organization-leadership: Women-led

Guardian Hands

EIN: 92-1655080

Mission Statement

Guardian Hands empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve greater independence, community inclusion, and workforce readiness through person-centered support, community engagement, and real-world skill development. We are committed to helping individuals build confidence, develop meaningful relationships, and pursue opportunities that enhance their quality of life throughout Northern Virginia, including Arlington County, Fairfax County, and the City of Alexandria.

Program Summary

Community Engagement Services
Guardian Hands provides structured community-based activities that help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build social skills, increase independence, and actively participate in community life. Participants engage in recreational, educational, and volunteer activities while developing communication, decision-making, and self-advocacy skills.

Group Day Support
Our non-center-based Group Day Support program offers individualized and small-group instruction designed to promote independent living skills, community integration, and personal growth. Participants receive support in developing daily living skills, social interactions, safety awareness, and community navigation.

Impact Statement

Guardian Hands Inc. helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities overcome barriers to independence, employment, and community participation. Through community-based services and workforce readiness training, participants develop practical life skills, strengthen social connections, increase confidence, and build the tools needed to navigate their communities more independently. Our programs promote inclusion, self-determination, and meaningful opportunities for individuals to reach their personal goals while enhancing their overall quality of life.

What ways can the public get involved?

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

Donations directly support community engagement, workforce readiness training, transportation access, and independent living skill development, helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve greater independence and inclusion in Arlington, Fairfax, and Alexandria.

Information provided June 2026

Solar United Neighbors (SUN)

EIN: 46-2462990

Mission Statement

Solar United Neighbors helps people go solar, join together, and fight for their energy rights.

Program Summary

Education & Support: SUN provides robust national engagement programs designed to educate people about renewable energy free of charge. We provide in-depth explainers about topics like solar 101, electric vehicles, and battery storage. We educated more than 15,000 people in 2024 about solar, renewable technologies, effective advocacy, and more. SUN also operates the nation-wide Solar Help Desk offering information, answers to solar questions, roof review, proposal comparisons, and consumer protection and remediation free of charge. The SUN Solar Help Desk provided support at no cost to more than 37,000 people last year.

Group Purchase Programs: According to the 2020 Residential Energy Consumption Survey, “more than one-fourth of all American households reported experiencing any energy insecurity. About 20% of households reported reducing or forgoing food or medicine to pay energy costs, and 10% of households reported leaving their home at an unhealthy temperature.” SUN brings people together to save money on their solar installations, connect with like-minded individuals, and get guidance from vendor-neutral experts throughout the entire process.These bulk purchase programs result in savings to participants of a 20% average discount. These savings will be increasingly important in the wake of losing the 30% residential tax credit. Our bulk purchasing programs help us identify the most pressing barriers to going solar. We have also rallied our network around broader clean energy issues, helping enact 100% clean energy targets in Virginia and Minnesota, for example.

Low-Income Programs: At SUN, we believe solar is for everyone, regardless of income or location, and we recognize that the energy cost burden is much higher for those in lower-income situations. We have implemented more than 30 income-qualified programs in Virginia and across our 13-state reach. Through these, we have helped more than 400 low-income households go solar and reduced future energy bills by $12.4+ million for low-income homeowners.

Impact Statement

Since 2015, SUN has helped more than 12,500 households go solar, facilitated 104.4 new MW on the grid, reduced future energy bills by $553+ million for homeowners, and supported the creation of 2,442 local jobs nationwide. 

In Virginia, SUN has helped more than 1,340 households go solar, 480 in the Arlington area, reducing Virginian’s future energy bills by over $50+ million and supporting the creation of 240+ local jobs. 

SUN has a long history of serving the Arlington community. Our first Arlington Solar Co-op (group purchasing program) was in 2015 and we have supported the program every year since. Arlington is also where we piloted SUN’s first EV charging co-op that was the first to offer EV chargers with or without solar.

What ways can the public get involved?

SUN provides opportunities for all ages and abilities to volunteer in their own communities as well as on a national scale. Volunteer opportunities include serving on a local community advisory board or selection committee (all of our work is community-led and community-driven), organizing a community education event or community solar co-op, representing SUN at a community event, contacting legislators in support of solar policy, and much more. SUN currently has 253 activated volunteers in the Arlington area.

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

SUN uses donations to support our free, non-partisan, installer-neutral consumer protection solar education and support programs, including our Solar Help Desk, which provides answers to solar questions, roof review, proposal comparisons, and consumer protection and remediation all free of charge. This resource provided support at no cost to more than 37,000 people last year. A donation of $25 provides 26 individuals with free, one-on-one solar support and guidance. Donations can also allow us to provide low-cost solar to low-income communities when we are able to partner with municipalities or states for additional resources.

Information provided July 2026

Real Food for Kids

EIN: 46-3514249

Mission Statement

Real Food for Kids (RFFK) dismantles barriers to nutrition equity through programs that increase access to real, whole foods, build and support healthy choices through nutrition education, and advance policy change to sustain a population of healthy eaters. Our work inside and outside school walls addresses the systemic challenges to nutrition equity that disproportionately impact low-income, multi-ethnic communities. Our successes have resulted from collaborative community engagement, mission-aligned partners, and positive advocacy with a diverse range of stakeholders. 

Program Summary

Real Food for Kids addresses nutrition insecurity by connecting children and families in Arlington with fresh whole foods and building their capacity to make healthy food choices.

Impact Statement

In our FY26…

What ways can the public get involved?

  1. Donate / Collect Donations for Chefs Feeding Families fresh produce distribution to Arlington children and families. 
  2. Train as a SNAP Ambassador and volunteer at our community events. 
  3. Organize a SNAP outreach event at your school/library/community center with us. 
  4. Middle and High School Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) students can compete in the Culinary Challenge (with a teacher sponsor). 
  5. Attend the Annual Culinary Challenge.  
  6. Volunteer at the Annual Culinary Challenge. 
  7. Advocate for healthy school meals and increased healthy food access in Arlington. 
  8. Sign up for our newsletter. 
  9. Follow our social media pages @realfoodforkids. 

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

Donations will directly support our Chefs Feeding Families produce distribution. This program ensures low-income children and families have reliable access to locally grown, fresh produce to support their nutrition security. 

Information Provided June 2026

L’Enfant Education Association French Classes School

EIN: 84-4470879

Mission Statement

Our Purpose and Core Mission is to

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

Donations are used for our scholarship fund and for book purchases for our school library.

Information provided June 2026

Shepherd’s Center

EIN: 46-0997432

Mission Statement

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

Program Summary

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

Impact Statement

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

What ways can the public get involved?

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

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

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

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Information provided March 2026

Arlington Friends of Urban Agriculture (FOUA)

EIN: 84-2182585

Mission Statement

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

Program Summary

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

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

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

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

Impact Statement

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

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

What ways can the public get involved?

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

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

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

Information provided April 2026

Wild Virginia, Inc.

EIN: 54-1841861

Mission Statement

PROTECTING AND CONNECTING VIRGINIA’S WILD PLACES

Program Summary

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

What We Do

Impact Statement

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

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

What ways can the public get involved?

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

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

IMPROVING HABITAT CONNECTIVITY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. First Habitat Connectivity Symposium | $17,000

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

PROTECTING WATER QUALITY

1. Water Quality Monitoring Initiative | $150,000

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

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

2. Science Reporting | $60,000

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

CLEAN WATER ADVOCATES PROGRAMS 

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

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

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

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

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

Information Provided March 2026

Latin American Society of Chagas (LASOCHA)

EIN: 46-4579310

Mission Statement

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

Program Summary

Impact Statement

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

What ways can the public get involved?

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

Donations to support our mission.

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

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

Information Provided March 2026

Brain Injury Services

EIN: 54-1346045

Mission Statement

Empowering those impacted by brain injury

Program Summary

Brain Injury Services (BIS) helps children, adults, and families whose lives have been changed by brain injury build the skills and confidence they need to live their best life.

We work with individuals across Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, and surrounding communities who have sustained acquired or traumatic brain injuries. Our clients range from children and young adults to older adults and veterans.

Core Programs & Services

  1. Case Management & Service Coordination
    • Individualized assessment and goal planning.
    • Connection to medical, vocational, educational, and community resources.
    • Ongoing support to navigate systems and remove barriers to independence.
  2. ADAPT Clubhouse
    • Day program designed to foster social connections, skill-building, and community participation.
    • Peer-to-peer support in a welcoming, recovery-focused environment.
  3. Vocational Services
    • Career exploration, job readiness training, and supported employment.
    • Partnerships with employers and organizations to create accessible work opportunities.
  4. Children & Youth Services
    • Support for students with brain injuries to succeed in school and transition into adulthood.
    • Collaboration with families, educators, and healthcare providers.
  5. Mental Health Support
    • Counseling, peer mentoring, and therapeutic groups to address emotional and psychological needs related to brain injury.
  6. Assistive Technology & Independent Living Skills
    • Training and access to adaptive tools that improve daily functioning.
    • Skill development for independent living, community navigation, and self-advocacy.

Our Approach

Impact Statement

Brain Injury Services empowers individuals with brain injuries to reclaim their independence, re-engage in their communities, and achieve personal and professional goals. Through personalized support, skill-building, and access to resources, our clients gain increased confidence, improved daily functioning, stronger social connections, and greater participation in the workforce—transforming lives and reducing isolation for one of the most underserved populations in our region.

What ways can the public get involved?

1. Provide Financial Support

2. Support Events & Campaigns

3. Give In-Kind Donations

4. Volunteer

5. Become an Advocate

6. Leave a Legacy

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

When you give to Brain Injury Services (BIS), you make it possible for children, adults, and families living with the effects of brain injury to rebuild their lives. Every donor dollar directly supports programs that foster independence, confidence, and community connection.

Your contribution helps fund:

By giving to BIS, you help reduce isolation, open doors to opportunity, and empower survivors of brain injury to thrive. Every dollar is an investment in recovery, dignity, and a brighter future.

Information provided August 2025