Archives: NonProfit

Columbia Pike Partnership

EIN: 54-1374148

Mission Statement

Our mission is to foster a vibrant, safe, connected, and diverse Columbia Pike community. We exist to be the convening body representing the interests of all those who live, work and visit Columbia Pike. Our vision is of an authentic, exciting, and accessible Columbia Pike community where social, ethnic, and economic diversity is celebrated. We value inclusiveness, connectivity, heritage, and prosperity. We strive to make Columbia Pike a place for all people – one that people of all walks of life can enjoy and/or call home.

Program Summary

Impact Statement

All of our place making events are free to the community and family friendly, providing the opportunity for all of the Pike’s 40,000+ residents to gather and enjoy entertainment in an inclusive environment, and also attracts visitors to the corridor. Our business outreach touches any business on the Pike looking for resources and assistance navigating interactions with the County. Our farmers market brings fresh local food to the community, and was the first to support SNAP benefits in Arlington. Our weekly newsletter reaches over 9,000 recipients, keeping the community informed about events and programs in the corridor, sharing information for both residents and businesses. 

What ways can the public get involved?

Volunteer opportunities, donations to support programs and events.

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

Donations support all of our programs and events to keep those activities free to the public.

A close-up photo of a shade tent at a festival. The tent reads "columbia-pike.org" and has mini flag from around the world hanging from it.

Information provided April 2025

NAMI Northern Virginia

EIN: 51-0241920

Mission Statement

Our mission is to serve Northern Virginia individuals, family members, and friends affected by mental health challenges through awareness, education, support, advocacy, and collaboration with community partners.

Program Summary

NAMI Northern Virginia educates, advocates, and provides support to those impacted by mental health concerns. All our programs are free to the public, and we like to get people, the public, knowledgeable about mental health so that they don’t face a crisis. We don’t focus only on the peers, those living with mental illness. We are also concerned about helping and advocating for the families and loved ones that support them.

Supporting mental health is about more than just connecting to treatment. NAMI Northern Virginia provides the services needed to support wellness in our community, from lending a listening ear to a concerned family member, to working with individuals long-term connecting to resources for legal and housing assistance. Finding support in groups provides those in need a sense of community, a place where they know they are not alone, a place to share their experiences and gain support from others who understand. 

Some of our no cost programs include:

Education

NAMI Northern Virginia’s training and education team work to give best-in-class information on de-escalation, mental health signs and symptoms, and mental wellness – in the home, the workplace, and with loved ones. Our training is trusted to provide honest and open conversations that not only educate but shift perspective around mental health support and community, breaking stigmas associated with mental illness.  These training sessions leave participants feeling empowered to invest in mental wellness and supported on their mental health journey. 

Support Groups

NAMI Northern Virginia holds support groups for people with mental health conditions, and for family members, and loved ones of people with mental health conditions . Led by trained leaders who’ve been there and faced similar experiences, participants gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others.

Classes

Our classes provide information and strategies for taking care of yourself and the person you love, while understanding that you’re not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope. The group setting of NAMI’s SAMSHA evidence-based classes provide mutual support and shared positive impact—experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. Our classes are safe, confidential spaces. Courses provide an opportunity for mutual support and growth. 

Impact Statement

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI provides free advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. NAMI Northern Virginia is a NAMI affiliate serving the over 2.4 million people of Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties, and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church. NAMI’s programs can help you to better understand your or a loved one’s mental health condition. You will learn from connecting with others who have similar experiences. All of our support programs are free, confidential, and peer-led. Simply put, NAMI Northern Virginia is an organization of peers and families. They understand because they’ve been there too.

In 2023, NAMI Northern Virginia provided over 10,000 touchpoints of service to people in the Northern Virginia area. They include individuals living with mental health conditions, their family members and friends, mental health professionals, law enforcement and first responders, and our neighbors.

What ways can the public get involved?

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

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities available

Information provided March 2026

Girls on the Run of NOVA

EIN: 54-2026885

Mission Statement

Girls on the Run of NOVA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing our 3rd-8th grade participants’ social, emotional and physical skills to navigate life’s challenges. Our fun, interactive lessons meet the unique needs of participants of all abilities and backgrounds. We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

Program Summary

Though the name “Girls on the Run” invokes images of girls running around a track, that’s not us – our program is foremost about addressing the social + emotional health of our participants with interactive lessons.

Our youth development programming has two tiers of enrichment: Girls on the Run for 3rd-5th grade girls and Heart & Sole for 6th-8th grade girls. Each age-specific program creates a positive, structured space for participants to learn about themselves, explore new ideas, cultivate empathy, strengthen connections and develop life skills that will help them as they move through adolescence and beyond. The curriculum is rich with themes they can relate to, addressing the whole girl—body, brain, heart, spirit and social connection—and important life skills such as team building, developing a support system, boundary setting, decision making, asking for/ providing help, being a good friend, and more.

This program is accessible to all girls regardless of athletic ability or fitness level and considers the range of ages and varied experiences of the participants. Physical activity includes strength and conditioning appropriate for each age group. Each season culminates with the Girls on the Run 5K, which is the celebratory event that underscores the confidence, competence, connection, character and caring they’ve been developing in the program and gives them a tangible sense of goal-setting and achievement.Girls on the Run of NOVA proudly serves Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William Counties, as well as Alexandria City, Falls Church City, Manassas City and Manassas Park. Since our council’s inception, we have unlocked the power and potential of more than 85,000 participants and made a lasting impact on our community through participant-led service projects. 

Impact Statement

When asked in a recent survey, “what is the most important thing you learned about yourself at Girls on the Run?” our participants responded:

Caregivers of the participants supported these statements:

A 2016 study of GOTR found that the program makes a stronger impact than organized sports and physical education programs in teaching life skills such as managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others, and making intentional decisions. GOTR is also recognized by Harvard University & Wallace Foundation as a top research-based program and only one of three SEL programs with an integral emphasis on equitable and inclusive education.

What ways can the public get involved?

Girls on the Run of NOVA welcomes volunteers from all walks of life and backgrounds!

Becoming a GOTR NOVA Coach

Coaches are truly asset builders for our participants. GOTR NOVA coaches may be of all physical abilities, gender identities, and backgrounds and do not need to be runners. All that is needed to be a GOTR NOVA coach is the desire to invest in the future of our local youth. Coaches must be over the age of 18 years old. The time commitment to be a coach for one 10-week season is approximately 50 hours. This includes around 6-8 hours of training (a mix of in-person and online), 40 hours of coaching (around 4 hours per week), and attendance at GOTR NOVA’s end-of-season 5K celebration for participants. The timing of practices will vary depending on the host site, but typically, practices take place between 2:30-5:30pm.

Junior Coaches support the work of GOTR NOVA coaches and may be between 16-18 years old. Becoming a junior coach is a great opportunity for high school-aged youth to practice being a role model for younger kids and to strengthen their leadership skills. Junior coaches complete approximately 5-6 hours of training and commit to attending at least one practice per week. For a 10-week season, this overall time commitment will range from 20-45 hours.

Substitute Coaches also complete approximately 5-6 hours of training. Time commitment will vary based on the need for substitute coaches and the coach’s availability.

Interested coaches may visit: www.gotrnova.org/coach 

Volunteering at GOTR NOVA Site Visits (Team Adelaide)

Acting as eyes and ears out in the field, our Team Adelaide volunteers visit teams during their practice times. During your time with the team you’ll gather feedback from the coaches on how we can improve the program and better support our teams. You will then submit this feedback in a survey to GOTR NOVA. This is a great opportunity if you would like to see our program in action, but are unable to commit to coaching at this time.

Supporting the End-of-Season 5K Celebration

Our end-of-season 5K provides a tangible sense of accomplishment to participants. To celebrate and make the experience one to remember, there are many opportunities to get involved on a one-time basis. Roles include:

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

Donations to Girls on the Run of NOVA support core costs so that participants who do not have the means to pay a registration fee can still access this positive, structured, afterschool program and build the strength, health, and confidence they need to succeed.

Examples of these expenses include curriculum books, journals for participants, volunteer recruitment, coach training, CPR/first aid training, coach background checks, program shirts and water bottles, 5K shirts, 5K event materials (medals, bibs, etc.), costs associated with establishing new GOTR sites at schools and community centers, and more. These costs all play a critical role in delivering a season and end-of-season event that instill confidence and accomplishment in local girls!

Two girls lift their hands in joy with smiles on their face while finishing the Girls on the Run 5k.

Information provided March 2026

Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia (MGNV)

EIN: 54-1345818

Mission Statement

To promote horticultural volunteerism and community improvement through trained volunteers, by fostering communication, education, and fellowship among those involved in the Arlington/Alexandria Extension Master Gardeners Program and supporting and promoting the program and its volunteer educational activities.

Program Summary

Through Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), Extension Master Gardener volunteers contribute thousands of hours annually to community education programs in Arlington County and the city of Alexandria. We maintain eight demonstration gardens that illustrate the wide variety of plants that grow well in our area as well as overall garden care. We operate plant clinics in farmers’ markets and a public library as well as at special events. We field a wide range of gardening questions through the Extension Master Gardener Help Desk at the Arlington County VCE office. We conduct public workshops in such areas as container gardening, composting, removing invasive plants and insects (such as spotted lanternfly and porcelain berry), and lawn care.  We provide free online classes, including weekly programs with original content focusing on best management gardening practices, sustainable landscaping, and urban agriculture.  We support horticulture therapy and school gardening projects, and we respond to other community needs as they arise.

Impact Statement

What ways can the public get involved?

If you want to be a volunteer educator, love gardening, and want to protect our environment by sharing what you learn with our community, consider becoming an Extension Master Gardener (EMG). Once certified, EMGs teach the community about our best management practices for urban agriculture and sustainable landscaping. EMGs retain their certifications by annually completing 20 volunteer hours and 8 hours of continuing education. For more information about training or becoming an EMG, please contact our Volunteer Training Program Coordinator, Leslie Fillmore, by email at LeslieF7@vt.edu.

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

Donations to MGNV support the following that benefit the public:

A photo of children tending to a garden plot.

Information provided March 2025

Edu-Futuro

EIN: 54-1914671

Mission Statement

The mission of Edu-Futuro is to empower underserved youth and families through mentorship, education, leadership development, parent engagement, individual case management, and workforce development. Our vision is to realize the potential of underserved youth and their families.

Program Summary

Edu-Futuro’s work is focused on breaking the cycle of poverty through the power of education. We serve nearly 5,000 students and parents annually through our range of free, bilingual, Two-Generation programs:

  1. The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP): Our flagship youth-serving program offers a  “Classroom-to-Career” continuum of support that helps students graduate from high school, enroll in college, and achieve professional success. Each year, hundreds of students participate in ELP’s five core initiatives: ELP STEM Robotics clubs and Pre-ELP high school preparation workshops for youth in grades 6-8; ELP-I college readiness and leadership development workshops for students in grades 9-12; ELP-II college access and financial aid guidance for high school seniors; and ELP-III college life guidance and mentorship for students attending local postsecondary institutions.
  2. Parent Empowerment Services (PES): Because family involvement is vital for young people’s success, we offer a range of workshops to help parents and caregivers navigate our local school systems, become more involved in their children’s education, and improve family communication. In addition, our Case Management Services (CMS) provide emergency assistance to any family in need: connecting them to rental support, food distribution, health services, and other aid programs offered by government agencies or local nonprofit organizations.
  3. Workforce Development Services (WDS): To ensure parents can navigate an increasingly virtual employment landscape, we provide practical training and individualized support including computer and smartphone skills, resume and cover letter preparation, and GED certification to earn the equivalent of a high school diploma.
  4. Chronic Absenteeism Prevention (CAP): Our newest initiative, developed in response to the nationwide chronic absenteeism crisis in 2021, works directly with local school systems to conduct intensive outreach to hundreds of chronically absent students — returning youth to their classrooms and reducing dropout rates for some of our region’s most vulnerable populations.

In addition to these program pillars, since 2019 Edu-Futuro has been the proud home of Línea Directa, one of the nation’s longest-running weekly Spanish-language television programs dedicated to public service. For over 35 years, Línea Directa has operated as a crucial link between Latino families and trusted information on public health, education, and a multitude of social service issues. A unique media partnership with NBC4-Washington allows Edu-Futuro to air Línea Directa on Saturday mornings, at 11:00 a.m., on the region’s leading Spanish-language station, Telemundo 44.

Impact Summary

Each year, Edu-Futuro changes the lives of thousands of students and parents across Northern Virginia: In our most recently completed Fiscal Year 2024-2025, we provided a record-breaking 5,366 services to 4,915 unduplicated children, youth, and adults. Some of our most significant recent accomplishments include:

What ways can the public get involved?

Led by our full-time Volunteer Coordinator, each year Edu-Futuro engages over 250 volunteers who provide invaluable support for our programs as workshop co-facilitators, career panelists, and mentors. Volunteers play a central role in guiding program participants along their professional journeys, particularly as mentors for the Emerging Leaders Program. We also use volunteers for one-time opportunities to serve as panelists for career exploration workshops, committee members to review applications and select recipients for college scholarships, and judges for our annual speech and essay competitions. For more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Mariana Balgurevich, at volunteer@edu-futuro.org, or consult our volunteer registration form. 

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

Generous donations made to Edu-Futuro are what allow us to provide our services to nearly 5,000 students and parents each year. It is important to note that about 75% of the funds we receive through grants and contracts each year are earmarked for specific programs, and do not cover critical operating and administrative expenses. Unrestricted funds like those we raise from individual donors help give us the capacity and flexibility we will need to meet our ambitious goal of serving more than 5,400 unduplicated individuals in Fiscal Year 2025-2026 — and to strengthen our organization to face new challenges in the years to come.

More than anything, your support can help change the lives of young people like Eric Pleitez, an Emerging Leaders Program graduate who went on to earn his both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Finance from the George Washington University. Eric recently shared a testimonial with us that can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/MvGkh4PLCMY

Information provided March 2026

Centro de Apoyo Familiar

EIN: 26-0452137

Mission Statement

Transform communities through economic, social and educational empowerment in collaboration with community and faith-based organizations.

Program Summary

The Asset Building Department provides programs that focus on empowering individuals and their families with the knowledge on how to begin, retain, and construct assets. These programs emphasize on the importance of homeownership and the use of sound money management practices to address housing and financial issues to retain housing stability and to plan for long-term financial success and wealth building.

Community transformation Program: CAF partners with community organizations and faith-based organizations that are members of CAF’s Connectors Network to implement the community programs we offer. CAF uses a very successful train the trainer model in which members from the different communities we serve are trained by CAF to become health educators called Promoters. CAF promoters once trained, provide educational workshops to their communities.

Centro de Apoyo Familiar (CAF) brings you comprehensive virtual English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, tailored to fit your learning journey. Take control of your future with our flexible program designed for beginners, intermediates, and advanced learners.

Centro de Apoyo Familiar (CAF) empowers you with our comprehensive Digital Literacy Training Program, offered right within your community at our convenient Community Transformation Hubs. This is a comprehensive training program with 10 training modules and built-in practice exercises to help you apply what you learn.

Impact Statement

Through its services and programs, Centro de Apoyo Familiar reached and impacted over 25,000 low to moderate-income families annually. Specifically through the programs and services listed above.

What ways can the public get involved?

We continue to encourage community involvement through offering meaningful careers, volunteer opportunities, exciting events and through the participation of number of community events where CAF can extremely benefit from.  

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

CAF will use your donation to be applied to a number of the programs that CAF currently offers and that is more appealing to you. CAF also benefits from you donation to support our general operation and to build capacity in many areas of the organizations.

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Information provided March 2024

Arlington Thrive

EIN: 51-0207684

Mission Statement

Thrive provides integrated support to our neighbors in need so they can develop the capacity to be stable, secure, and thrive in their community. 

Program Summary

Early Childhood Program: These initiatives provide critical support to families with infants and young children. We understand that financial security begins with access to reliable and affordable childcare. That’s why we provide access to affordable childcare, which is crucial for parents to provide for their families and pursue educational opportunities.  We also offer resources such as baby boxes filled with essential supplies for infants’ health and safety. Through our Early Childhood Programs, we also provide safe sleep and car seat trainings to equip families with the tools they need to thrive and succeed. 

Community Navigator & Employment Pathways Program: These programs work together to provide tailored guidance that strengthens each client’s path to long‑term stability. Community Navigators offer short‑term case management, financial counseling, and individualized support, while Employment Pathways expands earning potential through industry‑recognized certifications, skills‑building courses, and targeted career coaching. By combining immediate support with mid‑career workforce development, Thrive empowers individuals and families to increase their income, access new opportunities, and build a more secure future.

Community Resilience Program: This program serves as a vital lifeline for individuals and families in Arlington facing severe hardships. We help families overcome immediate financial crises by providing rental, utility, and medical assistance. The Community Resilience Program also provides crucial information and referrals that are accessible to individuals and partner nonprofits.  This program ensures that neighbors in need can quickly connect to the full range of support services available in Arlington, helping them access the right resources at the right time.

Impact Statement

Arlington Thrive provides financial assistance and comprehensive support services that empower families to achieve stability. This includes access to affordable childcare, financial counseling, job training, and one-on-one support to help people set goals, solve problems, and find the resources they need to achieve long-term stability. Leading with a community first approach, Arlington Thrive values meeting our clients, partners, and supporters at various community events, holiday markets, fairs, and other places Arlington neighbors spend time together. By focusing on holistic support, Arlington Thrive aims to break the cycle of poverty and create pathways to prosperity for families in need.

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can get involved in Arlington Thrive’s work in several ways. Thrive is always looking for volunteers! Whether you’re a photographer wanting to gain more experience, a tech guru who can lend a hand, or someone who loves to see the day-to-day impact of Thrive’s work, we would love to have you be a part of Thrive! Another way to get involved is to amplify Arlington Thrive’s messages on social media. By sharing our posts, spreading awareness about our programs and services, and encouraging others to get involved, individuals can help increase Arlington Thrive’s reach and impact. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Visit www.arlingtonthrive.org for more information, sign up for our newsletter, and meet us at the next community event! 

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

Charitable dollars donated to Arlington Thrive are spent on responding nimbly to community needs. These donations ensure that every local family in Arlington can not only call it home but also find a path to stability and prosperity in the community. Your donation goes towards funding urgent rent, utility, and medical needs, as well as providing infant health, safety, and wellness supplies. Additionally, donations support affordable childcare and essential job training programs. By donating to Arlington Thrive, you are directly contributing to the well-being and stability of individuals and families in Arlington, helping them overcome financial crises and build a better future.

Information provided March 2026

VCS Cancer Foundation

EIN: 82-5047980

Mission Statement

A cancer diagnosis affects every part of a person’s life and can bring with it physical, emotional and financial stress. The VCS Cancer Foundation provides supportive services to cancer patients in Northern Virginia. 

Our mission is to reduce cancer patients’ emotional stress and enhance their well-being by providing needed financial assistance and other support so they may focus on their treatment and recovery.

Program Summary

Our Rainy Day Gift program provides financial assistance to Northern Virginia cancer patients who are struggling to pay for their everyday living expenses while in treatment. The goal of this program is to alleviate their financial strain and the emotional stress that accompanies it. We help them pay for non-medical expenses such as rent, utility bills and groceries. Instead of worrying about their mounting expenses, we want them to focus on what’s most important–their health and treatment.

Our Comfort and Companionship program provides support to cancer patients in select infusion centers in Arlington and Fairfax counties. The goal of this program is to brighten what may otherwise be a stressful treatment day. Our volunteers spend time with patients and their caregivers, alleviating their emotional stress and offering hope and encouragement. A warm smile, enthusiastic listening ear and friendly conversation go a long way to raising patients’ spirits. Our volunteers also serve beverages and snacks, providing a connection with patients who delightedly receive them.

Impact Statement

Cancer treatment is expensive; even for those with “good” insurance, co-payments, deductibles, and uncovered expenses can put significant strain on their household’s budget. This can lead to psychological stress for patients at what is already one of the most stressful times of their lives. Through our Rainy Day Gift program, we have helped hundreds of cancer patients pay for their everyday living expenses, providing some stress relief for those feeling overwhelmed. The impact of this program is best illustrated in the words of our Rainy Day Gift recipients:

“I have received the Giant gift cards and I really appreciate it. This gift means I am not alone in this battle with cancer and I am really glad that this gift will help me to provide for my family.”

” Your gift came at a great time and we really needed it. We were able to use it for things we couldn’t afford and pay for necessities. Your Rainy Day fund takes a little pressure off our financial difficulties and gives us peace of mind.”

“Thank you for allowing me to get my cell phone paid. I’m so grateful. This has taken a lot of stress off my mind.”

What ways can the public get involved?

We gratefully welcome monetary donations to support our Rainy Day Gift and Comfort and Companionship programs. 

We have volunteer opportunities with our Comfort and Companionship program. Interested individuals can send an email to: vcsfvolunteer@gmail.com.

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

Donations are primarily used to fund our Rainy Day Gift program, which currently provides each qualified cancer patient with $500 in financial assistance.

A small portion of donations is used to support our Comfort and Companionship program. Funds are used in volunteer screening to pay for criminal background checks in order to ensure the safety of patients interacting with our volunteers. Donations are also used to purchase snacks for patients.

Information provided March 2026

Arlington Boathouse Foundation

EIN: 54-1618550

Mission Statement

The Arlington Boathouse Foundation’s mission is to provide access for Arlington residents to the Potomac River. Community members and students will greatly benefit from the ability to not only see but interact with the river that is a vital part of our county and the surrounding region.

Program Summary

From the beginning the vision has been to provide opportunities for both the rowing and paddling community in Arlington. The county boasts a long history of offering rowing to high school programs as far back as 75 years. For generations this rich history has intermixed with the area’s paddling community to give county residents additional outlets, both recreational and competitive, to the river. To connect with the world around us, the boathouse would offer an outlet for school and community-based educational opportunities. Additionally, by connecting residents and visitors to the Potomac River and its shorelines, the Arlington Community Boathouse will inspire an interest in protecting the river from pollution for all who enjoy access. Finally, early plans for the operation of the facility propose using it to provide access for watershed and river protection organizations. 

Impact Statement

The Arlington Boathouse Foundation is advocating for the new community facility to be an innovative model of environmental sensitivity and sustainability to serve a broad spectrum of resident and visitor users with access to the Potomac River. Not only will non-motorized water sports, such as rowing and paddling, be supported but the boathouse facility will serve as a unique classroom for nature study and stewardship. Envisioned as well are passive exhibits related to the site’s historic and cultural connections, such as the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial and the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. From the upper site near Rosslyn Circle, visitors can enjoy unsurpassed vistas of Georgetown, Foggy Bottom and the upper Potomac River.

What ways can the public get involved?

Here are three ways you can help build the Arlington Community Boathouse: 

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

Charitable dollars are spent to do all things necessary for financing, designing, permitting, constructing, organizing, and operating a boathouse. 

A photo of Washington-Lee Women's crew team practicing on the Potomac river.

Information provided March 2025