Population: Children and Youth

Restorative Arlington

EIN: 87-3950513

Mission Statement

We create connection, belonging, and safety for all community members. We:

Program Summary

The Heart of Safety Restorative Justice Conferencing Program (HOS) is our primary programmatic offering. Through HOS, we partner with community members to respond to wrongdoing using a people-centered and trauma-responsive approach. The HOS conferencing process enables everyone affected by an incident of harm to understand what happened and why, and to collaboratively determine a path forward. Our HOS facilitators support people who have been harmed as they exercise their voice and determine how best to meet their needs for healing and repair. Likewise, facilitators support people who have been responsible for harm in taking meaningful accountability. HOS takes cases by referral from court system partners, such as the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and community members. Court referrals to HOS are designed to serve as a diversion for youth and transition-age adults, with a focus on ending criminalization of Black, Indigenous and other people of color.

In collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including victim services providers, Restorative Arlington is honored to partner in creating the Restorative Pathways Restorative Justice Program. Over the next two years, this partnership will design a Restorative Justice Option for victims/survivors of intimate partner violence, dating violence, sexual harm, and gender-based violence. Instead of relying on legal system referrals, Restorative Pathways will be directly accessible to community members and integrated into the services provided by our partner organizations. Restorative Pathways will also accept referrals from other local organizations through a community referral process. Restorative Pathways is funded by a pilot program from the US Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women. 

We also offer opportunities to learn about and experience restorative justice practices that increase belonging, share experiences, and engage on difficult topics with dignity, compassion and courage. These include community building circles, basic circle training in partnership with George Mason’s Carter School, and resources and events shared in our newsletter.

Impact Statement

Our Heart of Safety Restorative Justice Conferencing Program makes justice, healing, and safety accessible for people and communities who want to choose a supportive, culturally sensitive option to address harm outside of the current court system. The restorative justice conferencing process centers the needs and voices of people who have been harmed and creates opportunities for repair and healing that the legal system simply cannot provide. The process also enables people who have been responsible for harm to understand the impact of their actions and to take responsibility for making amends in ways that honor the needs of the person(s) they harmed. We treat all participants as valued members of the community and have found that as the restorative conferencing process repairs individual relationships, its ripple effects extend to families and the community as a whole. Extensive research reflects what we have experienced: restorative justice conferencing leads to meaningful accountability, more victim satisfaction and greater reductions in recidivism than adversarial court processes.       

Evaluations of our community-building circles consistently show that participants experience a strong sense of connection, and that they feel deeply heard. Our circles have also provided safe spaces for brave conversations about issues such as racial justice.

What ways can the public get involved?

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

Your investment shows solidarity and support for our work and our community. Donations support access to justice and safety for community members who choose Restorative Justice Conferencing in lieu of traditional court prosecution, program innovation, and the systemic peace-building work required for a paradigm shift from punishment to healing. For example, $6,000 supports one Heart of Safety Restorative Justice Conferencing case.    

In alignment with our commitment to centering community voice, we only accept unrestricted donations. This ensures that we can be responsive to emerging needs of our community partners.

Information provided March 2026

NAMI Northern Virginia

EIN: 51-0241920

Mission Statement

Our mission is to serve Northern Virginia individuals, family members, and friends affected by mental health challenges through awareness, education, support, advocacy, and collaboration with community partners.

Program Summary

NAMI Northern Virginia educates, advocates, and provides support to those impacted by mental health concerns. All our programs are free to the public, and we like to get people, the public, knowledgeable about mental health so that they don’t face a crisis. We don’t focus only on the peers, those living with mental illness. We are also concerned about helping and advocating for the families and loved ones that support them.

Supporting mental health is about more than just connecting to treatment. NAMI Northern Virginia provides the services needed to support wellness in our community, from lending a listening ear to a concerned family member, to working with individuals long-term connecting to resources for legal and housing assistance. Finding support in groups provides those in need a sense of community, a place where they know they are not alone, a place to share their experiences and gain support from others who understand. 

Some of our no cost programs include:

Education

NAMI Northern Virginia’s training and education team work to give best-in-class information on de-escalation, mental health signs and symptoms, and mental wellness – in the home, the workplace, and with loved ones. Our training is trusted to provide honest and open conversations that not only educate but shift perspective around mental health support and community, breaking stigmas associated with mental illness.  These training sessions leave participants feeling empowered to invest in mental wellness and supported on their mental health journey. 

Support Groups

NAMI Northern Virginia holds support groups for people with mental health conditions, and for family members, and loved ones of people with mental health conditions . Led by trained leaders who’ve been there and faced similar experiences, participants gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others.

Classes

Our classes provide information and strategies for taking care of yourself and the person you love, while understanding that you’re not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope. The group setting of NAMI’s SAMSHA evidence-based classes provide mutual support and shared positive impact—experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. Our classes are safe, confidential spaces. Courses provide an opportunity for mutual support and growth. 

Impact Statement

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI provides free advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. NAMI Northern Virginia is a NAMI affiliate serving the over 2.4 million people of Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties, and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church. NAMI’s programs can help you to better understand your or a loved one’s mental health condition. You will learn from connecting with others who have similar experiences. All of our support programs are free, confidential, and peer-led. Simply put, NAMI Northern Virginia is an organization of peers and families. They understand because they’ve been there too.

In 2023, NAMI Northern Virginia provided over 10,000 touchpoints of service to people in the Northern Virginia area. They include individuals living with mental health conditions, their family members and friends, mental health professionals, law enforcement and first responders, and our neighbors.

What ways can the public get involved?

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

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities available

Information provided March 2026

Girls on the Run of NOVA

EIN: 54-2026885

Mission Statement

Girls on the Run of NOVA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing our 3rd-8th grade participants’ social, emotional and physical skills to navigate life’s challenges. Our fun, interactive lessons meet the unique needs of participants of all abilities and backgrounds. We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

Program Summary

Though the name “Girls on the Run” invokes images of girls running around a track, that’s not us – our program is foremost about addressing the social + emotional health of our participants with interactive lessons.

Our youth development programming has two tiers of enrichment: Girls on the Run for 3rd-5th grade girls and Heart & Sole for 6th-8th grade girls. Each age-specific program creates a positive, structured space for participants to learn about themselves, explore new ideas, cultivate empathy, strengthen connections and develop life skills that will help them as they move through adolescence and beyond. The curriculum is rich with themes they can relate to, addressing the whole girl—body, brain, heart, spirit and social connection—and important life skills such as team building, developing a support system, boundary setting, decision making, asking for/ providing help, being a good friend, and more.

This program is accessible to all girls regardless of athletic ability or fitness level and considers the range of ages and varied experiences of the participants. Physical activity includes strength and conditioning appropriate for each age group. Each season culminates with the Girls on the Run 5K, which is the celebratory event that underscores the confidence, competence, connection, character and caring they’ve been developing in the program and gives them a tangible sense of goal-setting and achievement.Girls on the Run of NOVA proudly serves Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William Counties, as well as Alexandria City, Falls Church City, Manassas City and Manassas Park. Since our council’s inception, we have unlocked the power and potential of more than 85,000 participants and made a lasting impact on our community through participant-led service projects. 

Impact Statement

When asked in a recent survey, “what is the most important thing you learned about yourself at Girls on the Run?” our participants responded:

Caregivers of the participants supported these statements:

A 2016 study of GOTR found that the program makes a stronger impact than organized sports and physical education programs in teaching life skills such as managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others, and making intentional decisions. GOTR is also recognized by Harvard University & Wallace Foundation as a top research-based program and only one of three SEL programs with an integral emphasis on equitable and inclusive education.

What ways can the public get involved?

Girls on the Run of NOVA welcomes volunteers from all walks of life and backgrounds!

Becoming a GOTR NOVA Coach

Coaches are truly asset builders for our participants. GOTR NOVA coaches may be of all physical abilities, gender identities, and backgrounds and do not need to be runners. All that is needed to be a GOTR NOVA coach is the desire to invest in the future of our local youth. Coaches must be over the age of 18 years old. The time commitment to be a coach for one 10-week season is approximately 50 hours. This includes around 6-8 hours of training (a mix of in-person and online), 40 hours of coaching (around 4 hours per week), and attendance at GOTR NOVA’s end-of-season 5K celebration for participants. The timing of practices will vary depending on the host site, but typically, practices take place between 2:30-5:30pm.

Junior Coaches support the work of GOTR NOVA coaches and may be between 16-18 years old. Becoming a junior coach is a great opportunity for high school-aged youth to practice being a role model for younger kids and to strengthen their leadership skills. Junior coaches complete approximately 5-6 hours of training and commit to attending at least one practice per week. For a 10-week season, this overall time commitment will range from 20-45 hours.

Substitute Coaches also complete approximately 5-6 hours of training. Time commitment will vary based on the need for substitute coaches and the coach’s availability.

Interested coaches may visit: www.gotrnova.org/coach 

Volunteering at GOTR NOVA Site Visits (Team Adelaide)

Acting as eyes and ears out in the field, our Team Adelaide volunteers visit teams during their practice times. During your time with the team you’ll gather feedback from the coaches on how we can improve the program and better support our teams. You will then submit this feedback in a survey to GOTR NOVA. This is a great opportunity if you would like to see our program in action, but are unable to commit to coaching at this time.

Supporting the End-of-Season 5K Celebration

Our end-of-season 5K provides a tangible sense of accomplishment to participants. To celebrate and make the experience one to remember, there are many opportunities to get involved on a one-time basis. Roles include:

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

Donations to Girls on the Run of NOVA support core costs so that participants who do not have the means to pay a registration fee can still access this positive, structured, afterschool program and build the strength, health, and confidence they need to succeed.

Examples of these expenses include curriculum books, journals for participants, volunteer recruitment, coach training, CPR/first aid training, coach background checks, program shirts and water bottles, 5K shirts, 5K event materials (medals, bibs, etc.), costs associated with establishing new GOTR sites at schools and community centers, and more. These costs all play a critical role in delivering a season and end-of-season event that instill confidence and accomplishment in local girls!

Two girls lift their hands in joy with smiles on their face while finishing the Girls on the Run 5k.

Information provided March 2026

Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia (MGNV)

EIN: 54-1345818

Mission Statement

To promote horticultural volunteerism and community improvement through trained volunteers, by fostering communication, education, and fellowship among those involved in the Arlington/Alexandria Extension Master Gardeners Program and supporting and promoting the program and its volunteer educational activities.

Program Summary

Through Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), Extension Master Gardener volunteers contribute thousands of hours annually to community education programs in Arlington County and the city of Alexandria. We maintain eight demonstration gardens that illustrate the wide variety of plants that grow well in our area as well as overall garden care. We operate plant clinics in farmers’ markets and a public library as well as at special events. We field a wide range of gardening questions through the Extension Master Gardener Help Desk at the Arlington County VCE office. We conduct public workshops in such areas as container gardening, composting, removing invasive plants and insects (such as spotted lanternfly and porcelain berry), and lawn care.  We provide free online classes, including weekly programs with original content focusing on best management gardening practices, sustainable landscaping, and urban agriculture.  We support horticulture therapy and school gardening projects, and we respond to other community needs as they arise.

Impact Statement

What ways can the public get involved?

If you want to be a volunteer educator, love gardening, and want to protect our environment by sharing what you learn with our community, consider becoming an Extension Master Gardener (EMG). Once certified, EMGs teach the community about our best management practices for urban agriculture and sustainable landscaping. EMGs retain their certifications by annually completing 20 volunteer hours and 8 hours of continuing education. For more information about training or becoming an EMG, please contact our Volunteer Training Program Coordinator, Leslie Fillmore, by email at LeslieF7@vt.edu.

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

Donations to MGNV support the following that benefit the public:

A photo of children tending to a garden plot.

Information provided March 2025

Edu-Futuro

EIN: 54-1914671

Mission Statement

The mission of Edu-Futuro is to empower underserved youth and families through mentorship, education, leadership development, parent engagement, individual case management, and workforce development. Our vision is to realize the potential of underserved youth and their families.

Program Summary

Edu-Futuro’s work is focused on breaking the cycle of poverty through the power of education. We serve nearly 5,000 students and parents annually through our range of free, bilingual, Two-Generation programs:

  1. The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP): Our flagship youth-serving program offers a  “Classroom-to-Career” continuum of support that helps students graduate from high school, enroll in college, and achieve professional success. Each year, hundreds of students participate in ELP’s five core initiatives: ELP STEM Robotics clubs and Pre-ELP high school preparation workshops for youth in grades 6-8; ELP-I college readiness and leadership development workshops for students in grades 9-12; ELP-II college access and financial aid guidance for high school seniors; and ELP-III college life guidance and mentorship for students attending local postsecondary institutions.
  2. Parent Empowerment Services (PES): Because family involvement is vital for young people’s success, we offer a range of workshops to help parents and caregivers navigate our local school systems, become more involved in their children’s education, and improve family communication. In addition, our Case Management Services (CMS) provide emergency assistance to any family in need: connecting them to rental support, food distribution, health services, and other aid programs offered by government agencies or local nonprofit organizations.
  3. Workforce Development Services (WDS): To ensure parents can navigate an increasingly virtual employment landscape, we provide practical training and individualized support including computer and smartphone skills, resume and cover letter preparation, and GED certification to earn the equivalent of a high school diploma.
  4. Chronic Absenteeism Prevention (CAP): Our newest initiative, developed in response to the nationwide chronic absenteeism crisis in 2021, works directly with local school systems to conduct intensive outreach to hundreds of chronically absent students — returning youth to their classrooms and reducing dropout rates for some of our region’s most vulnerable populations.

In addition to these program pillars, since 2019 Edu-Futuro has been the proud home of Línea Directa, one of the nation’s longest-running weekly Spanish-language television programs dedicated to public service. For over 35 years, Línea Directa has operated as a crucial link between Latino families and trusted information on public health, education, and a multitude of social service issues. A unique media partnership with NBC4-Washington allows Edu-Futuro to air Línea Directa on Saturday mornings, at 11:00 a.m., on the region’s leading Spanish-language station, Telemundo 44.

Impact Summary

Each year, Edu-Futuro changes the lives of thousands of students and parents across Northern Virginia: In our most recently completed Fiscal Year 2024-2025, we provided a record-breaking 5,366 services to 4,915 unduplicated children, youth, and adults. Some of our most significant recent accomplishments include:

What ways can the public get involved?

Led by our full-time Volunteer Coordinator, each year Edu-Futuro engages over 250 volunteers who provide invaluable support for our programs as workshop co-facilitators, career panelists, and mentors. Volunteers play a central role in guiding program participants along their professional journeys, particularly as mentors for the Emerging Leaders Program. We also use volunteers for one-time opportunities to serve as panelists for career exploration workshops, committee members to review applications and select recipients for college scholarships, and judges for our annual speech and essay competitions. For more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Mariana Balgurevich, at volunteer@edu-futuro.org, or consult our volunteer registration form. 

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

Generous donations made to Edu-Futuro are what allow us to provide our services to nearly 5,000 students and parents each year. It is important to note that about 75% of the funds we receive through grants and contracts each year are earmarked for specific programs, and do not cover critical operating and administrative expenses. Unrestricted funds like those we raise from individual donors help give us the capacity and flexibility we will need to meet our ambitious goal of serving more than 5,400 unduplicated individuals in Fiscal Year 2025-2026 — and to strengthen our organization to face new challenges in the years to come.

More than anything, your support can help change the lives of young people like Eric Pleitez, an Emerging Leaders Program graduate who went on to earn his both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Finance from the George Washington University. Eric recently shared a testimonial with us that can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/MvGkh4PLCMY

Information provided March 2026

Arlington Thrive

EIN: 51-0207684

Mission Statement

Thrive provides integrated support to our neighbors in need so they can develop the capacity to be stable, secure, and thrive in their community. 

Program Summary

Early Childhood Program: These initiatives provide critical support to families with infants and young children. We understand that financial security begins with access to reliable and affordable childcare. That’s why we provide access to affordable childcare, which is crucial for parents to provide for their families and pursue educational opportunities.  We also offer resources such as baby boxes filled with essential supplies for infants’ health and safety. Through our Early Childhood Programs, we also provide safe sleep and car seat trainings to equip families with the tools they need to thrive and succeed. 

Community Navigator & Employment Pathways Program: These programs work together to provide tailored guidance that strengthens each client’s path to long‑term stability. Community Navigators offer short‑term case management, financial counseling, and individualized support, while Employment Pathways expands earning potential through industry‑recognized certifications, skills‑building courses, and targeted career coaching. By combining immediate support with mid‑career workforce development, Thrive empowers individuals and families to increase their income, access new opportunities, and build a more secure future.

Community Resilience Program: This program serves as a vital lifeline for individuals and families in Arlington facing severe hardships. We help families overcome immediate financial crises by providing rental, utility, and medical assistance. The Community Resilience Program also provides crucial information and referrals that are accessible to individuals and partner nonprofits.  This program ensures that neighbors in need can quickly connect to the full range of support services available in Arlington, helping them access the right resources at the right time.

Impact Statement

Arlington Thrive provides financial assistance and comprehensive support services that empower families to achieve stability. This includes access to affordable childcare, financial counseling, job training, and one-on-one support to help people set goals, solve problems, and find the resources they need to achieve long-term stability. Leading with a community first approach, Arlington Thrive values meeting our clients, partners, and supporters at various community events, holiday markets, fairs, and other places Arlington neighbors spend time together. By focusing on holistic support, Arlington Thrive aims to break the cycle of poverty and create pathways to prosperity for families in need.

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can get involved in Arlington Thrive’s work in several ways. Thrive is always looking for volunteers! Whether you’re a photographer wanting to gain more experience, a tech guru who can lend a hand, or someone who loves to see the day-to-day impact of Thrive’s work, we would love to have you be a part of Thrive! Another way to get involved is to amplify Arlington Thrive’s messages on social media. By sharing our posts, spreading awareness about our programs and services, and encouraging others to get involved, individuals can help increase Arlington Thrive’s reach and impact. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Visit www.arlingtonthrive.org for more information, sign up for our newsletter, and meet us at the next community event! 

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

Charitable dollars donated to Arlington Thrive are spent on responding nimbly to community needs. These donations ensure that every local family in Arlington can not only call it home but also find a path to stability and prosperity in the community. Your donation goes towards funding urgent rent, utility, and medical needs, as well as providing infant health, safety, and wellness supplies. Additionally, donations support affordable childcare and essential job training programs. By donating to Arlington Thrive, you are directly contributing to the well-being and stability of individuals and families in Arlington, helping them overcome financial crises and build a better future.

Information provided March 2026

Arlington Boathouse Foundation

EIN: 54-1618550

Mission Statement

The Arlington Boathouse Foundation’s mission is to provide access for Arlington residents to the Potomac River. Community members and students will greatly benefit from the ability to not only see but interact with the river that is a vital part of our county and the surrounding region.

Program Summary

From the beginning the vision has been to provide opportunities for both the rowing and paddling community in Arlington. The county boasts a long history of offering rowing to high school programs as far back as 75 years. For generations this rich history has intermixed with the area’s paddling community to give county residents additional outlets, both recreational and competitive, to the river. To connect with the world around us, the boathouse would offer an outlet for school and community-based educational opportunities. Additionally, by connecting residents and visitors to the Potomac River and its shorelines, the Arlington Community Boathouse will inspire an interest in protecting the river from pollution for all who enjoy access. Finally, early plans for the operation of the facility propose using it to provide access for watershed and river protection organizations. 

Impact Statement

The Arlington Boathouse Foundation is advocating for the new community facility to be an innovative model of environmental sensitivity and sustainability to serve a broad spectrum of resident and visitor users with access to the Potomac River. Not only will non-motorized water sports, such as rowing and paddling, be supported but the boathouse facility will serve as a unique classroom for nature study and stewardship. Envisioned as well are passive exhibits related to the site’s historic and cultural connections, such as the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial and the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. From the upper site near Rosslyn Circle, visitors can enjoy unsurpassed vistas of Georgetown, Foggy Bottom and the upper Potomac River.

What ways can the public get involved?

Here are three ways you can help build the Arlington Community Boathouse: 

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

Charitable dollars are spent to do all things necessary for financing, designing, permitting, constructing, organizing, and operating a boathouse. 

A photo of Washington-Lee Women's crew team practicing on the Potomac river.

Information provided March 2025

Liberty’s Promise

EIN: 27-0058022

Mission Statement

Liberty’s Promise supports young immigrants in need while encouraging them to be active and conscientious American citizens. Our programs aim to make the immigrant experience an affirmative one for young newcomers while instilling in them a sense of pride and support for American ideals of democracy and freedom. By doing so, Liberty’s Promise seeks to reaffirm our fundamental egalitarian and democratic traditions for future generations.

Program Summary

Liberty’s Promise serves low-income, immigrant youth, ages 11-21, through after-school programs of civic engagement and a summer internship program. Our programs, Civics and Citizenship, and Civic Engagement for Beginning English Language Learners (CE-BELL), are designed around four pivotal themes: civic engagement, community involvement, college access, and career readiness. While both programs share a core curriculum, CE-BELL, conducted in Spanish, incorporates an English-language-learning component tailored for recently arrived youth. Our newest program, Civics and Citizenship Junior (C&C Junior) supports middle school youth in their transition to high school.

Our programs, conducted twice a year from October to December and March to May, engage participants in 90-minute sessions twice a week over ten weeks. In addition to the 20 in-class sessions, participants attend two field trips each semester to community sites of civic interest (fire stations, the police department, county government offices, etc.).

Our internship program, Opportunities Plus, matches participants with a host site for an eight-week internship during the summer. During internships, youth acquire professional skills that will be beneficial to them as they integrate themselves into the U.S. workplace. Participants are placed in internships in Arlington County with nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and government offices.

Our programs are designed to help newcomers learn about the civic life of Arlington so that they feel at home in the county.

Impact Statement

Liberty’s Promise operates 27 out-of-school-time programs across the Washington DC and Baltimore metro areas and a professional internship program that has given more than 800 youth a first-hand introduction to the American workplace. Our civics programs serve more than 800 youth annually, and we have worked with more than 8,500 youth since we began in 2005.

To measure the short-term impact of programs, we administer an evaluation to youth upon completion of each semester. On these evaluations, we expect at least 75 percent of our high school respondents to report feeling: a) more involved in their community, b) better prepared for college, and c) more prepared for a career. We routinely exceed these expectations every semester.

Ultimately, the history of Liberty’s Promise is best expressed by the amazing things we have helped our youth accomplish. More than 97 percent of our program participants have finished high school, and 51 percent has some college education, far above the national average for low-income, immigrant youth. In Arlington County, our alumni from Wakefield High School have gone on to become educators, financial advisors, accountants, business entrepreneurs, and more.

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can actively engage with our work by becoming guest speakers at our programs, where they can share valuable resources, insights into various career paths, and personal stories with our youth. Many of our guest speakers come from an immigrant background themselves and can provide a valuable perspective and encouragement for our youth since they were once in their shoes. 

During the spring, we also host small groups of volunteers to work with our youth in Job Skills Workshops. In preparation for summer internships, volunteers work with our youth to craft a resume and cover letter, and also offer tips and advice and even engage in interview practice. 

Volunteers can further contribute by hosting high school summer interns at their workplaces. Our summer internship program offers participants hands-on work experience and opportunities to gain practical skills in a desired field. This not only enhances their resumes but also empowers them for future success.

On average, we engage with more than 100 volunteers annually across all our program locations. Joining us as a guest speaker, workshop facilitator, or internship host provides a direct and impactful way for the public to support our mission.

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

The charitable dollars we receive are strategically allocated to maximize impact. For the 2025 budget, we earmark 87 percent of all revenue for program costs, encompassing staff time, program facilitators, food, transportation, internships, materials for activities, and enriching field trips. This allocation underscores our commitment to directing the majority of funds towards the core elements that directly benefit and uplift the individuals we serve. By prioritizing program-related expenditures, we ensure that our charitable dollars are utilized efficiently to make a meaningful and positive impact on the community we support.

In Arlington County, all charitable contributions are used for direct program costs.

A photo showing a group of Wakefield students posing in front of a firetruck with members of the Arlington County fire department.

Information provided March 2025

Outdoor Lab (Arlington Outdoor Education Association)

EIN: 54-0840089

Mission Statement

Arlington Outdoor Education Association (AOEA) creates opportunities for all Arlington Public School (APS) students to experience hands-on STEM outdoor education that extends traditional classroom opportunities.  As an all-volunteer organization, AOEA is committed to supporting experiential environmental learning by conserving undeveloped land and building inspiring learning facilities. 

Program Summary

The Phoebe Hall Knipling Outdoor Laboratory – known to generations of students simply as the Outdoor Lab – is a unique educational resource for students in Arlington Public Schools (APS). At the Lab, students learn science in an outdoor classroom and have experiences in nature that are uncommon in our urban community. These opportunities are possible through a partnership between the Arlington Outdoor Education Association (AOEA), a nonprofit organization which owns and maintains the 313-acre property, Animal Lab classroom building and other facilities, and APS.  

The Lab also hosts three weeks of summer camp for upper elementary and middle school grades, recruiting high schoolers to serve as junior counselors.

Impact Statement


The AOEA-APS partnership allows classroom education to expand into the great outdoors. This immersion supports a variety of learning styles as well as helps build social-emotional skills. In alignment with Virginia science education standards, lesson plans are honed by Lab staff and classroom teachers together.

This educational programming is combined with opportunities to boat on the pond, hike a mountain trail or catch fish. For many APS students, a trip to the Lab represents the first time they have experienced these activities or explored nature in an up-close way. 

What ways can the public get involved?

Volunteers help maintain trails and resources at the Outdoor Lab. They also enhance and/or preserve our natural environment by removing invasive species, improving drainage, and planting native plants. Additionally, volunteers help guide visitors at our twice-yearly Open Houses. We welcome small groups to volunteer together, like scouting troops or nature-related organizations.

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

Your gift to AOEA strengthens the Lab facilities and natural environment for students to explore applied science:

Together, we ensure that students have access to this natural classroom as an extension of their traditional learning.

Students examining a stream.

Information provided March 2026