The Fenwick Foundation

EIN: 27-4879033

Mission Statement

The Fenwick Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity focused on improving quality of life, health and wellbeing in ways that are not addressed or “below the radar.”  We provide a wide range of therapeutic recreational, cultural and educational outings and activities as well as support programs, including economic support, dental care, and vision care to low-resource and vulnerable adults and older adults, veterans and returning military personnel, people with disabilities, caregivers, and immigrant status adults.  

Program Summary

Enriching Lives — Social, & educational opportunities to attend theater, museums, sporting events, “out-to-eat” group lunches/dinners, zoo visits, parks, river cruises, bowling, movies, etc.  Program addresses mental and physical health needs of  Seniors/Elderly, Veterans, and other special needs individuals living in skilled nursing, assisted living, & group residence facilities to get groups “out-of-the-house” for physical/mental stimulation and activities.  Program encourages more active lifestyle and social interaction.

Dental Care —Project ADAPT provides needed dental care to low-income older adults, immigrant-status low-income adults and people with disabilities not receiving adequate or any dental care.  We provide a full range of  dental procedures/ treatments as well as a dental home for our patients in Northern Virginia.  Far too many do not have financial or logistical access to this basic health care need.  We are determined to change this condition. 

Impact Statement

Enriching Lives has had an impact on those combating mental health and physical health issues.  Our program gets people “out of the house” and into the community to help address the issues of loneliness and isolation.

Our Project ADAPT Dental program has had a major impact on the oral health of those we served.  Pain has been lessened, smiles have been returned, and folks have been able to more easily chew and eat food. Oral health impacts heart and physical health, so our patients have been impacted in these areas as well.

What ways can the public get involved?

Our programs require funding to operate.  Your donations will help us to continue and expand/improve these vital programs.

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

Your donation goes to help fund our programs and keep them running.  Over 90% of donations go directly to fund the organization’s programs.  

Your donations help us to obtain tickets to the activities we sponsor.  And your donations go to directly fund needed dental treatments and procedure for those who otherwise can not afford the cost of dental treatments.

Information provided March 2025

Bridges to Independence

EIN: 54-1368484

Mission Statement

The mission at Bridges is to guide children and families out of homelessness and into stability and self-sufficiency. 

Since 1985, Bridges to Independence has empowered 16,000 homeless children and families in Arlington. What began as a small shelter has grown into a multifaceted family and children services agency.

Program Summary

Bridges provides the following programs for children and families experiencing homelessness in Arlington:

Shelter: Bridges operates Arlington County’s largest emergency family shelter with approximately 50 beds across 15 apartment units and includes a 24-hour food pantry. The median length of stay is 90 days. 2 out of 3 shelter residents are children. 
Youth Development: The program transforms the lives of children. Activities include arts and crafts, tutoring, cooking, music, swim lessons, STEM workshops, and field trips.  The young people improve their grades, self-esteem, job readiness, and health. Staff find students internships in the field of their choice. For the last seven consecutive years, 100% of high school seniors at Bridges are graduating on time and will continue on to college, job training, employment, or most often, a combination of these.
Housing: Bridges provides rental assistance, housing placement support for families, and daily case management at the Rapid Rehousing program. Staff connect families to additional resources to access financial assistance, legal counseling, mental health services, and medical care. 
Community Services Center: Bridges offers a walk-in referral and information resource in South Arlington. Residents may meet regularly with a case manager. The Center offers health screenings, school supplies for students, and community classes on topics such as parenting, tenant rights, and nutrition. 
Workforce Development: Bridges provides seminars and counseling to transition working adults from minimum wage to a livable wage. The staff helps them find and maintain employment through partnerships with local businesses in Arlington while reducing barriers to employment, such as childcare, transportation, and professional certifications for workers to maintain employment and earn promotions.

Impact Statement

In 2023, Bridges served 634 children and adults experiencing homelessness in Arlington.
The Youth Development Program effectively reduced the school dropout rate for homeless students in Arlington. For the 7th consecutive year, 100% of high school seniors at Bridges are graduating on time and continuing on to college, job training, a career, or most often, a combination of these.
Bridges has a 90% success rate in moving families to permanent destinations who have been experiencing homelessness.
7 in 10 adults eligible for employment had income at the time they exited the rapid rehousing program.
92% of families remained permanently housed after exiting the rapid rehousing program.
3 out of 4 families maintained or increased their household income upon exit of the Bridges rapid rehousing program.
260 Arlington residents accessed referrals, resources, and services at the Bridges BAJ Community Services Center.
0 families were removed from the shelter without a safe place to go. Staff ensure that all families move from the shelter into housing, and no family is ever thrown out and left on the streets

What ways can the public get involved?

Donate food: Bridges provides a food pantry at the emergency shelter for families.
Volunteer: Projects include gardening, tutoring, collecting supplies for our back-to-school donation drive or holiday toy drive, assembling Snack Sacks, and more!
Join a committee: Join the Bridges events, communications and advocacy, or fundraising committee.
Become a Board member.

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

$50- one pair of children’s sneakers
$100- GED or ESL course registration fee
$250- afterschool programming for one child
$500- one month of groceries for a family
$1,000- financial literacy and career workshops
$2,000- one month of rent for a family

Information provided April 2025

Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia

EIN: 52-1589700

Mission Statement

Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia’s (Habitat DC-NOVA) mission is to reduce poverty and housing instability in the national capital area by creating and preserving decenter, affordable, and energy-efficient homes for Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia residents with low to moderate incomes. 

Program Summary

Habitat DC-NOVA believes that everyone deserves a safe, decent place to live. We work to break down barriers to homeownership and help families create stability and intergenerational wealth through permanent housing. 

Homeownership: Habitat provides unique opportunities for families with low to moderate incomes to buy their first home. We build quality homes and partner with DC & NOVA families to sell them below market value with affordable financing, reduced down payments, and mortgage payments proportional to income. We serve families earning 30-80% of the Area Medium Income (AMI) and who live in Arlington County, Fairfax County, The Cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, and the District of Columbia. 

Home Repair: We partner with seniors with lower incomes and adults with disabilities to help them make critical repairs and accessibility modifications to their homes. By helping families who cannot afford these repairs, we’re helping to make their homes safe, healthy, and supportive of aging in place. With modifications and support, they can continue to live—and thrive- in their own homes and communities. 

Impact Statement

For the last 35 years, Habitat DC-NOVA has partnered with families to help them build stronger foundations for their future. Currently, 1/3 of households in our region pay more than 30% of their monthly income towards housing. With many spending a large portion of their income on housing, they have to make difficult decisions between spending on housing, healthcare, food, and transportation. 

We have built over 300 homes, completed over 235 home repairs, and served almost 2,000 individuals. In 2018, we found that 52% of homeowners pursued higher education, and 92% of children in Habitat homes had graduated high school.  

We have set an ambitious goal to serve 1,000 people by 2030 through our homeownership and home repair program. Active construction is going on in Arlington at Reeves Farmhouse, in DC at 55th Street, and in Fairfax at Fairfax Presbyterian Church.

What ways can the public get involved?

Habitat DC-NOVA brings people with all different backgrounds together to eliminate poverty housing and build community alongside our neighbors needing a decent place to live. We believe everyone can make a difference with their unique skills and talents, and we offer a variety of opportunities to support our affordable housing mission. 

Whether you want to swing a hammer, help bring in donations at the ReStore, hold a fundraiser to support our builds, plan an event to raise awareness of housing needs or advocate for housing policies,  we have an opportunity that will fit your needs. 

Volunteering: We have volunteer opportunities on our construction site, our ReStores, and in our office. Learn more at https://www.habitatdcnova.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Donate home goods, furniture, or construction materials to the ReStore. We have three ReStores (Alexandria and Chantilly) open to the public Monday-Saturday. Shop the store that helps build homes! We accept donations at the store and may be able to pick up larger items at your home. Learn more at https://www.habitatdcnova.org/restore/
Donate your vehicle, motorcycle, or RV to the Habitat for Humanity Cars for Homes program. Your vehicle can help support local families in building strength, stability, and shelter. Learn more at https://www.habitatdcnova.org/support-us/donate-your-car/

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

Habitat DC-NOVA provides decent, affordable homes to families needing a safe place to call home. Each donation is used responsibly to support programs, serve families, and build more equitable and accessible communities in our region. We are currently ranked as a 4-star charity on Charity Navigator, with a 94% ranking. 

With the continually increasing cost of building materials and land, we work hard to build partnerships to reduce these expenses. However, significant costs for materials, site preparation, and other services are still needed to serve families in our area.

Information provided March 2026

Spread The Vote + Project ID

EIN: 81-5308494

Mission Statement

A real democracy cannot flourish unless all of its citizens have full access to the rights and privilege of their citizenship. By helping the citizens and residents of the United States obtain the IDs they need to attain jobs, housing, health care, voting, and more, we build a society in which every human has an equal opportunity to achieve.

Program Summary

We help people obtain state IDs and all documents required to obtain those IDs, including birth certificates, marriage records, etc. We provide the funds for the documents and IDs, transportation to the DMV, and anything else needed to get an ID in the hands of our clients. 

Impact Statement

To date we have helped more than 1500 people obtain IDs in Virginia, more than 800 of those in Arlington. We have been working consistently in Arlington since 2017 and are deeply committed to the community and our clients. 

What ways can the public get involved?

We always welcome volunteers! All of our volunteers who work in Arlington live in Arlington and always welcome new members of the team. We also accept donations of funds as well as goods for our clients and partners.

If you are interested, email volunteers@spreadthevote.org.

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

IDs cost an average of $40 each, donations go mainly to IDs and the documents required to obtain IDs (ex. birth certificate costs start at $20 and increase significantly depending on the state). The average ID cost in Virginia is $28.

Information provided April 2024

Neighborhood Health

EIN: 54-1849891

Mission Statement

Our mission is to improve health and advance health equity in Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax by providing high quality primary care regardless of ability to pay.

Program Summary

Neighborhood Health provides accessible, high quality, and patient-centered primary care to patients in Arlington, the City of
Alexandria, and Fairfax County. Our comprehensive model of primary care includes family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics as well as dental care, behavioral health, laboratory services, medication assistance, pediatric vision services, HIV care, diabetes education, and medical and non-medical case management. We are accredited by the Joint Commission and a certified Primary Care Medical Home, coordinating care across the health care continuum. Our mission is to improve health and advance health equity in our service area by providing high quality primary care regardless of ability to pay. Our vision is that everyone in our community has the highest quality healthcare and the opportunity to attain their highest level of health.

Neighborhood Health operates two clinics in Arlington; one at the Sequoia complex that serves adults and the Arlington
Pediatric Center which joined Neighborhood Health in January 2024. Many Arlington residents receive care at Neighborhood Health clinics in other jurisdictions.

Impact Statement

Neighborhood Health provides care for low-income, underinsured and uninsured individuals in Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, and Fairfax County. We ensure access to high quality, comprehensive primary healthcare regardless of ability to pay.

In 2024, we served 42,703 pediatric and adult patients. Most of our patients are either uninsured (37%) or on Medicaid (48%). 98% of patients report income of 200% FPL or lower. Over 90% identify as a racial or ethnic minority. We are the largest safety net health provider in Northern Virginia. Our patients have few other options to receive care.

In 2024, Neighborhood Health provided care to over 6,500 Arlington residents.

Neighborhood Health was recognized by HRSA with these 2024 Community Health Quality Recognition awards: Silver Health Center Quality Leader (top 11-20%), Health Disparities Reducer, Access Enhancer, Addressing Social Risk Factors, and Advancing HIT for Quality.

What ways can the public get involved?

The best way to support Neighborhood Health is through a financial contribution.

Neighborhood Health has limited volunteer opportunities. Email nhojvat@nhnva.org with questions.

Neighborhood Health has limited capacity for accepting donated goods. Email nhojvat@nhnva.org with inquiries.

If your organization is interested in partnering with Neighborhood Health, email jknops@nhnva.org.

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

Given Neighborhood Health’s high percentage of uninsured patients – about 37%, we welcome the financial support of individuals, corporations, and foundations to help cover the costs of serving our uninsured neighbors. Donations are used to pay for the care of these uninsured patients.

Examples of What Your Donation Will Cover:

$5,000 – supports care for 4 uninsured patients with diabetes for a year
$2,000 – supports the preventive dental care of 2 patients
$1,000 – supports medical care for 1 newborn for a year
$750 – supports medical care for 1 uninsured adult patient for a year
$500 – supports two medical visits for an uninsured patient with heart disease
$350 – supports two behavioral health visits for an uninsured patient with depression
$250 – supports a comprehensive dental exam for a new uninsured patient
$150 – supports an optometry visit for vision screening for an uninsured child
$100 – supports navigation to specialty care for one uninsured patient
$50 – supports application of dental sealant for 1 uninsured child

Call (571) 457-9146 or email development@nhnva.org with questions about donations.

Donations to Neighborhood Health can be designated for General Operations or for a specific purpose or project within our scope of work. Donations can also be made in memorium or in honor of an individual chosen by the donor. Please email development@nhnva.org for more details.

Donations to Neighborhood Health are tax deductible as allowed by law.

Information provided March 2025

Culpepper Garden

EIN: 54-1681671

Mission Statement

Culpepper Garden, owned by the nonprofit Arlington Retirement Housing Corporation, is a nonprofit retirement community providing 346 affordable living apartments with services for low-income older adults over age 62. Our mission is to provide and advocate for high quality, affordable housing, services, and care that helps older adults on fixed and low incomes to age with comfort and dignity. Our affordable, assisted living wing was the first in the nation to provide federally subsidized housing plus care and we are still the only one in Arlington today. We are committed to providing a continuum of care for generations to come. 

Program Summary

Culpepper Garden is a community of care featuring 346 independent and assisted living apartments in Arlington, Virginia, designed to serve at-risk older adults.

 Independent Living

Our independent living features 273 one- and two-bedroom apartments for residents who want to live with as much autonomy as possible. Residents enjoy daily dining service from our on-site kitchen, housekeeping services, and regular maintenance of their home. Easily accessible, on-site amenities that include a library, computer room, free Wi-Fi, hair salon, outdoor walking paths, and free parking enhance community life at Culpepper Garden. All residents receive substantial income-based rent subsidies from HUD to ensure their housing remains affordable.

Assisted Living

Our 73-unit assisted living wing is available to residents who need help with activities of daily living. The first facility of its kind in the country to receive federal rent subsidies, Culpepper Garden’s assisted living residence serves as a national model for quality specialized housing and care for older adults who need it the most. Residents in assisted living receive assistance with medication management, daily meals prepared by our Dining Services, assistance with bathing and dressing and access to a licensed nurse on staff. A full-time active life enrichment staff person leads five to eight resident programs and entertainment each day.

Impact Statement

Culpepper Garden’s mission-driven work focuses on key goals including ending and preventing homelessness among the older adult population, meeting the unmet and changing needs of our marginalized seniors, and fostering residents’ individual dignity, autonomy, and wellbeing. Last year, we were the sole safety net for nearly 400 low to extremely low-income older adults, a majority of whom earn an average monthly income of $1,300 or less and in no other instance could afford to age in place in Arlington County. With generous donor support, in FY24 we were able to provide care subsidies for 41 vulnerable assisted living residents who could no longer pay for their care. Since opening our assisted living wing 24 years ago, we have never stopped caring for anyone. Assisted Living Subsidies, made possible through support from Arlington County and private donations, has enabled 100% of our charitable residents to date (233 individuals) to age in place in Arlington with a high quality of life. 

What ways can the public get involved?

Volunteer. Our organization could not do this important work without the dedicated, passionate volunteers who serve Culpepper Garden. Volunteers assist with maintaining our gardens and grounds, assisting with special events, leading resident activities, and more. By volunteering here, you will be joining others in our community who are making a positive difference.

Donate. Almost all of the funding we receive from donors goes to direct services and care subsidies for our residents. We are extremely efficient in how we use the money we have.

Collaborate. We regularly seek out opportunities to partner with local organizations and supporters who compliment and advance the impact we are able to make in our community. We’ve been able to sustain our work for nearly 50 years because of our lasting partnerships

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

We believe that everyone should be able to live out the last years of their life with dignity. Culpepper Garden is uniquely positioned to provide a community of care to at-risk older adults. As a resident’s care needs increase, the level of care required also increases. Yet, Assisted Living care is costly even in an affordable community like ours. That is why we rely on donor support to aid us in assisting our most frail and vulnerable residents who have outlived their assets and can no longer afford their cost of care.  Your donation will support financial subsidies that offset the cost of assisted-living services and care for our lowest-income residents with the greatest need and enable them to continue leading their dignified lives. With your support, we can assure that no resident, no matter how vulnerable or low income, will ever have to leave Culpepper Garden Assisted Living because they can no longer afford their care.

Information provided March 2025

Equipment Connections for Children

EIN: 27-1062106

Mission Statement

ECFC connects with families of children living with disabilities in order to help fulfill vital unmet adaptive equipment needs, provide educational workshops, and foster community, free of charge.

Program Summary

Our equipment loan closet helps provide needed equipment to families struggling to get the equipment their child needs, either at all or in a timely manner. Families can use the equipment as long as needed. When the items are returned, they can then go out to another family in need!

Impact Statement

We have helped thousands of families with children living with disabilities in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia since 2009.

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

All donations go to support our equipment loan closet program.

Information provided April 2024

Nature Forward

EIN: 53-0233715

Mission Statement

Nature Forward’s mission is to inspire residents of the greater Washington, DC region to appreciate, understand and protect their natural environment through outdoor experiences, education and advocacy. We seek to create a larger and more diverse community of people who treasure the natural world and work to preserve it.

Program Summary

GreenKids environmental literacy lessons for Pre-K to Grade 12 students in northern Virginia, DC and Maryland, and professional development training for teachers to be able to lead environmental education and Green School certification efforts.
Water quality monitoring at 25 stream tributaries of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers for over 30 years. We provide consistent, reliable water quality data to policymakers and the public.
Flood preparedness and resilience outreach and education for highly flood-prone neighborhoods in DC’s Wards 7 and 8.
Data center guidelines to protect the environment.
Planting thousands of native trees and installing rain gardens and other green infrastructure in high-density urban neighborhoods to increase tree canopy, reduce urban “heat islands” and mitigate stormwater runoff during heavy rain events.
Leadership, civic engagement and advocacy training for underserved communities in Fairfax County and Washington DC. Trained Conservation Ambassadors are equipped to be effective voices for their communities on issues that impact environmental and human health.
Wheelchair-accessible nature trail through the woods, nature play space and bathrooms at our 40-acre Woodend Nature Sanctuary just north of DC, and school field trips that are hosted at Woodend and at Rust Nature Sanctuary in Leesburg, VA.
Native plant kits to help with stormwater management and to support pollinators, native plant garden consultations, and best management practices on display at Woodend.
Popular Woodend summer camp and days off camps; nature preschool.

Impact Statement

FY2026 ACCOMPLISHMENTS: OVER 35,000 PEOPLE SERVED

Planted 960 native trees at schools and other Justice 40 communities, and 8,868 native shrubs, grasses, sedges and perennials in soft landing gardens.
Distributed over 250 pollinator garden kits with instructions and support to residents of the Northwest Branch and Northeast Branch of the Anacostia.
Assisted 70 schools in becoming Green Schools since the program began and reached 11,968 students and 406 teachers in the DC metro area with GreenKids hands-on environmental literacy lessons.
Successfully advocated for natural resource parks and trails maintenance budgets to be restored in Fairfax and Montgomery Counties; made progress on data center regulations and education.
Engaged Spanish-speaking residents of the Route 1 Corridor in Fairfax County in contacting their elected officials.
We broke a Nature Forward record with the highest number of perfect scoring streams in over 30 years of the Water Quality Monitoring program’s existence, when 6 of 27 sites scored a 5.00 on the Index of Biological Integrity.
Held successful Taking Nature Black #6 and Naturally Latinos #5 with rave reviews.

What ways can the public get involved?

Founded and run by volunteers for many years, Nature Forward continues to rely on their help in all areas of our mission. Nature Forward offers a range of volunteer opportunities to fit a variety of schedules, interests and abilities.

For more information about how to become a volunteer, please email Volunteer Coordinator Peihan Orestes at peihan.orestes@natureforward.org. To fill out an application, click here.

Master Naturalists train with experts to become key players on Nature Forward’s volunteer teams.
Teens:  MCPS students can earn service learning hours through our camp programs or by participating with an adult in our water quality monitoring program.

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

DONATIONS CAN SUPPORT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

General Operating
Conference Sponsorship
Conservation and Advocacy
Environmental Education
School Programs Scholarships
Summer Camp Scholarships
Woodend Sanctuary Restoration

Information provided March 2026

Specially Adapted Resource Clubs (SPARC)

EIN: 20-5513060

Mission Statement

Specially Adapted Resource Clubs (SPARC) exists to provide adults with severe and multiple disabilities with enduring learning opportunities, meaningful social connections, and a rightful and valued place in the community. SPARC is committed to fostering inclusion, independence, and dignity for individuals who have aged out of school-based services and have limited access to traditional support programs. Through innovative, person-centered programming, SPARC ensures that every participant has the opportunity to engage, learn, and thrive.

Program Summary

SPARC’s participants engage in structured, goal-oriented activities that promote cognitive engagement, physical well-being, and social interaction. The organization follows George Engel’s Biopsychosocial model, which recognizes that health and well-being are influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. SPARC uses assistive technology, adaptive tools, and customized accommodations to ensure that all participants have opportunities for meaningful engagement.

SPARC’s programs are highly subsidized, to ensure cost is not a barrier to participation. This financial model ensures that families can maintain employment and allocate their income toward essential living expenses such as housing, utilities, and transportation.

Impact Statement

SPARC distinguishes itself from other organizations serving adults with severe and multiple disabilities through its participant-driven programming, community integration, commitment to therapeutic recreation, financial accessibility, whole family focus, and research innovation. While many disability service providers focus on institutional care or rigid traditional day programs, SPARC has pioneered an innovative service delivery model that prioritizes personal choice and meaningful engagement. SPARC is specifically designed for individuals who are unable to work due to the complexity of their disabilities. By offering full-time, one-on-one support and specialized therapeutic care, SPARC fills a critical gap in disability services.

What ways can the public get involved?

SPARC welcomes volunteers to join our centers!

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

A gift of $10 provides supplies for one participant, ensuring they have the materials needed to fully engage in daily activities.

A donation of $50 covers the cost of one life skills or vocational training class, offering participants the opportunity to build independence and confidence.

With $150, SPARC can organize an inclusive community outing for ten individuals, promoting social connection and community integration.

A contribution of $200 funds a full month of adapted Zumba classes for up to 30 participants, supporting physical wellness and joyful movement.

A gift of $475 provides ten weeks of targeted skills classes that foster personal growth, communication, and independence.

For $750, one participant can attend SPARC’s full-day, one-on-one supported program for an entire month, gaining access to therapeutic recreation and individualized care.

A donation of $2,500 enables SPARC to purchase assistive communication technology for a non-verbal participant, transforming how they connect with the world.

With a generous gift of $9,000, a donor can underwrite a full year of daily SPARC attendance for one individual, ensuring they receive continuous support, engagement, and inclusion.

Information provided January 2026