organization-leadership: Women-led

Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia

EIN: 52-1589700

Mission Statement

Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia’s (Habitat DC-NOVA) mission is to reduce poverty and housing instability in the national capital area by creating and preserving decenter, affordable, and energy-efficient homes for Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia residents with low to moderate incomes. 

Program Summary

Habitat DC-NOVA believes that everyone deserves a safe, decent place to live. We work to break down barriers to homeownership and help families create stability and intergenerational wealth through permanent housing. 

Homeownership: Habitat provides unique opportunities for families with low to moderate incomes to buy their first home. We build quality homes and partner with DC & NOVA families to sell them below market value with affordable financing, reduced down payments, and mortgage payments proportional to income. We serve families earning 30-80% of the Area Medium Income (AMI) and who live in Arlington County, Fairfax County, The Cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, and the District of Columbia. 

Home Repair: We partner with seniors with lower incomes and adults with disabilities to help them make critical repairs and accessibility modifications to their homes. By helping families who cannot afford these repairs, we’re helping to make their homes safe, healthy, and supportive of aging in place. With modifications and support, they can continue to live—and thrive- in their own homes and communities. 

Impact Statement

For the last 35 years, Habitat DC-NOVA has partnered with families to help them build stronger foundations for their future. Currently, 1/3 of households in our region pay more than 30% of their monthly income towards housing. With many spending a large portion of their income on housing, they have to make difficult decisions between spending on housing, healthcare, food, and transportation. 

We have built over 300 homes, completed over 235 home repairs, and served almost 2,000 individuals. In 2018, we found that 52% of homeowners pursued higher education, and 92% of children in Habitat homes had graduated high school.  

We have set an ambitious goal to serve 1,000 people by 2030 through our homeownership and home repair program. Active construction is going on in Arlington at Reeves Farmhouse, in DC at 55th Street, and in Fairfax at Fairfax Presbyterian Church.

What ways can the public get involved?

Habitat DC-NOVA brings people with all different backgrounds together to eliminate poverty housing and build community alongside our neighbors needing a decent place to live. We believe everyone can make a difference with their unique skills and talents, and we offer a variety of opportunities to support our affordable housing mission. 

Whether you want to swing a hammer, help bring in donations at the ReStore, hold a fundraiser to support our builds, plan an event to raise awareness of housing needs or advocate for housing policies,  we have an opportunity that will fit your needs. 

Volunteering: We have volunteer opportunities on our construction site, our ReStores, and in our office. Learn more at https://www.habitatdcnova.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Donate home goods, furniture, or construction materials to the ReStore. We have three ReStores (Alexandria and Chantilly) open to the public Monday-Saturday. Shop the store that helps build homes! We accept donations at the store and may be able to pick up larger items at your home. Learn more at https://www.habitatdcnova.org/restore/
Donate your vehicle, motorcycle, or RV to the Habitat for Humanity Cars for Homes program. Your vehicle can help support local families in building strength, stability, and shelter. Learn more at https://www.habitatdcnova.org/support-us/donate-your-car/

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

Habitat DC-NOVA provides decent, affordable homes to families needing a safe place to call home. Each donation is used responsibly to support programs, serve families, and build more equitable and accessible communities in our region. We are currently ranked as a 4-star charity on Charity Navigator, with a 94% ranking. 

With the continually increasing cost of building materials and land, we work hard to build partnerships to reduce these expenses. However, significant costs for materials, site preparation, and other services are still needed to serve families in our area.

Information provided March 2026

Latinas Leading Tomorrow

EIN: 27-5119847

Mission Statement

Our mission is to connect and expose Latinas to opportunities that enrich their future through education, mentoring and leadership development

Program Summary

We are dedicated to empowering Latina middle and high school students through our free programming initiatives. These programs, specifically designed for Latinas leading tomorrow, encompass a range of opportunities. From our CORE (Creating Opportunities to Reach Excellence) program, which lays the groundwork for future success, to our ELITE Leadership Academy, where leadership skills are honed within a supportive team environment, we strive to provide avenues for personal and academic growth. Additionally, our LLT STEMpower Camps serves as a platform for Latinas to excel in these critical fields, equipping them with the skills and confidence to become leaders in STEM and beyond. Through these initiatives, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of Latina leaders to reach their full potential and make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

Impact Statement

Our organization’s efforts have yielded significant outcomes for the population we serve. Latinas Leading Tomorrow has positively impacted a diverse demographic, with 65% coming from low-income backgrounds, 60% being first-generation students, and 50% raised in single-parent households. Remarkably, 90% of our participants have successfully transitioned to college, showcasing the profound effect of our work.

What ways can the public get involved?

Ways the Public Can Get Involved with Latinas Leading Tomorrow

There are many meaningful ways individuals, organizations, and businesses can support the mission of Latinas Leading Tomorrow and help empower the next generation of young women leaders.

Volunteer with Our Programs and Events
Community members can volunteer their time by supporting student workshops, mentoring sessions, STEM activities, or helping at community events such as our Noche de Impacto celebrations, STEM Boot Camps, and college exposure trips.

Become a Speaker or Mentor
Professionals are invited to share their career journeys and expertise with our students through guest speaking opportunities, career panels, and mentorship sessions that inspire young women to explore new possibilities.

Partner with Us
Organizations, universities, and businesses can partner with LLT to create internships, host educational experiences, sponsor programs, or collaborate on initiatives that expand opportunities for our students.

Make a Donation or Provide In-Kind Support
Financial contributions and in-kind donations such as school supplies, technology, transportation support, or event sponsorships help ensure that our programs remain accessible to the students and families we serve.

Host or Support a Fundraiser
Community members can help raise awareness and resources by organizing fundraising events, sponsoring program activities, or participating in events like our Reach for the Stars 5K or Noche de Impacto celebrations.

Together, we can create more opportunities for young women to grow as confident leaders, pursue higher education, and shape the future of our communities.

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

Latinas Leading Tomorrow allocates $0.89 to $1 of each dollar towards programming, directly supporting mission-related activities and services. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Programming Expenses: This part of the budget covers essential activities and services that fulfill the organization’s mission. For instance, it includes expenses for program materials like T-shirts and educational materials, as well as provisions for meals/snacks and transportation for field trips. Additionally, it covers costs for a program coordinator to oversee operations.

Administrative Costs: Administrative expenses pertain to the overall running of the organization and include expenditures like rent for storage space and dues & subscription expenses.

Fundraising Expenses: Funds dedicated to fundraising cover various costs associated with generating additional financial support for the organization’s mission. This encompasses expenses related to events like 5K Run/Walk, marketing and advertising efforts, donor outreach, and engaging a race timer.

Information provided March 2026

Culpepper Garden

EIN: 54-1681671

Mission Statement

Serving Northern Virginia since 1975, Culpepper Garden nonprofit retirement community provides affordable housing and a range of supportive services that enable older adults on very low, fixed incomes to age with independence, dignity, wellness, connection, and peace of mind. This award-winning community provides a vital lifeline for 400 vulnerable seniors per year who in no other instance can afford a home in this costly area or the services that meet their basic needs as they grow older. In many cases, Culpepper Garden is their last, best home.

Program Summary

Owned by the nonprofit Arlington Retirement Housing Corporation, Culpepper Garden provides 346 units of federally subsidized Independent Living. Our services begin with immediate housing stabilization in our well-maintained apartments, but our work does not end there. We are the only affordable retirement community in Arlington that offers a dining plan and provides free transportation to medical appointments and shopping destinations to ensure our residents have food security and access to healthcare services. A full calendar of daily activities fosters social engagement and enriches our residents’ lives. An array of free and low-cost wellness services provided by two dozen community partners help to maintain residents’ physical, dental, visual, and mental health. Through responsible stewardship and a commitment to equity, we strive to ensure older adults with limited resources have a stable home, meaningful support in a vibrant community, and the opportunity to thrive.

This affordable, service-enriched housing model has helped to reduce homelessness among older adults in Arlington County by 15% over the past several years. Culpepper Garden’s services provided in collaboration with our partners’ wellness programs consistently improve health outcomes for our residents, resulting in a 20% decrease in hospital admissions. We remain committed to providing a safety net for Arlington’s most vulnerable older adults and meeting their needs for generations to come.

Impact Statement

Our impact is reflected in the ability of older adults to age in place with stability, dignity, and appropriate support. At Culpepper Garden, residents secure not only affordable housing, but also access to essential services that enable them to maintain independence and quality of life.

While we serve individuals aged 62 and older who meet federal income eligibility requirements, our resident population is significantly older and more vulnerable than these criteria suggest. Sixty-five percent of residents are age 75 or older, and nearly one-third are over age 82, with many living into their 90s and beyond.

Residents live on extremely limited financial resources, with an average annual income of $18,069. The majority rely on Social Security, and many require additional assistance to meet basic needs, including food security. A growing number of residents enter our communities following periods of housing instability or homelessness.

Through stable housing and coordinated support, Culpepper Garden enables older adults with the greatest needs to live safely, maintain independence, and experience improved well-being.

What ways can the public get involved?

Volunteer. Our organization could not do this important work without the dedicated, passionate volunteers who serve Culpepper Garden. Volunteers assist with maintaining our gardens and grounds, assisting with special events, leading resident activities, and more. By volunteering here, you will be joining others in our community who are making a positive difference.

Donate. Almost all of the funding we receive from donors goes toward delivery of affordable service-enriched housing that enhances the lives of at-risk older adults. We are extremely efficient in how we use the money we have.

Collaborate. We regularly seek out opportunities to partner with local organizations and supporters who compliment and advance the impact we are able to make in our community. We’ve been able to sustain our work for more than 50 years because of our lasting partnerships

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

Financial support plays a vital role in sustaining and expanding our mission to provide affordable housing, services, and compassionate support for older adults with limited financial meals. Every contribution directly helps create a safe and supportive living environment while also funding programs that promote health, social connection, and overall well-being.

Through careful and responsible stewardship of every dollar, we ensure that resources are used efficiently and transparently to maximize their impact. 

By investing in this work, donors help empower older adults to live with dignity and purpose—ensuring they have a stable home and the opportunity to truly thrive.

Information provided March 2026

Britepaths

EIN: 52-1596259

Mission Statement

Britepaths provides short-term safety-net services to our neighbors in need while empowering them to work toward long-term self-sufficiency. We deliver our services with respect, compassion, and equity, always preserving the dignity and self-esteem of our clients.

Program Summary

Britepaths brings personal finance classes and career building skills to partners in Arlington: Bridges to Independence, ACH Inc., Arlington Agency on Aging, Catholic Charities, ECDC African Community Center, Enterprise Development Group, and Melwood. Clients participate in a series of classes that vary with the needs of each partner and have options for further one-one-one financial empowerment and/or career building services. Arlington residents who have low or middle incomes are welcome to sign up for any of the free services offered through the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC). The FEC assists over 2,000 individuals annually, providing most services virtually which are offered in English, Spanish, and other languages as needed. Services include personal finance workshops, classes, financial coaching and mentoring, small business and tax consulting, tax assistance, and some legal services. Workforce development programs  include workshops, coaching, leadership skills and soft skills training, mentoring, and culinary skills training. The best place for the most recent options is to go directly to the website at https://soco.financialempowermentcenters.org

Impact Statement

Britepaths offers services that actually help improve the lives of families in financial crisis. The services we provide to clients through our Arlington partners, help them to develop tools to organize, understand, and manage their finances. Using these tools, they can start to pay down debt, become banked, and/or start saving.  We also help them with job skills to help them find a job or move a better paying one. Any of these skills can help improve their current situation. We encourage clients to explore our other, more long-term services that have proven effectiveness. For clients who attended classes or workshops, 71% of respondents have improved their financial situation, and for clients who participate in financial mentoring for 6-9 months, 81% improve their situation based on survey score. We serve more than 2,000 clients annually through the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) receiving personal finance and/or workforce development services. We continue to add workforce training and certification classes. 

What ways can the public get involved?

The Financial Empowerment Center uses many volunteers. Anyone with a financial background can be trained to be a financial coach, mentor, or instructor.  Workforce development needs volunteers to mentor clients in their own field to help them learn more about the field and develop a professional network.  We also need volunteers to do practice interviewing and review resumes. We are particularly seeking bilingual volunteers in any language but have a need for Dari and Pashto speakers. We also need office volunteers to help with data entry and calling clients to remind them of scheduled coaching sessions. The best way to find out about volunteering is https://soco.financialempowermentcenters.org/get-involved/ or https://britepaths.org/get-involved/volunteer/   

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

Donated dollars go to support the staff time, materials needed for classes and workshops, translation services, and other community needs. The services provided at the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) are mostly provided by volunteer financial professionals. Staff coordinate classes, coaching sessions, mentor matches, develop curricula for workshops and classes, data entry, and reporting. Workforce Development staff provide coaching, some classes, curricula develop and use professional volunteers for classes and mentoring. Training classes are taught by professional instructors.  We provide training materials and in the case of culinary skills training, provide a kitchen and food to prepare. We engage in as many partnerships as possible to stretch donated dollars for maximum impact.

Information provided March 2026

Nature Forward

EIN: 53-0233715

Mission Statement

Nature Forward’s mission is to inspire residents of the greater Washington, DC region to appreciate, understand and protect their natural environment through outdoor experiences, education and advocacy. We seek to create a larger and more diverse community of people who treasure the natural world and work to preserve it.

Program Summary

Impact Statement

FY2026 ACCOMPLISHMENTS: OVER 35,000 PEOPLE SERVED

What ways can the public get involved?

Founded and run by volunteers for many years, Nature Forward continues to rely on their help in all areas of our mission. Nature Forward offers a range of volunteer opportunities to fit a variety of schedules, interests and abilities.

For more information about how to become a volunteer, please email Volunteer Coordinator Peihan Orestes at peihan.orestes@natureforward.org. To fill out an application, click here.

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

DONATIONS CAN SUPPORT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

Information provided March 2026

Greater DC Diaper Bank

EIN: 27-4276547

Mission Statement

Greater DC Diaper Bank supports vulnerable families across DC, Maryland, and Virginia by providing diapers and other critical hygiene items, and expanding access to essential services for those who need them most.

Program Summary

In collaboration with our partner network, we execute the following programs:

Impact Statement

Greater DC Diaper Bank (GDCDB) continues to lead the charge as the largest diaper bank in the DC region and one of the largest nationwide. Distributing diapers, formula, baby food, period products, and other hygiene essentials through partners across DC, Maryland, and Virginia, we’re making a powerful impact by reaching families in 375 zip codes.

In 2024, we increased our regional service level from meeting 20% of the diaper need to 23%-a result of both operational improvements and strategic growth-to reach record levels of impact.

This growth was made possible by the addition of eight new community partners located in geographic areas of the highest levels of unmet diaper need. These data-driven programmatic decisions had a ripple effect—expanding our geographic reach, increasing equity in distribution, and deepening relationships across our community.

We distributed 10.2 million diapers, turning a value of over $4.02 million back to local families!

Our programs – The Baby Pantry, The Nursery Project, and The Monthly – provide basic needs items beyond diapers. In 2024, the value of these items provided to families for free was nearly $1 million.

In addition, we served 46,740 babies and 39,800 families, increasing service levels by 11%and 8%, respectively, over 2023. 

What ways can the public get involved?

Give

Volunteer

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

When you give to Greater DC Diaper Bank, your dollars go twice as far, every day. For every $1 donated, we can purchase two diapers through our wholesaler—twice as many as you’d be able to buy at a store.

Your dollars help us purchase hygiene supplies such as diapers and wipes, and support our programs including the Baby Pantry and Nursery Project. Financial support enables us to flexibly respond to the community’s most urgent hygiene needs and leverage our wholesale and corporate relationships for greater purchasing power and to ensure your dollars go as far as possible.

A photo of GDCDB's warehouse, storing stacks and stacks of diapers.

Information provided April 2025

CARE, Inc.

EIN: 54-1807476

Mission Statement

CARE, Inc. mobilizes partnerships and community leadership to connect people with resources, opportunities, and support systems that strengthen families, enrich lives, and build a more inclusive and economically vibrant community.

We foster trust, cultivate collaboration, and deliver impactful programs that advance education, economic empowerment, and community well-being.

Program Summary

CARE, Inc. (Community Association of Resources, Education, Enrichment & Economics) is a community-rooted nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families and advancing underserved communities.

We serve as a trusted connector—bringing together residents, service providers, local businesses, and strategic partners to build a more equitable, resilient, and thriving community. Through collaborative initiatives, including the Green Valley Farmers Market, we expand access to fresh food, economic opportunity, youth development, and supportive services that uplift generations.

Our work is grounded in relationships, driven by community voice, and focused on creating sustainable systems that support health, stability, and long-term prosperity.  

CORE PROGRAM AREAS

🥕 1. Green Valley Farmers Market (Food Access + Economic Development)

🚲 2. Youth Development & Workforce Pipeline (Ages 10–18)

👵🏽 3. Seniors & Aging in Place

COMMUNITY NEED

CARE addresses these gaps through integrated, place-based solutions that meet people where they are.

Impact Statement

We build community-led solutions that strengthen families, reduce inequities, and create sustainable pathways to opportunity.

🎯 Our Focus Areas

Food Access & Economic Opportunity

Green Valley Farmers Market

Youth Development (Ages 5–10) — Early Foundations Program

Youth Development (Ages 10–18)

Aging in Place (NEW 2026 Initiative)

What ways can the public get involved?

🌿 Public Engagement Strategy for CARE, Inc. Programs

🤝 1. Volunteer Pathways (Entry → Leadership)

Create clear, flexible ways for people to get involved immediately:

Entry-Level (Easy On-Ramp)

Ongoing Roles

Leadership Roles

🧒🏽 2. Family & Intergenerational Programming

Bring the whole community together—not just individuals.

🥬 3. Community Events as Engagement Hubs

Use events as entry points into deeper involvement

🗣 4. Community Voice & Co-Design

Let residents help shape the programs

📣 5. Faith & Community Partnerships

Leverage trusted institutions

📱 6. Digital Engagement (Simple + Consistent)

Meet people where they already are:

🎓 7. Skill-Based & Corporate Volunteering

Tap into professional talent:

🧾 8. Public Recognition & Storytelling

People stay involved when they feel valued

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

The majority of funds directly support community programs:

Food Access & Farmers Market

Youth Development (Ages 5–18)

Aging in Place (Senior Support)

CARE, Inc. invests charitable dollars where they matter most—directly into people, programs, and community solutions—while maintaining lean operations and measurable impact.  We work mostly with volunteers and pay stipends for our Interns.

Information provided March 2026

OAR of Arlington, Alexandria and Falls Church

EIN: 54-1024562

Mission Statement

OAR is a community-based nonprofit organization that envisions a safe and thriving community where those impacted by the legal system enjoy equal civil and human rights. Through our Upstream work, we are confronting and dismantling individual racism and racism in the legal system and across all systems. Our Downstream work allows us to be on the journey with individuals of all genders returning from incarceration and their families. We also offer alternative sentencing options (including community service) and diversion programs so people can avoid the trauma of incarceration and instead help the community thrive. 

Program Summary

OAR Upstream:

Racial Justice + Liberation 

We lift the voices of Black, Indigenous, Latinx/e/o/a, Asian, and Mulitcultural (BILAM) people who have experienced racism and other intersecting forms of marginalization and challenge white people (WP) and those who have benefited from personal and systemic racism to become leaders in dismantling injustice and redressing the harm caused by personal racism. Efforts include facilitating multiple intensive virtual learning cohorts for community members and especially those working in law enforcement and the criminal legal system that address liberation and dismantling whiteness. 

OAR Downstream: 

Reentry Services 

We work with individuals at the Arlington County Detention Facility, the Adult Detention Center in the City of Alexandria, the closest Virginia state prison, and other correctional facilities who are preparing to return to the community and who come back to Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church. We also journey with their families before and after release. Our efforts in facilities include pre-release workshops focused on reentry issues, health and wellness, group psychotherapy, and transition planning. After release, we provide direct services (such as housing assistance, clothing, transportation, smartphones, laptops, debt repayment, and ongoing help with rent and other expenses), offer a comprehensive Employment Program, and facilitate an ongoing weekly virtual support group for program participants. OAR also established a pilot, gender-responsive, clinical services initiative providing a range of reentry services specifically tailored for individuals identifying as women/female/femme who are coming home to the community after experiencing incarceration. 

Alternative Sentencing + Diversion 

OAR works with Arlington County and the City of Falls Church Courts to provide alternative sentencing and diversion programs. OAR’s community service program allows individuals to do volunteer work in the community in lieu of jail time and fines, to work off their accrued court costs, and also pay court costs. OAR is implementing a Diversion program in partnership with the Vera Institute and Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney – Arlington County and the City of Falls Church with the goal of reducing recidivism as well as racial disparities amongst individuals sentenced to diversion programs. (by 20% each year) 

Impact Statement

OAR is a Collective, non-dominant, decolonizing, pro-Black, racially just, radically joyful, deeply loving, come as you are, liberated organization that puts participants first. We center authentic and fully engaged relationships with all members of the OAR community. Our goals include partnering with those who have experienced incarceration so they can create a safe reentry for themselves and preventing other individuals from enduring that trauma through alternative sentencing programs. With our upstream social justice work, we hope to spur the type of pro-Black racial justice activism that will help ensure that no one will need our social services and OAR no longer needs to exist 50 years from now. 

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

Information provided March 2026

Rosie Riveters

EIN: 47-4710197

Mission Statement

Rosie Riveters, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, works to close the gaps in today’s workforce by increasing participation in STEM, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills to develop the innovators of tomorrow.

Program Summary

Rosie Riveters offers hands-on STEM programs that foster confidence through productive struggle, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Designed for flexibility, its K-8 projects adapt to various settings—whether a 45-minute classroom lesson or a two-hour group experience—making STEM learning accessible in classrooms, military family programs, and community events. The high school program, Rosie Innovators (9-12), builds on this foundation, deepening STEM engagement and preparing participants for future education and careers.

Impact Statement

Since our inception in 2016, we have had the privilege of serving over 20,000 participants, witnessing remarkable outcomes with 96% of our participants enjoying the program and 89% being inspired to further explore STEM.

What ways can the public get involved?

You can get involved with Rosie Riveters in a few impactful ways! Volunteer your time by helping with quarterly STEM programs, packing STEM kits, or supporting events. If you’d rather contribute financially, donations go a long way in expanding programs and reaching more girls. Businesses and organizations can also partner by sponsoring programs, matching employee donations, or getting teams involved in volunteer activities. Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to our mailing list for updates and event info. However you choose to help, you’ll be making a real difference in inspiring the next generation in STEM https://rosieriveters.org/volunteer/

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

At Rosie Riveters, every charitable dollar goes directly toward providing hands-on STEM experiences for students. Thanks to generous donations, we’ve served over 35,000 participants, giving them the opportunity to build confidence and critical thinking skills through engaging STEM projects. Your support helps fund program materials, STEM kits, educator resources, and expansion efforts to reach even more future innovators. Every contribution makes a tangible impact in inspiring the next generation of women in STEM!

Information provided March 2025