budget-size: Less than $1M

Food Pantry at St. George’s

Mission Statement

The mission of our Food Pantry, Arlington’s longest running, active food pantry: to serve as a vital source of food and fellowship for Arlingtonians who are in great need. Our goals and commitment – to provide equitable access to resources and opportunities needed for EVERY COMMUNITY MEMBER to be healthy, safe, and economically secure.

Program Summary

The Food Pantry at Saint George’s Episcopal Church, the oldest in Arlington, was established in 1989. Our mission is to serve as a vital source of food and fellowship for people in need in the Arlington community. By partnering with parishioners, local organizations, and individuals in the area, we help create a community solution to a community challenge.  It is a fully-volunteer, unpaid Church ministry.

We provide one bag of food items that will last a client for 2 days, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Typical items include bottled water, boxed milk, canned vegetables, canned and microwavable pasta, canned and instant soup, instant oatmeal, applesauce cups, snacks, and fresh fruit.  Basic personal care staples, baby wipes and diapers are also handed out.

Impact Statement

Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, we serve approximately an average of 70 Arlingtonian’s daily.  During the first quarter of 2026, the highest number of guests we served in one day topped 108.  Visiting us each day we are open provides clients’ food to last six days.  

No one is denied food.  Clients are welcome to a wide variety of food offerings.  Baby wipes and diapers are handed out for mothers with infants.

Our number of Food Pantry clients is steadily increasing.  The number of clients served doubled from 2024 to 2025 and the start of 2026 shows a similar trend.

What ways can the public get involved?

We would be most grateful for cash donations that will allow us to replenish our weekly food supplies.  We appreciate food donations that include bottled water, canned and boxed food goods.  We welcome volunteers who can help prepare our bagged items and feed those who come to our Food Pantry.   

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

Information provided March 2026

Project Knitwell

EIN: 27-2316864

Mission Statement

Project Knitwell helps people facing challenges by providing knitting instruction and shared community opportunities that promote wellness and resilience.

Program Summary

Project Knitwell will develop and deliver programs, resources, and research that demonstrate the benefits of knitting as a tool for achieving wellness, comfort, and community.  Project Knitwell has programs that serves people at Virginia Hospital Center and the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, as well as other local medical facilities that serve Arlington residents.  We also have several volunteers that are Arlington residents and we conduct many of our volunteer meetings at the Arlington Central Library.

Impact Statement

Project Knitwell has active programs at 12 sites throughout the Washington, DC area.  Sites include programs for patients and staff at local hospitals, as well as at community sites such as the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Hopelink and N Street Village.  Over 20 volunteers spent approximately 1500 hours annually teaching 1800+ people how to knit.

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can get involved by volunteering to teach knitting onsite, helping Project Knitwell do public events to spread the word, as well as support the organization with other publicity or fundraising activities.

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

Donations to Project Knitwell help provide quality instructional materials for participants, including yarn, needles and reference guides.  Donations also support our volunteer program to recruit, train and retain great volunteers.

Information provided March 2026

Center for Youth and Family Advocacy (CYFA)

EIN: 82-4681676

Mission Statement

CYFA uses collective impact, restorative practices, education, and advocacy to transform system and create sustainable community conditions for children, youth, and families to thrive in safe and healthy communities.  

Program Summary

At CYFA, we work to bring to life the words of Frederick Douglass: “It is easier to build strong children than repair broken men.” Through collective impact, restorative practices, education, and advocacy, we empower youth and families, breaking down barriers and creating sustainable, community-based systems that provide the resources and opportunities necessary for individuals to achieve their goals and realize their potential.

At the core of our mission is the BuildStrong Initiative, a dynamic framework addressing the needs of youth and families at all stages of engagement with community support. This initiative connects programs focused on prevention, early intervention, and systemic transformation, ensuring that lasting change is achieved at both the individual and community level.

Our Integrated Model of Partnership to Achieve Community-Based Transformation (IMPACT) brings together public and private stakeholders to design and implement sustainable, community-driven solutions. One example is the Children & Youth Master Plan in Danville, Virginia, which prioritizes systemic change over isolated interventions. Additionally, our Addressing Root Causes (ARC) Initiative works to tackle systemic inequities, influence public policy, and create frameworks for equitable funding, such as Arlington County’s efforts to build an equitable allocation model for discretionary funding.

Central to CYFA’s work is the Youth Restorative Diversion Initiative (YRDI), which includes transformative programs like Promoting Empathy through Equitable Resolution (PEER) and Youth Peer Court (YPC). YRDI helps to divert youth from entering the juvenile justice system by empowering them to take accountability for their actions in a supportive, restorative environment. Through PEER, youth resolve harm through community-led circles, and YPC provides a peer-driven alternative to the traditional court system. Over the past 18 months, YRDI in Arlington has received 102 referrals from law enforcement, juvenile court, Arlington Public Schools, and the community, with a 100% completion rate.

CYFA also fosters community healing through programs like Relax, Relate, Restore (RRR), which creates safe spaces for dialogue and connection, and Real Experiences Assisting Community Healing (REACH), which trains “credible messengers” within communities to guide at-risk youth toward healing. Through REACH, we have trained 45 gang-connected youth in Danville as peer leaders through the Youth Peer Court Ambassador Academy©, empowering them to lead transformative change in their communities.Through education and advocacy, CYFA addresses legal and systemic obstacles that limit access to opportunity. Our Legal Advocacy Workshops (LAW) have equipped over 100 youth with the tools to protect their rights, including a juvenile expungement initiative in partnership with the Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center. The Guiding Personal Success (GPS) program provides social-emotional learning opportunities to youth connected to Affordable Homes and Communities, with our current cohort of 15 elementary school students receiving bi-monthly afterschool programming focused on promoting mental health, physical well-being, resilience, and positive life choices. Additionally, CYFA’s Campaign to Amplify Racial Equity (CARE) offers community members the chance to deepen their understanding of how racism impacts our systems and daily lives. Through community outreach, educational workshops, and open dialogues, this campaign encourages individuals to actively engage in dismantling systemic racism, fostering a more equitable society for all.

CYFA is committed to creating lasting change through community-driven solutions that empower youth, families, and communities to thrive.

Impact Statement

The Youth Restorative Diversion Initiative (YRDI) is a critical public-private safety initiative that provides young people restorative pathways to avoid formal legal system involvement, and the negative psychological, academic, and health outcomes associated with system involvement, through community-based programming. The YRDI not only helps youth succeed but also improves public safety and enhances the effective and efficient use of public resources.

The more contact a young person has with the juvenile legal system, the higher their risk of negative outcomes. “Pre-arrest diversion,” also known as “deflection,” removes the primary entry point into the legal system by proactively positioning law enforcement officers in a continuum of care focused on connecting young people with community-based resources to address the harms resulting from their actions in lieu of arrest.

Deflection has been found to be more effective at reducing recidivism (or future harmful conduct) than conventional judicial interventions. 

The YRDI is Arlington’s only deflection program for youth, and it is a success. On September 17, 2024, CYFA shared the YRDI’s Year 1 data to the ACB: https://tinyurl.com/bdf5ramu

Additional data can be found on our website at: https://cyfadvocacy.org/arlington-county/

What ways can the public get involved?

Each person’s individual power to lead, lend support, and take action drive real and sustained change in the community, particularly in advancing CYFA’s mission. There are a number of ways you can join our Civic Circle:

  1. Stay informed and connected on the ways to support young people and families thrive through CYFA’s community-based programming.
  2. Financially support CYFA, the Youth Restorative Diversion Initiative (YRDI), and our prevention, intervention, and community-building programs.
  3. Use your voice and influence to raise awareness on the YRDI and its impact on youth and families.
  4. Share your time and talents by volunteering at our events, including the Listen Learn Lead Summit.
  5. Share the opportunity to serve on our Youth Advisory Board with middle and high school students.  
  6. Share the opportunity with high school students to serve as PEER and YPC Ambassadors and administer restorative justice on matters involving local peers. 

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

Your donation to CYFA directly supports transformative programs that empower youth and families. It funds initiatives such as the PEER, YPC, and YPC Ambassador Academy© programs, which provide restorative justice opportunities to help young people take accountability and grow. These programs are designed to equip youth with the skills to implement restorative practices in their daily lives, building leadership and reimagining public safety in their communities. Your support also sustains our Guiding Personal Success programs, which offer youth vital social-emotional learning and personal development, while the Listen Learn Lead Summit empowers middle and high school students to embrace leadership.

Additionally, your contribution helps fund quarterly Teen Timeout programs that focus on youth mental and physical well-being, as well as our Law Day event, which ensures youth have the knowledge to protect their rights. CYFA also fosters community healing through Relax, Relate, Restore (RRR) circles, addressing critical issues and building connections. Your donation supports end-of-summer and back-to-school events, equipping children and families with the tools they need to succeed. These programs promote healthy minds, healthy bodies, and healthy relationships, creating a foundation for young people to thrive. Your generosity drives lasting change and strengthens the resilience of our communities.

Information provided March 2025

The Fenwick Foundation

EIN: 27-4879033

Mission Statement

The Fenwick Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity focused on improving quality of life, health and wellbeing in ways that are not addressed or “below the radar.”  We provide a wide range of therapeutic recreational, cultural and educational outings and activities as well as support programs, including economic support, dental care, and vision care to low-resource and vulnerable adults and older adults, veterans and returning military personnel, people with disabilities, caregivers, and immigrant status adults.  

Program Summary

Enriching Lives — Social, & educational opportunities to attend theater, museums, sporting events, “out-to-eat” group lunches/dinners, zoo visits, parks, river cruises, bowling, movies, etc.  Program addresses mental and physical health needs of  Seniors/Elderly, Veterans, and other special needs individuals living in skilled nursing, assisted living, & group residence facilities to get groups “out-of-the-house” for physical/mental stimulation and activities.  Program encourages more active lifestyle and social interaction.

Dental Care —Project ADAPT provides needed dental care to low-income older adults, immigrant-status low-income adults and people with disabilities not receiving adequate or any dental care.  We provide a full range of  dental procedures/ treatments as well as a dental home for our patients in Northern Virginia.  Far too many do not have financial or logistical access to this basic health care need.  We are determined to change this condition. 

Impact Statement

Enriching Lives has had an impact on those combating mental health and physical health issues.  Our program gets people “out of the house” and into the community to help address the issues of loneliness and isolation.

Our Project ADAPT Dental program has had a major impact on the oral health of those we served.  Pain has been lessened, smiles have been returned, and folks have been able to more easily chew and eat food. Oral health impacts heart and physical health, so our patients have been impacted in these areas as well.

What ways can the public get involved?

Our programs require funding to operate.  Your donations will help us to continue and expand/improve these vital programs.

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

Your donation goes to help fund our programs and keep them running.  Over 90% of donations go directly to fund the organization’s programs.  

Your donations help us to obtain tickets to the activities we sponsor.  And your donations go to directly fund needed dental treatments and procedure for those who otherwise can not afford the cost of dental treatments.

Information provided March 2025

Friends of Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium

EIN: 27-2760025

Mission Statement

Promoting and supporting Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium as an accessible community resource for all people to learn, engage, and be inspired by the wonders of science and the universe.

Program Summary

The Friends raise funds to sponsor college scholarships, provide grants for teacher professional development, and support the licensing and creation of programming for the planetarium.  As part of its ongoing public education mission, the organization also hosts a variety of science themed public events and screenings of full-dome video programs.

Impact Statement

Friends of Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium (FOAP) provides funding to support education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  We have funded more than $96,000 in scholarships to Arlington Public School Students as well as grants to Arlington Public School teachers to attend classes, major educational conferences, and online learning.  The program is administered jointly with APS and has benefited dozens of our teachers and – most importantly – their students. More than 2,000 people attended planetarium shows or science-based presentations during FOAP sponsored weekend events.  We also host dedicated programs for scout troops in the David M. Brown Planetarium once a month during the school year. FOAP has expanded its community outreach through its portable planetarium dome and virtual equipment.  We participate in multiple events at locations throughout Arlington County in our effort to bring the planetarium to the community.    

What ways can the public get involved?

The public is invited to become a member of the Friends.  Members are part of a community of citizens who are concerned about the planetarium facility and science education.  Members receive Advance notification of ticket availability for FOAP public programs, a subscription to the monthly FOAP digital newsletter, and invitations to special members-only events.

The public can volunteer at planetarium shows or other events, including the Arlington County Fair.  

We welcome all donations.  The public can donate to support general programs, the David M. Brown Memorial Scholarship, or the Alice G. B. Monet Teacher Grant Program.

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

100% of donations designated for the David M. Brown Memorial Scholarship are used to fund student scholarships.  100% of donations designated for the Alice G. B. Monet Teach Grant Program are used to fund teacher grants.  Undesignated donations are used to fund student scholarships, teacher grants, planetarium programs, and enhancements to the planetarium facility.

All Board Members of the Friends of Arlington’s David M. Brown planetarium serve as volunteers.

A large rainbow shines over the planetarium during a cloudy sunset.

Information provided March 2026

OutLaw

EIN: 99-2386327

Mission Statement

OutLaw’s mission is to advocate for the rights and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community, engage in meaningful dialogue and activities that promote unity and understanding, and educate the public and our members about pertinent issues. We believe in the power of diversity, the importance of visibility, and the necessity of action in pursuit of equality and justice. Together, we are OutLaw, and we stand strong in our commitment to create a world where everyone can live authentically and love freely.

Program Summary

OutLaw is a dynamic and inclusive LGBTQIA+ nonprofit organization that is dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all individuals. Our programs are designed to promote advocacy, community engagement, education, and outreach within the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond.

  1. Advocacy: We work tirelessly to champion the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community at local, state, and national levels. Our advocacy efforts include policy reform, legal support, and public campaigns to combat discrimination and promote equality.
  2. Community Engagement: We believe in the power of community. Through various events, workshops, and social gatherings, we aim to create a space where individuals can connect, share their experiences, and support each other.
  3. Education: Knowledge is power. We strive to educate the public and our members about the issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community. This includes hosting educational seminars, distributing informational materials, and providing resources for further learning.
  4. Outreach: Our outreach efforts are focused on connecting with the community to spread the word about our gender marker and name change clinics. We understand the importance of these services in the lives of many in the LGBTQIA+ community, and we strive to make them as accessible as possible. We utilize a variety of communication channels, including social media, community events, and partnerships with other organizations to reach those who can benefit from these clinics. Additionally, we offer guidance and support throughout the process, ensuring that individuals are not alone in their journey towards living their most authentic lives.

Impact Statement

Since its inception, OutLaw has made a significant impact in the lives of countless individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community. Our advocacy efforts have led to increased awareness about the rights and needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Our community engagement initiatives have fostered a sense of belonging and support, creating a safe space for individuals to express themselves and connect with others.

Our educational programs have empowered both the LGBTQIA+ community and the general public with knowledge, promoting understanding and acceptance. Most notably, our outreach efforts have made a profound difference. By spreading the word about our gender marker and name change clinics, we have helped many individuals take crucial steps towards living their most authentic lives.

The impact of OutLaw extends beyond these tangible achievements. Every conversation sparked, every mind opened, and every life touched contributes to a more inclusive and accepting world. While there is still much work to be done, we are proud of the progress we have made and are committed to continuing our mission.

What ways can the public get involved?

  1. Participate in Events:
    • Keep an eye out for our events, workshops, and gatherings. Attend these to learn, connect, and contribute.
    • Events may include gender marker and name change clinics,  panel discussions, workshops on LGBTQIA+ rights, and community-building activities.
  2. Volunteer:
    • We rely on volunteers to organize and run our programs. Consider volunteering your time and skills.
    • You could assist with event planning, outreach efforts, or administrative tasks.
  3. Spread Awareness:
    • Use your voice and social media platforms to raise awareness about our mission and initiatives.
    • Share our content, stories, and educational materials to reach a wider audience.
  4. Donate:
    • Nonprofits like ours depend on donations to sustain our work. If you’re able, consider making a financial contribution.
    • Sponsor one of OutLaw’s events or clinics. We are always welcoming new sponsors and donors. Sponsorship opportunities exist for a wide variety of items, events, clinics, and more. Please reach out to OutLaw President, Mack Freilich (he/him/his) outlaw@gmu.edu for more information. We are eager to have your support!
    • Even small donations can make a difference.
  5. Collaborate:
    • If you’re part of another organization or group, explore collaboration opportunities with us.
    • Joint events, partnerships, and shared resources can amplify impact.

Remember that your involvement matters, and together, we contribute to a more inclusive and empowered LGBTQIA+ community!

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

Donations go directly back to the community, mission, and initiatives of OutLaw, including its fundraising efforts, events, clinics, and resources. 

Information provided June 2024

Boolean Girl

EIN: 82-1408294

Mission Statement

The mission of Boolean Girl is to diversify STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) by teaching and inspiring girls, low-income students, and underrepresented youth in grades three to eight through meaningful, hands-on instruction and sustained exposure to computer science and engineering in a collaborative and welcoming environment.

Program Summary

At Boolean Girl, we work to diversify STEM by teaching and inspiring girls, under-represented groups and low-income kids to code, build, invent and animate. Primarily serving the greater Washington, DC, area, we provide girls-only and co-ed classes, summer camps and after school programs, teaching coding and engineering in an inclusive, welcoming environment. 

With separate curriculum for elementary and middle school students, children learn computer science and engineering fundamentals through a series of unique projects, hands-on challenges, and play. Our students learn coding, robotics, AI, engineering, teamwork, and digital citizenship while making new friends and having fun. With a robust curriculum and hands-on projects, we educate and empower the next generation of technologists. In addition, we hire rockstar instructors, many of whom are high school and college students who complete paid internships or workforce development programs and are excellent mentors for our younger students.

With our micro:bit for All program, Boolean Girl provides micro:bit kits to schools and students to teach coding, along with lesson plans integrated into core curriculum such as math and science, as well as supplemental lessons in computer science or specials.

At Clubhouse, students excited to continue learning coding and engineering join small groups in after-school or weekend sessions to develop their own STEM projects, share their learnings, and get inspired to continue their STEM journey. Our curriculum incorporates programming and engineering including robotics, mechanics, and circuits, along with art and creativity.

At week-long Boolean Girl camps, girls learn computer science and engineering fundamentals from our rockstar instructors through a series of unique projects. Younger students begin with Scratch coding, starting with Storytelling in Scratch and progressing through Building Games and AI. Beginning in sixth grade, we teach more advanced coding with Python, in addition to Web Development and Artificial Intelligence. We also offer two types of engineering classes for students in grades five through eight: traditional robotics (things that move), and wearable machines.

Impact Statement

Women make up half of the total U.S. college-educated workforce, but less than one third of the science and engineering workforce. Latinx and African-American women make up less than 3%. Research has shown that a 28 percentage point gap exists between male and female Gen Z members regarding their interest in pursuing careers in engineering or computer/technology fields. Boolean Girl was founded to address this by fostering inclusive, creative, and collaborative environments in which girls can learn and grow confidence in STEM subjects at a pace equal to that of their male peers.

Over ten years ago, we started our journey teaching 49 girls in one elementary school in Arlington, Virginia. We have now reached over 60,000 girls and underrepresented youth throughout the greater Washington, DC area, in addition to online students across the country. 

In 2025, we reached over 10,000 students through Summer Camps, after-school Clubhouses, micro:bit for All, and other online and in-person events. We worked with 75 schools (72% of which were Title 1) to get over 6,000 micro:bit Kits to 5th grade students, training older students as instructors for the younger students. In addition, 45% of our students come from low income households and receive scholarships.

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can help through donations, sponsorships, volunteering at our events, or even teaching. 

Our partners and sponsors help us fund and run our programs through financial support, providing space for events, volunteers, technical support and other resources, and through offering guidance.

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

We run revenue generating summer camps that are open to all youth. This revenue covers our overhead costs which have been less than 10% of our overall costs for 10 years. This means that 100% of your donations go to programs that impact the community. 

Information provided March 2026

Arlington for Justice

EIN: 85-2202716

Mission Statement

Arlington for Justice is a community-driven organization bringing a new era of public safety to our neighborhoods. We center and serve Black people in Arlington, Va. through advocacy, criminal legal system reform, legislation and partnerships to end systemic anti-Black racism. We recognize the many ways that white supremacy affects a wide range of communities, including people with disabilities, immigrants and other people of color and we commit ourselves to systemic change that breaks down barriers for all impacted communities.

What ways can the public get involved?

Volunteer for Court Watch Arlington: email courtwatcharlington@gmail.com

Information provided May 2024

Arlington Historical Society

EIN: 54-0920730

Mission Statement

Our mission is to improve our community by building knowledge of our diverse history.

The Arlington Historical Society, founded in 1956, is a nonprofit educational organization incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Arlington Historical Society conducts research to preserve and disseminate knowledge relating to the history, archaeology, material culture, geography,  and socio-economic development of Arlington County, Virginia.

Program Summary

The society fulfills its mission by providing historic resources for the community, including two historic properties (the Arlington Historical Museum and the Ball-Sellers House) and its artifact collection; original historical research (such as the Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington project) and publications (including an annual scholarly magazine); the discovery, collection, preservation and exhibition of artifacts; and the presentation and dissemination of knowledge on the local history of Arlington County (through both recurring monthly events as well as individual community events), and all of this is free to the public.

Impact Statement

AHS builds community by spreading awareness and appreciation of our shared history. 

Our museums reach life-long residents, newcomers who want to learn about their new community and out of town guests who learn about Arlington’s role in just about every aspect of US history. 

Our current project, Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington involves original research of the enslaved in Arlington, including their names (where available from the historic record), their occupations and place of enslavement. This information is available on our website, and it is made accessible to the public through community events and through “stumbling stones” which are markers that will be placed throughout the community to commerate the lives of the enslaved. We are working with Arlington County Public Schools to produce the stumbling stones and the County to place the stumbling stones. The first 18 of an estimated 2750 have been produced and placed as a pilot program, and more will be regularly produced and placed.

Additionally, AHS is actively involved in community outreach and many people gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of our county’s history through our monthly events, special events at our museums and our involvement with numerous civic and other community events.

What ways can the public get involved?

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

AHS has very little overhead, and virtually all money raised goes directly into our program. Our significant expenditures include operating and maintaining our two historic properties, the oldest extant school building in the county and the oldest extant structure in the county, maintaining our artifact collection, holding our events and educating the public through our digital and physical content.

We have recently completed preservation work on the Arlington Historical Museum, housed in the historic 1891 Hume School. We have updated all the exhibits and transformed space previously used for storage into community space that will be used as a center for history education, presentations, co-curated exhibits that highlight our rich diversity, and for general community use. We are raising money for a part time Museum Director, part time Executive director to expand our reach in the community, as well as raising money for preserving the Ball-Sellers House. We are also raising money for the stumbling stones for the Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington program.

A photo of the Arlington historical society building.

Information provided March 2026