Piano & More

EIN: 38-4077902

Mission Statement

Piano & More’s mission is to provide our community with a fun and contemporary approach to education, opportunity, and events concerning the musical arts no matter the background.


Program Summary

Piano & More has been providing in-home private music lessons (piano, guitar, voice) to students in Arlington and Northern Virginia since 2016 using a contemporary and student centered teaching approach that keeps learning fun. By applying community activities and partnering with local businesses and organizations, Piano & More offers a variety of student events such as open mics and musical field trips at local venues.

We are on a mission to make more happy musicians and happy performers. We believe playing an instrument should be a fun experience and accessible to all, no matter the background. We believe everyone has a musician in them because everyone has a favorite artist, genre, or song that brings them to their “happy place”. We believe playing an instrument has the power to strengthen the mind and be a healthy emotional outlet. We stand for keeping the learning experience fun and also providing fun social memories for our students. This way they DO keep using music as an emotional outlet- even throughout adulthood.

Our community outreach program is called Play It Forward, where we offer free private piano lessons and keyboards to children from low-income households. ​We partner with local schools and churches that nominate passionate students to the program. ​Together, we can provide access to piano education and inspire the next generation of musicians. Help us harmonize their future!


Impact Statement

Piano & More has trained over 50 teachers and taught hundreds of students via private in-home lessons in the Northern Virginia. We also wanted to make piano accessible to those who couldn’t afford piano lessons, hence the Play It Forward program was born. 

Most public schools do not provide piano education, so how do children from low income communities learn to play? Piano is not only a skill of the arts, but also one of math and psychology. It develops the heart and mind in more ways than one. It takes character, confidence, discipline and imagination to be a pianist.

We are utilizing our established partnerships with local public schools, churches and other organizations to further expand our the Play It Forward program. Since 2018, we’ve been able to invest over $40,000 into students nominated for the program. We’ve documented tremendous progress and pride in their development from outside sources such as their homeroom teachers and family members. We have had students stay in our program for over 5 years, now playing advanced classical pieces! So many of these students are the first pianists in their families and wouldn’t have become pianists if it were not for the program.


What ways can the public get involved?

1) Donate A Digital Keyboard: donate a gently used digital keyboard towards the Play It Forward program. We accept semi-weighted or fully-weighted keyboards that are in good working condition (all keys must play). Call or email Student Services for keyboard donations.

2) Sponsor A Piano Student through the Play It Forward: directly sponsor a student’s private lessons and keyboard for $200 a month. There’s no better way to impact a student than via private lessons! We will send you progress reports and student updates along the way. Learn more about the program via our website: https://www.pianoandmore.org/donate.html

3) Business, Corporate and Individual Sponsorships: we offer business and corporate sponsorships with multiple recognition packages. Please visit our website to review packages: https://www.pianoandmore.org/sponsor.html

4) Donate: donate one time or anytime to keep music alive and FUN in Northern Virginia! 
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/54dc7235-9f0b-42cb-a140-2f07ddce9ffb


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

$200/month for 1 year or $2400 will provide one student with:

An adult stands next to a child, who is proudly holding a keyboard to take home.

Information provided March 2026

Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia, Inc

EIN: 51-0155758

Mission Statement

Books change lives! Reading Is Fundamental of Northern Virginia works to improve children’s lives by providing books to encourage an early and sustained love of reading, to augment reading opportunities and skills through book access and the development of home book libraries (a key metric of reading success), and to help address the alarming and growing U.S. literacy crisis.


Program Summary

RIF NOVA is an all-volunteer nonprofit that provides books for underserved children at 30+ schools and sites in the City of Alexandria and in Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William counties. The organization has served the Northern Virginia community since 1972, during which time it has provided hundreds of thousands of books to area children who have few – to even no – books in their homes.

Books for Keeps Program: Each year, RIF NOVA raises funds to purchase new books-of-their-own-choosing for 23,000+ children at several child centers and Title 1 schools. Each child served is able to choose at least one book to take home annually; important because children who choose their own books are three times more likely to be frequent readers. According to the U.S. Department of Education, “The only behavior measure that correlates significantly with reading scores is the number of books in the home.” The RIF NOVA Books for Keeps Program begins to address this critical need.

Donated Books Program: During the pandemic when schools, school libraries, and public libraries were closed, RIF NOVA began a Donated Books Program to provide additional reading materials to children throughout our community, often delivered in conjunction with school food distributions. As of March 2026, the program has collected over 60,000 new and almost-new books for redistribution – not only to established RIF NOVA schools and sites but also to additional community partners and schools seeking reading materials for children and families.

Authors in Our Schools Program — This multi-year program brings authors and illustrators to RIF NOVA-supported schools to present about their books. Authors/illustrators engage students in the entire book process — from thinking of the idea to completing the finished product — and encourage them to take part in interactive programming throughout the presentations. Each student participant is able to take home an original autographed book, adding to the excitement of the event.

Special Programming: In concert with local business partners, RIF NOVA has been able to offer special programming to augment the number of books available for the children we serve. Additional initiatives are being sought with area partners to provide books and active literacy programming to the children RIF NOVA serves. So far, special programs have included:


Impact Statement

A March 2023 Topic Paper from Scholastic Research & Validation noted that the likelihood of being on track in literacy and numeracy “almost doubled if at least one book was available in a student’s home.” RIF NOVA’s programs ensure that children in the schools we serve get at least one book every year from Pre-K to 6th grade and, thus, the opportunity over the course of their school years to build a home library – also critical for school success. On this, the Scholastic Topic Paper noted: “Children in homes with more extensive home libraries read more, have higher-level reading skills, and attain more years of education overall than those with access to fewer books, even after controlling for parental education level.” The paper continued: “Increasing children’s access to books correlates to ‘dramatically positive effects’ on reading growth and achievement.”

The Scholastic research validates our efforts. The work of Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia – to provide at least one book annually to each child we serve and build, over the course of time, a home book library – is helping children to read – and succeed – in school and well beyond.


What ways can the public get involved?

Members of the public can help RIF NOVA to do its work in three major ways: Giving funding, giving time, and giving books. 

Giving funding: Our most pressing need each year is to raise funds to purchase new books for 23,000+ underserved children at mainly Title 1 schools in Northern Virginia. Members of the public can help with this need by giving donations themselves, helping to identify and connect with potential donors (individuals, foundations, businesses, etc.), providing hands-on help with fundraising activities such as a biannual 5K, and helping to communicate the dire need for books for children in the NOVA community. We are particularly seeking business partners for funding and to develop and co-sponsor literacy-related programming that engages children in reading.

Giving time: Among those needed are volunteers with backgrounds or skills in fundraising, event planning, social media expansion, program development, grant writing, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement. Time contributions can range from helping with a specific project to joining our board for a more sustained commitment. Anyone with these skills or interests is encouraged to contact RIF NOVA at our email address: info@rifnova.org. We are particularly seeking committed volunteers to join our board. 

Giving books: RIF NOVA augments its new book purchases by soliciting new and very gently (like new) used books from the community through book drives organized by individuals, businesses, and organizations. Volunteers are also needed to organize new/gently used book drives, to sort books for quality, and to help transport and distribute books at schools and community events.


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

Every $4.00 donation purchases one book for one child. The cost to provide one book each for 23,000+ children means an annual need to raise over $90,000. Additional funding supports expanding special programming, including STEAM It Up! and Authors in Our Schools. Contributions to the Authors program can be used to bring local authors to schools for on-site visits, along with books signed by the author for each student participant. Additional funding is also used to increase the number of books given to each child annually or to increase the number of schools participating in RIF NOVA programming. The all-volunteer board that raises funds and administers book distribution programming is not paid. Mandatory expenses (such as insurance, tax preparation, etc.) are kept to an absolute minimum and totaled six percent of expenses in Fiscal Year 2024, our most recent tax filing.

Information provided March 2026

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.

AFAC's bright yellow truck is photographed in front of the AFAC Shirlington distribution site on a sunny day.

Information provided March 2026

Phoenix Bikes

EIN: 20-8842260

Mission Statement

Harnessing the power of bikes to help youth build passion, purpose, and a place in the community.


Program Summary

Phoenix Bikes is an Arlington nonprofit that uniquely combines youth education programs with a full service bike shop. We reach 300-400 6th-12th graders annually through our free afterschool and summer programs, including:

Earn-a-Bike: Students participate in hands-on instruction that teaches them to repair bikes, refurbish bikes for community members in need, and fix up a bike to keep for themselves. Through this experience, students grow critical thinking skills, challenge themselves to work hard, and develop a genuine passion for cycling.
Rides & Races: Students learn safe riding and signaling and stay active through weekly Saturday group rides. Overnight trips introduce them to camping, longer-distance riding, and gear. Through our race team, students learn teamwork, discipline, and competitive cycling.
Workforce Development: Students build career skills and valuable business experience through our Advanced Mechanics class and paid internship program. While working in our paid internship program, students will interact with customers, work on bikes, organize and record inventory, become familiar with our retail sales system, and more.


What ways can the public get involved?

You can support Phoenix Bikes by donating a bike or bike parts, attending our community events, volunteering in our bike shop or with our youth, or making a donation to help keep our programs free to our youth. Visit our website to learn more!


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

Your donations provide life-changing experiences, practical skills, and self-confidence to local 6th-12th grade students through bike mechanics classes, riding and racing opportunities, and community outreach programs.

Information provided March 2025

The Marjorie Hughes Fund

EIN: 54-1610490

Mission Statement

The Marjorie F. Hughes Fund for Children promotes the health and well-being of Arlington Public School students through the thoughtful collaboration with public health nurses, APS staff, and community organizations. The fund provides financial resources to support the health care needs of uninsured and underinsured students.

We envision a community of Arlington Public Schools students in which their health outcomes are not impacted by their income level and insurance status.


Program Summary

The Marjorie F. Hughes Fund for Children is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1992 to honor the work of public health physician Marjorie F. Hughes. Dr. Hughes dedicated her career to working with public school students in Arlington, Virginia, and to addressing the health needs of underserved children.

The Marjorie Hughes Fund is made up of Public Health School Nurses, School Health Aides, Arlington Public Schools (APS) staff, and community stakeholders including pediatric office staff, dental providers, family shelter coordinators, and mental health providers. We work together to help uninsured and underinsured students obtain needed medications and vaccines, cover doctor visit fees, pay for dental treatments, and receive other necessary medical care.

The Marjorie Hughes Fund assists Arlington Public Schools children with medical expenses as well as partnering with local organizations such as Doorways and VHC Pediatrics to provide additional medical and mental health assistance to children in need.


Impact Statement

The Marjorie Hughes Fund offers up to $300 per student per year for medical expenses, and up to $500 per student per year for dental expenses, to students who qualify as low income and uninsured or underinsured. Thus far in the 2023-24 school year, The Marjorie Hughes Fund has provided almost $10,000 to more than 120 uninsured or underinsured students to obtain school entry physical exams, vaccines, urgent care visits, dental care, necessary vaccines, wheelchairs and medical equipment, etc. These students are now able to be in school, healthy and learning.


What ways can the public get involved?

Please donate to help Arlington County Public Schools students in need! Spread the word to friends, neighbors, and families about the good work that we do. We also welcome community volunteers in areas such as fundraising, social media, and non-profit management.


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

The Marjorie Hughes Fund is an all-volunteer organization with minimal overhead.

$79 provides an eye exam and two pairs of glasses

$99 pays for a required school entry physical exam

Any amount can help to keep a student in school, healthy and learning!

Photo of Female Doctor Meeting With Small Male Patient In Exam Room

Information provided April 2025

Arlington Montessori House

EIN: 54-1594105

Mission Statement

Arlington Montessori House is a community committed to helping each child and family realize the full benefit of a complete Montessori experience that meets the needs of the whole child.  We recognize that a partnership between home and school is a critical part of the successful development of children.


Program Summary

Arlington Montessori House (AMH) holds an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Certificate of Recognition which indicates we follow Dr. Maria Montessori’s principles and practices in their original integrity and completeness.

The children at AMH spend their days in three charming houses designed to provide a nurturing environment that supports their innate curiosity, growing independence and instinctive social connections.  Our small community encourages deep relationships between school and family as partners working together for the benefit of our children.  Children attend AMH for four or five years, culminating in their Kindergarten year, allowing for the full benefit of our Montessori education.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Arlington, you will find a calm sanctuary for exploration.   Both of our primary classrooms serve up to 28 students of mixed ages. Our toddler classroom serves up to 12 students.  All our classrooms are led by AMI certified teachers.  The houses share a common driveway, a spacious playground and small garden beds which complement our safe and inviting classrooms.


Impact Statement

Arlington Montessori House has been a pillar of the Arlington community for thirty-five years and continues to grow and serve the children and families of the area by providing a high-quality Montessori education.  

Building community at AMH carries over into the greater community in Arlington, most notably in Arlington Public Schools.

In an effort to provide affordable, full-day care to low-income working families, AMH is an approved vendor with the VA Child Care Subsidy Program. AMH dedicates at least 10% of its total enrollment to the subsidy program children.  This approach guarantees that enrollment will reach families at or below 50% of the Area Median Income, and that they will pay no more than 7% of gross household income toward child care/schooling.


What ways can the public get involved?

Due to the generosity of AMH families and the greater community over the years, AMH continues to thrive and grow. Any donation is greatly appreciated.

Parent volunteering is a key part of AMH’s program. The public is welcome to participate in activities like taking care of our gardens, serving on our board of directors, or providing assistance with managing AMH’s operations using any special skills they may have.


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

Donations will help AMH fund its Child Care Subsidy Program, which allows low-income working families to enjoy all the benefits of a high-quality Montessori education.

Photo of the Arlington Montessori House buildings

Information provided October 2025

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:


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.

Photo of the END dependence staff

Information provided March 2026

National Capital Treatment and Recovery

EIN: 54-0805530

Mission Statement

National Capital Treatment and Recovery’s mission is to save lives and heal communities touched by substance use disorders. Our vision is communities free from pain and suffering associated with substance misuse. Over the past 60+ years, NCTR has served more than 60,000 patients.


Program Summary

RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS

NCTR’s residential programs are all medically monitored & clinically managed 24/7. We utilize an evidence-based, trauma-informed approach to care through individual and group counseling and offer additional medical and mental health care as needed.

OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS

At NCTR’s Counseling Center, we provide flexible outpatient services that meet patients where they are,
offering a range of treatment levels based on individual needs. Group sessions combined with one-on-one
personalized counseling, provide both clinical and emotional support.

COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS

NCTR’s commitment to community collaboration is evident through its partnerships with various organizations and institutions. Through these collaborations, NCTR enhances its ability to provide effective treatment and support, reinforcing its mission to save lives and heal communities impacted by substance use disorders.


Impact Statement

We offer several levels of person-centered treatment designed to meet the severity and unique needs of every patient we serve. In each program, our interdisciplinary staff of highly-qualified clinicians delivers treatment based on evidence-based practices in a supportive atmosphere where patients can achieve a drug/alcohol-free lifestyle.

Our programs include cognitive behavioral therapy, 12-step facilitation, trauma-informed treatment, and Medication Assisted Treatment, as needed.

Every step of the way, we are educating, empowering, and supporting the patient. We provide patients with education about the disease, how to identify the signs and symptoms of their substance use disorder, develop a recovery plan, and learn coping skills. We hold patients accountable as we support them in their efforts to change negative behaviors to positive.

In turn, we expect patients to act as responsible members of the patient community, complete treatment tasks, take part in their treatment planning, and fulfill their obligations within the Residential or Outpatient Community Structure.


What ways can the public get involved?

We welcome the community to get involved by joining one of NCTR’s Board committees: Development/Fundraising, Facilities, or Marketing/Communications.

The public can also donate in-kind goods, including clothing, books, art supplies, etc. for men and women in our residential programs. Due to strict HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality, we are unable to accept volunteers other than Board members and professional internship opportunities.


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

Charitable donations are spent specifically to provide financial assistance to adults and adolescents who are uninsured, under-insured or without personal financial resources.

Our Patient Assistance Fund and the Young Adult Treatment Fund in Memory of John Buck, were created to provide access to treatment for patients who lack insurance or financial means to pay for treatment. Through these funds, which rely entirely on donations from the community, we ensure that all patients who turn to us – even those with no medical coverage – can access the treatment they need.   We also have our Recovery Rewards Fund. Donations to this Fund allow us to purchase patient “rewards” such as journals, gift certificates or fun experiences, to reinforce and incentivize positive patient recovery behavior.

Information provided March 2025

PathForward

EIN: 54-1615993

Mission Statement

PathForward’s mission is to foster stability and dignity through transformative services and housing solutions. 


Program Summary

At PathForward, we believe homelessness should be rare, brief, and non-recurring. 

Every day, we walk alongside individuals experiencing homelessness on their journey toward safe, stable housing. Through our housing-first approach, we provide permanent housing, case management, medical care, employment support, and other wraparound services tailored to each person’s needs. 

Our long-term vision aligns with Arlington County’s Continuum of Care (CoC) Strategic Plan to end homelessness for all by 2026. As a core member of the CoC, PathForward plays a critical role in making that goal a reality—addressing root causes, removing barriers, and centering the voices and experiences of those we serve. 

Each year, PathForward supports more than 500 adults experiencing homelessness. We operate a year-round shelter with 50 beds, plus 5 medical respite beds for those recovering from illness or injury. During the winter months, we add 25 emergency beds to protect those most at risk in the cold. 

We’re ending homelessness—one night, one meal, one home, and one life at a time. 

Housing 

At PathForward, we believe that housing is the foundation for long-term stability, dignity, and wellness. With more than 150 scattered-site apartments throughout Arlington County, our housing programs offer a range of solutions—from emergency shelter to permanent homes—so we can meet people wherever they are on their journey out of homelessness. 

Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) 

PathForward’s Rapid Re-Housing program helps individuals quickly exit homelessness and move into safe, stable housing. The program provides short-term rental assistance and supportive services tailored to each person’s unique needs. RRH is grounded in the Housing First model, recognizing that people are more responsive to support once they are housed. Case managers work closely with participants to address barriers, increase self-sufficiency, and connect them to long-term community resources that support lasting stability. 

Transitional Housing (TH) 

Our Transitional Housing program offers low-barrier, non-congregate emergency housing for individuals with the highest needs—especially those coming directly from unsheltered homelessness. With an emphasis on client-driven goals and assertive engagement, case managers help participants increase income, access healthcare and benefits, and build the skills needed for long-term housing. Rental assistance is gradually reduced as stability grows, with ongoing support to prevent a return to homelessness. 

Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) 

For individuals facing chronic homelessness and serious health challenges, PathForward provides permanent housing paired with wraparound support. We serve over 100 individuals across Arlington, including residents at Sibert House, which is owned and operated by PathForward, and Fisher House, owned by the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH). Onsite services address mental health, substance use, and medical needs, allowing clients to remain housed for as long as they need support. 

Homeless Services Shelter 

At PathForward, we believe everyone deserves a safe place to rest, rebuild, and be treated with dignity. 

Shelter and Support Services 

Our shelter operates 24/7, 365 days a year, offering a safe, warm space for adults experiencing homelessness. Each night, we provide: 


Impact Statement

Recent successes include: 


What ways can the public get involved?

Volunteer – Help serve meals, be a program instructor, or assist with outreach. Learn more at Volunteer
Donate – Every contribution helps provide shelter, healthcare, and essential resources.  
ProvideDonate Basic Necessities, such as new and gently used clothing, gift cards, personal hygiene items and small housewares  
Advocate – Spread awareness and support policies that address homelessness. 


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

At PathForward, we are committed to transparency and ensuring that every dollar donated directly supports individuals experiencing homelessness. Your generous contributions help fund: 

💙 Healthcare & Wellness – Offering medical, mental health, and addiction recovery services. 
💙 Housing Programs – Assisting individuals in securing permanent housing with case management, nursing, and behavioral health. 
💙 Workforce & Life Skills Training – Helping clients gain employment and build self-sufficiency.  
💙 Emergency Services – Providing shelter, hot meals, clothing, and hygiene essentials. 
 
 
Your gift fuels these life-changing programs, providing compassionate, effective support to those who need it most.  Learn more at Donate | PathForward  

Information provided March 2025