directly to the website at https://soco.financialempowermentcenters.org


Impact Statement

Britepaths offers services that actually help improve the lives of families in financial crisis. The services we provide to clients through our Arlington partners, help them to develop tools to organize, understand, and manage their finances. Using these tools, they can start to pay down debt, become banked, and/or start saving.  We also help them with job skills to help them find a job or move a better paying one. Any of these skills can help improve their current situation. We encourage clients to explore our other, more long-term services that have proven effectiveness. For clients who attended classes or workshops, 71% of respondents have improved their financial situation, and for clients who participate in financial mentoring for 6-9 months, 81% improve their situation based on survey score. We serve more than 2,000 clients annually through the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) receiving personal finance and/or workforce development services. We continue to add workforce training and certification classes. 


What ways can the public get involved?

The Financial Empowerment Center uses many volunteers. Anyone with a financial background can be trained to be a financial coach, mentor, or instructor.  Workforce development needs volunteers to mentor clients in their own field to help them learn more about the field and develop a professional network.  We also need volunteers to do practice interviewing and review resumes. We are particularly seeking bilingual volunteers in any language but have a need for Dari and Pashto speakers. We also need office volunteers to help with data entry and calling clients to remind them of scheduled coaching sessions. The best way to find out about volunteering is https://soco.financialempowermentcenters.org/get-involved/ or https://britepaths.org/get-involved/volunteer/   


How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

Donated dollars go to support the staff time, materials needed for classes and workshops, translation services, and other community needs. The services provided at the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) are mostly provided by volunteer financial professionals. Staff coordinate classes, coaching sessions, mentor matches, develop curricula for workshops and classes, data entry, and reporting. Workforce Development staff provide coaching, some classes, curricula develop and use professional volunteers for classes and mentoring. Training classes are taught by professional instructors.  We provide training materials and in the case of culinary skills training, provide a kitchen and food to prepare. We engage in as many partnerships as possible to stretch donated dollars for maximum impact.

Information provided March 2025

Nature Forward

EIN: 53-0233715

Mission Statement

Nature Forward inspires residents of the greater Washington, DC, region to appreciate, understand, and protect their natural environment through outdoor experiences, education, and advocacy.


Program Summary

Nature Forward is the DC region’s longest-serving environmental organization. We have pioneered environmental education, conservation and restoration since 1897. Today, our work benefits people and wildlife across the entire Capital Region. We are deeply committed to conservation and restoration of urban green spaces, with a focus on increasing community-informed programming in underserved neighborhoods; adding green infrastructure to improve climate resilience while involving DMV residents of all ages in community science to monitor and improve water quality and access to nature in the Potomac and Anacostia River watersheds.

Our Arlington presence includes field trips to natural areas such as Four Mile Run Trail and Potomac Overlook Park, as well as co-sponsoring EcoAction Arlington’s candidate forum. We also offer notifications on key environmental legislation up for consideration by the Virginia General Assembly via our Action Alert Network. Sign up here.


Impact Statement

Nature Forward is on the frontlines to protect habitats, restore streams and help the DC metro area become resilient to climate change. We engage, educate and inspire more than 35,515 people annually with GreenKids environmental education programs for 15,500 students and teachers, a nature preschool, summer camps, and natural history explorations and workshops for adults. Our Restoration Team is planting 1,000 native trees and native plant gardens in historically underserved communities throughout the DMV and expanding our popular conservation landscaping programs that help residents convert turf grass to native gardens. We train and empower people to monitor stream water quality, be effective advocates for the environment and restore degraded habitats. An accessible nature trail and nature play space welcome people of all ages and abilities at our 40-acre Woodend Nature Sanctuary. Nature Forward hosts biennial Taking Nature Black and Naturally Latinos conferences to connect and empower diverse conservation leaders in their work on behalf of the environment.


What ways can the public get involved?

The public can get involved in environmental justice or conservation advocacy or participate in any one of a number of programs that empower people of all ages and abilities to enjoy, learn about, and protect nature. You can find out more about our nature field trips, advocacy workshops, water quality monitoring program, nature classes, summer and days off camps, and school programs at www.natureforward.org.


How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

86% of every dollar donated to Nature Forward supports our programs in environmental education, conservation and restoration in the DC metro region.

$100 helps plant trees and habitat gardens in underserved communities that lack tree canopy and green space

$500 supports training for grassroots advocates to protect low-income communities from the negative impacts of climate change

$1,000 delivers free environmental education to an entire grade level of students in Title I public schools

Information provided March 2025