Archives: NonProfit
The Sycamore School
EIN: 47-4551914
Mission Statement
To provide a dynamic, nurturing and personalized education that inspires a passion for learning, self-discovery and connection to the community.
Program Summary
TSS follows a mastery-based learning model that integrates academic development, social and emotional growth, and civic engagement. We create a meaningful learning process, whereby teachers personalize instruction according to students’ interests, needs, and aptitudes. Teaching focuses on cultivating transferable skills in students that apply to various jobs or tasks across settings, such as effective communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. We don’t give grades or tests; our core learning tools include feedback and reflection. We’re intentionally small, maintaining a 1:6 teacher to student ratio for middle school and 1:7 for high school. We can accommodate students who have a specific learning disability, anxiety, ADHD, high functioning autism, and/or social skills deficits. However, we are not a school specifically for students with learning struggles. We want to attract a cross section of students who reflect the diversity that is present in our larger population. Our target student is curious, wants to learn, and is looking for a more progressive learning environment.
Impact Statement
TSS provides personalized, inquiry-based experiential learning, helping students make connections across content areas and to the real world. Many of our students learn differently and may require a more flexible learning environment that explicitly teaches executive functioning skills and social emotional skills alongside academic skills. Our accommodations are specific to the student and we provide both remediation and acceleration depending on the student and their unique needs. Many of our students are twice exceptional (2E), meaning that they are gifted in one area but struggle in another area. Our students cultivate the skills necessary to be independent life-long learners, such as effective communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, cognitive flexibility, perspective taking, and teamwork. In middle school, our focus is on skill development. In high school, we want our students to apply the skills they’ve learned to new situations, effectively advocate for themselves, and take ownership of their learning. Our students graduate TSS with a mastery-transcript that is similar to a digital portfolio, showcasing their areas of study, strengths, and interests. It includes the skills they have mastered and exemplar pieces of work, such as a capstone project.
What ways can the public get involved?
We partner with other nonprofits, local businesses, and professionals in our community to provide community service, a speaker series, internships, career day, and volunteer opportunities. Fridays are TSS’s community-based learning days, where our students go into the community on field trips and community service outings. Sometimes, the community comes to us. We regularly host guest speakers and have school demonstrations and activities. Individuals can volunteer to be a guest speaker, capstone project mentor, and/or a community partner.
How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?
TSS is a small independent nonprofit school that does not receive any federal or state funding. As such, our revenue comes from tuition and fundraising. We raise funds to offer need-based financial aid and reach underserved students. We are always striving to increase the diversity in our community. We try to keep our tuition affordable to attract a wide range learners. Many of our students are neurodivergent and require small classes and individualized instruction to access the curriculum. Other students have felt unsafe in larger school settings and seek an inclusive safe space to be their authentic selves. We are proud to have a large LGBTQIA+ community at our school, reflected in our students and staff.
Information provided April 2025
Restorative Arlington
EIN: 87-3950513
Mission Statement
We create connection, belonging, and safety for all community members. We:
- Build capacity to implement and use restorative practices by providing knowledge, space, and tools;
- Strengthen our community through practices that build mutual understanding among people;
- Empower people who have been harmed to exercise their voice and choice;
- Promote healing, accountability, repair and restoration;
- Create space for all people to meet their needs with dignity, compassion, and courage
Program Summary
The Heart of Safety Restorative Justice Conferencing Program (HOS) is our primary programmatic offering. Through HOS, we partner with community members to respond to wrongdoing using a people-centered and trauma-responsive approach. The HOS conferencing process enables everyone affected by an incident of harm to understand what happened and why, and to collaboratively determine a path forward. Our HOS facilitators support people who have been harmed as they exercise their voice and determine how best to meet their needs for healing and repair. Likewise, facilitators support people who have been responsible for harm in taking meaningful accountability. HOS takes cases by referral from court system partners, such as the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and community members. Court referrals to HOS are designed to serve as a diversion for youth and transition-age adults, with a focus on ending criminalization of Black, Indigenous and other people of color.
In collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including victim services providers, Restorative Arlington is honored to partner in creating the Restorative Pathways Restorative Justice Program. Over the next two years, this partnership will design a Restorative Justice Option for victims/survivors of intimate partner violence, dating violence, sexual harm, and gender-based violence. Instead of relying on legal system referrals, Restorative Pathways will be directly accessible to community members and integrated into the services provided by our partner organizations. Restorative Pathways will also accept referrals from other local organizations through a community referral process. Restorative Pathways is funded by a pilot program from the US Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women.
We also offer opportunities to learn about and experience restorative justice practices that increase belonging, share experiences, and engage on difficult topics with dignity, compassion and courage. These include community building circles, basic circle training in partnership with George Mason’s Carter School, and resources and events shared in our newsletter.
Impact Statement
Our Heart of Safety Restorative Justice Conferencing Program makes justice, healing, and safety accessible for people and communities who want to choose a supportive, culturally sensitive option to address harm outside of the current court system. The restorative justice conferencing process centers the needs and voices of people who have been harmed and creates opportunities for repair and healing that the legal system simply cannot provide. The process also enables people who have been responsible for harm to understand the impact of their actions and to take responsibility for making amends in ways that honor the needs of the person(s) they harmed. We treat all participants as valued members of the community and have found that as the restorative conferencing process repairs individual relationships, its ripple effects extend to families and the community as a whole. Extensive research reflects what we have experienced: restorative justice conferencing leads to meaningful accountability, more victim satisfaction and greater reductions in recidivism than adversarial court processes.
Evaluations of our community-building circles consistently show that participants experience a strong sense of connection, and that they feel deeply heard. Our circles have also provided safe spaces for brave conversations about issues such as racial justice.
What ways can the public get involved?
- Sign up for our email newsletter to learn about opportunities and resources on our home page: https://www.restorativearlington.org/
- Add your voice to our Community Advisory Team! Nominate yourself or someone else using this form: https://forms.gle/YqKpehYH8jHidS4cA
- Invite your friends, family, and community to be part of the solution by hosting a Salon Fundraiser! This is an exciting opportunity to learn more about Heart of Safety in a small group and invest in creating a better sense of justice, healing, and safety for our community. Email invest@restorativearlington.org
How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?
Your investment shows solidarity and support for our work and our community. Donations support access to justice and safety for community members who choose Restorative Justice Conferencing in lieu of traditional court prosecution, program innovation, and the systemic peace-building work required for a paradigm shift from punishment to healing. For example, $6,000 supports one Heart of Safety Restorative Justice Conferencing case.
In alignment with our commitment to centering community voice, we only accept unrestricted donations. This ensures that we can be responsive to emerging needs of our community partners.
Information provided March 2026
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
- Columbia Pike Blues Festival – family-friendly, free community event
- Columbia Pike Farmers Market – year round farmers market which support SNAP access
- Connect & Collaborate – quarterly education/networking events for the small business community
- Columbia Pike Movie Nights – summer movie series during July & August presenting free, family-friendly movies that reflect our community
- Pike Progress Luncheon – annual luncheon which is a celebration of the economic progress of the Pike over the past few decades as well as a look toward the future growth and development planned in the next few years.
- State of the Pike – annual collaboration with Pike Presidents Group, a presentation by various County departments and divisions to inform the community of the County’s current and future activity that affects the community.
- Paws on the Pike – free pet fair
- Wellness Festival – free wellness event
- Bilingual Business Outreach specialist providing assistance to the business community
- Weekly newsletter reaching 9,000 recipients
- Boletin – quarterly bilingual newsletter sent to small businesses in the corridor with resources and featuring businesses along the Pike
- “Recipes for Recovery” – book published which follows the story of several local restaurants as they journeyed through the pandemic. Includes a list of all independently-owned restaurants along Columbia Pike
- Columbia Pike Lunch Club – monthly gathering at a Pike restaurant, exposing Club members to new cuisine experiences and providing much needed midday business to restaurants
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.

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?
- If you want to support the mission and work of NAMI Northern Virginia, please consider donating.
- If you are interested in volunteering, we have many ways you can be involved.
How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?
- $25 – Provides mental health resource materials to be distributed at community health event.
- $35 – Allows one person to find hope, connection, and community in a support group.
- $75 – Allows one person to hear open and honest mental health stories that dispel misconceptions.
- $300 ($25 p/month) – Allows one family member to learn how to communicate effectively and handle a crisis.
- $600 ($50 p/month) – Allows one peer to learn how to set a vision for their future and improve their communication skills.
- $1000 – Provides refresher training for all support group leaders.
- $1200 ($100 p/month) – Allows a group of people to hear real-life mental health stories that help break stigma.
- $2500 – Allows one group of people to meet in a safe space to discuss challenges and success and foster community.
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:
- “I can do anything.”
- “People can help me get through strong emotions.”
- “That I can be proud of myself.”
- “I can overcome a challenge.”
- “How to cope with my stress and share my opinion.”
- “To trust myself more.”
Caregivers of the participants supported these statements:
- “My daughter was very shy at the beginning of the practices but now she’s empowered, optimistic, active, loves to share and help everyone and I love to see her bloom every day!!”
- “I was very pleased with the lessons. The girls learned to encourage each other. Helped to build each other up instead of down which is so important.”
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:
- Registration
- Medal Station
- Water Station
- Cheer Station
- Celebration Village
- Running Buddy opportunities, where we invite family members and/or trusted friends to run alongside participants.
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!
- $2.50 supports one journal, one given to each participant and used to log their progress and reinforce the lessons learned at practice!
- $10 helps cover the cost of one program t-shirt (bringing a sense of belonging to each participant).
- $30 supports one curriculum book (one needed per 8 girls)
- $50 supports 5K registration fees for parents/caregivers in need of aid.
- $100 fuels one whole team with healthy snacks to keep them going all season.
- $200 provides one girl a scholarship to participate in Girls on the Run for one full season.
- $500 is a transformational gift that helps us establish more sites across NOVA and reach more participants in need of the program.
- $1,000 supports one full season of coach CPR/First Aid training, keeping everyone safe!

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
- Number of hours volunteered: 22,563 and Total dollar value of hours volunteered in 2023: $717, 504.
- We expanded the public education and outreach presence of our social media to Extension Master Gardeners and the public. As of December 5, 2023, the MGNV Facebook page had 12,134 followers (a 28% increase over the December 2022 total of 9,518). The annual “reach” tripled to 2,992,955 in December 2023 (compared with a December 2022 annual reach of 999,241). Our YouTube channel subscribers increased to 4,120 (from 2,392 in 2022), with an average of 150 new subscribers joining every month. The channel now includes 199 recorded public education classes, short educational videos, and nature videos which are viewed an average of 13,700 times per month.
- The National Association of County Agricultural Agents awarded our Extension Master Gardener volunteer outreach programming team first place “Communications Award: Web Site/Online Content.” The submission was declared a State Winner—Virginia.
- The Small Trees Maker Big Canopies program has given away 990 trees. In 2023, we gave away 280 native trees through several tree giveaways in the spring and fall.
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:
- Eight demonstration gardens in Arlington and Alexandria
- Five plant clinics at libraries and farmers’ markets in Arlington and Alexandria
- Help Desk (for in person, phone, and email inquiries)
- MGNV website and social media

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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Edu-Futuro mobilized to become one of the largest providers of direct financial aid to vulnerable families in the region: stabilizing more than 1,840 households and distributing over $2.8 million to date for rent, food, medicine, and other basic necessities.
- Since 2021, the 334 outstanding graduates of our Emerging Leaders Program have collectively secured more than $42 million in life-changing scholarships and financial aid.
- In its first five years, our Chronic Absenteeism Prevention partnerships with Fairfax County and Arlington Public Schools have prevented more than 1,250 students from dropping out, preserving over $26.7 million in public educational investment.
- Last year, our public service television program Línea Directa won two Emmy Awards from the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in the categories of Best Public Affairs Program and Best Societal Concerns Program (Long Form).
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
Centro de Apoyo Familiar (CAF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to transforming communities through economic, social, and educational empowerment in collaboration with community and faith-based organizations. As a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency, CAF provides free educational workshops and a wide range of housing counseling services, including pre-purchase assistance, foreclosure prevention, and rental guidance. Founded in Massachusetts in 2006 and expanded to Maryland, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, CAF’s Community Transformation Model offers comprehensive support through food distribution, environmental health and justice, workforce development, and housing opportunities. Serving over 55,000 low-income and immigrant families each year, CAF is committed to building stronger and more resilient communities.
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 donations.
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.
Information provided June 2026
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

The Sycamore School
Restorative Arlington
Columbia Pike Partnership
NAMI Northern Virginia
Girls on the Run of NOVA
Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia (MGNV)
Edu-Futuro
Centro de Apoyo Familiar
Arlington Thrive