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

Hope for Grieving Families

EIN: 81-3307448

Mission Statement

The mission of Hope For Grieving Families is to provide peer-to-peer support for families with children in the Washington DC Metro area who have lost a close family loved one. Regular events throughout the year welcome, connect and support families in their journey of loss.

Funds are being raised to provide Metro DC’s only family-focused grief programming to give families new, positive memories and experiences in the wake of the loss of their loved one and give them the tools they need as a family unit to navigate their grief journey together in a healthy way.

Program Summary

We accomplish our mission through monthly events planned for the Hope community that cultivate friendships for both the children and parents/caregivers. Hope provides at least one event each month for our families.  Activities have included events such as a Coding Party, Theater outings, Trampoline nights, trips to the Nationals, and more including our annual signature event, the Fall Family Fun Festival for 100+ people that takes place the Sunday before Thanksgiving every year. It’s our way of launching the holiday season with some happy memories for our grieving families. Our events, both big and small, are intended to create fun, happy memories for our families and provide peer to peer support that creates understanding, comfort and friendship.

Hope created a Holiday gifting program sending Christmas Gifts to over 50 grieving children within our community.  Holiday gifts were delivered both in person and by mail to children who have lost a parent or sibling.  This program reflects one our goals of community and family.  The gifts ensure that our families don’t feel so alone during the holiday season and know that their Hope family is always there for them. This program also assists families who may be struggling financially provide a holiday gift for their children.

Finally, Hope partners with local Funeral Homes, Hospice Care and therapists to provide Teddy Bears for children to be given when they experience the loss of a parent, sibling or close loved one.  This program allows us to support these children in a time of need.  A past recipient of the bears stated, “When we unexpectedly lost my husband, my boys were given teddy bears from HFGF at the funeral home. It was such an unexpected gesture of comfort for my kids who were grieving the loss of their dad. I don’t have a lot of memories of those few days but the teddy bears always stick out in my mind as a huge comfort not just to my kids but to me as well. That small act of kindness for my kids made me feel so supported.”  We hope that when the time is right, they will join our community to continue feeling supported in their grief journey.

Impact Statement

Hope strives to build a community of support for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

Many participants in our events stated that while loss is not always part of the conversations, having that shared understanding of loss helps to bring comfort and support.  For children, it eliminates the feeling that they alone have lost someone and provides the friendship and support they need to move forward. Hope events are always free for grieving families.  We never want cost to be a barrier for our families.

If you wonder what our community means to members, consider this heartfelt testimonial:

“When my late husband suddenly got very ill and died in a matter of weeks, I knew that our lives were about to change forever. I worried about how to provide a happy childhood for my two little boys while I was grieving. Hope for Grieving Families has been a blessing for us. We are thankful for every event we’ve attended, sharing joyful moments in a safe environment with people who understand what it’s like to smile when your heart is crying. Every invitation and gesture of kindness feels like a warm hug when you need it most.”

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can get involved in a few ways.  First, Hope for Grieving Families welcomes volunteers during some times of the year. Please reach out to us for timing and opportunities.

Second, if you are a local business that can provide an inkind donation that would support Hope for Grieving Families, we welcome the donation or an introduction.

Finally, we are always looking for Board Members that would like to help us further our mission and grow.

For any of the above opportunities, please contact the Executive Director, Tara O’Brien.

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

Donations to Hope for Grieving Families will go directly to supporting our monthly events for our grieving families, as well as our Teddy Bear Program.  We do not receive any government funding at this time, so all donations are helpful and welcomed.

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