Program Contact
Ricardo Espitia - ricardo.espitia@dc.gov (Send Email)

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

1. The organization is a CBO with a Federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or evidence of fiscal agent relationship with a 501(c)(3) organization or is a private entity, such as a coalition or association, that is partnering with one or more 501(c)(3) organizations;
2. The organization’s principal place of business must be located in the District of Columbia or if a national or regional organization, then it must have a location in the District through which it provides services;
3. The organization must provide legal services to District residents with vulnerable legal status or collaborate with an organization and/or attorney who provides legal services to this population through the organizational efforts of the applicant;
4. The organization must be currently registered and in good standing with the District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) and the Office of Tax and Revenue. Applicants must maintain their good standing status with the aforementioned entities throughout the pre-award process and the grant’s performance period;
5. Applicants shall provide an affidavit regarding any debarments, suspensions, or defaults with the District of Columbia’s Office of Contract and Procurement;
6. Applicants shall provide an affidavit certifying that they are eligible for a grant under D.C. Official Code § 1-328.15(d), regarding contributions and solicitation of contributions to a covered recipient[1];
7. All services and programs must be provided within the District of Columbia, except for in the following circumstances:
   
   1. If a District resident is held in a detention facility outside of the District, then services can be rendered at the detention facility; or
   2. If a person is attempting to reunite with family members who are District residents, then services can be provided to the person outside the District; and

8. (This requirement applies only to Current grantees) Current grantees must be:
   
   1. Current on all reporting obligations for the FY25 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.