budget-size: $1M – $5M

Aspire Afterschool Learning

EIN: 54-1705642

Mission Statement

Aspire’s mission is to expand learning opportunities that help historically underserved students fulfill their potential through afterschool and summer learning programs that support and connect families, schools, and communities. Aspire envisions an Arlington where all children have the support they need from family, school, and community so they can succeed as learners and thrive as healthy and happy individuals. We are the only daily academic afterschool program in Arlington that is offered at no cost to 3rd-8th grade students and their families.

Program Summary

We transform summertime and afterschool into a comprehensive, holistic launchpad preparing students to succeed academically, thrive personally, and build the skills needed for future academic and career success. Our holistic programming includes:

1) Daily Afterschool Program for 150 Arlington students: Aspire provides the ONLY daily, accessible academic afterschool programming for 3rd-8th graders in Arlington that is offered at no cost to families. As one parent shared, “I looked into lots of other programs and they wanted $10 more an hour than I make.” We operate at three locations in South Arlington (Arlington Mill Community Center, Drew Elementary School, and Randolph Elementary School) from 3-6 pm every school day. Programming includes: reading activities; social-emotional lessons; enrichment in STEM, the arts, health, and more; 1:1 homework support/tutoring; and a hot meal. We incorporate experiential and project-based learning activities that are tailored to students’ interests and cultural backgrounds, which can spark curiosity and a love of learning, and we build a supportive environment that prioritizes students’ well-being and mental health. Our programming aligns with the school curriculum and reinforces what students are learning in school while also providing instruction, programming, and personalized support that students do not receive in school. 

2) Six-Week Summer Program for 120+ Arlington students: Our full-day summer learning camp reduces the impacts of the summer learning loss, which makes it difficult for students to catch up to their more affluent peers. The camp operates 7 hours/day for 6 weeks. Activities build upon our afterschool programming and school curriculum, and emphasize problem-solving, collaboration, and social-emotional development. We incorporate hands-on learning projects, educational field trips, and unstructured play. 

3) 1:1 and Group Support for 200+ Parents/Caregivers: Our bilingual Parent Engagement Coordinator (the parent of an Aspire alum) connects families to resources for housing instability, food insecurity, and other challenges and hosts workshops to help parents support their child’s education. She also hosts workshops to help parents support their child’s educational development with topics like building healthy relationships, reading report cards, keeping kids safe online, and more. Through holiday parties, science fairs, and other events, families connect with each other and students show off what they are learning. 

Through longstanding partnerships with schools, affordable housing providers, and nonprofit organizations, we identify participants, recruit volunteers, connect families to resources, and advance shared missions.

Impact Statement

Aspire has a long history of impact in the Arlington community. In 1994, we were founded as Greenbrier Learning Center, a grassroots effort to provide afterschool learning programs for elementary school students. Today, Aspire serves 150 3rd-8th graders who face systemic barriers to educational opportunity – 100% are students of color, 94% come from low-income households, 70% speak a language other than English at home, and 91% entered our program in the fall of 2025 at least one grade level behind in reading (66% are 2+ levels behind).

Recent accomplishments include:

What ways can the public get involved?

Aspire welcomes volunteers who can work directly with our students and help them grow. We have 1:1 weekly volunteer opportunities for volunteers who want to make a high impact and support a student with math, reading, or homework throughout the year.

We also host reading nights for groups to read aloud with our students and see first-hand the impact of your support. Aspire typically holds at least one reading, STEM, or art volunteer night every month. These opportunities are ideal for people who may not be able to commit to weekly volunteering but still want to make an impact. Other opportunities are developed around the schedule of volunteers. During the school year, volunteering can occur between 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM M-F. Learn more at https://www.aspireafterschool.org/volunteer/.

We also have a food pantry for families You can support the pantry by donating the in-demand goods listed on our website at https://www.aspireafterschool.org/food-pantry/.

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

Donations help us to close the educational opportunity gap in South Arlington by providing critical learning support to historically underserved students at no cost to their families.

Specifically, your donation can provide the following for Aspire students:

Information provided March 2026

Phoenix Bikes

EIN: 20-8842260

Mission Statement

Harnessing the power of bikes to help youth build passion, purpose, and a place in the community.

Program Summary

Phoenix Bikes is an Arlington nonprofit that uniquely combines youth education programs with a full service bike shop. We reach 300-400 6th-12th graders annually through our free afterschool and summer programs, including:

Earn-a-Bike: Students participate in hands-on instruction that teaches them to repair bikes, refurbish bikes for community members in need, and fix up a bike to keep for themselves. Through this experience, students grow critical thinking skills, challenge themselves to work hard, and develop a genuine passion for cycling.
Rides & Races: Students learn safe riding and signaling and stay active through weekly Saturday group rides. Overnight trips introduce them to camping, longer-distance riding, and gear. Through our race team, students learn teamwork, discipline, and competitive cycling.
Workforce Development: Students build career skills and valuable business experience through our Advanced Mechanics class and paid internship program. While working in our paid internship program, students will interact with customers, work on bikes, organize and record inventory, become familiar with our retail sales system, and more.

What ways can the public get involved?

You can support Phoenix Bikes by donating bikes or bike parts, attending our community events, volunteering at events or with our youth, or making a donation to ensure that our youth programs remain 100% free. Visit our website to learn more!

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

Your donations provide life-changing experiences, practical skills, and self-confidence to local 6th-12th grade students through bike mechanics classes, riding and racing opportunities, and community outreach programs.

Information provided March 2026

Arlington Montessori House

EIN: 54-1594105

Mission Statement

Arlington Montessori House is a community committed to helping each child and family realize the full benefit of a complete Montessori experience that meets the needs of the whole child.  We recognize that a partnership between home and school is a critical part of the successful development of children.

Program Summary

Arlington Montessori House (AMH) holds an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Certificate of Recognition which indicates we follow Dr. Maria Montessori’s principles and practices in their original integrity and completeness.

The children at AMH spend their days in three charming houses designed to provide a nurturing environment that supports their innate curiosity, growing independence and instinctive social connections.  Our small community encourages deep relationships between school and family as partners working together for the benefit of our children.  Children attend AMH for four or five years, culminating in their Kindergarten year, allowing for the full benefit of our Montessori education.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Arlington, you will find a calm sanctuary for exploration.   Both of our primary classrooms serve up to 28 students of mixed ages. Our toddler classroom serves up to 12 students.  All our classrooms are led by AMI certified teachers.  The houses share a common driveway, a spacious playground and small garden beds which complement our safe and inviting classrooms.

Impact Statement

Arlington Montessori House has been a pillar of the Arlington community for thirty-five years and continues to grow and serve the children and families of the area by providing a high-quality Montessori education.  

Building community at AMH carries over into the greater community in Arlington, most notably in Arlington Public Schools.

In an effort to provide affordable, full-day care to low-income working families, AMH is an approved vendor with the VA Child Care Subsidy Program. AMH dedicates at least 10% of its total enrollment to the subsidy program children.  This approach guarantees that enrollment will reach families at or below 50% of the Area Median Income, and that they will pay no more than 7% of gross household income toward child care/schooling.

What ways can the public get involved?

Due to the generosity of AMH families and the greater community over the years, AMH continues to thrive and grow. Any donation is greatly appreciated.

Parent volunteering is a key part of AMH’s program. The public is welcome to participate in activities like taking care of our gardens, serving on our board of directors, or providing assistance with managing AMH’s operations using any special skills they may have.

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

Donations will help AMH fund its Child Care Subsidy Program, which allows low-income working families to enjoy all the benefits of a high-quality Montessori education.

Photo of the Arlington Montessori House buildings

Information provided October 2025

ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV)

EIN: 54-1302368

Mission Statement

Empowering People with Disabilities to Live Independently. 

The ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV) is a community resource and advocacy center run by and for persons with disabilities. ECNV’s mission is to END dependence by empowering people with disabilities to live independently. We are a cross-disability organization and work with people of all ages who have every type of disability. ECNV’s experience is extensive in peer-lead advocacy and support. We can bring best practices, strategies, success stories, and firsthand experiences to the table related to how peer-led advocacy can effectively empower people with disabilities (PWD) and promote self-advocacy.

Program Summary

ECNV is peer-led by people with disabilities, including staff, volunteers, and the Board of Directors, who have unique perspectives and understandings of living in the world with a disability. 

We offer:

Impact Statement

Our workshops equip participants with practical life skills and navigating daily challenges with greater ease. ECNV mentorship programs establish connections, provide guidance, and encourage personal growth. Collaboration with the community, schools, and our outreach efforts break down societal barriers, promoting understanding and acceptance.

What ways can the public get involved?

Volunteering/mentoring opportunities and donating gently used Durable Medical Equipment to our DME closet. Corporate sponsorships.

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

Donations go to our general operating funds used to continue to provide support and services for people with disabilities.

Photo of the END dependence staff

Information provided March 2026

Goodwin Living Foundation

EIN: 54-1549749

Mission Statement

Through the power of philanthropy, we seek and celebrate generosity to carry out the mission of Goodwin Living, to provide financial security to residents, to enable staff to thrive in their careers, and to support innovation, thus enhancing the lives of older adults and those who care for them.

Program Summary

The Goodwin Living Foundation is proud to serve Goodwin Living residents through confidential financial support. Since we welcomed our first resident in 1967, Goodwin Living has never asked someone to leave because they have exhausted their financial resources through no fault of their own. We are able to keep this commitment to residents and their families, thanks to our Resident Support Fund, which is fully funded by the Foundation.

Goodwin Living excellence begins with employees who feel supported and have opportunities to thrive. Our mission is as much about staff as it is those we serve. Through gifts to the Staff Support Fund, we empower employees to grow professionally and personally, and in turn, they ensure the well-being of every member of our community.

The Goodwin Living Citizenship program offers team members grants to cover the costs of application fees to become a U.S. Citizen.

In addition to our citizenship program, we offer educational support and grants for staff who face unexpected financial hardships.

Donations in support of our Hospice Fund allow us to continue providing compassionate care and comfort when it is needed most. Gifts may be used for alternative therapies that go above and beyond traditional hospice care. Goodwin Hospice aims to approach each person we serve holistically, providing benefits such as massage therapy and end-of-life doula care.

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

Resident Support Fund, Staff Support Fund, Hospice Fund 

Information provided March 2025

Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA)

EIN: 54-0603502

Mission Statement

Improve the lives of animals and people by providing resources, care, and protection.

Program Summary

What We Do

Impact Statement

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) provides animal adoption and community programs to the Northern Virginia and D.C. Metropolitan area, as well as animal rescue, control, and wildlife services within Arlington County. For more than 80 years, AWLA has remained committed to its mission to improve the lives of animals and the people who love them by providing resources, care, and protection.

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

AWLA recognizes the value of a dollar and thoughtfully uses every donation to further the shelter’s mission to improve the lives of animals (and the people who love them). Impartial third-party organizations including Charity Navigator and Guidestar rate AWLA highly for financial health, accountability and transparency with four-stars and a Platinum rating respectively. AWLA’s annual financial statements are available to the public on our website.

Information provided March 2025

Arlington Community Foundation

EIN: 54-1602838

Mission Statement

Arlington Community Foundation (ACF) uses the power of philanthropy and its role as community convener and catalyst to improve the quality of life in Arlington and beyond.

As a grantmaker, convener, and leader of programmatic initiatives, ACF strives to strengthen local nonprofits, encourage better understanding of the needs of Arlingtonians, and address the most critical issues of our time to ensure that our community provides opportunity for everyone.

Program Summary

Personalized Philanthropy – For over 30 years, individuals, families, and businesses have relied on us to make charitable giving easy, flexible, tax-smart, efficient, personal, and deeply rewarding. We’re experts in vetting nonprofits and philanthropic investment strategies, so you don’t have to be.

Economic Mobility – With a unique bird’s eye view of Arlington, ACF serves as a community convener, nonprofit reserve fundholder and grantmaker, and driver of major community initiatives and in-house community impact funds to create economic opportunities and prevent displacement, with a special focus on deeply affordable housing, deeply affordable childcare, and pathways to living wages.

Scholarships – Arlington Community Foundation has a well-established Annual Scholarship Program that, over the last decade, has awarded more than $5 million to Arlington students attending college. Generous individuals, families, companies and organizations fund the scholarships, which have their own unique eligibility criteria.

Impact Statement

Philanthropy Impact: In 2023, with the support of so many community members, we provided over $5 million in grants to nonprofits and community programs. We currently manage over $30 million in assets, with over 200 funds, including 20+ nonprofit agency funds. Behind each fund is an inspiring story of passion and purpose, put into action through philanthropy. Such is the case with one of our newer legacy fundholders, Dimple Dhabalia. Dimple’s two-decade career in humanitarian work is marked by a profound connection between her own story and the lives she touches through her work and legacy fund. Read her story here.

Economic Mobility Impact: Community advocacy based on our 2023 Affordable Childcare Report led the County Board in April 2023 to fund, beginning in FY 24, a new full-time senior level DHS position to support the implementation of the Child Care Action Plan, among other priorities. In June 2023, the findings of our recently-completed deeply affordable housing pilots demonstrated feasible pathways to closing the affordability gap for our lowest income neighbors. Concluding in December 2023, the data and lessons learned from our 18-month guaranteed income pilot, and pilots from around the country, are being used to inform national policy that would create a federal income floor under which no one in our country can fall.

Scholarship Impact: In 2023, ACF awarded more than $700,000 in scholarships to new and renewal students. To celebrate the achievement of these students, ACF hosted a Scholarships Ceremony in June, filled with students, their families, and scholarship donors. During the ceremony, 11 scholarship recipients shared what the scholarship means to them in an inspiring video. You can watch the video here.

What ways can the public get involved?

There are several ways to get involved with the Community Foundation:

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

Unrestricted donations help the Foundation support long-term solutions; respond quickly to emergencies; and meet changing social, arts and cultural, educational, health and human services, or environmental needs in our community.

A collection of Photos showing the following: students at the scholarship ceremony, judge Bill Newman presenting at the Spirit of Community awards, Christian Dorsey speaking on stage with Darrick Hamilton and Nisha Patel, the Arlington's Guarantee pilot evaluation report, and the barcroft apartments.

Information provided March 2024