Youth Ultimate League of Arlington (YULA)

EIN: 46-1994414

Mission Statement

Create opportunities for Arlington youth to play Ultimate, have fun, and grow as individuals and community members. Build a safe and welcoming community for players, coaches, and parents where “Spirit of the Game” is of paramount importance.

Program Summary

YULA (Youth Ultimate League of Arlington) is a 501(c)(3) organization that promotes the sport of youth Ultimate in Arlington County, Virginia. We help middle and high school students learn the sport of Ultimate in a positive environment that emphasizes hard work, leadership, and teamwork, and play the sport in local, regional, and national games and tournaments. We provide fall, winter, and spring leagues, training sessions, and team practices. Every spring we host a large nationally-recognized invitational HS tournament that draws top teams from NC to NY. Middle school programs are mixed-gender, and high school players have the opportunity to volunteer as assistant coaches on the middle school teams.

Impact Statement

Each year approximately 400 kids from across Arlington receive great coaching and a range of opportunities to learn and play Ultimate, through clinics, leagues, and travel tournaments. Hoffman-Boston Elementary School has a YULA-sponsored after-school Ultimate program at no cost to participants. Around 20 high schoolers each year develop leadership skills by helping coach the middle schoolers. Many of our players go on to play Ultimate in college and beyond.

What ways can the public get involved?

YULA is run by volunteers, and there are plenty of ways to help out. If you are interested in any of the following volunteer positions or have other ideas on how to help, please contact volunteer@yula-ulti.org. No experience is required and training and support are provided.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Communications – Help YULA expand its social presence and improve its communication channels.

Database Administrator – Help set up a database so we can keep track of current players, parents, alumni, volunteers, coaches, and donors.

Uniform Co-Coordinator – Work with our players, coaches, and vendors to design and order uniforms for the high school teams.

Public Relations – Work with local media organizations to get the word out to the community on YULA activities.

Fundraising coordinator – Help strategize and coordinate our fundraising activities, which includes helping the Optimist Club of Arlington with their Christmas Tree Sale in December.

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

Charitable dollars are used to:

Fund scholarships and cover program costs for players who need help.
Provide food and other incentives at outreach events to recruit players from under-represented neighborhoods.
Support outreach events for girl-matching players.
Provide a free after-school Ultimate program at Hoffman-Boston Elementary School.
Keep registration fees low for everyone, and allow us to use a ‘pay what you can’ fee scale for middle school programs.

Information provided January 2025

Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC)

EIN: 54-1473207

Mission Statement

We are an independent, community-based non-profit food pantry that provides dignified access to nutritious supplemental groceries to all our neighbors in need.

Program Summary

AFAC provides free groceries to Arlington residents in need at our warehouse on S Nelson St, at 20 other distribution sites around the county, and through a home delivery for home-bound individuals and families. We provide a choice of items including eggs, milk and other dairy products, fish, chicken, hot dogs, ground beef, fresh fruit & vegetables, cereals, beans, pasta, breads, pastries and a number of other items to choose from.

Impact Statement

In FY 2024, 183,558 trips to AFAC were made for groceries. All of our families are below 30% average median income – 30% more families than the prior year.  Our families are 53% Hispanic, 12% Black, 10% Caucasian and the remainder are a number of other minority groups.

What ways can the public get involved?

Individuals and families can help AFAC by volunteering in our warehouse, to assist in distributing food to our families, by collecting food for donation – over 1.5 million pounds of food is needed every year in addition to the 3.5 million pounds of food AFAC purchases every year.  Finally, AFAC receives no federal or state funds and must rely on financial donations from individuals to fulfill our mission.

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

All donated funds are allocated directly to AFAC’s food purchase budget to purchase groceries that will be distributed to individuals and families. AFAC purchases 60% of the groceries we distribute, at wholesale cost, from local and national distributors. In FY24, AFAC had a food purchase budget of $1,500,000. 40% of the groceries AFAC distributes are donated through partnerships with local grocery chains, gleaning networks, farmers markets, community food drives, schools, corporate/walk-in donations, etc. All donated food is checked thoroughly, sorted, and then distributed to AFAC’s families. AFAC distributes over 80,000 pounds of food each week to over 4,100 families in need.

Information provided March 2025

Phoenix Bikes

EIN: 20-8842260

Mission Statement

Harnessing the power of bikes to help youth build passion, purpose, and a place in the community.

Program Summary

Phoenix Bikes is an Arlington nonprofit that uniquely combines youth education programs with a full service bike shop. We reach 300-400 6th-12th graders annually through our free afterschool and summer programs, including:

Earn-a-Bike: Students participate in hands-on instruction that teaches them to repair bikes, refurbish bikes for community members in need, and fix up a bike to keep for themselves. Through this experience, students grow critical thinking skills, challenge themselves to work hard, and develop a genuine passion for cycling.
Rides & Races: Students learn safe riding and signaling and stay active through weekly Saturday group rides. Overnight trips introduce them to camping, longer-distance riding, and gear. Through our race team, students learn teamwork, discipline, and competitive cycling.
Workforce Development: Students build career skills and valuable business experience through our Advanced Mechanics class and paid internship program. While working in our paid internship program, students will interact with customers, work on bikes, organize and record inventory, become familiar with our retail sales system, and more.

What ways can the public get involved?

You can support Phoenix Bikes by donating a bike or bike parts, attending our community events, volunteering in our bike shop or with our youth, or making a donation to help keep our programs free to our youth. Visit our website to learn more!

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

Your donations provide life-changing experiences, practical skills, and self-confidence to local 6th-12th grade students through bike mechanics classes, riding and racing opportunities, and community outreach programs.

Information provided March 2025

The Marjorie Hughes Fund

EIN: 54-1610490

Mission Statement

The Marjorie F. Hughes Fund for Children promotes the health and well-being of Arlington Public School students through the thoughtful collaboration with public health nurses, APS staff, and community organizations. The fund provides financial resources to support the health care needs of uninsured and underinsured students.

We envision a community of Arlington Public Schools students in which their health outcomes are not impacted by their income level and insurance status.

Program Summary

The Marjorie F. Hughes Fund for Children is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1992 to honor the work of public health physician Marjorie F. Hughes. Dr. Hughes dedicated her career to working with public school students in Arlington, Virginia, and to addressing the health needs of underserved children.

The Marjorie Hughes Fund is made up of Public Health School Nurses, School Health Aides, Arlington Public Schools (APS) staff, and community stakeholders including pediatric office staff, dental providers, family shelter coordinators, and mental health providers. We work together to help uninsured and underinsured students obtain needed medications and vaccines, cover doctor visit fees, pay for dental treatments, and receive other necessary medical care.

The Marjorie Hughes Fund assists Arlington Public Schools children with medical expenses as well as partnering with local organizations such as Doorways and VHC Pediatrics to provide additional medical and mental health assistance to children in need.

Impact Statement

The Marjorie Hughes Fund offers up to $300 per student per year for medical expenses, and up to $500 per student per year for dental expenses, to students who qualify as low income and uninsured or underinsured. Thus far in the 2023-24 school year, The Marjorie Hughes Fund has provided almost $10,000 to more than 120 uninsured or underinsured students to obtain school entry physical exams, vaccines, urgent care visits, dental care, necessary vaccines, wheelchairs and medical equipment, etc. These students are now able to be in school, healthy and learning.

What ways can the public get involved?

Please donate to help Arlington County Public Schools students in need! Spread the word to friends, neighbors, and families about the good work that we do. We also welcome community volunteers in areas such as fundraising, social media, and non-profit management.

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

The Marjorie Hughes Fund is an all-volunteer organization with minimal overhead.

$79 provides an eye exam and two pairs of glasses

$99 pays for a required school entry physical exam

Any amount can help to keep a student in school, healthy and learning!

Information provided April 2025

Arlington Montessori House

EIN: 54-1594105

Mission Statement

Arlington Montessori House is a community committed to helping each child and family realize the full benefit of a complete Montessori experience that meets the needs of the whole child.  We recognize that a partnership between home and school is a critical part of the successful development of children.

Program Summary

Arlington Montessori House (AMH) holds an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Certificate of Recognition which indicates we follow Dr. Maria Montessori’s principles and practices in their original integrity and completeness.

The children at AMH spend their days in three charming houses designed to provide a nurturing environment that supports their innate curiosity, growing independence and instinctive social connections.  Our small community encourages deep relationships between school and family as partners working together for the benefit of our children.  Children attend AMH for four or five years, culminating in their Kindergarten year, allowing for the full benefit of our Montessori education.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Arlington, you will find a calm sanctuary for exploration.   Both of our primary classrooms serve up to 28 students of mixed ages. Our toddler classroom serves up to 12 students.  All our classrooms are led by AMI certified teachers.  The houses share a common driveway, a spacious playground and small garden beds which complement our safe and inviting classrooms.

Impact Statement

Arlington Montessori House has been a pillar of the Arlington community for thirty-five years and continues to grow and serve the children and families of the area by providing a high-quality Montessori education.  

Building community at AMH carries over into the greater community in Arlington, most notably in Arlington Public Schools.

In an effort to provide affordable, full-day care to low-income working families, AMH is an approved vendor with the VA Child Care Subsidy Program. AMH dedicates at least 10% of its total enrollment to the subsidy program children.  This approach guarantees that enrollment will reach families at or below 50% of the Area Median Income, and that they will pay no more than 7% of gross household income toward child care/schooling.

What ways can the public get involved?

Due to the generosity of AMH families and the greater community over the years, AMH continues to thrive and grow. Any donation is greatly appreciated.

Parent volunteering is a key part of AMH’s program. The public is welcome to participate in activities like taking care of our gardens, serving on our board of directors, or providing assistance with managing AMH’s operations using any special skills they may have.

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

Donations will help AMH fund its Child Care Subsidy Program, which allows low-income working families to enjoy all the benefits of a high-quality Montessori education.

Information provided October 2025

Goodwin Living Foundation

EIN: 54-1549749

Mission Statement

Through the power of philanthropy, we seek and celebrate generosity to carry out the mission of Goodwin Living, to provide financial security to residents, to enable staff to thrive in their careers, and to support innovation, thus enhancing the lives of older adults and those who care for them.

Program Summary

The Goodwin Living Foundation is proud to serve Goodwin Living residents through confidential financial support. Since we welcomed our first resident in 1967, Goodwin Living has never asked someone to leave because they have exhausted their financial resources through no fault of their own. We are able to keep this commitment to residents and their families, thanks to our Resident Support Fund, which is fully funded by the Foundation.

Goodwin Living excellence begins with employees who feel supported and have opportunities to thrive. Our mission is as much about staff as it is those we serve. Through gifts to the Staff Support Fund, we empower employees to grow professionally and personally, and in turn, they ensure the well-being of every member of our community.

The Goodwin Living Citizenship program offers team members grants to cover the costs of application fees to become a U.S. Citizen.

In addition to our citizenship program, we offer educational support and grants for staff who face unexpected financial hardships.

Donations in support of our Hospice Fund allow us to continue providing compassionate care and comfort when it is needed most. Gifts may be used for alternative therapies that go above and beyond traditional hospice care. Goodwin Hospice aims to approach each person we serve holistically, providing benefits such as massage therapy and end-of-life doula care.

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

Resident Support Fund, Staff Support Fund, Hospice Fund 

Information provided March 2025

PathForward

EIN: 54-1615993

Mission Statement

PathForward’s mission is to foster stability and dignity through transformative services and housing solutions. 

Program Summary

At PathForward, we believe homelessness should be rare, brief, and non-recurring. 

Every day, we walk alongside individuals experiencing homelessness on their journey toward safe, stable housing. Through our housing-first approach, we provide permanent housing, case management, medical care, employment support, and other wraparound services tailored to each person’s needs. 

Our long-term vision aligns with Arlington County’s Continuum of Care (CoC) Strategic Plan to end homelessness for all by 2026. As a core member of the CoC, PathForward plays a critical role in making that goal a reality—addressing root causes, removing barriers, and centering the voices and experiences of those we serve. 

Each year, PathForward supports more than 500 adults experiencing homelessness. We operate a year-round shelter with 50 beds, plus 5 medical respite beds for those recovering from illness or injury. During the winter months, we add 25 emergency beds to protect those most at risk in the cold. 

We’re ending homelessness—one night, one meal, one home, and one life at a time. 

Housing 

At PathForward, we believe that housing is the foundation for long-term stability, dignity, and wellness. With more than 150 scattered-site apartments throughout Arlington County, our housing programs offer a range of solutions—from emergency shelter to permanent homes—so we can meet people wherever they are on their journey out of homelessness. 

Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) 

PathForward’s Rapid Re-Housing program helps individuals quickly exit homelessness and move into safe, stable housing. The program provides short-term rental assistance and supportive services tailored to each person’s unique needs. RRH is grounded in the Housing First model, recognizing that people are more responsive to support once they are housed. Case managers work closely with participants to address barriers, increase self-sufficiency, and connect them to long-term community resources that support lasting stability. 

Transitional Housing (TH) 

Our Transitional Housing program offers low-barrier, non-congregate emergency housing for individuals with the highest needs—especially those coming directly from unsheltered homelessness. With an emphasis on client-driven goals and assertive engagement, case managers help participants increase income, access healthcare and benefits, and build the skills needed for long-term housing. Rental assistance is gradually reduced as stability grows, with ongoing support to prevent a return to homelessness. 

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) 

For individuals facing chronic homelessness and serious health challenges, PathForward provides permanent housing paired with wraparound support. We serve over 100 individuals across Arlington, including residents at Sibert House, which is owned and operated by PathForward, and Fisher House, owned by the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH). Onsite services address mental health, substance use, and medical needs, allowing clients to remain housed for as long as they need support. 

Homeless Services Shelter 

At PathForward, we believe everyone deserves a safe place to rest, rebuild, and be treated with dignity. 

Shelter and Support Services 

Our shelter operates 24/7, 365 days a year, offering a safe, warm space for adults experiencing homelessness. Each night, we provide: 

50 year-round shelter beds 
5 medical respite beds for individuals recovering from illness or injury 
An additional 25 Hypothermia Prevention beds during the coldest months (November–March)

Impact Statement

Recent successes include: 

91% tenancy rate among our hardest-to-house clients. 
22,100 bed nights provided for 281 clients through our shelter and hypothermia program. 
38,739 meals for people who are food insecure and hungry were provided through our Homeless Bagged Meal Program, Day Program, and Shelter Program. 
1,117 medical touchpoints for 165 unduplicated individuals, most of whom were uninsured or underinsured. 
86 PSH clients maintained stable housing and increased self-sufficiency. 
62 individuals placed in Rapid Rehousing. 
Ongoing case management for clients in 153 scattered-site apartments. 

What ways can the public get involved?

✅ Volunteer – Help serve meals, be a program instructor, or assist with outreach. Learn more at Volunteer. 
✅ Donate – Every contribution helps provide shelter, healthcare, and essential resources.  
✅ Provide – Donate Basic Necessities, such as new and gently used clothing, gift cards, personal hygiene items and small housewares  
✅ Advocate – Spread awareness and support policies that address homelessness. 

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

At PathForward, we are committed to transparency and ensuring that every dollar donated directly supports individuals experiencing homelessness. Your generous contributions help fund: 

💙 Healthcare & Wellness – Offering medical, mental health, and addiction recovery services. 
💙 Housing Programs – Assisting individuals in securing permanent housing with case management, nursing, and behavioral health. 
💙 Workforce & Life Skills Training – Helping clients gain employment and build self-sufficiency.  
💙 Emergency Services – Providing shelter, hot meals, clothing, and hygiene essentials. 
 
 
Your gift fuels these life-changing programs, providing compassionate, effective support to those who need it most.  Learn more at Donate | PathForward  

Information provided March 2025

Doorways

EIN: 54-1087829

Mission Statement

Doorways creates pathways out of homelessness, domestic violence, and sexual assault leading to safe, stable, and empowered lives. 

Program Summary

Doorways’ response to domestic and sexual violence spans a spectrum—from preventing violence, to supporting survivors and their families throughout our community, to providing shelter and housing. We offer a wide range of trauma-informed services designed to meet survivors’ complex needs. All services are free, confidential, and available in all languages (multiple languages spoken in-person onsite, and more available through a language line). Through the generosity of our partners and supporters, we provide safe harbor, healing, and hope.

Community Engagement

Doorways partners with our neighbors, supporters, and fellow service providers to realize our mission every day.

Prevention and Outreach Program
Volunteer and Training Program
Community Partnerships
Advocacy
Development and Communications

Community-Based Services

Doorways supports survivors throughout our community with a wide range of crisis response services, advocacy, and counseling.

24-Hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline (703-237-0881)
Hospital Accompaniment Response Program (HARP)
Safety Planning
Court Advocacy
Revive Counseling Program

Shelter, Housing, and Supportive Services

Doorways provides Arlington’s only emergency safehousing for survivors experiencing homelessness due to domestic and sexual violence. HomeStart, Doorways’ housing program, supports clients transitioning out of shelter to a home of their own.

Supportive Services (Case Management, Children’s Services, Financial and Employment Counseling)
Safehousing (Shelter)
HomeStart Supportive Housing Program

Impact Statement

2024 was another record-breaking year for Doorways:

Safehousing sheltered 70 households — a record high. 93% of households who disclosed their destination did not return to abusive living situations after leaving shelter, breaking the cycle of violence.
HomeStart supported 65 households, a 27% increase compared to 2023. 90% had safe, secure housing where they can remain long-term after exiting HomeStart.   
Children’s Services provided 1,053 sessions, a 63% increase.

Read Doorways’ annual report to learn more about how supporters like you make a difference for survivors like the ones quoted here:

“Doorways saved my life and has changed everything.”

“Doorways has helped my child open up, express her feelings, and communicate. She loves to attend play therapy where we see a huge change with issues we had prior to coming.”

“I have learned to understand my situations and got help with getting custody of my son. This is a great resource for victims of domestic violence.”

“My mental health has improved greatly post-assault. I was having trouble taking care of myself because I was mentally in a sad state. Doorways’ therapy sessions have taught me how to cope and recover in a healthy way. I feel fully supported here.”

What ways can the public get involved?

Host a Fundraiser or Donation Drive: Individuals and groups can support Doorways’ mission by collecting critical funds and supplies. Monetary donations and Target and VISA gift cards are needed year-round. Please contact Doorways for a current list of in-kind needs (e.g., personal and household items). Learn more at www.doorwaysva.org/join-our-cause.  
Host an Educational Prevention Workshop: Contact our Prevention and Outreach Program to host a free educational prevention workshop for your community/organization, or to request Doorways representation at an upcoming event. Request a workshop by visiting www.doorwaysva.org/prevention.   
Volunteer: Volunteers are an essential part of the Doorways team! Visit www.doorwaysva.org/volunteer to learn more, submit an online application, and plan to attend an information session to get started. 
For Kids and Youth: Visit Doorways’ Kids’ Corner for ways that young people can get involved, including learning about the issues with our recommended reading list, hosting a fundraiser, and more: www.doorwaysva.org/kids-corner/.  

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

Every year, half of Doorways’ budget comes from private donations. These monetary gifts from individuals, businesses, foundations, and corporate, faith, civic, and community groups ensure that Doorways is able to provide safe haven to every survivor in-need.  

$100 could help provide a month of infant care supplies for a baby living in shelter. 
$250 could help provide a Revive trauma therapy session for an adult, youth, or child impacted by domestic violence. 
$500 could help sustain Doorways’ wraparound services in shelter and housing to promote healing, safety, and sustainability. 
$1,500 could help provide a security deposit for a survivor’s new apartment after graduating from shelter. 

Information provided March 2025

Arlington Community Foundation

EIN: 54-1602838

Mission Statement

Arlington Community Foundation (ACF) uses the power of philanthropy and its role as community convener and catalyst to improve the quality of life in Arlington and beyond.

As a grantmaker, convener, and leader of programmatic initiatives, ACF strives to strengthen local nonprofits, encourage better understanding of the needs of Arlingtonians, and address the most critical issues of our time to ensure that our community provides opportunity for everyone.

Program Summary

Personalized Philanthropy – For over 30 years, individuals, families, and businesses have relied on us to make charitable giving easy, flexible, tax-smart, efficient, personal, and deeply rewarding. We’re experts in vetting nonprofits and philanthropic investment strategies, so you don’t have to be.

Economic Mobility – With a unique bird’s eye view of Arlington, ACF serves as a community convener, nonprofit reserve fundholder and grantmaker, and driver of major community initiatives and in-house community impact funds to create economic opportunities and prevent displacement, with a special focus on deeply affordable housing, deeply affordable childcare, and pathways to living wages.

Scholarships – Arlington Community Foundation has a well-established Annual Scholarship Program that, over the last decade, has awarded more than $5 million to Arlington students attending college. Generous individuals, families, companies and organizations fund the scholarships, which have their own unique eligibility criteria.

Impact Statement

Philanthropy Impact: In 2023, with the support of so many community members, we provided over $5 million in grants to nonprofits and community programs. We currently manage over $30 million in assets, with over 200 funds, including 20+ nonprofit agency funds. Behind each fund is an inspiring story of passion and purpose, put into action through philanthropy. Such is the case with one of our newer legacy fundholders, Dimple Dhabalia. Dimple’s two-decade career in humanitarian work is marked by a profound connection between her own story and the lives she touches through her work and legacy fund. Read her story here.

Economic Mobility Impact: Community advocacy based on our 2023 Affordable Childcare Report led the County Board in April 2023 to fund, beginning in FY 24, a new full-time senior level DHS position to support the implementation of the Child Care Action Plan, among other priorities. In June 2023, the findings of our recently-completed deeply affordable housing pilots demonstrated feasible pathways to closing the affordability gap for our lowest income neighbors. Concluding in December 2023, the data and lessons learned from our 18-month guaranteed income pilot, and pilots from around the country, are being used to inform national policy that would create a federal income floor under which no one in our country can fall.

Scholarship Impact: In 2023, ACF awarded more than $700,000 in scholarships to new and renewal students. To celebrate the achievement of these students, ACF hosted a Scholarships Ceremony in June, filled with students, their families, and scholarship donors. During the ceremony, 11 scholarship recipients shared what the scholarship means to them in an inspiring video. You can watch the video here.

What ways can the public get involved?

There are several ways to get involved with the Community Foundation:

Donate to or Start a Fund: Browse our current funds and make a one-time donation to support a variety of needs in Arlington. Check out our Plan Your Giving page to explore how our different fund options can maximize your own charitable giving, from scholarship funds to legacy funds, and everything in between.
Volunteer to Review Scholarship Applications: Every year, we seek volunteers to participate in our annual community scholarship review. The entire process is virtual and takes place between January and March. Click here to sign up for updates.
Spirit of Community Awards: For over 30 years, the annual Spirit of Community Awards have recognized those who demonstrate a tireless commitment to improving life in Arlington, whether through philanthropy, advocacy, the arts, social justice, or volunteering (among other fields). You can get involved by nominating someone for the award, attending the Celebration & Luncheon, and/or sponsoring the event! Learn more by clicking here.
Sign Up for our Community E-news: Be the first to know about scholarship updates, events, grant opportunities, charitable giving tips, community stories, volunteer opportunities, and more by clicking here.

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

Unrestricted donations help the Foundation support long-term solutions; respond quickly to emergencies; and meet changing social, arts and cultural, educational, health and human services, or environmental needs in our community.

Information provided March 2024