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

AMG Fitness Foundation

EIN: 87-2574962

Mission Statement

AMG Fitness Foundation (AMG) elevates fitness resources for people with physical disabilities, through virtual at-home workouts and adaptive in-person fitness classes, and advocates for greater representation and inclusion in the fitness industry.

Program Summary

Unlike other fitness programming that is designed for most able-bodied people and offers some seated workouts, AMG is organized into three programs (Adapt, Move, and Gain) that are scaled for varying abilities, ensuring that every participant can find workouts that work for them. Utilizing Alyssa’s unique background as a Paralympic swimmer, 5+ years’ professional experience as an adaptive fitness trainer and personal trainer, and lived experience as a person with a disability, AMG’s program design is based on the level playing field implemented in the Paralympic system and industry best practices.

Impact Statement

AMG aims to help create a world where people with disabilities have access to an abundance of safe, effective, and affordable resources that support their mental and physical health and see themselves represented vibrantly in their communities and in the fitness industry.

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can get involved by participating in AMG’s virtual and in-person adaptive fitness programming, volunteering, donating, and spreading the word about our important work!

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

As a nonprofit organization, AMG relies on donations and strategic partnerships to support the development and implementation of our adaptive fitness programming. Charitable contributions help to ensure we can keep offering our programming free of charge to the community!

Information provided March 2025

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

Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC)

EIN: 54-1473207

Mission Statement

We are an independent, community-based non-profit food pantry that provides dignified access to nutritious supplemental groceries to all our neighbors in need.

Program Summary

AFAC provides free groceries to Arlington residents in need at our warehouse on S Nelson St, at 20 other distribution sites around the county, and through a home delivery for home-bound individuals and families. We provide a choice of items including eggs, milk and other dairy products, fish, chicken, hot dogs, ground beef, fresh fruit & vegetables, cereals, beans, pasta, breads, pastries and a number of other items to choose from.

Impact Statement

In FY 2024, 183,558 trips to AFAC were made for groceries. All of our families are below 30% average median income – 30% more families than the prior year.  Our families are 53% Hispanic, 12% Black, 10% Caucasian and the remainder are a number of other minority groups.

What ways can the public get involved?

Individuals and families can help AFAC by volunteering in our warehouse, to assist in distributing food to our families, by collecting food for donation – over 1.5 million pounds of food is needed every year in addition to the 3.5 million pounds of food AFAC purchases every year.  Finally, AFAC receives no federal or state funds and must rely on financial donations from individuals to fulfill our mission.

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

All donated funds are allocated directly to AFAC’s food purchase budget to purchase groceries that will be distributed to individuals and families. AFAC purchases 60% of the groceries we distribute, at wholesale cost, from local and national distributors. In FY24, AFAC had a food purchase budget of $1,500,000. 40% of the groceries AFAC distributes are donated through partnerships with local grocery chains, gleaning networks, farmers markets, community food drives, schools, corporate/walk-in donations, etc. All donated food is checked thoroughly, sorted, and then distributed to AFAC’s families. AFAC distributes over 80,000 pounds of food each week to over 4,100 families in need.

Information provided March 2026

ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV)

EIN: 54-1302368

Mission Statement

Empowering People with Disabilities to Live Independently. 

The ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV) is a community resource and advocacy center run by and for persons with disabilities. ECNV’s mission is to END dependence by empowering people with disabilities to live independently. We are a cross-disability organization and work with people of all ages who have every type of disability. ECNV’s experience is extensive in peer-lead advocacy and support. We can bring best practices, strategies, success stories, and firsthand experiences to the table related to how peer-led advocacy can effectively empower people with disabilities (PWD) and promote self-advocacy.

Program Summary

ECNV is peer-led by people with disabilities, including staff, volunteers, and the Board of Directors, who have unique perspectives and understandings of living in the world with a disability. 

We offer:

Peer mentors/social groups: work to achieve goals for Independent Living
Travel training: learn to travel safely and independently using public transportation in the Washington Metro Area
Independent Living Skills Training: teach basic tasks that lead to independence
Durable Medical Equipment: connect items to individuals in need of free equipment
Pre-Employment Transition Service: two programs to for career readiness
AND MORE!

Impact Statement

Our workshops equip participants with practical life skills and navigating daily challenges with greater ease. ECNV mentorship programs establish connections, provide guidance, and encourage personal growth. Collaboration with the community, schools, and our outreach efforts break down societal barriers, promoting understanding and acceptance.

What ways can the public get involved?

Volunteering/mentoring opportunities and donating gently used Durable Medical Equipment to our DME closet. Corporate sponsorships.

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

Donations go to our general operating funds used to continue to provide support and services for people with disabilities.

Information provided March 2026