Population: Children and Youth

Kitchen of Purpose (La Cocina VA)

EIN: 46-2037695

Mission Statement

Kitchen of Purpose uses the power of food to change lives. An agent for socio-economic change, the Kitchen of Purpose generates workforce and entrepreneurship development and provides healthy food assistance in the D.C. metro area. Together, the Kitchen of Purpose community–staff, students, entrepreneurs, partners, supporters– create employment, launch new food businesses, and work to end hunger. 

Program Summary

Workforce Development Program

Culinary Training
In our state-of-the-art training kitchen, community members seeking jobs with family-sustaining salaries learn the skills they need to work as qualified cooks and chefs. After the 8 weeks of training, our students begin a four-week paid internship with one of our employer partners. Internships lead to permanent job offers, and our graduates earn an average of $18.50/hour after they have completed our program that includes:

  1. Bilingual training in English and Spanish, plus English classes 
  2. Wrap around social services
  3. Financial literacy 
  4. Connection to our Small Business Incubator: We’re the only organization around that equips community members with culinary training and comprehensive entrepreneurship support.

Front of House Training
Front of House Training is training for careers in the restaurant industry, focusing on barista and bartending skills. The 6-week training includes TIPS certification and job placement.


The Food Lab

With the right support, a small business can be a way to earn a family-sustaining income. Kitchen of Purpose provides the training and resources low-to-moderate income community members seek in order to launch successful businesses. Our Food Lab small business incubator offers:

Food Assistance

Meals to Low-Income Families
Our meals are prepared in our kitchen with fresh ingredients. Working with our partners, we alleviate food insecurity through nutritious meals without the stress and cost of preparation.

Meals to At-Risk Kids
This is where Kitchen of Purpose steps in. We provide after-school enrichment programs and after-school meals. The meals are fresh and balanced, meeting childhood nutrition needs.

Family Meal
This year, Kitchen of Purpose is launching Family Meal, “meals with dignity,” in our organization’s beautiful space where low-income community members enjoy a 3-course meal and learn about community resources.

Impact Statement

Kitchen of Purpose supports low-income communities with job training for jobs in the food service industry that pay family-sustaining salaries at no cost to participants. In 2024, Kitchen of Purpose achieved an 93% job placement rate, placing students in positions with $18.50/hr average wage.

Kitchen of Purposes empowers diverse entrepreneurs. Aspiring entrepreneurs seek Kitchen of Purpose’s support as they strike out on their own, having worked for years in the food service industry. Entrepreneurs of all backgrounds face barriers to entry, such as knowledge about business requirements as well as access to infrastructure and access to capital.

Kitchen of Purpose works for the health of our community through our Food Assistance Program, providing prepared meals with fresh ingredients and alleviating hunger. Since 2015, Kitchen of Purpose has prepared and delivered 50,000 healthy meals for the Northern Virginians experiencing food insecurity.

What ways can the public get involved?

We invite the community to change lives through the power of food! Opportunities to get involved include:

Mentorship and Coaching: Business professionals with financial expertise and small business experience provide essential support to our entrepreneurs. Volunteers share their experience with clients in our Small Business Incubator as they start or expand their small food businesses.

Skill Share: Kitchen of Purpose invites those with expertise in technology, social media, marketing, and communications to share their skills with Kitchen of Purpose and help us advance our mission.

Preparing Healthy Meals: We invite corporate and community groups to a team building activity that also transforms food into healthy meals as part of Kitchen of Purpose’s Food Assistance Program.

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

Information provided March 2025

Arlington Artists Alliance (Alliance Gallery)

EIN: 54-2043690

Mission Statement

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

Program Summary

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

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

To highlight a few:

Arlington Career Center Exhibition

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

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

It’s A Steal

Earth Day on Langston Boulevard

ONGOING:

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

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

Impact Statement

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

Some of our on-going partnerships include:

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

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

What ways can the public get involved?

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

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

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

Information provided March 2025

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

Clothesline for Arlington Kids

EIN: 81-5100482

Mission Statement

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

Program Summary

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

Impact Statement

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

What ways can the public get involved?

You can support The Clothesline in 4 ways:

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

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

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

A photo of Ellen Moy holding out a basket of clothing including running shoes, hats and socks inside the Clothesline "store".

Information provided March 2026

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 March 2026

Dream Project

EIN: 45-1869894

Mission Statement

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

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

Information provided March 2025

Arlington Philharmonic

EIN: 75-3215581

Mission Statement

The mission of the Arlington Philharmonic is to make classical music accessible to every Arlington citizen, to promote the value of classical music in our civic life, and to build strong, creative partnerships with schools, local government, businesses and other organizations.

We affirm that racial equity – an understanding and acknowledgement of historical and ongoing racial inequities and a commitment to actions challenging those inequities – is a core tenet of our beliefs as an organization and will be embedded in our structure, operations, and artistic endeavors.

Program Summary

The Arlington Philharmonic (AP) is the only professional symphony orchestra in Arlington, performing at least three classical concerts annually. AP musicians also perform small ensemble performances. The AP is unique among regional professional orchestras because it does not charge admission, with the exception of fundraising events. The AP also sponsors a fee-based Crescendo Chamber Music Program for middle and high school string players and, new in FY2025, wind players. The AP strives to reach out to the many and diverse population groups in the region including Spanish and Mongolian community organizations, as well as to all age groups. As an artistic anchor in the Arlington community, the AP meets a specific need in Arlington County by reaching a large number of residents who may not otherwise be exposed to classical music.

Impact Statement

The AP impacts the community primarily through community enhancement, partnerships, and youth education. The AP’s partnership with the Arlington Central Library, comprising free small ensemble performances open to the public, and its partnership with Encore Learning have raised awareness of the AP’s existence and opportunities to experience orchestral performances free of charge. In the current 2025-26 season, the AP is undertaking a “Communities of Arlington Chamber Music Festival,” a strategic creative placemaking initiative featuring diverse programming in six different Arlington locations celebrating Arlington’s multicultural identity and strengthening cultural assets of historically marginalized communities. One of the AP’s principal impacts is on the youth of Arlington through youth education and opportunities for young people. The AP’s Board President, a retired APS orchestra director and music teacher, continues to actively promotes the AP and its opportunities for young musicians throughout the APS music programs. The AP’s December 2025 holiday concert, including young Arlington Public School string players performing with the professionals at Ballston Quarter, was a great success that attracted a sizeable audience, including shoppers, and received rave reviews from the Ballston Quarter management team. They have already asked us to repeat the concert in December 2026.

What ways can the public get involved?

The AP is always in need of volunteers at concerts to help greet and, if necessary, assist in seating audience members. Please contact us at info@arlingtonphilharmonic.org if you are interested.

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

The cost of a full orchestra concert comes to $20,000, most of which is funded by individual donations and in part by government funding. All donations to the AP go directly to operating costs, including paying our musicians, Music Director, and support staff; venue and equipment rental; administrative costs including liability insurance; and programming and marketing. 

Information provided March 2026

REACH for Uganda

formerly known as Arlington Academy of Hope (AAH)

EIN: 20-2089837

Mission Statement

For the past 20 years, REACH for Uganda has transformed communities in rural Eastern Uganda by focusing on delivering quality education, accessible healthcare, and sustainable community development. The organization’s mission centers on uplifting some of the region’s poorest and most vulnerable areas, aiming to bring lasting positive change.

Through a holistic approach that integrates education, healthcare, and community development initiatives, REACH actively enhances the quality of life for local residents. Engaging a dedicated network of volunteers and skilled professionals, REACH not only meets immediate needs but also empowers communities to become self-sustaining and vibrant.

Program Summary

The organization operates two model primary schools, serving nearly 1,000 students with a rigorous curriculum, extracurricular activities, and two meals a day. These schools consistently outperform local government-run schools, and REACH supports students through secondary and tertiary education with a scholarship program, enabling over 330 students to attend top schools and unlock future opportunities. REACH recently opened its own high school, as well, bringing much-needed quality secondary and vocational education to the region. 

REACH prioritizes gender equity, with 53% of its students being girls. Its efforts have significantly boosted female enrollment, and all girls who complete primary education pursue higher education. The organization also empowers women through microfinance programs, employment in traditionally male-dominated roles, and initiatives like the Better Homes Program, which improves living conditions by installing durable concrete floors in homes.

Healthcare is another key focus, with two clinics serving over 30,000 people annually, offering treatments for malaria, HIV, prenatal care, and more. These clinics also provide health education to communities. Additionally, REACH employs local community members, including alumni who became healthcare professionals, fostering sustainable development. Through these integrated programs, REACH continues to empower communities in Eastern Uganda, creating lasting change.

Impact Statement

We are an organization that believes in…

Education
We believe that children, especially girls, have a right to a quality education and basic healthcare. We believe that education is the key to transformation and opens opportunities. We believe that children are our hope for the future.

Integrity
We use our resources of time, talent, and money responsibly and strategically.

Respect
We value the Ugandan culture and way of life. We are inclusive of diverse ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds within Reach For Uganda.

Communication
We honestly and openly share our ideas and organizational decision-making.

Partnership
We foster teamwork and value relationships with our volunteers, child sponsors, donors, partners and friends as we work to achieve our goals in partnership with the people of Uganda.

A Passion to Serve
We empower people with opportunities to help children and others in need. We strengthen and grow the organization in a positive and constructive way.

What ways can the public get involved?

Sponsor a student’s education and change their life forever. Learn more here  https://reachforuganda.org/donate/sponsorship/

Support the building of our new secondary and vocational school: Learn more here https://reachforuganda.org/programs/arlington-secondary-and-vocational-school-project/

Donate to the program:

https://reachforuganda.reachapp.co/donations/new

Travel with us to Uganda-  High school students, adults, teachers. Learn more here: https://reachforuganda.org/getinvolved/trips/

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

Your donation to REACH for Uganda supports education, healthcare, and community development in rural Eastern Uganda. It helps fund two model primary schools and one secondary school, providing over 1,000 students with quality education, meals, and extracurricular activities. Your sponsorship of a student secures their future and allows them to reach their full potential. Funds contribute to gender equity initiatives, including microfinance programs and empowering women in leadership roles. Additionally, donations support REACH’s healthcare clinics, which serve over 30,000 people annually, providing essential medical treatments and health education. Your contribution directly empowers individuals and strengthens communities for long-term, sustainable growth in underserved areas of rural eastern Uganda.

Information provided March 2025