Arlington County Board Approves $1.69M In Grants To 31 Local Nonprofits

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Arlington County Board approved $1.69 million in grants on April 22 to support 31 local human services nonprofits.

The funding, distributed through the Fiscal Year 2027 Opportunities Grant Program, is intended to address community inequities and support vulnerable residents during what officials described as a period of financial difficulty.

“Challenging financial times are being felt throughout the County,” Arlington County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti said. “Our Board believes it is important to invest in a robust group of non-profits that serve a broad sector of the population to help address a range of diverse community needs."

The board added $437,000 in one-time funding during the budget process to increase the program's reach.

The county received 69 proposals for the grant cycle. Applications were reviewed by county staff from nine departments and three focus groups consisting of volunteer community members.

Grant awards were primarily determined by evaluation scores and funding priorities identified by the community. Most individual awards were capped at $50,000 to distribute the funds across a larger number of organizations, though five recipients received higher amounts.

The 31 organizations selected for funding provide services ranging from food assistance and legal aid to educational programming and health care.

The following Arlington human services organizations were awarded funding through the Fiscal Year 2027 Opportunities Grant Program:

Economic Security

• Arlington Thrive ($43,820): Provides emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, and medical expenses to help stabilize 200 individuals and families.
• Capital Area Food Bank ($50,000): Delivers 100,000 nutritious meals to approximately 4,800 households.
• Edu-Futuro ($50,000): The following Arlington human services organizations were awarded funding through the Fiscal Year 2027 Opportunities Grant Program: : Offers case management for families in crisis and supports youth programming for 560 individuals.
• Endependence Center of Northern Virginia ($50,000): Provides outreach and community navigation for 200 individuals with disabilities from marginalized backgrounds.
• Ethiopian Community Development Council ($50,000): Supplies employment services and affordable immigration legal support for 50 refugees.
• La Cocina VA DBA Kitchen of Purpose ($50,000): Conducts bilingual job training in the food industry and food assistance initiatives for 650 individuals.
• Legal Services of Northern Virginia ($100,000): Provides civil legal representation for 375 low-income residents regarding housing, domestic, and employment issues.
• Shirlington Employment and Education Center ($100,000): Offers digital literacy and employment support for 800 low-wage day laborers.
• The Arc of Northern Virginia ($36,111): Provides life and employment skill-building for 300 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• The Clothesline for Arlington Kids ($40,000): Increases capacity to provide clothing to 1,720 children from low-income families.
• The Salvation Army ($45,000): Expands food distribution and grocery gift card access for 3,000 individuals.
• True Ground Housing Partners ($50,000): Provides emergency rent relief and eviction prevention services to 50 households.

Education

• 1st Road South ($50,000): Supports summer camp and out-of-school-time academic programming for 40 low-income youth.
• 703 Warriors ($25,000): Provides soccer training and mentorship for 300 underserved and immigrant youth.
• Affordable Homes & Communities ($50,000): Supports academic engagement and digital equity programs for 250 youth and families.
• Aspire! Afterschool Learning ($100,000): Provides daily academic afterschool and summer programs for 150 students in grades 3-8.
• Bridges to Independence ($90,000): Supports childcare and camp programs for 125 individuals at their shelter and in Green Valley.
• Literacy Council of Northern Virginia ($50,000): Supports English language learning for 150 adults.
• Literacy Tutoring Collaboration ($50,000): Provides intensive reading interventions for 66 Arlington youth.
• Read Early and Daily ($42,050): Distributes culturally relevant books and literacy tools to 350 low-income expectant mothers.

Health

• Arlington Free Clinic ($50,000): Provides physical, mental, and oral health services to 1,550 low-income, Medicaid-ineligible residents.
• Arlington Neighborhood Village ($50,000): Assists 555 older adults with transportation and home repairs to help them age safely in place.
• Meals on Wheels of Arlington ($50,000): Supports the delivery of meals to 24 low-income, homebound adults.
• National Capital Treatment and Recovery ($40,000): Provides health literacy for 100 individuals with substance use and mental health disorders.
• NovaSalud, Inc. ($50,000): Operates HIV/STI prevention, testing, and treatment retention services for 600 individuals.
• PathForward, Inc. ($50,000): Expands the Mobile Medical Program to provide healthcare engagement for 600 adults experiencing homelessness.

Legal Services or Justice-Involved

• Ayuda ($105,069): Provides critical legal and social services to 48 low-income immigrants.
• Offender Aid and Restoration of Arlington ($50,000): Offers basic needs support for 130 individuals and families impacted by the criminal legal system.
• Restoration Immigration Legal Aid ($50,000): Provides free immigration legal services and community education for 100 low-income residents.

Social Connections & Community

• Best Buddies International, Inc. ($20,000): Fosters one-to-one friendships and leadership training for 160 students with and without disabilities.
• Our Stomping Ground ($50,000): Provides housing navigation and community connection for 34 adults with developmental disabilities.