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:

“I can do anything.”
“People can help me get through strong emotions.”
“That I can be proud of myself.”
“I can overcome a challenge.”
“How to cope with my stress and share my opinion.”
“To trust myself more.”

Caregivers of the participants supported these statements:

“My daughter was very shy at the beginning of the practices but now she’s empowered, optimistic, active, loves to share and help everyone and I love to see her bloom every day!!”
“I was very pleased with the lessons. The girls learned to encourage each other. Helped to build each other up instead of down which is so important.”

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:

Registration
Medal Station
Water Station
Cheer Station
Celebration Village
Running Buddy opportunities, where we invite family members and/or trusted friends to run alongside participants.

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!

$2.50 supports one journal, one given to each participant and used to log their progress and reinforce the lessons learned at practice!
$10 helps cover the cost of one program t-shirt (bringing a sense of belonging to each participant).
$30 supports one curriculum book (one needed per 8 girls)
$50 supports 5K registration fees for parents/caregivers in need of aid.
$100 fuels one whole team with healthy snacks to keep them going all season.
$200 provides one girl a scholarship to participate in Girls on the Run for one full season. 
$500 is a transformational gift that helps us establish more sites across NOVA and reach more participants in need of the program.
$1,000 supports one full season of coach CPR/First Aid training, keeping everyone safe!

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

Number of hours volunteered: 22,563 and Total dollar value of hours volunteered in 2023: $717, 504.
We expanded the public education and outreach presence of our social media to Extension Master Gardeners and the public. As of December 5, 2023, the MGNV Facebook page had 12,134 followers (a 28% increase over the December 2022 total of 9,518). The annual “reach” tripled to 2,992,955 in December 2023 (compared with a December 2022 annual reach of 999,241). Our YouTube channel subscribers increased to 4,120 (from 2,392 in 2022), with an average of 150 new subscribers joining every month. The channel now includes 199 recorded public education classes, short educational videos, and nature videos which are viewed an average of 13,700 times per month.
The National Association of County Agricultural Agents awarded our Extension Master Gardener volunteer outreach programming team first place “Communications Award: Web Site/Online Content.” The submission was declared a State Winner—Virginia.
The Small Trees Maker Big Canopies program has given away 990 trees. In 2023, we gave away 280 native trees through several tree giveaways in the spring and fall. 

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:

Eight demonstration gardens in Arlington and Alexandria
Five plant clinics at libraries and farmers’ markets in Arlington and Alexandria
Help Desk (for in person, phone, and email inquiries)
MGNV website and social media 

Information provided March 2025

Edu-Futuro

EIN: 54-1914671

Mission Statement

The mission of Edu-Futuro is to empower immigrant and underserved youth and families through education, leadership development, parent engagement, individual case management, and workforce development. Our vision is to realize the potential of immigrant 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 4,000 students and parents annually through our range of free, bilingual, Two-Generation programs:

1. The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), our flagship program for youth, offers a series of services and training workshops designed to fulfill Edu-Futuro’s vision of a “Classroom-to-Career” continuum of support that helps students to graduate from high school, enroll in college, and achieve professional success. Each year, hundreds of students participate in ELP’s five core initiatives: our afterschool ELP STEM Robotics clubs for youth in grades 6-8; virtual Pre-ELP high school preparation workshops, also for youth in grades 6-8; ELP-I college readiness and leadership workshops for students in grades 9-12; ELP-II year-long college enrollment mentorship and scholarships/financial aid guidance for high school seniors; and ELP-III college life guidance and mentorship for students attending local postsecondary institutions.
2. Chronic Absenteeism Program (CAP), our newest initiative developed in response to the sharp increase of chronic absenteeism among Economically Disadvantaged, English Learner, Hispanic, and other youth when schools reopened after the COVID crisis in 2021. Originally launched in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools, CAP has been such an outstanding success that Edu-Futuro is now working with both Fairfax and Arlington Public Schools to conduct intensive outreach to hundreds of chronically absent students each year, with the goal of returning youth to the classroom and reducing dropout rates for some of our region’s most vulnerable populations.
3. Parent Empowerment Services (PES) complement the work of our youth programs through a range of workshops aimed at helping low-income, immigrant, and Latino parents 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 beneficiaries to such services as rental support, food distribution, health services, and other aid programs offered by government agencies or local nonprofit organizations.
4. Workforce Development Services (WDS) build on the supports offered through PES to equip hard-working parents with the essential skills needed to leave low-wage service jobs and improve the economic well-being of their families. Core services include: our popular computer and smartphone literacy course, Tech for Parents, and supplementary Resume & Cover Letter Workshops; our comprehensive, year-long GED Certification Program; financial literacy workshops and coaching through the Financial Empowerment Network; and one-on-one employment counseling for beneficiaries requiring individualized support.

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 low-income, immigrant, and Latino families across Northern Virginia: In the most recently completed Fiscal Year 2023-2024, we provided a record-breaking 5,353 services to 3,937 unduplicated children, youth, and adults. Some of our most significant recent accomplishments include:

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Edu-Futuro mobilized to become one of the largest providers of direct financial aid to Latino and immigrant families in the region: stabilizing over 1,800 households and distributing more than $2.6 million to date for rent, food, medicine, and other basic necessities.
Since 2021, the 219 outstanding high school seniors who graduated from our Emerging Leaders Program have been collectively awarded more than $29 million in life-changing scholarships and financial aid.
Last year, our public service television program Línea Directa won an Emmy Award from the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in the category of Societal Concerns (Long Form), for the production of a half-hour program focusing on the fentanyl crisis that has led to the death of many adolescents across the Washington region during the past three years.

What ways can the public get involved?

Led by our full-time Volunteer Coordinator, each year Edu-Futuro engages approximately 350 volunteers who provide invaluable support for our programs as workshop co-facilitators, career panelists, and mentors. Volunteers play a central role in guiding program beneficiaries 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 4,000 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 5,000 unduplicated individuals in Fiscal Year 2024-2025–and to strengthen our organization to face new challenges in the years to come.

More than anything, though, 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 2025

Centro de Apoyo Familiar

EIN: 26-0452137

Mission Statement

Transform communities through economic, social and educational empowerment in collaboration with community and faith-based organizations.

Program Summary

The Asset Building Department provides programs that focus on empowering individuals and their families with the knowledge on how to begin, retain, and construct assets. These programs emphasize on the importance of homeownership and the use of sound money management practices to address housing and financial issues to retain housing stability and to plan for long-term financial success and wealth building.

Community transformation Program: CAF partners with community organizations and faith-based organizations that are members of CAF’s Connectors Network to implement the community programs we offer. CAF uses a very successful train the trainer model in which members from the different communities we serve are trained by CAF to become health educators called Promoters. CAF promoters once trained, provide educational workshops to their communities.

Indoor/Outdoor Air Quality: The purpose of this program is to create healthy homes and neighborhoods by improving the quality of air and empowering the community with information and resources about environmental and/or public health issues through educational workshops, community cleaning events and Asthmas prevention health fairs at targeted neighborhoods.
Climate Change & Clean Energy: Throughout this program, CAF has successfully trained community leaders and organizers to increase their capacity to engage, educate, organize, and mobilize their communities to increase their knowledge on climate change and clean energy adoption strategies. 
Water Management: This Program allows CAF to train and educate members of the community about stormwater and available reimbursement programs by training families and youth with a strong connection to the environmental health movement.
Recycling: The purpose of this program is to educate about the benefits of recycling and promote practical ways to do it at home in the communities we serve as a way to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills and contribute to air quality.  
Leadership Development: This program includes a set of activities that prepare current and future leaders to effectively play their role inenvironmental conservation. Currently, CAF conducts programs to train Youth ECO-Promoters, who acquire the tools necessary to lead the emerging generation on climate change issues. CAF is also a co-anchor of coalitions such as the Mid Atlantic Justice Coalition, where it works to find solutions that address economic needs, toxic hazards and community health; and the Salon Wellness Coalition, which emerged in late 2023 as an initiative to facilitate informed decisions regarding health and safety, thereby promoting a culture of wellness within the salon industry.
Capacity Building: CAF, together with the University of Maryland, is carrying out two initiatives, TCTAC and MATCH, aimed at developing and strengthening the skills, abilities, processes and resources that organizations and communities need to adapt to the changes that climate and environmental justice knowledge imply. 

Centro de Apoyo Familiar (CAF) brings you comprehensive virtual English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, tailored to fit your learning journey. Take control of your future with our flexible program designed for beginners, intermediates, and advanced learners.

Centro de Apoyo Familiar (CAF) empowers you with our comprehensive Digital Literacy Training Program, offered right within your community at our convenient Community Transformation Hubs. This is a comprehensive training program with 10 training modules and built-in practice exercises to help you apply what you learn.

Impact Statement

Through its services and programs, Centro de Apoyo Familiar reached and impacted over 25,000 low to moderate-income families annually. Specifically through the programs and services listed above.

What ways can the public get involved?

We continue to encourage community involvement through offering meaningful careers, volunteer opportunities, exciting events and through the participation of number of community events where CAF can extremely benefit from.  

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

CAF will use your donation to be applied to a number of the programs that CAF currently offers and that is more appealing to you. CAF also benefits from you donation to support our general operation and to build capacity in many areas of the organizations.

Information provided March 2024

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: 

• When the National Park Service requests public input, write comments and speak in favor of the project. The Arlington Boathouse Foundation website will provide links to documents and details on the timing of comments and scheduled public meetings.
• Contact your Arlington County Board members and Congressional representatives to let them know that you support an Arlington Community Boathouse to improve access to the Potomac River for residents and visitors.
• Contribute to the Arlington Boathouse Foundation. Since 1991 the Foundation has been the voluntary lead organization pursuing the dream of an Arlington boathouse. It is a non-profit charity recognized under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code to which donations are deductible for Federal income tax purposes. Contributions should be made payable to “The Arlington Boathouse Foundation, Inc.” and send to the foundation at P.O. Box 101054, Arlington, VA 22210.

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. 

Information provided March 2025

EcoAction Arlington

EIN: 54-1094546

Mission Statement

EcoAction Arlington educates, advocates, and acts to create a sustainable community by improving our natural environment, encouraging environmentally-friendly behaviors, ensuring environmental justice, and addressing the climate crisis.

Program Summary

EcoAction Arlington engages an annual average of 735 volunteers in a range of service activities as well as 2,711 students and 300 adults in educational programs.

We provide regular opportunities for local residents to participate in stream cleanups, invasive plant removals, and storm drain markings designed to protect and restore the local environment. Our signature volunteer program, Energy Masters, trains volunteers in service to the community through outreach and in providing energy efficiency and water conservation improvements in affordable housing apartment buildings.

We engage residents in making tangible behavior changes for personal sustainability goals. Arlington County Tree Planting Program and the Tree Canopy Equity Program, offers free trees to private-property owners. In the last year, we planted 661 trees and shrubs throughout the county. This includes 430 trees and shrubs planted in our target TreeCanopy Equity Program neighborhoods which addresses the inequity in tree canopy coverage. 

Impact Statement

Vision: Everyone in Arlington is collectively engaged in creating a sustainable community.

Values

Serving as stewards of the air, land, and water for current and future generations, acknowledging the historical role played by the original native peoples of this area
Reflecting the diversity of our county, and striving for equitable access to a healthy environment
Focusing on local grassroots efforts and solutions to deliver tangible results
Trusting science to guide our decisions and actions
Partnering, collaborating with, and engaging others to join in our shared mission of a sustainable community and planet

What ways can the public get involved?

We offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities including, community clean-ups, training with our Energy Masters program, volunteering with APS students, advocacy work, and being a steward of the Arlington County environment. Our public facing events can be found: https://www.ecoactionarlington.org/get-involved/events/

Volunteers are also utilized for other projects that address the needs of the organization as well as their personal interests, like writing thank you notes to donors, or attending county meetings on behalf of EcoAction Arlington. If you want to help your local environment, EcoAction Arlington has an avenue for you to grow and thrive. 

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

Donations to EcoAction Arlington support our mission to educate, act, and advocate for a sustainable community. Your donation supports programing, outreach, and implementation.  

Information provided March 2025

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:

• Training from Business Concept to Business Launch and beyond
• Shared Kitchen space 
• Stipends to support business launch
• Mentorship with seasoned entrepreneurs
• Coaching with finance professionals

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?

$100 gifts a knife kit to 1 Culinary Training student 
$50- ServeSafe Certification Fees 
$100- Chef Knife Kit 
$250- Chef Uniforms 
$500- 1 Shared Kitchen Space Sponsorship
$1000– 1 week of After-school Meals

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:

Welcome events for newly arrived students and families
Family engagement programs on tech literacy, ESL and literacy classes for parents
Monthly mobile food market offering fresh produce and non perishable staples
Career/college planning and support
Student internships
Tutoring
Mentoring
Affinity groups for newcomers, EL learners, STEM, Leadership, Social Emotional support, Nature club, Sports
Homework Help
Individual student counseling and support
Basic needs support for all students: school supplies, clothing, shoes, outerwear, food, hygiene products

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:

CIS NOVA provided basic needs support to over 53,000 students in
CIS NOVA provided basic needs support to over 72,000 students in Arlington and Alexandria.
CIS NOVA served 23,600 students across 22 schools in Arlington, Alexandria, Albemarle, Fairfax, and Prince William
CIS NOVA provided one on one case management support to 950 students.
83% of our students met their academic goal.
91% of our students met their attendance goal.
92% of our students met their social emotional goal.
99% of our students met their college/career goal.
100% of our students graduated

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.

Information provided March 2026