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

• 1.  Free testing, both in our clinic and in partnership with other groups that serve the at-risk community (i.e. INOVA Cares, Arlington Free Clinic, local churches, NGOs with health fairs.)
• 2.  Free electrocardiograms and echocardiograms
• 3.  Advocacy for affected patients
• 4.  Educational events for the medical community about this neglected disease

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

EIN: 33-3677229

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?

• Enroll Your Children
  Provide your child with the opportunity to develop leadership, civic engagement, and teamwork skills through YDI’s programs. Our leadership camps and afterschool enrichment academies are designed to inspire youth to become confident and proactive civic leaders.
• Partner with Us
  We welcome partnerships with schools, community organizations, and businesses to expand our reach and impact. Whether through hosting events, providing resources, or offering internship opportunities, partnering with YDI helps us create more opportunities for youth to lead.
• Sponsor a Program or Student
  Help support our programs by sponsoring a student or a specific program. Your sponsorship ensures that all youth, regardless of their financial situation, can participate in life-changing civic leadership experiences.
• Volunteer Your Time
  Volunteer with YDI to help deliver programs, mentor students, or assist with events. Your time and expertise can make a real difference in the lives of young people as they develop their leadership skills and learn to engage with their communities.

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:

• $10 is the monthly price of hosting the band’s website.
• $35 is the price for a stand banner with the band’s logo.
• $50 is the price of a new big band arrangement. We try to purchase new charts to support composers and arrangers.
• $100 is the monthly price of our rehearsal space.
• $250 is the average price of repairing a horn.

Information provided March 2026

Free2Talk

EIN: 88-3583665

Mission Statement

Free2Talk is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to supporting the mental health of kids and teens in Virginia (ages 6-19). We believe that accessible and affordable therapy, including speech therapy, is vital for all young people struggling across the Commonwealth. Regardless of family income or insurance coverage, Virginia kids and teens should be able to access mental health and speech therapy treatment. 

Program Summary

Free2Talk connects families, struggling to afford treatment, with a network of mental health and speech therapy providers and specialists, allowing them to access reduced cost treatment for their kids and teens. For qualified patients, our organization will pay up to 80% of treatment costs for up to 16 sessions. 

We work primarily with providers and patients in Arlington, but also across the Commonwealth. Free2Talk was founded in the summer of 2022 by William Mount, a then-10th grade student at Washington-Liberty HS in Arlington, VA. His idea originated from his own personal struggles with mental health and stuttering.

Impact Statement

We have covered 80% of the costs of nearly 500 therapy sessions by collaborating with over a dozen therapy providers and practices across Virginia — with our most served areas being Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County, and the greater Charlottesville area.

Founder William Mount has attended, and spoken to/at various of local expos, elementary schools, foundations and fundraising events to promote the de-stigmatization of speaking about mental health and speech struggles amongst younger people. In addition, Free2Talk has tabled at local events sponsored by organizations like the Center for Youth and Family Advocacy (CYFA).

Free2Talk is also in collaboration with the University of Virginia’s Sheila C. Johnson Center for Clinical Services, and has worked with them for over a year to provide Free2Talk’s services to areas beyond Northern Virginia.

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

Donations to Free2Talk always go directly subsidizing the costs of the mental health/speech therapy sessions of our patients. 

Donations ranging from $100-$250 cover the cost of a typical therapy session for one of our patients. Larger donations are greatly appreciated; 16 sessions for each approved patient leads to an individual cost of ~$2,000. Large donations help us to scale in size, and excess funds allow Free2Talk to expand our network of providers to further address the immense need for therapy in Arlington, and beyond.

Information provided March 2026

Arlington Bridge Builders

EIN: 90-0950744

Mission Statement

Arlington Bridge Builders is an interdenominational network of churches working with each other, individuals, non-profits, businesses, and civic agencies to seek the flourishing of our community.

Program Summary

Our emphasis on Community Service focuses on five impact areas, with key programs in each: 

• 1. Poverty Alleviation: food pantry, rent and utility assistance, job training
• 2. Vulnerable Children: after-school program for at-risk students
• 3. Serving Immigrants: English conversation classes, Citizenship classes, Client services
• 4. Neighboring: Community and cultural festivals, Arlington Turkey Trot
• 5. Spiritual & Mental Health: pastoral and professional counseling 

Impact Statement

• Our food pantry provides food for over 1,000 people each week. Most of the recipients are immigrants living on the social and economic margins, but we are also seeing a significant increase in professionals facing food insecurity for the first time.  
• Our English conversation classes not only help immigrants practice English, they help connect neighbors to one another, providing the broader social relationships that immigrants need to thrive. 
• Our citizenship classes help immigrants prepare for the naturalization exam. Approximately 15 students enroll in each course, with most taking the exam. 
• Our after-school program focuses on students who are not at grade level in math or reading, and are at risk of falling behind for a lifetime. We are not only seeing increased academic proficiency in the students, but also hope and determination to succeed. 
• We coordinate the annual Arlington Turkey Trot, to bring together people from all over Arlington for a fun social event that raises over $250,000 each year, directed not to Arlington Bridge Builders but to local nonprofits serving our most vulnerable neighbors. 

What ways can the public get involved?

• Food pantry: volunteers can donate, pick up and distribute food. We also have a hospitality tent to welcome recipients and encourage conversation. 
• English conversation: volunteers can meet with 1-3 immigrants who want to practice speaking English. 
• Citizenship class: volunteers can help immigrants prepare for the naturalization exam. 
• After-school program: volunteers can help teach English or math, as well as help lead enrichment activities. 
• Arlington Turkey Trot: volunteers are needed to serve as course marshals, hand out water and snacks, help set up and take down equipment. 

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

• $50 provides a backpack and supplies for a needy child$100 provides materials for one child in our after-school program
• $250 helps our food pantry feed a family for one month
• $500 helps provide one month’s rent for a family facing eviction
• $1,000 helps employ a Client Support representative who helps serves vulnerable neighbors and connects them with other resources

Information provided April 2026

Educational Theatre Company

EIN: 52-2081464

Mission Statement

Founded in 1998, Educational Theatre Company’s mission is to unlock the potential of children and adults through immersion in theatre arts. ETC provides process-driven theatre arts programming for students from ages 3 -103. We make artistic expression available to all by fostering growth and learning in our communities.  

All ETC programming highlights our four pillars: Creativity, Confidence, Collaboration, and Community. We eliminate the transportation barrier by bringing our programs to where students already are – at schools, community centers, and senior living homes.

Program Summary

CAMPS AND CLASSES

• Camps: Spring break & summer camps for ages 3-18 in improvisation, playwriting, Shakespeare, musical theatre, etc. 
• After School: Theatre enrichment in schools & community centers for grades K-8.
• Neighborhood Classes: Outdoor classes for PreK-8th in your neighborhood.
• ETC Beginnings for Preschoolers (ETCB): Classes and camps that grow motor skills and encourage sensory, intellectual, & social development.
• ETC-on-Film: Hands-on training and experience for students in 3^rd – 12^th grades to create their own films.
• Creative Age: Lectures, readings, discussion, & devising for ages 55+ including courses for students with dementia.

RESIDENCIES AND WORKSHOPS

• Main Stage: Elementary students develop an original musical or use classroom curriculum to develop a straight play. Students write lines & lyrics, create their own characters, and design & produce the production elements. 
• Shakespeare in the Schools (SIS): Professional actors perform for students, lead workshops & residencies to make Shakespeare accessible. 
• Devising Hope: Using devised theatre techniques to create scenes, monologues, & movement pieces that address homelessness or combat racism, all culminating in a performance for our communities.
• Drama Days: Elementary students enjoy a day of acting, music, visual arts, & creative movement at school during student holidays and conferences.

SCHOOL CURRICULUM-BASED PROGRAMS

• ETC In-School: Theatre workshops to support curriculum and state & national Standards of Learning for grades PreK-12 in the classroom, partnering directly with the classroom teacher. Pre-recorded workshops are also available for grades 6-12, such as Clowning & Stage Combat.
• ETC STEAM: Classes, camps, and residencies using theatre techniques to reinforce Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics.
• ETC ESOL/HILT: Classes with students for whom English is not a first language, supporting language arts objectives like building vocabulary, reading proficiency & public speaking skills through theatre arts.

Impact Statement

Our impact is best expressed by this (abbreviated) statement from a teacher:

My name is Megan Chaney, and I teach at Drew Elementary in the Community Peer Program pre-k class. My classroom is a mixed ability class, with half of my students having a disability. Some of my students are on the Autism spectrum, some are non-verbal…My students and I were lucky to have Ms. Katie McCreary come to our room once a week for two months. While she was leading instruction, I saw students come out of their shells and join in the imaginative learning. Ms. Katie provided meaningful lessons that both allowed students a creative outlet and supported learning in the classroom.

When Ms. Katie was not in the classroom, the things she taught our students continued to be accessible to them. There was a noticeable increase in creativity among the students in their play, and perhaps most excitingly to me, in their problem solving. Where students would sometimes previously get frustrated, they now could turn situations into a chance to get creative….I was so pleased with the growth my students showed in those two months with the guidance of Ms. Katie and the ETC program.

What ways can the public get involved?

ETC is always seeking volunteers as board members (board members meet quarterly for committees and full board meetings and are encouraged to volunteer at various points throughout the year).  We are also open to volunteers who can help organize and maintain our storage unit, sort t-shirts, and make deliveries during the camp season to camp locations throughout Arlington.

We are regularly in need of pro bono legal support (though often only once a year to check language on documents, etc.).

ETC performances are free and open to the public, and we encourage audience members from the community to join us, talk about what you’ve seen, and spread the word about ETC!  Joining our newsletter via our website is the best way to stay up-to-date on all things ETC.

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

• $100 Provides a scholarship for a student over the age of 55 to participate in an online multi-week session of Creative Age
• $500 Brings four actors into a school for a performance and workshops with Shakespeare in the Schools
• $5000 Provides a full quarter of weekly PreK in-school programming to six classrooms
• $10,000 pays for an entire session of Devising Hope: The Stories that Bind Us, presenting personal stories of racism shared by participants as a means of disrupting racism in our communities

Information provided March 2026

He She Ze and We

EIN: 37-1964125

Mission Statement

He She Ze and We (HSZ&W) supports transgender and nonbinary people of all ages and empowers their families and allies to create the life-saving, inclusive environments we all deserve.

Education, Support, Advocacy, and Community are at the core of our work.

Program Summary

He She Ze and We is based out of Richmond and is deepening our work statewide across Virginia. HSZ&W offers virtual and in-person options for learning, sharing resources, and strengthening our community. 

In Northern Virginia, He She Ze and We provides a monthly in-person educational support meeting in Arlington. This meeting also offers a youth hangout social space for ages 5-13. 

Ally & Community Education is a fee-based professional training program tailored to the needs and goals of businesses, schools, agencies, and community groups looking to learn more about gender diversity and how to create or expand inclusive practices.

The HSZ&W Trans Wellness Fund supports access to gender-affirming care across Virginia. This fund has a quarterly application and distribution process to reduce or eliminate financial, practical, and support barriers to GAC for Virginians, as well as transgender and nonbinary people living in banned states who are traveling to Virginia for their care. We are accepting donations year round to sustain this grant. For more information, please visit https://heshezewe.org/twf. 

Our Family Connections program serves families with school-age gender-expansive children. This crucial program provides a break from the challenges our youth face at school or in their communities and offers a safe, inclusive environment where families, including parents and siblings, gather to connect and have fun together.

HSZ&W’s Trans Adult Social Club (TASC) has started in the Richmond area. This program is for trans and nonbinary adults looking to make meaningful connections, share resources, and have fun in a free and sober space to build community. HSZ&W is looking for collaborative partners to be able to bring TASC to Northern VA in the future, if desired and needed.

Impact Statement

He She Ze and We works to improve the lives of transgender and nonbinary people of all ages by supporting them directly as well as educating and supporting families, allies, and community members to create inclusive, affirming environments. Through personalized support services for families and trans & nonbinary adults, we meet people where they are and help them with the resources and education needed for lasting acceptance and belonging.

Family and community support is the #1 protective factor when it comes to keeping our loved ones safe from self-harm and suicide. Just one supportive adult can reduce the risk of suicide by nearly 50%. Imagine the impact when entire families are informed, accepting, and affirming – this is the transformative work of He She Ze and We.

In 14 years of grassroots work, HSZ&W has helped thousands of transgender and nonbinary people. Our organization is continuing to build a strong allied community with our education, support, and advocacy efforts to ensure they can live their lives fully and authentically in Virginia.

What ways can the public get involved?

Donate to help us increase our capacity to be a sustainable organization: https://heshezewe.org/donate/

Contribute to HSZ&W Trans Wellness Fund, which supports access to gender-affirming care across Virginia: https://heshezewe.org/twf 

Bring our Ally & Community Education Program to your workplace or community:

Fill out this form – https://heshezewe.org/forms-education 

Volunteer to help us spread awareness about He She Ze and We and expand our reach: https://heshezewe.org/forms-volunteer 

Consider being a fiscal sponsor for one of our annual events: Fundraiser & Dance Party and/or Back to School Youth Empowerment Event:

https://heshezewe.org/events/

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

• $2,000 Supports 20 personal consultations – with a parent or trans adult needing resources or guidance for next steps
• $1,000 Supports training with a school or business – to learn how to support their trans students, teachers or staff
• $500 Supports a guest speaker night – so that trans folks and their families feel hopeful through the experiences of “possibility models”
• $350 Supports Family Connections for one month – where families with gender-diverse school-age kids gather to socialize and find community
• $250 Supports a Pridefest – where HSZ&W has the opportunity to connect with community members across the state
• $100 Supports HSZ&W staff showing up – to spread awareness and advocate for Trans Rights
• $50 Supports educational programming – that helps a parent decide to use their child’s new pronouns
• $25 Supports a new book joining our lending library – a collection of Trans-related literature available to borrow at any time
• $10 Supports our Community Care Project – a collection of positive, uplifting messages printed onto pocket-sized cards for both youth and adults

Information provided March 2026

Arm & Arm Inc.

EIN: 47-4617475

Mission Statement

The Arm & Arm Mission is to change the paradigm of how the transition process is addressed. Using our empathetic-based approach, we empower individuals during critical transition periods with tools that enable them to make rational evaluations of themselves and their situations.

Program Summary

Arm & Arm is redefining mental health and recovery by utilizing cutting-edge Cognitive and Somatic Recovery Techniques—proven methods that help individuals  process trauma, regulate emotions, and develop self-sustaining coping strategies. Unlike traditional clinical programs, our model is peer-driven, allowing individuals  with shared life experiences to mentor and guide others through their recovery. 

Impact Statement

Arm & Arm is redefining mental health and recovery support by utilizing cutting-edge Cognitive and Somatic Recovery Techniques—proven methods that help individuals  process trauma, regulate emotions, and develop self-sustaining coping strategies. Unlike traditional clinical programs, our model is  peer-driven, allowing individuals  with shared life experiences to mentor and guide others through their recovery. By providing peer-to-peer mentoring (a system of accountability) and educating the community on the signs and possible interventions to substance use and de-escalation strategies prior to police involvement, Arm & Arm is normalizing prevention as a lifestyle for our targeted population and their families.

What ways can the public get involved?

Arm & Arm is always looking for empathetic volunteers willing to help those in the community living with stigma. Anyone who is willing to donate their time and/or money to assist our efforts in building whole & healthy communities are always welcome.

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

To provide support for training, community outreach services and support.

Information provided March 2025

Arlington Concert Band Association

EIN: 45-5529489

Mission

Arlington Concert Band (ACB), a program of Arlington Community Learning in Arlington, Virginia, is a wind ensemble made up of more than 70 professional music educators and dedicated, talented amateur musicians. We perform regularly throughout the community and play an assortment of music including marches, show tunes, and classical arrangements. ACB’s mission focuses on:

• Bringing a mix of family friendly, professional music to the community for all to enjoy.
• Providing an outlet for members of the Arlington community to make playing music a lifelong activity

Program Summary

We perform regularly throughout the community and play an assortment of music including marches, show tunes, and classical arrangements. We provide free concerts and feature student soloists in some of our concerts.

Impact Statement

We bring a mix of family friendly, professional music to the community for all to enjoy. We provide an outlet for members of the Arlington community to make playing music a lifelong activity.

What ways can the public get involved?

We encourage all Arlingtonians to attend our free concerts and enjoy concert band music at its finest. Adult musicians can also contact the band to see if there is an opening in the band for new musicians.

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

Charitable funds are spent on purchasing new music, concert marketing and promotions, and concert recordings. 

Information provided March 2026