population-scope: Regional

Communities in Schools of Northern Virginia

EIN: 46-3063331

Mission Statement

At Communities In Schools, we surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. 

Program Summary

CIS of NOVA helps students succeed by removing roadblocks, and providing students with the resources, supports and opportunities they need to thrive. Our model of Integrated Student Supports focuses on academics, attendance, behavior/social emotional and family engagement, providing programming at three levels: school wide, targeted small groups and individual student support.  

Based on the annual needs assessment we conduct in each school community, CIS of NOVA currently provides programming such as:

Impact Statement

At CIS of NOVA, we amplify the power of each student’s potential by connecting them to caring adults and community resources. Our professionally trained site coordinators are in school all day, every day.  We build a network of partners, including businesses, volunteers, social service agencies, health care providers, community foundations and educators that help our students stay focused today, so they can go further tomorrow. Student success lasts a lifetime.  During the 2024-2025 school year:

What ways can the public get involved?

With your help, we can serve more students!  Your donation allows CIS of NOVA to connect more students to a caring adult, who can help them access the resources they need to thrive.  

We also welcome volunteers to share their expertise, either one day, or on an ongoing basis during the school year.

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

We’re all in this together! Your generous donation helps students stay on the path to success by providing access to food, health care, emotional support, tutoring and other resources they need to feel safe and supported.

May 24, 2023, (Rodney Choice/Choice Photography/www.choicephotography.com)

Information provided March 2026

Festival Argentino

EIN: 61-1598426

Mission Statement

Our mission is to foster cultural exchange by sharing the rich heritage of Argentina—including its music, cuisine, and traditions—with diverse communities in Arlington. We are committed to promoting volunteerism and supporting small businesses, all while nurturing global education opportunities for young people in Arlington, Virginia.

Program Summary

Our event, showcasing Tango and Folk performances on par with those at the Kennedy Center, offers accessible cultural enrichment with affordable admission prices. With 40% of our audience hailing from Argentina and 30% from Latin America, our festival significantly contributes to Arlington’s cultural diversity. As we strive for greater recognition through media outreach and historical dissemination, recent acknowledgment by the US Ambassador in Buenos Aires reaffirms our impact on international relations and cultural understanding.

Impact Statement

Our collaboration with the Argentine Embassy and Arlington County epitomizes our steadfast commitment to nurturing cultural exchange. Through meticulously curated programming, we have forged meaningful connections with diverse cultural, economic, and social groups in Arlington. From our modest origins with just 12 members in 1988, our annual National Day celebration has blossomed into a cornerstone event, attracting a dynamic audience of over 600 attendees. Renowned for its quality, our performances stand shoulder to shoulder with those staged at prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center, offering unparalleled cultural enrichment at an accessible price point

What ways can the public get involved?

Our Festival Argentino thrives at the Kenmore , serving as a vital platform for showcasing Argentine culture. Revenue from donation tickets sustains our cost-effective approach, supporting local businesses and enhancing the festival experience. Relocating would not only be financially burdensome but also disrupt the accessibility of our event to attendees. Given the economic repercussions of decreased arts funding, we advocate for restoring support to ensure the continued success of cultural initiatives. Restoring funding to its previous levels can preserve vital community assets, promote economic growth, and enrich the cultural vibrancy of Arlington. There are plenty of opportunities without leaving your home to explore new ideas for the festival and find resources like grants during the year. 

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

Due to the fact that we do not have sponsors financial one. The tickets are the only income. Therefore, our bylaws allow us to provide charity from 3-5 percent of our annual income. We usually done to an school in Argentina to pay for the scholarship of few students or maintance of the primary school. 

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

703 Warriors

EIN: 93-4761605

Mission Statement

703 Warriors removes financial barriers to youth sports by providing free competitive soccer, fitness, and mentorship programs for Arlington youth ages 7-12. Through sport and community mentorship, we help underserved kids build confidence, resilience, healthy habits, and leadership skills to break cycles and help them WIN at life.

Program Summary

703 Warriors is a volunteer-powered nonprofit that provides completely free youth programming. In a region where competitive youth soccer can cost families thousands of dollars each year, we ensure that every child has the opportunity to play, grow, and belong.

We currently run four core programs each week:

  1. Street Soccer: Open-play soccer that builds community and confidence
  2. Competitive Soccer: High-level training and tournament opportunities
  3. “Braden Deahl” Youth Development Program: Life skills, mentorship, and leadership development
  4. “Aaron Redd” Community Fitness: Strength, agility, and health education

Impact Statement

We are on track to serve over 1,000 youth, providing consistent access to soccer, mentorship, and positive role models!

What ways can the public get involved?

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

703 Warriors operates as a volunteer-powered organization with extremely low overhead. As little as $100 sponsors a kids’ participation for 10-months of weekly programming.

Your support helps fund:

Demand for our programs continues to grow and we have already had to turn away families due to our limited capacity. Donations help us expand programming, reach more children, and ensure that no child is excluded from the opportunity to play and grow.

Information provided May 2026

 

Northern Virginia Senior Softball (NVSS)

EIN: 31-1767394

Mission Statement

Northern Virginia Senior Softball provides recreational slow-pitch softball for adult men and women, 50 years and older, to keep members active and engaged socially. Given the broad range of ages served, with members ranging in age from 50 to 80+, all members are assessed and assigned to one of three conferences based on their skills and abilities. The intent is for members to play with and against others of comparable capabilities. Every effort is made to keep the games safe and fun.

Program Summary

Our spring/summer season starts in early April and goes through the end of July. We play doubleheaders every Tuesday and Thursday morning with the first game starting at 9am.  Our two-month Fall season starts in September.  In August, there are no league games, but there are pickup games for those members who have no left town on vacation. Batting practice is provided on non-play dates. 

Impact Statement

Staying active keeps our members young and healthy. The twice-a-week doubleheaders gives them a reason to get out of the house.  Teams are reassembled every year to avoid cliques and dynasties, and to speed up the process of getting to know each other. During the off season, conditioning programs are available to keep members active and in softball shape. 

What ways can the public get involved?

Join!  NVSS is an all-volunteer organization.  Member volunteers create schedules, apply for permits, act as umpires, order equipment and t-shirts and so on. If you liked softball as a kid, you’ll love it as an adult.

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

Donations help pay for field permits, sports equipment, and uniforms.  NVSS has no paid employees.  We are an all-volunteer, small nonprofit organization serving more than 500 men and women throughout Northern Virginia.

A photo of woman at bat at a NVSS game is prepared to swing

Information provided March 2026

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:

Impact Statement

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

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: 

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 2026

Hope for Grieving Families

EIN: 81-3307448

Mission Statement

The mission of Hope For Grieving Families is to provide peer-to-peer support for families with children in the Washington DC Metro area who have lost a close family loved one. Regular events throughout the year welcome, connect and support families in their journey of loss.

Funds are being raised to provide Metro DC’s only family-focused grief programming to give families new, positive memories and experiences in the wake of the loss of their loved one and give them the tools they need as a family unit to navigate their grief journey together in a healthy way.

Program Summary

We accomplish our mission through monthly events planned for the Hope community that cultivate friendships for both the children and parents/caregivers. Hope provides at least one event each month for our families.  Activities have included events such as a Coding Party, Theater outings, Trampoline nights, trips to the Nationals, and more including our annual signature event, the Fall Family Fun Festival for 100+ people that takes place the Sunday before Thanksgiving every year. It’s our way of launching the holiday season with some happy memories for our grieving families. Our events, both big and small, are intended to create fun, happy memories for our families and provide peer to peer support that creates understanding, comfort and friendship.

Hope created a Holiday gifting program sending Christmas Gifts to over 50 grieving children within our community.  Holiday gifts were delivered both in person and by mail to children who have lost a parent or sibling.  This program reflects one our goals of community and family.  The gifts ensure that our families don’t feel so alone during the holiday season and know that their Hope family is always there for them. This program also assists families who may be struggling financially provide a holiday gift for their children.

Finally, Hope partners with local Funeral Homes, Hospice Care and therapists to provide Teddy Bears for children to be given when they experience the loss of a parent, sibling or close loved one.  This program allows us to support these children in a time of need.  A past recipient of the bears stated, “When we unexpectedly lost my husband, my boys were given teddy bears from HFGF at the funeral home. It was such an unexpected gesture of comfort for my kids who were grieving the loss of their dad. I don’t have a lot of memories of those few days but the teddy bears always stick out in my mind as a huge comfort not just to my kids but to me as well. That small act of kindness for my kids made me feel so supported.”  We hope that when the time is right, they will join our community to continue feeling supported in their grief journey.

Impact Statement

Hope strives to build a community of support for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

Many participants in our events stated that while loss is not always part of the conversations, having that shared understanding of loss helps to bring comfort and support.  For children, it eliminates the feeling that they alone have lost someone and provides the friendship and support they need to move forward. Hope events are always free for grieving families.  We never want cost to be a barrier for our families.

If you wonder what our community means to members, consider this heartfelt testimonial:

“When my late husband suddenly got very ill and died in a matter of weeks, I knew that our lives were about to change forever. I worried about how to provide a happy childhood for my two little boys while I was grieving. Hope for Grieving Families has been a blessing for us. We are thankful for every event we’ve attended, sharing joyful moments in a safe environment with people who understand what it’s like to smile when your heart is crying. Every invitation and gesture of kindness feels like a warm hug when you need it most.”

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can get involved in a few ways.  First, Hope for Grieving Families welcomes volunteers during some times of the year. Please reach out to us for timing and opportunities.

Second, if you are a local business that can provide an inkind donation that would support Hope for Grieving Families, we welcome the donation or an introduction.

Finally, we are always looking for Board Members that would like to help us further our mission and grow.

For any of the above opportunities, please contact the Executive Director, Tara O’Brien.

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

Donations to Hope for Grieving Families will go directly to supporting our monthly events for our grieving families, as well as our Teddy Bear Program.  We do not receive any government funding at this time, so all donations are helpful and welcomed.

Information provided March 2026

Encore Learning

EIN: 55-0848376

Mission Statement

Encore Learning offers academic, non-credit, daytime courses, lectures, special events, and activities to help meet the continuing education and social needs of any interested persons over fifty years of age.

Program Summary

Encore Learning is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2002. We help meet the continuing educational and social interests of anyone over age 50, regardless of residence location, by offering: a wide variety of noncredit courses, specialty clubs, wide-ranging special events, and enjoyable social activities. Through courses and other activities, members explore and share new ideas and develop new friendships inside and outside of classrooms.

Classes, clubs and events are either held in-person or virtually, with in-person courses primarily taking place at George Mason University in Arlington. Encore Learning has more than 150 volunteers each year who plan and teach courses, coordinate clubs and events, and engage in outreach.

What ways can the public get involved?

Encore Learning hosts the free to the public Encore Learning Presents on Mondays at 3:00 PM. These regular events are cosponsored by Arlington Public Library. Encore Learning Presents includes public lectures, panels, and film screenings. The semi-annual Course Preview is a free event introducing each semester. There are numerous volunteer opportunities to get involved and bring quality educational and social opportunities to people over 50.

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

Donations to Encore Learning support the general operating functions of this small volunteer driven nonprofit. Contributions help us reach more people who can benefit from the quality educational and social opportunities. Encore Learning provides scholarships for low-income members and brings quality presentations to the public.

Information provided March 2026

Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia, Inc

EIN: 51-0155758

Mission Statement

Books change lives! Reading Is Fundamental of Northern Virginia works to improve children’s lives by providing books to encourage an early and sustained love of reading, to augment reading opportunities and skills through book access and the development of home book libraries (a key metric of reading success), and to help address the alarming and growing U.S. literacy crisis.

Program Summary

RIF NOVA is an all-volunteer nonprofit that provides books for underserved children at 30+ schools and sites in the City of Alexandria and in Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William counties. The organization has served the Northern Virginia community since 1972, during which time it has provided hundreds of thousands of books to area children who have few – to even no – books in their homes.

Books for Keeps Program: Each year, RIF NOVA raises funds to purchase new books-of-their-own-choosing for 23,000+ children at several child centers and Title 1 schools. Each child served is able to choose at least one book to take home annually; important because children who choose their own books are three times more likely to be frequent readers. According to the U.S. Department of Education, “The only behavior measure that correlates significantly with reading scores is the number of books in the home.” The RIF NOVA Books for Keeps Program begins to address this critical need.

Donated Books Program: During the pandemic when schools, school libraries, and public libraries were closed, RIF NOVA began a Donated Books Program to provide additional reading materials to children throughout our community, often delivered in conjunction with school food distributions. As of March 2026, the program has collected over 60,000 new and almost-new books for redistribution – not only to established RIF NOVA schools and sites but also to additional community partners and schools seeking reading materials for children and families.

Authors in Our Schools Program — This multi-year program brings authors and illustrators to RIF NOVA-supported schools to present about their books. Authors/illustrators engage students in the entire book process — from thinking of the idea to completing the finished product — and encourage them to take part in interactive programming throughout the presentations. Each student participant is able to take home an original autographed book, adding to the excitement of the event.

Special Programming: In concert with local business partners, RIF NOVA has been able to offer special programming to augment the number of books available for the children we serve. Additional initiatives are being sought with area partners to provide books and active literacy programming to the children RIF NOVA serves. So far, special programs have included:

Impact Statement

A March 2023 Topic Paper from Scholastic Research & Validation noted that the likelihood of being on track in literacy and numeracy “almost doubled if at least one book was available in a student’s home.” RIF NOVA’s programs ensure that children in the schools we serve get at least one book every year from Pre-K to 6th grade and, thus, the opportunity over the course of their school years to build a home library – also critical for school success. On this, the Scholastic Topic Paper noted: “Children in homes with more extensive home libraries read more, have higher-level reading skills, and attain more years of education overall than those with access to fewer books, even after controlling for parental education level.” The paper continued: “Increasing children’s access to books correlates to ‘dramatically positive effects’ on reading growth and achievement.”

The Scholastic research validates our efforts. The work of Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia – to provide at least one book annually to each child we serve and build, over the course of time, a home book library – is helping children to read – and succeed – in school and well beyond.

What ways can the public get involved?

Members of the public can help RIF NOVA to do its work in three major ways: Giving funding, giving time, and giving books. 

Giving funding: Our most pressing need each year is to raise funds to purchase new books for 23,000+ underserved children at mainly Title 1 schools in Northern Virginia. Members of the public can help with this need by giving donations themselves, helping to identify and connect with potential donors (individuals, foundations, businesses, etc.), providing hands-on help with fundraising activities such as a biannual 5K, and helping to communicate the dire need for books for children in the NOVA community. We are particularly seeking business partners for funding and to develop and co-sponsor literacy-related programming that engages children in reading.

Giving time: Among those needed are volunteers with backgrounds or skills in fundraising, event planning, social media expansion, program development, grant writing, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement. Time contributions can range from helping with a specific project to joining our board for a more sustained commitment. Anyone with these skills or interests is encouraged to contact RIF NOVA at our email address: info@rifnova.org. We are particularly seeking committed volunteers to join our board. 

Giving books: RIF NOVA augments its new book purchases by soliciting new and very gently (like new) used books from the community through book drives organized by individuals, businesses, and organizations. Volunteers are also needed to organize new/gently used book drives, to sort books for quality, and to help transport and distribute books at schools and community events.

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

Every $4.00 donation purchases one book for one child. The cost to provide one book each for 23,000+ children means an annual need to raise over $90,000. Additional funding supports expanding special programming, including STEAM It Up! and Authors in Our Schools. Contributions to the Authors program can be used to bring local authors to schools for on-site visits, along with books signed by the author for each student participant. Additional funding is also used to increase the number of books given to each child annually or to increase the number of schools participating in RIF NOVA programming. The all-volunteer board that raises funds and administers book distribution programming is not paid. Mandatory expenses (such as insurance, tax preparation, etc.) are kept to an absolute minimum and totaled six percent of expenses in Fiscal Year 2024, our most recent tax filing.

Information provided March 2026