budget-size: Less than $1M

Empowering Enrichment

EIN: 81-1552430

Mission Statement

Our mission is to expand access to financial literacy and entrepreneurship education for underserved K-12 students to empower them to build brighter futures.

Program Summary

Empowering Enrichment offers high-impact after-school enrichment programs and summer camps that equip underserved K–12 students in Arlington Public Schools with practical life and career skills often unavailable in traditional classrooms. Our core programs focus on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, leadership and career exploration, helping students build confidence, critical thinking and real-world readiness.

Through engaging, age-appropriate activities, students learn key concepts such as budgeting, saving, investing and business creation, as well as transferrable soft skills like teamwork, public speaking and adaptability. Programs are customized for grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12.

Our goal is to close opportunity gaps by ensuring that students in low-income and underserved communities gain access to the same future-shaping enrichment experiences often available only in better-resourced schools. By making these programs free to partner schools and families, Empowering Enrichment helps level the playing field and prepares students to become financially capable, entrepreneurial and empowered future leaders.

Impact Statement

Empowering Enrichment creates measurable, lasting impact by expanding access to transformative enrichment opportunities for students who are too often excluded from them. Our programs equip underserved K–12 students with practical financial literacy, entrepreneurship knowledge, and critical soft skills—such as communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and confidence—that strengthen both academic and life outcomes.

By exposing students to real-world concepts like budgeting, business creation and career pathways, Empowering Enrichment helps broaden aspirations, unlock potential, and build a stronger sense of future possibility. Students gain not only knowledge, but also the self-belief and decision-making skills needed to navigate school, work, and adulthood more successfully.

Our impact extends beyond individual students: schools and community partners are able to offer high-quality enrichment without added financial strain. In this way, Empowering Enrichment helps close opportunity gaps, while empowering communities to create positive long-term change.

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can support Empowering Enrichment in several meaningful ways. Individuals and organizations can make financial contributions to help fund free programming for underserved students, sponsor a specific school or community-based initiatives, or introduce Empowering Enrichment to potential donors, corporate partners and grantmakers. 

Community members can also volunteer by helping connect Empowering Enrichment with schools, youth-serving organizations, and local leaders who can benefit from our programs. In addition, members of the public can volunteer as facilitators/instructors to be trained, mentors, or advocates who help expand access to our financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs in their communities.

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

Charitable donations directly support the delivery of free educational programs promoting financial literacy and entrepreneurship for underserved students. Funds are used to subsidize program access for low-income schools and families, develop and adapt curriculum materials, train facilitators, provide instructional resources, and support program coordination and outreach.

Empowering Enrichment operates with a lean leadership structure designed to maximize program impact. The Executive Director and Board of Directors serve on a volunteer basis, minimizing administrative overhead to virtually zero (besides IT and banking/accounting/financial reporting expenses) so that the greatest possible share of donated funds goes directly toward student programs and services. Every dollar is stewarded carefully to create meaningful, lasting opportunities for the children and communities we serve.  

Information provided April 2026

Velocity Bicycle Co-op

EIN: 26-3453393

Mission Statement

The mission of Vélocity Bicycle Cooperative is to build a more equitable, sustainable, and healthy community through cycling. We promote equity by enabling greater access to bicycle ownership and maintenance for people of all income levels and cultures. We advance sustainability by recycling bicycles and making cycling more widely available as an alternative to motor vehicle travel. We support the physical and mental health of local residents through the exercise and independence provided by bicycles and through the positive socio-emotional effects of volunteering cooperatively.

Program Summary

Vélocity believes everyone, no matter their income level, should be able to own and maintain a bicycle for healthy exercise and environmentally sustainable travel. At Vélocity’s shops in Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia, customers can purchase refurbished used bicycles, bike parts, and bike repairs at prices below those offered by for-profit bike shops. Vélocity’s professional mechanics guide customers in repairing their own bicycles at DIY nights each week. Vélocity also maintains a warehouse where anyone who is interested can learn to repair bicycles, either in low-cost maintenance classes or for free through the process of repairing donated bicycles with the help of experienced volunteers. Vélocity donates refurbished bicycles to under-resourced adults and children of low-income families, along with locks and helmets. Since Vélocity is a cooperative, volunteers who contribute 10 hours or more a month to Vélocity are entitled to work on their own bikes using Vélocity’s space and resources. They also receive discounts purchasing bicycles, parts, and supplies from Vélocity’s shops. Vélocity helps keep our environment clean by receiving and reusing unwanted bicycles, while recycling unusable components.

Impact Statement

In fiscal year 2025, Vélocity sold 725 used bicycles and over 7,000 new and used bicycle parts at affordable prices. Our mechanics provided nearly 2,200 low-cost repairs to customers’ bicycles and guided customers in repairing their own bicycles at DIY nights more than 200 times. More than 120 local residents spent a total of over 2,100 hours gaining hands-on experience fixing bicycles by volunteering with Vélocity. Volunteers and shop mechanics working together provided free refurbished bicycles, along with new helmets, bicycle locks, and (for adults) bicycle lights to approximately 100 disadvantaged individuals in our area. By providing a free means of transportation, Vélocity empowered underprivileged individuals to improve their lives. By creating a place to belong and contribute, Vélocity offered benefits to all members of our local community.

What ways can the public get involved?

All members of the public are invited to volunteer with Vélocity, refurbishing donated bicycles at our volunteer nights, helping customers repair their own bicycles at our DIY nights, and supporting our mechanics with customer service at our shops during business hours. Visit our Meetup page to sign up – no experience necessary! Vélocity also accepts donations of used bicycles, parts, and gear during business hours at our shops, which are posted on our website. We accept financial donations through Donorbox to help pay for the space we use, new tools for our volunteers, and consumable parts and supplies such as oil, grease, cables, chains, and inner tubes.

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

A photo of the velocity storefront in alexandria. It is a red brick building on the corner of a street. Dozens of bikes are lined up outside.

Information provided May 2026

Shepherd’s Center

EIN: 46-0997432

Mission Statement

We assist our aging community members in maintaining independent and safe lifestyles in their own homes by providing free rides to medical and therapy appointments, and to grocery stores.  As an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are dedicated to serving seniors in need in Northern Virginia.

Program Summary

In the first 11 months of 2025, 31 volunteers who live in Arlington gave rides to seniors to medical appointments and grocery shopping. Forty-one seniors who live in Arlington received rides from Shepherd’s Center volunteers.

Impact Statement

By providing rides at no cost to seniors living in Arlington, the Shepherd’s Center has enabled seniors to age in place in their homes.

What ways can the public get involved?

The Shepherd’s Center is an all-volunteer organization. We rely on volunteers to provide rides to seniors. There is no minimum commitment; volunteers can drive once a week, once a month, or once a year. Volunteers are also needed in support roles, such as screening client applicants and help recruiting volunteers.

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

Our major expenses are hosting volunteer appreciation events several times a year, providing insurance for board members, and paying for taxis in the fewer than 5% of the cases where a client submits a request for a ride and no volunteer selects that ride.

SCMAFC brochure final smaller 500kb (1)Download

Information provided March 2026

Arlington Friends of Urban Agriculture (FOUA)

EIN: 84-2182585

Mission Statement

Build a resilient, community-driven urban agriculture sector that provides a fair, healthy, sustainable food system for all Arlingtonians.

Program Summary

Plot Against Hunger: The Plot Against Hunger program is the only program in Arlington County whose sole mission is to grow fresh produce for Arlington residents in need. Through this program, we support over 100 Arlington gardens and gardeners who donate fresh produce weekly to local food pantries and pantries. Our gleaning program mobilizes volunteers to collect excess farm produce to prevent food waste and fight hunger. In addition to the network of gardens and gleaning, this program includes public education and engagement. Examples include seed and seedling giveaways, Central Library Garden Talks, and a Spring Garden Kick-Off event.

Urban Garden Partnerships: FOUA creates partnerships across public, private, civic, and non-profit communities to transform and enhance urban spaces to produce food. Two notable projects arethe HUG (Highland Urban Garden) project in the Aurora Highlands neighborhood involving several civic organizations, and the Terborgh Urban Garden located in the Donaldson Run neighborhood in collaboration with Northern Virginia Conservation Trust.

Public Policy: FOUA supports public policies that support urban agriculture entrepreneurs, support farmers’ markets, encourage developers to include urban agricultural elements, and institutionalize support of public school programs and curriculum.  

Community Engagement: FOUA raises awareness of urban agriculture through educational, outreach, and social events such as October Urban Agriculture Month events and our annual Golden Radish Award. Our seed and seedling giveaways, Central Library Garden Talks, and a Spring Garden Kick Off provide all kinds of interaction and information sharing. FOUA has engaged hundreds of new and experienced gardeners to volunteer in private and community gardens, gleaning at farms, and packaging and distributing of produce to local food pantries. We receive multiple inquiries each week from school groups, private employer groups, and individuals looking to serve their neighbors in a fun, active, and meaningful way.

Impact Statement

FOUA believes that a resilient, community-driven urban agriculture sector drives improvements in public health, fights hunger and food insecurity, boosts economic health, and addresses environmental challenges, including stormwater management and heat stress. Through our programs, volunteers.

In 2024, our growers and garden teams harvested and donated more than 64,000 pounds of fresh produce (valued at $122,252) to Arlington food banks and pantries! We’re still harvesting and gleaning for 2025.

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can volunteer in our community gardens, grow produce at home for donation, glean at local farms, support our farmers markets, and urban farmers.

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

Your donation helps us provide the vital inputs gardens need to grow each season: seeds and seedlings, soil amendments, tools, and volunteers.

Information provided April 2026

The Arlington Players (TAP)

EIN: 23-7092092

Mission Statement

TAP’s mission is to produce epic and artistically challenging theatre by cultivating an environment of excellence and education for all of our members, volunteers, and audiences in the communities of Arlington County, VA and the greater DC area.

Program Summary

TAP produces at least three shows annually, including two musicals. TAP is welcome to both experienced and first-time theater artists, encouraging learning and collaboration across all ages, backgrounds and skill levels.

Impact Statement

The Arlington Players seeks to foster a community where individuals of all backgrounds can explore, learn, and experience all elements of theatrical arts.

What ways can the public get involved?

Anyone is welcome to audition or volunteer to help backstage, in the shop, or in the box office. Visit our site for audition opportunities, or email steward@thearlingtonplayers.org for volunteer opportunities. Donations are also welcome!

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

Donations go directly to supporting TAP’s mission to provide accessible theater art to the Arlington and DC community. 

Information provided November 2025

Wild Virginia, Inc.

EIN: 54-1841861

Mission Statement

PROTECTING AND CONNECTING VIRGINIA’S WILD PLACES

Program Summary

Wild Virginia holds the state’s government and regulators accountable for improving habitat connectivity and protecting water quality to counter climate change, prevent species extinction, and defend the health of our communities and ecosystems. Through advocating for environmental protections, convening stakeholder groups to amplify impact, and empowering diverse communities to become active in the decision-making process, we connect people with a safer, more inclusive outdoors.

What We Do

Impact Statement

Within Arlington County, Wild Virginia is working to affect decisions by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to prevent the discharge of harmful levels of PFAS “forever chemicals” from Arlington County’s wastewater treatment plant. This will help ensure the state enforces safe water standards in Arlington’s backyard.

Additionally, Wild Virginia is working with Virginia localities to identify and implement safe wildlife crossing and corridor projects across the state. Wildlife crossing projects reduce animal-vehicle collisions and help maintain habitat connectivity in urban environments like Arlington’s.

What ways can the public get involved?

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

Donations to Wild Virginia of any size go directly support our programs. While general support is always needed, specific program needs include:

IMPROVING HABITAT CONNECTIVITY

1. Wildlife-Vehicle Conflict Maps | Phase 1: $10,000 | Phase 2: $50,000

The Virginia Wildlife Corridor Action Plan has identified key corridors where wildlife-vehicle collisions occur, but its reliance on police report data underestimates the issue and focuses on large animals like deer and bears. Wildlife rehabilitation centers in Virginia collect robust data on diverse wildlife brought in due to vehicle collisions, including where animals were struck or found.

Phase one of this project will create the first-ever map of wildlife rehabilitation center data used as a creative and unprecedented way to identify wildlife-vehicle collision hotspots. This will build upon the data currently used by the Commonwealth and create a more accurate picture of where wildlife crossings may be most needed.

The second phase of this project will create a pipeline for rehabilitation center data to be automatically uploaded to a live map. This will provide a low-maintenance and living source of information for use by state agencies, nonprofits, localities, advocates, and more.  This innovative tool will not only guide effective wildlife crossing planning in Virginia but will also serve as a model for identifying collision hotspots nationwide, advancing wildlife conservation and infrastructure improvements across the U.S.

2. New Website for the Virginia Safe Wildlife Corridors Collaborative | $10,000

Wild Virginia co-founded and leads the Virginia Safe Wildlife Corridors Collaborative (VSWCC), a coalition of 40 partner organizations dedicated to advancing wildlife corridor and crossing projects statewide. Our leadership supports coordination on initiatives aligned with Virginia’s Wildlife Corridor Action Plan to build a more connected landscape.

To amplify its impact, VSWCC is redesigning its outdated website to improve functionality and accessibility. The new site will feature clear information on wildlife-vehicle conflict, the collaborative’s mission, and how to join. Enhanced public engagement tools, including links to Wild Virginia’s advocacy efforts and the Virginia Habitat Connectivity Hub, will empower more community involvement and foster greater support for connectivity projects.

3. Locality Support Initiative | Year 1 Total $100,000 | Year 2 Total $125,000

Localities have turned to Wild Virginia for help in how to locate, construct, and fund wildlife crossing projects in their districts. To meet this need, in year one we will provide leadership, coordination, facilitation, and process support to two case study localities; the Afton Gap Crossing Project in central Virginia and the Loudoun Connectivity Initiative in northern Virginia. Documenting the process and lessons learned in year one, we will create resources for other localities (including Arlington) to help streamline their projects, and expand our support through the addition of an Assistant Director who can tailor help be an accessible resource. 

As part of a broader strategy, Wild Virginia will initiate outreach with planning associations, such as the Virginia Association of Counties, and other local government stakeholders across the Commonwealth, to include Arlington. This will build a more informed base and foster future connectivity projects across Virginia. Our goal is to empower localities such as Arlington with the knowledge, relationships, and resources needed to pursue their own connectivity initiatives, while encouraging VDOT to expand wildlife passage efforts and paving the way for comprehensive state-level connectivity legislation.

4. First Habitat Connectivity Symposium | $17,000

Wild Virginia will host the first Habitat Connectivity Symposium in the fall of 2025. The inaugural year of this event will bring together VSWCC partners to learn and discuss high priority topics. It will include presentations and workshops on wildlife crossings and corridor work as well as networking and resource sharing to build collaborations and galvanize progress across Virginia. In successive years we will build upon this event, maturing it each year to include new audiences and expand its reach and impact towards becoming Virginia’s premiere habitat connectivity gathering. 

PROTECTING WATER QUALITY

1. Water Quality Monitoring Initiative | $150,000

Wild Virginia launched a new campaign in 2023 to prevent damage to human and environmental health from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are present in many products and have been detected in the environment, in wildlife, and in humans. PFAS accumulates in bodies, posing serious health threats that persist for many years. By advocating for full enforcement of current state and federal water pollution control regulations, we seek to improve state policies to increase monitoring of PFAS, prevent the discharge of PFAS into the environment, and push the cost of mitigation back upstream to the polluters.

Most of Virginia’s surface waters and pollutant discharges have not been tested for PFAS. Data showing the presence of such contaminants is a powerful tool to galvanize action by state regulators. To fill this gap in information, Wild Virginia will sample waters from across the Commonwealth, with a focus on those in historically disadvantaged and vulnerable communities. In addition to being of use to Wild Virginia, details from these samplings will be shared via a report with the public, nonprofits, and others, for their use in combating PFAS pollution. 

2. Science Reporting | $60,000

Our water quality program uses science and the law, backed by an educated and mobilized public, to influence decision makers and ensure that protections promised by the Clean Water Act are fully and faithfully enforced. We currently have supporting personnel with expertise in law and policy. To match this skill set we seek to add personnel with expertise in the scientific and technical fields, fully rounding out our water quality program. This addition will expand our ability to expose new details about the presence of PFAS in Virginia waterways (to include Arlington County and the Potomac River), increase the impact of our reporting, and help us prevent additional PFAS pollution. 

CLEAN WATER ADVOCATES PROGRAMS 

1. Pop-up Version of Clean Water Advocates for Frontline Communities | $40,000

The Clean Water Advocates is a nine-week skills-based program that equips participants with fundamental knowledge of federal and state water protection laws, regulatory processes, and basic research and advocacy skills used to influence environmental decisions and outcomes. However, the program will not always be practical for individuals and environmental justice communities facing immediate water contamination threats. Time is of the essence when a community has newly mobilized and now must come up to speed on not only the environmental issues but also the government decision-making processes at hand. 

This pop-up will fund the development of a condensed version of the Clean Water Advocates Program for such circumstances. We will partner with the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, Appalachian Voices, and 7 Directions of Service, who have reviewed and praised the existing curriculum, to develop, implement, and distribute this tool to the frontline communities that need it.

2. Sponsor a Clean Water Advocate Student | $2,800 per student | $70,000 whole cohort

The Clean Water Advocates Program is open and accessible to individuals of all backgrounds, with an emphasis on recruiting from historically disadvantaged and vulnerable communities, and/or organizations supporting those communities. In order to continue to provide this program for free to students, we seek sponsorship of each year’s cohort. 

Information Provided March 2026

Latin American Society of Chagas (LASOCHA)

EIN: 46-4579310

Mission Statement

LASOCHA is dedicated to raising awareness of Chagas disease, a potentially deadly parasitic heart disease that is common in the LATAM immigrant community in Northern Virginia.  We provide free screening tests along with free cardiac testing for individuals with this disease, and provide treatment to those who are eligible.  

Program Summary

Impact Statement

We have tested over 3000 individuals, and have seen over 200 in our follow up clinic.  We have published results of our work in medical settings to advocate for similar testing/treatment programs.  We have established major clinical initiatives at several local hospitals that serve the at risk population.

What ways can the public get involved?

Partnering with us to raise awareness and to provide opportunities for testing events.

Donations to support our mission.

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

To supplies for testing, for lab testing that is required during treatment, educational materials for the community.

Information Provided March 2026

Youth Democracy Institute

Fiscally sponsored by Social Good Fund

EIN of fiscal sponsor: 46-1323531

Mission Statement

Our mission is to educate, empower, and equip young people (ages 10-24) with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead civic change in their communities and beyond.

Program Summary

Youth Democracy Institute (YDI) Overview
Founded in 2025 and fiscally sponsored by the Social Good Fund, Youth Democracy Institute is dedicated to developing a pipeline of civic leaders across Arlington County, and the Washington, DC metropolitan region. Our three core programs help young people build leadership, confidence, and teamwork through real-world civic learning experiences. Our programs are non-partisan, hands-on, and grounded in Virginia education standards.

NextGen Leadership Academy (Grades 4–8)
This program offers two formats to engage students in civic learning and leadership development. Our summer and break camps provide an intensive, hands-on experience where students explore civic engagement through mock town halls, student elections, and community-based projects. During the school year, the afterschool enrichment program continues this learning, with weekly sessions focused on leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking. Both formats culminate in a field trip to local civi or historical sites. Our goal is to foster early civic identity and prepare youth for future leadership roles.

Emerging Leaders Academy (Grades 9–12)
The Emerging Leaders Academy equips high school students with skills in advocacy, public speaking, and community organizing. Students work on real-world projects addressing local issues, focusing on peer leadership and public service. The program empowers youth to engage meaningfully in their communities and prepares them for future leadership roles.

YDI Policy Academy (Ages 18–24)
The YDI Policy Academy provides intensive training in policy analysis and community organizing. Fellows participate in research, advocacy campaigns, and grassroots mobilization, while also mentoring younger students in YDI programs. This dual role prepares fellows for leadership in public policy and civic engagement.

Impact Statement

Youth Democracy Institute (YDI) builds the next generation of civic leaders by equipping young people in Arlington County and the greater DC region with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to actively participate in their communities.

Since launching in 2025, YDI has served more than 100 participants through break camps, afterschool programs, and cohort-based leadership academies. Approximately 85% of participants access programming at no cost, reflecting YDI’s commitment to ensuring that high-quality civic learning opportunities remain accessible to all students.

During the 2025–2026 school year, YDI delivered programming in two school-based sites and is actively working with Arlington Public Schools to expand its presence in middle and high schools across the county. Over the course of the year, YDI launched its America 250 civic engagement series, hosted a Cultural Leadership Academy bringing together Black and Jewish students for cross-cultural dialogue and leadership development, and became a community partner site for George Mason University’s Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning Summer Engaged Fellows Program—strengthening program delivery while building a pipeline for future civic leaders.

Through its programs, students develop confidence, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of their role in shaping their communities.

What ways can the public get involved?

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

  1. Program Costs
    Donations help fund our leadership camps, afterschool enrichment programs, and academies, ensuring that they remain either free or low-cost for families. This includes covering materials, field trips, and resources to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences for students.
  2. Scholarships
    Your contribution provides scholarships for students from underserved communities, allowing them to participate in our programs at no cost or a reduced fee, ensuring equal access to leadership development opportunities.
  3. Staff and Volunteer Support
    Donations support the recruitment, training, and compensation of our dedicated staff and volunteers who deliver high-quality mentorship, facilitate programs, and help students thrive in a supportive learning environment.
  4. Operational Expenses
    Contributions also help cover essential operational costs, including facility rentals, technology, and outreach efforts, ensuring that YDI’s programs are sustainable and impactful in the long term.

Your support helps ensure that more youth have access to life-changing opportunities, preparing them to become future leaders and change-makers.

Learn more here.

Information provided March 2026

DC Starlight Orchestra Association

EIN: 99-5109690

Mission Statement

DC Starlight Orchestra Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides music education and performance opportunities. This jazz big band, composed mostly of Federal employees in the Washington DC area, performs charts from the swing era to today at a variety of events, including community music concert series and senior centers. We believe in the power of music to bring people together in order to build community spirit. We want to share the beauty and history of jazz with you. We rehearse bi-weekly on Thursdays at Calvary United Methodist Church, Arlington, VA.

Program Summary

This jazz big band, composed mostly of Federal employees in the Washington DC area, performs charts from the swing era to today at a variety of events, including community music concert series and senior centers. 

Impact Statement

We perform for the community in various Summer concert series and for senior living centers such as Culpepper Garden Apartments (Arlington, VA). 

What ways can the public get involved?

We need donations to play jazz and big band music in the community. Generous contributions help the band cover the following costs:

A photograph of the DC starlight orchestra posting on stage at a live performance.

Information provided March 2026