population-scope: Arlington

Piano & More

EIN: 38-4077902

Mission Statement

Piano & More’s mission is to provide our community with a fun and contemporary approach to education, opportunity, and events concerning the musical arts no matter the background.

Program Summary

Piano & More has been providing in-home private music lessons (piano, guitar, voice) to students in Arlington and Northern Virginia since 2016 using a contemporary and student centered teaching approach that keeps learning fun. By applying community activities and partnering with local businesses and organizations, Piano & More offers a variety of student events such as open mics and musical field trips at local venues.

We are on a mission to make more happy musicians and happy performers. We believe playing an instrument should be a fun experience and accessible to all, no matter the background. We believe everyone has a musician in them because everyone has a favorite artist, genre, or song that brings them to their “happy place”. We believe playing an instrument has the power to strengthen the mind and be a healthy emotional outlet. We stand for keeping the learning experience fun and also providing fun social memories for our students. This way they DO keep using music as an emotional outlet- even throughout adulthood.

Our community outreach program is called Play It Forward, where we offer free private piano lessons and keyboards to children from low-income households. ​We partner with local schools and churches that nominate passionate students to the program. ​Together, we can provide access to piano education and inspire the next generation of musicians. Help us harmonize their future!

Impact Statement

Piano & More has trained over 50 teachers and taught hundreds of students via private in-home lessons in the Northern Virginia. We also wanted to make piano accessible to those who couldn’t afford piano lessons, hence the Play It Forward program was born. 

Most public schools do not provide piano education, so how do children from low income communities learn to play? Piano is not only a skill of the arts, but also one of math and psychology. It develops the heart and mind in more ways than one. It takes character, confidence, discipline and imagination to be a pianist.

We are utilizing our established partnerships with local public schools, churches and other organizations to further expand our the Play It Forward program. Since 2018, we’ve been able to invest over $40,000 into students nominated for the program. We’ve documented tremendous progress and pride in their development from outside sources such as their homeroom teachers and family members. We have had students stay in our program for over 5 years, now playing advanced classical pieces! So many of these students are the first pianists in their families and wouldn’t have become pianists if it were not for the program.

What ways can the public get involved?

1) Donate A Digital Keyboard: donate a gently used digital keyboard towards the Play It Forward program. We accept semi-weighted or fully-weighted keyboards that are in good working condition (all keys must play). Call or email Student Services for keyboard donations.

2) Sponsor A Piano Student through the Play It Forward: directly sponsor a student’s private lessons and keyboard for $200 a month. There’s no better way to impact a student than via private lessons! We will send you progress reports and student updates along the way. Learn more about the program via our website: https://www.pianoandmore.org/donate.html

3) Business, Corporate and Individual Sponsorships: we offer business and corporate sponsorships with multiple recognition packages. Please visit our website to review packages: https://www.pianoandmore.org/sponsor.html

4) Donate: donate one time or anytime to keep music alive and FUN in Northern Virginia! 
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/54dc7235-9f0b-42cb-a140-2f07ddce9ffb

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

$200/month for 1 year or $2400 will provide one student with:

An adult stands next to a child, who is proudly holding a keyboard to take home.

Information provided March 2026

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:

A photo of a YULA team walking with arms around eachother

Information provided March 2026

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.

AFAC's bright yellow truck is photographed in front of the AFAC Shirlington distribution site on a sunny day.

Information provided March 2026

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 bikes or bike parts, attending our community events, volunteering at events or with our youth, or making a donation to ensure that our youth programs remain 100% free. 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 2026

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!

Photo of Female Doctor Meeting With Small Male Patient In Exam Room

Information provided April 2026

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.

Photo of the Arlington Montessori House buildings

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

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. 

Impact Statement

Street Outreach. Operating seven days a week, PathForward engages individuals living unsheltered in encampments, parks, and other public spaces. Staff build trust, assess needs, and connect clients to critical services.

Homeless Services Centers (HSC and RPC). PathForward manages two of Arlington County’s 24/7 shelters—the Homeless Services Center in Courthouse and the Residential Program Center on Columbia Pike—offering 99 year-round beds, three daily meals, case management, behavioral health support, and housing navigation. The Medical Respite Program, located within the Homeless Services Center, provides five beds for individuals recovering from illness or hospitalization who would otherwise have no safe place to heal.

Mobile Medical Dream Team. A Registered Nurse, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Case Manager deliver field-based and in-home care on the streets, in housing, within shelters, and at partner sites. Services include wound care, medication management, and behavioral health support.

Behavioral Health Services. A full-time Licensed Clinical Social Worker provides therapy, wellness programming, and crisis intervention integrated across all programs.

Housing Programs. Permanent Supportive Housing and Rapid Re-Housing programs maintain approximately 200 apartments, achieving 91–92% housing stability.

Homelessness Prevention and Diversion: PathForward helps at-risk individuals remain housed through targeted support.

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 2026

Doorways

EIN: 54-1087829

Mission Statement


Doorways creates pathways out of domestic violence, sexual assault, and homelessness, 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.

Community-Based Services

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

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.

Impact Statement

2025 was another record-breaking year for Doorways:

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?

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.  

Information provided March 2026