The Arlington Players (TAP)

EIN: 23-7092092

Mission Statement

TAP’s mission is to produce epic and artistically challenging theatre by cultivating an environment of excellence and education for all of our members, volunteers, and audiences in the communities of Arlington County, VA and the greater DC area.

Program Summary

TAP produces at least three shows annually, including two musicals. TAP is welcome to both experienced and first-time theater artists, encouraging learning and collaboration across all ages, backgrounds and skill levels.

Impact Statement

The Arlington Players seeks to foster a community where individuals of all backgrounds can explore, learn, and experience all elements of theatrical arts.

What ways can the public get involved?

Anyone is welcome to audition or volunteer to help backstage, in the shop, or in the box office. Visit our site for audition opportunities, or email steward@thearlingtonplayers.org for volunteer opportunities. Donations are also welcome!

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

Donations go directly to supporting TAP’s mission to provide accessible theater art to the Arlington and DC community. 

Information provided November 2025

NEW Solutions

EIN: 52-2003078

Mission Statement

Expand opportunities for experienced workers (age 55+) to support government agencies in achieving their missions through our proven exceptional services.

Program Summary

NEW Solutions is a nonprofit organization based in Arlington, VA, dedicated to connecting experienced professionals age 55 and older with meaningful work that serves the public good. Through partnerships with federal agencies and community organizations, NEW Solutions helps older workers continue contributing their skills, while agencies benefit from seasoned talent and institutional knowledge.

Key programs include the Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) Program with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which engages professionals in environmental protection and public health projects; the ACES and Experienced Service  Programs within USDA and the Department of the Interior, where enrollees support conservation, land management, and sustainability initiatives; and the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which provides paid training and community service placements for low-income older adults seeking to reenter the workforce.

Together, these programs empower experienced workers in Arlington and across the nation to stay active, apply their expertise, and enhance their financial security. They also help federal and local agencies maintain mission continuity, advance environmental and workforce goals, and promote intergenerational collaboration—demonstrating how experience remains an essential resource for a thriving, inclusive workforce.

Impact Statement

NEW Solutions empowers experienced professionals age 55+ to continue making meaningful contributions to the public good while strengthening the capacity of federal and community partners. Each year, NEW Solutions engages hundreds of skilled workers in roles that support environmental protection, conservation, public health, and community development. These individuals bring decades of expertise, mentorship, and leadership that enhance program effectiveness, accelerate project outcomes, and ensure continuity of institutional knowledge across agencies.

For the population served, the results are transformative: older Americans gain renewed purpose, income stability, and professional engagement; federal and local partners benefit from a dedicated, cost-effective, and mission-aligned workforce. Beyond employment, NEW Solutions fosters inclusion, combats age bias, and demonstrates the continued value of experience in solving today’s most pressing challenges.

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can support NEW Solutions in several meaningful ways:

1. Partner with Us – Federal, state, and community organizations can collaborate with NEW Solutions to access a highly skilled, experienced workforce. Partnering helps advance vital public missions in environmental protection, conservation, and workforce development.
2. Spread the Word – Individuals can help raise awareness by sharing NEW Solutions’ mission and success stories within their networks, encouraging others to value and employ experienced talent.
3. Donate or Sponsor – Contributions directly support program expansion, training initiatives, and outreach efforts that connect more older workers with meaningful opportunities.
4. Join Our Programs – Experienced professionals aged 55+ can apply to participate in NEW Solutions programs, putting their skills to work for the public good while continuing personal and professional growth.
5. Advocate for Experienced Workers – Community members can champion age-inclusive employment policies and practices that recognize the ongoing value of experienced workers.

Together, these actions strengthen NEW Solutions’ impact—helping ensure that experience, skill, and purpose remain powerful forces for progress across the nation.

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

At NEW Solutions, charitable dollars are used to create real, measurable impact for older Americans and the federal programs they serve. Donations directly fund the placement, training, and support of experienced professionals age 55+, helping them continue meaningful work that benefits the public good.

Your contribution supports the creation of jobs, wages, and benefits for thousands of individuals nationwide—empowering experienced workers to stay active, achieve financial stability, and share their expertise with the next generation. These professionals serve in vital roles that advance the missions of more than 15 federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Park Service, the Forest Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the US Department of Agriculture.

Charitable funds also help NEW Solutions expand program access, enhance participant development, and build innovative tools that strengthen accountability and performance outcomes. Every dollar helps extend the value of experience—supporting a skilled, dedicated workforce that protects the environment, supports communities, and demonstrates that talent and purpose have no age limit.

Information provided October 2025

Wild Virginia, Inc.

EIN: 54-1841861

Mission Statement

PROTECTING AND CONNECTING VIRGINIA’S WILD PLACES

Program Summary

Wild Virginia holds the state’s government and regulators accountable for improving habitat connectivity and protecting water quality to counter climate change, prevent species extinction, and defend the health of our communities and ecosystems. Through advocating for environmental protections, convening stakeholder groups to amplify impact, and empowering diverse communities to become active in the decision-making process, we connect people with a safer, more inclusive outdoors.

What We Do

Strengthen habitat connectivity through increased wildlife crossings and corridors
Protect water quality by preventing the release of forever chemicals, like PFAS
Limit the environmental harms of natural gas pipelines
Train dedicated volunteers through our Clean Water Advocates Program
Provide educational opportunities to connect people to the wild places they love

Impact Statement

Within Arlington County, Wild Virginia is working to affect decisions by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to prevent the discharge of harmful levels of PFAS “forever chemicals” from Arlington County’s wastewater treatment plant. This will help ensure the state enforces safe water standards in Arlington’s backyard.

Additionally, Wild Virginia is working with Virginia localities to identify and implement safe wildlife crossing and corridor projects across the state. Wildlife crossing projects reduce animal-vehicle collisions and help maintain habitat connectivity in urban environments like Arlington’s.

What ways can the public get involved?

Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers – Wild Virginia
Come to an Event: Wild Virginia Events
Join Wild Virginia: Join Wild Virginia
Be Inspired: Wild Virginia Podcasts
Follow our Blog: Blog – Wild Virginia

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

Donations to Wild Virginia of any size go directly support our programs. While general support is always needed, specific program needs include:

IMPROVING HABITAT CONNECTIVITY

1. Wildlife-Vehicle Conflict Maps | Phase 1: $10,000 | Phase 2: $50,000

The Virginia Wildlife Corridor Action Plan has identified key corridors where wildlife-vehicle collisions occur, but its reliance on police report data underestimates the issue and focuses on large animals like deer and bears. Wildlife rehabilitation centers in Virginia collect robust data on diverse wildlife brought in due to vehicle collisions, including where animals were struck or found.

Phase one of this project will create the first-ever map of wildlife rehabilitation center data used as a creative and unprecedented way to identify wildlife-vehicle collision hotspots. This will build upon the data currently used by the Commonwealth and create a more accurate picture of where wildlife crossings may be most needed.

The second phase of this project will create a pipeline for rehabilitation center data to be automatically uploaded to a live map. This will provide a low-maintenance and living source of information for use by state agencies, nonprofits, localities, advocates, and more.  This innovative tool will not only guide effective wildlife crossing planning in Virginia but will also serve as a model for identifying collision hotspots nationwide, advancing wildlife conservation and infrastructure improvements across the U.S.

2. New Website for the Virginia Safe Wildlife Corridors Collaborative | $10,000

Wild Virginia co-founded and leads the Virginia Safe Wildlife Corridors Collaborative (VSWCC), a coalition of 40 partner organizations dedicated to advancing wildlife corridor and crossing projects statewide. Our leadership supports coordination on initiatives aligned with Virginia’s Wildlife Corridor Action Plan to build a more connected landscape.

To amplify its impact, VSWCC is redesigning its outdated website to improve functionality and accessibility. The new site will feature clear information on wildlife-vehicle conflict, the collaborative’s mission, and how to join. Enhanced public engagement tools, including links to Wild Virginia’s advocacy efforts and the Virginia Habitat Connectivity Hub, will empower more community involvement and foster greater support for connectivity projects.

3. Locality Support Initiative | Year 1 Total $100,000 | Year 2 Total $125,000

Localities have turned to Wild Virginia for help in how to locate, construct, and fund wildlife crossing projects in their districts. To meet this need, in year one we will provide leadership, coordination, facilitation, and process support to two case study localities; the Afton Gap Crossing Project in central Virginia and the Loudoun Connectivity Initiative in northern Virginia. Documenting the process and lessons learned in year one, we will create resources for other localities (including Arlington) to help streamline their projects, and expand our support through the addition of an Assistant Director who can tailor help be an accessible resource. 

As part of a broader strategy, Wild Virginia will initiate outreach with planning associations, such as the Virginia Association of Counties, and other local government stakeholders across the Commonwealth, to include Arlington. This will build a more informed base and foster future connectivity projects across Virginia. Our goal is to empower localities such as Arlington with the knowledge, relationships, and resources needed to pursue their own connectivity initiatives, while encouraging VDOT to expand wildlife passage efforts and paving the way for comprehensive state-level connectivity legislation.

4. First Habitat Connectivity Symposium | $17,000

Wild Virginia will host the first Habitat Connectivity Symposium in the fall of 2025. The inaugural year of this event will bring together VSWCC partners to learn and discuss high priority topics. It will include presentations and workshops on wildlife crossings and corridor work as well as networking and resource sharing to build collaborations and galvanize progress across Virginia. In successive years we will build upon this event, maturing it each year to include new audiences and expand its reach and impact towards becoming Virginia’s premiere habitat connectivity gathering. 

PROTECTING WATER QUALITY

1. Water Quality Monitoring Initiative | $150,000

Wild Virginia launched a new campaign in 2023 to prevent damage to human and environmental health from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are present in many products and have been detected in the environment, in wildlife, and in humans. PFAS accumulates in bodies, posing serious health threats that persist for many years. By advocating for full enforcement of current state and federal water pollution control regulations, we seek to improve state policies to increase monitoring of PFAS, prevent the discharge of PFAS into the environment, and push the cost of mitigation back upstream to the polluters.

Most of Virginia’s surface waters and pollutant discharges have not been tested for PFAS. Data showing the presence of such contaminants is a powerful tool to galvanize action by state regulators. To fill this gap in information, Wild Virginia will sample waters from across the Commonwealth, with a focus on those in historically disadvantaged and vulnerable communities. In addition to being of use to Wild Virginia, details from these samplings will be shared via a report with the public, nonprofits, and others, for their use in combating PFAS pollution. 

2. Science Reporting | $60,000

Our water quality program uses science and the law, backed by an educated and mobilized public, to influence decision makers and ensure that protections promised by the Clean Water Act are fully and faithfully enforced. We currently have supporting personnel with expertise in law and policy. To match this skill set we seek to add personnel with expertise in the scientific and technical fields, fully rounding out our water quality program. This addition will expand our ability to expose new details about the presence of PFAS in Virginia waterways (to include Arlington County and the Potomac River), increase the impact of our reporting, and help us prevent additional PFAS pollution. 

CLEAN WATER ADVOCATES PROGRAMS 

1. Pop-up Version of Clean Water Advocates for Frontline Communities | $40,000

The Clean Water Advocates is a nine-week skills-based program that equips participants with fundamental knowledge of federal and state water protection laws, regulatory processes, and basic research and advocacy skills used to influence environmental decisions and outcomes. However, the program will not always be practical for individuals and environmental justice communities facing immediate water contamination threats. Time is of the essence when a community has newly mobilized and now must come up to speed on not only the environmental issues but also the government decision-making processes at hand. 

This pop-up will fund the development of a condensed version of the Clean Water Advocates Program for such circumstances. We will partner with the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, Appalachian Voices, and 7 Directions of Service, who have reviewed and praised the existing curriculum, to develop, implement, and distribute this tool to the frontline communities that need it.

2. Sponsor a Clean Water Advocate Student | $2,800 per student | $70,000 whole cohort

The Clean Water Advocates Program is open and accessible to individuals of all backgrounds, with an emphasis on recruiting from historically disadvantaged and vulnerable communities, and/or organizations supporting those communities. In order to continue to provide this program for free to students, we seek sponsorship of each year’s cohort. 

Information Provided September 2025

Latin American Society of Chagas (LASOCHA)

EIN: 46-4579310

Mission Statement

LASOCHA is dedicated to raising awareness of Chagas disease, a potentially deadly parasitic heart disease that is common in the LATAM immigrant community in Northern Virginia.  We provide free screening tests along with free cardiac testing for individuals with this disease, and provide treatment to those who are eligible.  

Program Summary

• 1.  Free testing, both in our clinic and in partnership with other groups that serve the at-risk community (i.e. INOVA Cares, Arlington Free Clinic, local churches, NGOs with health fairs.)
• 2.  Free electrocardiograms and echocardiograms
• 3.  Advocacy for affected patients
• 4.  Educational events for the medical community about this neglected disease

Impact Statement

We have tested over 3000 individuals, and have seen over 200 in our follow up clinic.  We have published results of our work in medical settings to advocate for similar testing/treatment programs.  We have established major clinical initiatives at several local hospitals that serve the at risk population.

What ways can the public get involved?

Partnering with us to raise awareness and to provide opportunities for testing events.

Donations to support our mission.

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

To supplies for testing, for lab testing that is required during treatment, educational materials for the community.

Information Provided August 2025

Brain Injury Services

EIN: 54-1346045

Mission Statement

Empowering those impacted by brain injury

Program Summary

Brain Injury Services (BIS) helps children, adults, and families whose lives have been changed by brain injury build the skills and confidence they need to live their best life.

We work with individuals across Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, and surrounding communities who have sustained acquired or traumatic brain injuries. Our clients range from children and young adults to older adults and veterans.

Core Programs & Services

1. Case Management & Service Coordination
   • Individualized assessment and goal planning.
   • Connection to medical, vocational, educational, and community resources.
   • Ongoing support to navigate systems and remove barriers to independence.
2. ADAPT Clubhouse
   • Day program designed to foster social connections, skill-building, and community participation.
   • Peer-to-peer support in a welcoming, recovery-focused environment.
3. Vocational Services
   • Career exploration, job readiness training, and supported employment.
   • Partnerships with employers and organizations to create accessible work opportunities.
4. Children & Youth Services
   • Support for students with brain injuries to succeed in school and transition into adulthood.
   • Collaboration with families, educators, and healthcare providers.
5. Mental Health Support
   • Counseling, peer mentoring, and therapeutic groups to address emotional and psychological needs related to brain injury.
6. Assistive Technology & Independent Living Skills
   • Training and access to adaptive tools that improve daily functioning.
   • Skill development for independent living, community navigation, and self-advocacy.

Our Approach

Person-Centered: Services are built around each client’s unique needs, goals, and pace of recovery.
Community-Based: We meet clients where they are—at home, in the community, or virtually.
Collaborative: We work closely with care teams (families, healthcare providers, schools, and employers) to create coordinated support networks.
Empowerment-Focused: We help clients by fostering their independence, confidence, and participation in meaningful activities.

Impact Statement

Brain Injury Services empowers individuals with brain injuries to reclaim their independence, re-engage in their communities, and achieve personal and professional goals. Through personalized support, skill-building, and access to resources, our clients gain increased confidence, improved daily functioning, stronger social connections, and greater participation in the workforce—transforming lives and reducing isolation for one of the most underserved populations in our region.

What ways can the public get involved?

1. Provide Financial Support

• Make a one-time or recurring gift to sustain core programs and expand services.
• Sponsor specific initiatives like vocational training, assistive technology, or the ADAPT Clubhouse.

2. Support Events & Campaigns

• Attend or sponsor BIS events such as our Annual Golf Tournament or BIS Has Talent or awareness campaigns.
• Host a peer-to-peer fundraiser to rally friends, family, and colleagues in support of BIS.

3. Give In-Kind Donations

• Contribute items like technology, art supplies, transportation vouchers, or adaptive equipment that directly benefit clients.

4. Volunteer

• Offer your skills in mentoring, career coaching, advocacy, or event support.
• Become a PAL in our Friendship Program

5. Become an Advocate

• Help raise awareness about brain injury by sharing BIS’s mission and stories and social media posts.
• Engage with local and state legislators to promote policies that improve access to brain injury services.

6. Leave a Legacy

• Include BIS in your estate plans or create a named fund to ensure long-term support for survivors of brain injury.

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

When you give to Brain Injury Services (BIS), you make it possible for children, adults, and families living with the effects of brain injury to rebuild their lives. Every donor dollar directly supports programs that foster independence, confidence, and community connection.

Your contribution helps fund:

One-on-One Case Management: Guiding clients through recovery, connecting them to resources, and helping them achieve personal goals.
Vocational Services: Providing job readiness training, supported employment, and partnerships with employers to create meaningful work opportunities.
ADAPT Clubhouse & Day Programs: Offering a safe, supportive space for skill-building, social interaction, and peer support.
Children & Youth Services: Ensuring students with brain injuries have the tools and advocacy they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Mental Health & Wellness Support: Counseling, peer mentoring, and therapeutic groups to address emotional needs.
Assistive Technology: Access to tools that make daily living and employment possible.

By giving to BIS, you help reduce isolation, open doors to opportunity, and empower survivors of brain injury to thrive. Every dollar is an investment in recovery, dignity, and a brighter future.

Information provided August 2025

Youth Democracy Institute

Fiscally sponsored by Social Good Fund

EIN of fiscal sponsor: 46-1323531

Mission Statement

Our mission is to educate, empower, and equip young people (ages 10-24) with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead civic change in their communities and beyond.

Program Summary

Youth Democracy Institute (YDI) Overview
Founded in 2025 and fiscally sponsored by the Social Good Fund, Youth Democracy Institute is dedicated to developing a pipeline of civic leaders across Arlington County, and the Washington, DC metropolitan region. Our three core programs help young people build leadership, confidence, and teamwork through real-world civic learning experiences. Our programs are non-partisan, hands-on, and grounded in Virginia education standards.

NextGen Leadership Academy (Grades 4–8)
This program offers two formats to engage students in civic learning and leadership development. Our summer and break camps provide an intensive, hands-on experience where students explore civic engagement through mock town halls, student elections, and community-based projects. During the school year, the afterschool enrichment program continues this learning, with weekly sessions focused on leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking. Both formats culminate in a field trip to local civi or historical sites. Our goal is to foster early civic identity and prepare youth for future leadership roles.

Emerging Leaders Academy (Grades 9–12)
The Emerging Leaders Academy equips high school students with skills in advocacy, public speaking, and community organizing. Students work on real-world projects addressing local issues, focusing on peer leadership and public service. The program empowers youth to engage meaningfully in their communities and prepares them for future leadership roles.

YDI Policy Academy (Ages 18–24)
The YDI Policy Academy provides intensive training in policy analysis and community organizing. Fellows participate in research, advocacy campaigns, and grassroots mobilization, while also mentoring younger students in YDI programs. This dual role prepares fellows for leadership in public policy and civic engagement.

Impact Statement

Since our founding in 2025, Youth Democracy Institute (YDI) has hosted two leadership camps, serving over 20 students from nearly 10 schools across Arlington County. We have secured two program sites for the fall and will pilot a Black-Jewish Cultural Leadership Academy for Arlington County, sponsored by our first major donor. Students are reporting that they enjoy the experience while developing essential leadership skills, and parents are enrolling their children to become more confident, vocal leaders both in the classroom and beyond. YDI’s leadership academies are subsidized through generous donations and summer camp program fees, ensuring accessibility for all students.

What ways can the public get involved?

Enroll Your Children
Provide your child with the opportunity to develop leadership, civic engagement, and teamwork skills through YDI’s programs. Our leadership camps and afterschool enrichment academies are designed to inspire youth to become confident and proactive civic leaders.
Partner with Us
We welcome partnerships with schools, community organizations, and businesses to expand our reach and impact. Whether through hosting events, providing resources, or offering internship opportunities, partnering with YDI helps us create more opportunities for youth to lead.
Sponsor a Program or Student
Help support our programs by sponsoring a student or a specific program. Your sponsorship ensures that all youth, regardless of their financial situation, can participate in life-changing civic leadership experiences.
Volunteer Your Time
Volunteer with YDI to help deliver programs, mentor students, or assist with events. Your time and expertise can make a real difference in the lives of young people as they develop their leadership skills and learn to engage with their communities.

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

1. Program Costs
   Donations help fund our leadership camps, afterschool enrichment programs, and academies, ensuring that they remain either free or low-cost for families. This includes covering materials, field trips, and resources to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences for students.
2. Scholarships
   Your contribution provides scholarships for students from underserved communities, allowing them to participate in our programs at no cost or a reduced fee, ensuring equal access to leadership development opportunities.
3. Staff and Volunteer Support
   Donations support the recruitment, training, and compensation of our dedicated staff and volunteers who deliver high-quality mentorship, facilitate programs, and help students thrive in a supportive learning environment.
4. Operational Expenses
   Contributions also help cover essential operational costs, including facility rentals, technology, and outreach efforts, ensuring that YDI’s programs are sustainable and impactful in the long term.

Your support helps ensure that more youth have access to life-changing opportunities, preparing them to become future leaders and change-makers.

Learn more here.

Information provided August 2025

Arc of Northern Virginia

EIN: 54-0675506

Mission Statement

The Arc of Northern Virginia promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

Program Summary

1. Transition POINTS Program
Transition POINTS guides individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families in Arlington through critical life transitions, from birth to adulthood. The program offers free tools, workshops, and customized support to help navigate decisions related to early intervention, school services, employment, independent living, and long-term planning. By empowering families with resources and guidance at each life stage, Transition POINTS helps promote independence, inclusion, and long-term well-being.

2. Special Needs Trust Program
The Arc of Northern Virginia administers Special Needs Trusts to help individuals with disabilities secure their financial future without jeopardizing eligibility for public benefits. These trusts are professionally managed and available to people of all ages and disability levels in Arlington. The program includes personalized trust management, financial oversight, and ongoing support for families to ensure that individuals with disabilities in Arlington can maintain quality of life while preserving public supports.

3. Advocacy & Public Policy
The Arc of Northern Virginia leads local and state advocacy efforts to advance policies that promote equity, access, and opportunity for individuals with IDD. Through community engagement, education, and legislative action, the organization works to influence public policy on issues like inclusive education, affordable housing, transportation, and employment.

4. Tech for Independent Living
This Arc of Northern Virginia program provides access to ongoing, customized support for employment and daily life for individuals with IDD in Arlington. At its core is the Arc2Independence app that focuses on four categories of skill building: Employment Skills: a “virtual job coach” supporting work tasks and soft skills; Travel Skills: a “virtual travel trainer” to support safe and independent public transit use; Safety Skills: “a virtual safety coach” to navigate real-world situations safely at home and in the community; and Daily Living Skills:” a virtual skills trainer” to support independence at home and in the community

Impact Statement

The Arc of Northern Virginia empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live full, independent, and inclusive lives. Through a wide range of programs and services, the organization supports people with disabilities across all life stages, from early childhood to adulthood and aging. We provide families critical guidance through complex systems, including school services, employment, housing, and long-term care planning. The Arc’s Special Needs Trust Program protects financial security without affecting public benefits, ensuring long-term stability and peace of mind. Innovative technology tools and personalized coaching promote daily living skills and greater independence, while advocacy efforts at the local and state levels drive policy changes that expand access to education, housing, and employment. Each year, thousands of individuals and families benefit from The Arc’s resources, workshops, and direct services, gaining the tools and confidence to lead self-determined lives. The organization also collaborates with schools, employers, and community partners to foster greater awareness, accessibility, and inclusion. As a result, more people with disabilities in Northern Virginia are achieving personal goals, connecting with their communities, and living “A Life Like Yours.”

What ways can the public get involved?

Community members play a vital role in supporting The Arc of Northern Virginia’s mission. There are many ways to get involved:

Volunteer: Help with special events, office support, or become a trained advocate to assist individuals with disabilities. See our volunteer opportunities: https://thearcofnova.org/volunteer-catalog/
Advocate: Join advocacy campaigns to influence local and state policies that affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sign up for action alerts and attend legislative events.
Donate: Financial contributions support critical programs, services, and resources that directly impact individuals and families in need. Make a donation on our volunteer page: https://arcofnva.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/arcofnva/donation.jsp?campaign=127
Attend Events: Participate in our community events, educational workshops, and fundraising activities to connect with others and raise awareness.
Partner: Businesses, schools, and organizations can collaborate through sponsorships, internships, and inclusive employment opportunities.
Spread the Word: Follow The Arc of Northern Virginia on social media, share stories, and help raise awareness about disability rights and inclusion.

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

Donations to The Arc of Northern Virginia directly support programs and services that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. Charitable dollars fund critical initiatives such as personalized support through the Transition POINTS program, employment and life-skills support through our Tech for Independent Living Program, access to life-planning tools and Special Needs Trusts, and the development of innovative technology that promotes independence.

Gifts also help provide free educational workshops, advocacy training, and one-on-one guidance to thousands of families each year. Additionally, donations sustain public policy efforts that lead to lasting systems change at the local and state levels.

Approximately 85% of every dollar goes directly to programs and services, ensuring that your contribution has a meaningful and immediate impact. The remaining funds support essential administrative and fundraising operations that keep our organization running efficiently and transparently.

Your support helps individuals with disabilities gain greater independence, secure their futures, and thrive as fully included members of our community. Every gift makes a lasting difference.

Information provided July 2025

Ronald McDonald House of Charities, Greater Washington DC

EIN: 52-1132262

Mission Statement

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington, DC (RMHCDC) provides essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.

Program Summary

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington, DC (RMHCDC) seeks to address the multifaceted challenges faced by families dealing with a child’s illness or injury. These challenges include:

Emotional and Psychological Stress: Faced with a child’s illness, families are plunged into a world of fear and worry.
Travel-Related Stress: Parents often face the added stress of traveling long distances or through heavy traffic to reach necessary medical care.
Financial Strain: The costs of travel, lodging, and meals quickly add up creating financial pressure.
Maintaining Family Normalcy: Balancing the needs of the sick child with maintaining normalcy for siblings and managing work commitments is challenging.
Isolation: Being far from home leads to isolation from family and friends.
Healthcare Access: Many families come from areas with limited healthcare options, and a significant portion of the community we serve lives in poverty, which exacerbates health issues and limits access to necessary care.
Rising Costs: Inflation has increased the cost of food and transportation, further straining family finances.

RMHCDC addresses the challenge of supporting families with a sick child through a comprehensive, family-centered care approach. Recognizing that a child’s illness impacts the entire family, RMHCDC involves families in the healthcare process to make informed decisions alongside healthcare providers. This holistic approach aims to improve various outcomes such as psychosocial outcomes, clinical outcomes, resource distribution, and patient and family satisfaction.
We believe that when a child is sick, the entire family needs comfort and support. We believe that a home is more than four walls and a roof over your head – it is the intangible magic that transpires in moments shared together. We believe in building a global community that finds strength, hope and courage in embracing healing as a joyous experience. Please give today to help even more families stay close through the biggest challenge of their lives. Together, we can do big things!

Impact Statement

Our organization provides a supportive and healing environment for families with seriously ill or injured children receiving medical care in the greater Washington, D.C. region. Through our core programs—including two Ronald McDonald Houses. We offer families a place to rest, recharge, and stay close to the hospital without the financial burden of lodging or meals. In 2024, we provided nearly 15,000 occupied room nights—an increase of more than 2,600 over the prior year, allowing us to serve more families when they needed it most.

Beyond housing, we offer daily meals, emotional support, and enriching programming for children and caregivers. These services reduce stress, foster community, and improve overall family well-being during medical crises. Our work has a direct and measurable impact: families report reduced emotional and financial strain, increased time spent at their child’s bedside, and a greater sense of comfort and stability.

By removing barriers to care and meeting basic needs, we help families focus on what matters most, the health and recovery of their child. Through strong hospital partnerships and the support of donors and volunteers, our programs continue to grow in reach, impact, and relevance.

What ways can the public get involved?

The public can get involved by volunteering to prepare meals, organizing donation drives, or supporting our events like the Red Shoe 5K Run & Walk. We also welcome financial contributions and in-kind donations that help sustain our programs year-round. To learn more or sign up to help: https://rmhcdc.org/volunteer-new/

https://rmhcdc.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate-rmhcdc

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

Charitable dollars directly support our mission to keep families close to their seriously ill or injured children. Donations help provide comfortable lodging, daily meals, transportation assistance, and family-centered programming at no cost to the families we serve. Funds also sustain the upkeep and operation of our Ronald McDonald Houses ensuring they remain warm, welcoming spaces during a medical crisis. Additionally, contributions help cover essential expenses like utilities, supplies, and program staff who deliver compassionate care and support.

Information provided July 2025

Free2Talk

EIN: 88-3583665

Mission Statement

Free2Talk is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to supporting the mental health of kids and teens in Virginia (ages 6-19). We believe that accessible and affordable therapy, including speech therapy, is vital for all young people struggling across the Commonwealth. Regardless of family income or insurance coverage, Virginia kids and teens should be able to access mental health and speech therapy treatment. 

Program Summary

Free2Talk connects families, struggling to afford treatment, with a network of mental health and speech therapy providers and specialists, allowing them to access reduced cost treatment for their kids and teens. For qualified patients, our organization will pay up to 80% of treatment costs for up to 16 sessions. 

We work primarily with providers and patients in Arlington, but also across the Commonwealth. Free2Talk was founded in the summer of 2022 by William Mount, a then-10th grade student at Washington-Liberty HS in Arlington, VA. His idea originated from his own personal struggles with mental health and stuttering.

Impact Statement

We have covered 80% of the costs of nearly 500 therapy sessions by collaborating with over a dozen therapy providers and practices across Virginia — with our most served areas being Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County, and the greater Charlottesville area.

Founder William Mount has attended, and spoken to/at various of local expos, elementary schools, foundations and fundraising events to promote the de-stigmatization of speaking about mental health and speech struggles amongst younger people. In addition, Free2Talk has tabled at local events sponsored by organizations like the Center for Youth and Family Advocacy (CYFA).

Free2Talk is also in collaboration with the University of Virginia’s Sheila C. Johnson Center for Clinical Services, and has worked with them for over a year to provide Free2Talk’s services to areas beyond Northern Virginia.

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

Donations to Free2Talk always go directly subsidizing the costs of the mental health/speech therapy sessions of our patients. 

Donations ranging from $100-$250 cover the cost of a typical therapy session for one of our patients. Larger donations are greatly appreciated; 16 sessions for each approved patient leads to an individual cost of ~$2,000. Large donations help us to scale in size, and excess funds allow Free2Talk to expand our network of providers to further address the immense need for therapy in Arlington, and beyond.

Information provided May 2025