Encore Stage & Studio

EIN: 23-7311352

Mission Statement

For almost 60 years, Encore Stage & Studio has provided hundreds of thousands of young people the opportunity to grow and discover themselves through theatre: onstage, backstage, in the classroom, and in the audience. Our mission is to inspire young people to develop the creativity, empathy and confidence they need to create meaningful connections with peers and positively impact their communities.

Program Summary

Encore’s story is rich with successes on the stage as we serve over 20,000 children and their families each season. We are Northern Virginia’s premier children’s theatre and have been recognized nationally and locally as a leader in the non-profit field. Since our founding in 1967, we have produced more than 260 plays and musicals with newly commissioned works in each of the past nine seasons. Importantly, there are no fees to participate in a production as a cast or crew member.  

Our Flip the Script program premiered in 2019 as a major artistic and community-building endeavor, highlighting African-American voices with The Day Nothing Happened, a student-devised production project about the integration of the first school in Virginia. Students conducted first-person interviews and archival research before writing the full-length play. In 2022, we filmed an adaptation for younger students and the program continued with a new script focused on the Green Valley neighborhood in South Arlington in the spring of 2023. We were awarded a National Endowment for the Arts grant to produce our third original play in this series, Jamila’s Table, which premiered in February 2025. Our Flip the Script plays now tour to local elementary and middle schools. 

Additionally, we offer a vibrant array of theatre arts educational opportunities for artistic expression and growth in a safe and nurturing environment. In 2025/2026, more than two thousand students participated in classes, summer camps and after-school programs, including partnerships with affordable housing nonprofits and Title I schools.

Our Board of Directors launched a new strategic plan in 2026 that builds on successes, connecting us to more youth and deepening our commitment to our community. We are proud that we successfully navigated the many challenges of the past few years and have seen significant growth and new opportunities. 

Impact Statement

Children are at the heart of our mission and we believe they have a vital role to play in the larger artistic community. We desire to provide our students with challenging, creative experiences. Our productions are affordable and wholesome. We provide the first theatre experience for thousands of kids who see peers onstage and envision themselves there. Our multi-age structure encourages mentoring and role modeling with participants not available in most schools. Our work is essential to the social, emotional, and mental well-being of children.

What ways can the public get involved?

We hope the community will support Encore by attending performances, participating in our educational programming and connecting us to potential partners. We are actively seeking volunteers with skills in the following areas: human resources, development, finance and non-profit management. 

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

$58 provides four free tickets for an Encore production for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) card holders
$165 purchases fabric, thread and other supplies to costume ten young performers
$495 provides a scholarship to our It’s Elementary summer camp where kids learn self-confidence and teamwork
$1,250 Supports a tour production of Flip the Script to build bridges of understanding in our community

Information provided March 2026

Avant Bard Theatre (Washington Shakespeare Company)

EIN: 54-1568294

Mission Statement

Founded in 1990 as Washington Shakespeare Company of Arlington County, Avant Bard is a performing arts organization dedicated to producing classic works (both time-tested and contemporary), emphasizing a provocative, bold approach in an intimate setting. Avant Bard is dedicated to showcasing the best emerging talent in the region mentored by seasoned, professional theatre artists and providing meaningful exposure to theatre and related arts through cutting-edge outreach and education programs that promote diversity and community dialogue. Avant Bard is dedicated to accessibility, ensuring that low-and middle- income patrons are always included in the performing arts.

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

Donations to Avant Bard Theatre primarily support the vibrant ecosystem of artists and creatives who bring our productions to life. Your generosity directly impacts our ability to pay actors, designers, and production staff, ensuring that they are compensated fairly for their exceptional work. Additionally, your contributions help fund the creation and construction of sets, the design of costumes, and the development of sound and light designs that enrich the audience’s experience.  Your donations play a crucial role in sustaining and enhancing the artistic quality of our productions.

Information provided March 2025

Arlington Artists Alliance (Alliance Gallery)

EIN: 54-2043690

Mission Statement

Our mission is to champion a vibrant visual arts community by providing exhibition space, professional development, and creative experiences for Arlington’s community. Our vision is to inspire Arlington visual artists to reach their full potential and to enhance Arlington’s quality of life with visual arts, culture and placemaking. Our core values are creativity, inclusivity, camaraderie, and collaboration.

Program Summary

Our organization is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025. We have strong evidence of past grit and determination, fostering a strong artistic community and delivering quality artistic events throughout Arlington.

Our diverse group of over 200 local artists provide the core of our program.  We provide an inclusive community to share ideas, mentorship and growth opportunities to the benefit of our artists and the community.  We create and exhibit approximately 8 exhibitions at our new Alliance Gallery per year.  At least two exhibitions are created to promote underserved communities.  The remainder of the exhibitions are juried by acclaimed artists with both DMV and member artists invited to participate.  In addition we hold 3 weekend long art sale events for the community, collaborate with local businesses and government offices to display our artwork.  And to give back to our community we partner with local non profit groups such as True Ground to support mental health and Home is Where the Art Is to donate local original art to those in need. 

To highlight a few:

Arlington Career Center Exhibition

For the forth year in a row, the Alliance will support local students through a collaborative partnership that engages teenagers in all aspects of exhibition production – from exhibition concept, art creation, framing, promoting and curating the exhibition.

Spring and Winter Artful Weekends at Fort C.F. Smith Park

• Local Arlingtonians can view and collect artwork by over 40 members of the Arlington Artists Alliance. 70% of art sales is distributed to the local artists.

It’s A Steal

• The Alliance showcases a large, annual art sale at Church of the Covenant with all artworks under $150. Providing very affordable original artworks to the community. Most of the remaining artworks are donated to Home is Where the Art Is and True Ground.

Earth Day on Langston Boulevard

• The Alliance annually partners with the Langston Boulevard Alliance for its Earth Day Festival. The Alliance’s tent offers a large art-making station for children to paint environmentally conscious artworks. Each year, local children produce over 300 paintings on small canvases. 

ONGOING:

• Quarterly exhibitions at 9 partnership locations around Arlington including: the Arlington County Board offices, District Biscuit Company, the Arlington Free Clinic,  Virginia Hospital Center Foundation, Arlington County Circuit Court Offices, Capitol Rehab of Arlington, Gallery at Little Falls Presbyterian Church, OrthoVirginia, and Sterling Picture Frame.
• Exhibitions and Opening Receptions free to the public at the Alliance Gallery @The Crossing in Clarendon. All artwork at the Alliance Gallery is also available for sale online.
• Partnerships with Fashion Centre Pentagon City for a large exhibition each year, local events such as Westover Day, and Fall and Holiday Markets enliven the community with arts and culture.

Through feedback from our partners and program participants, we have learned that our organization provides the artistic knowledge and curatorial expertise that can enhance our partner’s offerings. We meet evident and sustained community needs, attested by our growth in membership, testimonials from community partners, and long-term partnerships with businesses throughout the county. 

Christina Ascani – Arlington Career Center teacher/partner –  “Over and over, students highlight the gallery show as one of the best parts of their school career and as a teacher, it’s always so beautiful to see students work together and celebrate their talents as a community. We are so thankful to the Arlington Artists Alliance for their support and dedication to showcasing students and their creativity.”

Impact Statement

Our artists, partners and community members attest to the significant impact we create for them and our community, the Alliance designs and implements over 110 events annually, providing 1115 artist opportunities and providing exhibitions, displays, and interactive art to over 17,000 Arlingtonians and visitors.

Some of our on-going partnerships include:

• National Landing Hilton, Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, Rosslyn BID – Art displays
• Amazon HQ2 – Workshops
• Arlington County Board – exhibit
• Arlington Chorale – Shared programs
• Langston Boulevard Alliance (LBA) – Community Earth Day program
• Home Is Where The Art Is – Original Art Donations to people transitioning from homelessness.
• True Ground Housing Partners – Art and mental well-being support

As a small business incubator for artists providing opportunities to sell; we drive foot traffic to unique artistic spaces, attracting residents and tourists alike. We provide and sustain a culture of arts in Arlington.

We are proud that we were able to pivot from the loss of our Gallery Underground and studios in 2024 and found and built a new boutique gallery – the Alliance Gallery. We have increased community engagement with record-breaking show attendance, created new programs with partners, established new community exhibitions, increased artist sales, increased funding, and diversified and increased membership and staff. 

What ways can the public get involved?

Attend our free events at the Alliance Gallery, weekend events and local festivals –     Events listed on our website
Purchase local artists’ original artworks – one of a kind pieces and supporting small     businesses 
Donate to support our programs and partnerships

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

Unfortunately due to the redevelopment of the Crystal City Underground and the subsequent loss of our free space there we now need to pay rent for the first time in our 25 year history.  

Charitable dollars are spent on supporting our staff, paying rent and utilities, expanding exhibition and teaching opportunities to our artists, supporting our student shows (student artists receive 70% of the sales amount, and we donate the remaining proceeds from this show back to the school’s art department).  For example $67 provides the services and supplies needed for 1 student to participate in the Career Center Student Show.  We had 70 students participate last year.

Information provided March 2025

Arlington Free Clinic

EIN: 54-1671883

Mission Statement

Arlington Free Clinic advances health equity by providing comprehensive, whole-person healthcare to our neighbors who would otherwise lack access.

Program Summary

Established in 1994, AFC continues to be Arlington’s only provider of comprehensive healthcare services for adults living with a low income and without health insurance. All AFC patients live in Arlington and have incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Every year, with the help of over 300 volunteers and 45 full/part-time staff, AFC provides access to comprehensive, patient-centered services to approximately 1,600 of our community’s most vulnerable residents. 

AFC’s model is one in which physicians, counselors, pharmacists, dentists, and physical therapists work side-by-side, creating a unique and integrated system of care. Collaborative practice is highly regarded as effective and as a model, is core to how we provide care at AFC. We are also one of the only organizations in Arlington providing direct healthcare services while simultaneously advancing systems-level change. With our paired priorities, we better serve our patients by having a clear understanding of the systemic barriers they face in achieving good health and can bring stronger systems-level solutions to the table as members of county task forces.

Impact Statement

In FY25, AFC provided 9,829 visits to 1,639 unduplicated patients, including: 

2,919 primary care, 
1,597 specialty care (e.g., women’s health, physical therapy, oncology, etc.), 
1,529 nurse triage encounters
2,742 dental appointments
1,042 behavioral health visits. 

We provided 806 meetings with our Community Resource Navigator, who helps patients with needs “beyond the exam room”, including supplemental food, housing assistance, and employment opportunities. We administered 1,889 vaccines (flu, pneumonia, etc.), and filled 27,111 prescriptions (30-day equivalency) through our onsite, licensed pharmacy. All of this care was facilitated through our staff members and 326 volunteers who provided over 13,000 hours of service.

What ways can the public get involved?

Volunteers provide hundreds of hours of service each year in varied medical and non-medical roles, such as interpreters, physicians, counselors, physical therapists, telehealth facilitators, patient eligibility/discharge specialists, fundraisers, and board members.  

Currently, we have a high need for the following roles:  

Spanish Interpreters
Pharmacists & pharmacy techs (weekdays)
Optometrists
Registered Dietitians
Diabetic Educators

Volunteers must commit to 1-2 shifts a month. Some appointments can be done via telehealth, and training is provided. For more information about volunteering, please contact AFC’s Volunteer Department at volunteer@arlingtonfreeclinic.org or visit our website: https://www.arlingtonfreeclinic.org/get-involved/volunteer/.    

We also welcome donations of items from our Amazon wish list, which can be found at this link here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1V9U5D30S9GEB?ref_=wl_share 

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

We receive no federal funding, but rely on private donations, foundation grants and the dedication and commitment of hundreds of volunteer doctors, nurses, and other medical/non-medical supporters since we opened our doors in 1994. Every contribution supports our day-to-day operations and makes a tangible difference in the lives of our patients. Specific examples of impact include: 

$40 pays for a blood pressure home monitor for one patient.
$100 supports 4 Lyft rides for patients to travel to off-site specialist appointments, including cancer treatment.
$276 supports the average cost of a patient visit to AFC.
$1,000 supports AFC dental patients regaining their smiles and living pain-free. Your gift can support both these emergency and restorative treatment plans, which could range from 10 root canals or 1 set of dentures. 
$2,500 supports 2 weeks of medications and supplies for our pharmacy that we cannot get donated from our usual suppliers.

Information provided March 2026

Clothesline for Arlington Kids

EIN: 81-5100482

Mission Statement

To provide free clothing for school-aged children from low-income families in a dignified setting—through community donations, partner support, and purchased essentials—so they can feel comfortable and confident to learn, grow, and participate fully in school and community life.

Program Summary

The Clothesline collects clothes in new or excellent condition from the community and distributes them to low-income school-aged children  – free of charge.  We operate in a space that is welcoming to our clients and provides a dignified shopping experience.  Families can select clothing twice per year, picking out a full wardrobe for each qualifying child.  The basic wardrobe includes 5 pairs of new underwear and socks (given once per school year), 5 shirts, and 4 pants or shorts.  Additionally, we usually are able to provide shoes, dresses, bras, winter coats, swimsuits, PJs, hat/gloves, and accessories, depending on availability and season.  Our objective is for kids and teens to go to school feeling dignified and comfortable in their clothes so they can concentrate on their education.

Impact Statement

In 2024, thanks to the generosity of the Arlington community, we were able to deliver nearly 55,000 items of clothing to 1,545 low-income school kids in Arlington.  These wardrobes of clothing included nearly 2,200 pairs of shoes as well as 2,000 coats and light jackets.  These kids and families received a full season’s worth of clothing – saving them significant money for their tight budgets.  We were also pleased to move to our new location in 2024, providing a new bright space for families and volunteers.

What ways can the public get involved?

You can support The Clothesline in 4 ways:

Donate funds to support our welcoming store
Donate new or excellent quality used clothing appropriate for school-kids (K-12)
Host a clothing or shoe drive – contact us for information how to prepare the donations for delivery to The Clothesline
Volunteer at the store – helping sort and hang clothing donations, or assisting families as they shop in the store

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

Your financial donations are essential to making sure every child who walks through our doors finds what they need — in their size, their style, and with the dignity they deserve. Your support allows us to fill the gaps in our inventory so no child leaves without the basics they came for, including items we must buy new (like socks and underwear) and those we rarely receive in good condition (such as shoes and bras).

Your generosity also keeps our welcoming, dignified store open — a space that’s easy for families to reach by public transportation and staffed by caring professionals who interact directly with families and guide our volunteers, making every visit personal and respectful.

Information provided March 2026

Aaliyah in Action

EIN: 86-3555453

Mission Statement

Aaliyah in Action provides women, birthing people and families with tangible bereavement support, in the form of self-care packages and support books, after experiencing a perinatal, neonatal or infant loss.

Program Summary

Aaliyah in Action provides bereavement self-care packages, and support books, to families after experiencing perinatal or neonatal loss.  The care packages contain seven thoughtfully curated items, our “Self-Care Choice Board” which has small acts one can do each day and a bereavement guide providing low to no cost support groups or 1:1 support options. These items and books have been chosen to help support birthing people and their families in those first days of grief and loss: fuzzy socks, aromatherapy candle, recovery tea, lip balm, facial sheet mask and lavender shower steamers and Seeds of Hope to plant.  

Each package also includes a book, or books, to help support after loss.  Aaliyah in Action has a choice of two books for the birthing person, a book more appropriate for miscarriage or a book more appropriate for stillbirth or infant death.  Optional books, depending on the recipient’s needs, are a support book for non-birthing partners and/or a children’s book for living siblings.

In an effort to reach families who have experienced perinatal, neonatal or infant loss as soon as possible, Aaliyah in Action partners with hospitals who have our packages on hand to distribute when needed. Families can also request a package for themselves or a loved one, at no cost, to be sent as a support.

Impact Statement

Since launching in July 2021, Aaliyah in Action has provided over 1,300 self-care packages to families and has partnered with over 50 hospitals who have inventory of the packages to provide when needed. Feedback from hospital staff and package recipients prove that Aaliyah in Action is serving a neglected space and we look forward to continued growth and development to support more families.

What ways can the public get involved?

We’d love to have volunteers join us in making Aaliyah in Action packages in our warehouse space! We’re also looking for volunteers to help with social media and fundraising efforts. 

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

Equity is a core value of Aaliyah in Action – we will provide our support to any family who needs it, at any point in their grief journey. Less than 10% of our hospitals cover the cost of their packages. Hospitals maintain that, while our support is sought out and greatly needed, it is something they are unable to budget for. We will never deny a hospital partnership because that would be denying families this valuable support. Our donors mean the world to us because we are only able to grow our hospital network, and continually provide when called upon, because of them! 

$60 covers the cost of one Aaliyah in Action Self-Care Package + support books

$600 covers the cost of one hospital drop (10 packages + support books)

Information provided March 2025

Just Neighbors

EIN: 54-1820633

Mission Statement

To provide high-quality immigration legal services to low-income immigrants, asylees and refugees in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia; and, to build community among clients, staff, volunteers and the larger society through education, advocacy, and volunteerism.

Program Summary

Just Neighbors offers expert immigration legal services to at-risk immigrants, refugees, and asylees in Virginia, Maryland, and DC. Our work helps families obtain proper legal status and work authorization, allowing them to achieve their goals and dreams in their new country. We also provide legal counsel to unaccompanied youth and children who have recently been resettled in our area. Just Neighbors has provided immigration legal services to over 20,000 immigrants and refugees of all faiths and nationalities in the DMV for nearly 30 years. Through direct services, collaborative strategies and education, Just Neighbors empowers immigrants to build their capacity and resources to become stable and independent.

Impact Statement

In 2025, Just Neighbors assisted 1,720 residents across Virginia, Maryland, and DC with 2,390 immigration cases. Of those cases, 75% resulted in clients gaining legal status or citizenship. We also provided 942 individuals with legal information. Among former clients whose cases closed last year, 77% reported they were able to obtain or maintain employment after receiving our services, and 96% said our support improved their ability to be self‑sufficient. Additionally, 92% said they were better able to participate in their communities after receiving assistance

What ways can the public get involved?

Just Neighbors welcomes volunteers to support the many different activities and events we hold throughout the year. We have one-time volunteer opportunities for attorneys and non-attorneys to help at our monthly legal clinics or occasional outreach and fundraising events. We also welcome volunteers who have language skills, especially Spanish, to help with intakes and translations at our office in Annandale. Do you have a special talent or skill that you think would help the mission? Contact us!

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

Donations directly support the legal services that help families build long‑term stability. These services allow individuals to work legally, support their families, access health care, qualify for in‑state tuition at Virginia schools, and fully participate in their communities. This creates economic stability and mobility not only for each person served, but for entire families across generations.

Information provided March 2026

Dream Project

EIN: 45-1869894

Mission Statement

The mission of the Dream Project is to empower students whose immigration status creates barriers to education by working with them to access and succeed in college through scholarships, mentoring, and scholar, alumni, and family support. 

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

$2,500 awards a scholarship for one student, enabling them to pursue college 
$500 provides support services for a student 
$100 pays for a high school student to go on a college site visit 
$50 supports our advocacy trips and events for students

Information provided March 2025

Postpartum Support Virginia

EIN: 26-3029233

Mission Statement

Postpartum Support Virginia’s (PSVa’s) mission is to educate families, healthcare providers and communities about Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) and to provide resources to help new and expectant mothers and their families overcome anxiety, depression, and other PMADs.

Program Summary

PSVa’s programs and services:

Eliminate barriers to care through care coordination and the financial assistance we provide for mental health services through Shelane’s Fund;
Provide skill building and decrease symptoms of PMADs through our direct services (warmline, peer mentor program, social support groups, and Mothers and Babies curriculum-based groups);
Provide increased services in the community through training and supporting mental health providers; and
Increase screening in the community through training maternal and pediatric healthcare providers.

Impact Statement

PSVa is working to achieve the following results for mothers and their families in the Commonwealth of Virginia:

Decrease the severity and prevalence of PMADs through maternal health provider training.
Decrease symptoms of PMADs for those who are impacted
Enhance community understanding of PMADs by implementing targeted outreach initiatives and educational workshops.
Decrease barriers to care through PSVa’s Care Coordination Program.

What ways can the public get involved?

Postpartum Support Virginia is a non-profit and relies on the support of volunteers, generous donors and partnerships with foundations, businesses, community organizations, mental health providers and healthcare providers to sustain our work. Individuals can get involved by making a donation, volunteering their time, or connecting us with potential partners. Specific ways to engage as volunteers include the following: 

Provide support for and attend outreach or awareness events; 
Complete social support training and facilitate a support group, serve as a peer mentor, or answer our warmline; or 
Participate in or support Shelane’s Run virtually or in person by running/walking or volunteering. 

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

PSVa is funded primarily by health and private foundations and individual donors. We do not charge any fees to those who use our services. Donations help us to fund our direct services (warmline, peer mentor program, social support groups, and Mothers and Babies curriculum-based groups) and provide financial assistance for mental health services through Shelane’s Fund. 

Information provided March 2025