Program Contact
Marian Hancock - marian.hancock@dc.gov (Send Email)

The grant supports cultural competency training to create safe, affirming spaces for youth, especially those experiencing homelessness in DC. District-based CBOs will lead evidence-based trainings for staff and volunteers and help implement organizational changes that better meet the needs of youth facing housing insecurity and systemic barriers to care.

There are two priority areas:

1. Housing Providers & DC Shelters (serving homeless youth and young adults experiencing homelessness)

   • Potential multi-year grant, 2-year grant: Oct 1, 2025 – Sept 30, 2027

2. First Responders (including but not limited to law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and secondary responder supports who serve youth)

   • Potential 1-year grant: Oct 1, 2025 – Sept 30, 2026

All trainings must follow best practices and be led by experienced, DC-based CBOs.

For a more detailed description of the program, please refer to the Request for Applications (RFA) available on the Funding Alerts and Grants Clearinghouse website at the following URL: Community Grant Program | Mayors Office of Community Affairs.

Applicants shall meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for the FY26 VPART Grant: 

1. The organization is a CBO with a Federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and is licensed as a business with the District of Columbia’s Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP);
2. The organization’s principal place of business must be located in the District of Columbia. If the business is a national or regional organization, it must have a location in the District through which it provides services;
3. The organization must provide direct services to District residents or collaborate with an organization that provides services to District residents through the organizational efforts of the applicant;
4. All services and programming funded by the grant must be provided within the District of Columbia;
5. The organization must be currently registered and in good standing with DLCP and the Office of Tax and Revenue at the time of the application deadline. Applicants must maintain their good standing status with the aforementioned entities throughout the pre-award process and the grant’s performance period;
6. Applicants shall provide an affidavit regarding any debarments, suspensions, or defaults with the Office of Contract and Procurement;
7. Applicants shall provide an affidavit certifying that they are eligible for a grant under D.C. Code § 1-328.15(d), regarding contributions and solicitation of contributions to a covered recipient[1];
8. (This requirement applies only to current District grantees.) Current grantees must be:
   
   1. Current on all District grant reporting obligations for the FY2025 grant cycle;
   2. In good standing with the District’s legal requirements, including those imposed by any grants or contracts; and
   3. Progress reports must reflect substantial progress towards the goals of the grant agreement.

[1] Please see D.C. Code § 1-328.11(3) for the definition of covered recipient.