ANC 1E provides competitive grants to support community-based projects that deliver a clear public benefit to people who live or work within ANC 1E boundaries. Our program prioritizes transparency, local investment, and direct community impact.

Grants are governed by D.C. law, formal guidance from the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (OANC), and ANC 1E’s Standard Operating Procedures. All projects must serve a public purpose, meaning they benefit the ANC 1E community as a whole—not individuals, private entities, or causes unrelated to neighborhood welfare.

Jump to Section:

  1. Grant Application & General Guidance
  2. What We Fund
  3. What We Cannot Fund
  4. Who Can Apply
  5. Application Timeline
  6. How to Apply
  7. Grant Limits
  8. Post-Award Requirements
  9. Forms and Contact

Grant Application & General Guidance

What We Fund

Eligible ANC 1E grants must:

  • Clearly benefit the public within ANC 1E
  • Be open and accessible to the public
  • Be led by an organization (not an individual)
  • Have specific, measurable outcomes
  • Not duplicate a D.C. government service
  • Be sponsored by an ANC 1E Commissioner

Examples of eligible projects:

  • Neighborhood beautification, signage, or murals
  • Free civic events or educational workshops
  • Materials or equipment for shared community use
  • Public safety, engagement, or outreach initiatives

Overhead costs are capped at 15% and must be itemized in the budget.

What We Cannot Fund

Prohibited grant uses include:

  • Personal benefit or awards to individuals
  • Staff salaries, stipends, or compensation
  • Events where food or entertainment is a primary cost
  • Religious, advocacy, or partisan activities
  • Fundraising events or campaigns
  • Duplicate services provided by D.C. agencies (e.g. DGS, DCPS)
  • General operating support or unrestricted donations
  • Prizes, raffles, giveaways, or gifts

Note: Organizations that have misused prior ANC grants may be placed on a prohibited grantee list maintained by OANC and will be ineligible for future funding.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must:

  • Be a community-serving organization
  • Operate within or directly benefit ANC 1E
  • Work with a sponsoring ANC 1E Commissioner
  • Submit a complete application with all required documentation

Sponsoring Commissioners typically represent the Single Member District (SMD) where your organization is based or where the project will take place. 🔎 Find your ANC Commissioner

Application Timeline

Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis. However:

  • Emergency or time-sensitive requests require a ¾ Commission vote to proceed.
  • All submissions must be made at least 30 calendar days prior to the ANC meeting where they will be considered.

How to Apply

  1. Download the Official Application. All grant applications must use the ANC 1E Grant Application (ANC 1E Grant Application Rev. 2025)
  2. Prepare Required Documentation. Your application must include:
    • A full description of your project or event
    • A statement of public benefit (how it helps ANC 1E residents or workers)
    • A complete, itemized budget including all funding sources
    • Overhead costs not exceeding 15%, with explanation
    • A detailed list of requested ANC-funded expenses
    • Description of how success will be measured
    • Confirmation that the project does not duplicate existing D.C. government services
    • Any permits or licenses, if required
  3. Obtain a Commissioner Sponsor. Identify and work with an ANC 1E Commissioner who will:
    • Review and sponsor your application
    • Assist with documentation and deadlines
    • Be responsible for post-award compliance follow-up
  4. Submit Your Application. Applications must be submitted to ANC 1E at 1e@anc.dc.gov and OANC at oancs@dc.gov. Both submissions are required. Failure to submit to OANC will result in automatic disqualification.
  5. Present at a Public Meeting. Your organization must present the grant request at a public ANC 1E meeting. Presentation scheduling must occur in coordination with your sponsoring Commissioner and the Public Safety & Engagement Committee.
  6. Committee Review and Vote. The ANC 1E Public Safety & Engagement Committee will review the application and make a recommendation. The application will be discussed at the Committee of the Whole and voted on at a General Meeting.

Grant Limits

  • The maximum grant award is $3,000 per organization in any 12-month period.
  • Requests for more than $3,000 must receive a ¾ majority vote at a public meeting.
  • ANC 1E may not exceed the total amount budgeted for grants in a given year.

Post-Award Requirements

  • Spend funds only as described in the approved application
  • Submit documentation of spending and results within:
    • 60 calendar days after receiving funds, or
    • 30 days after the event, whichever is later
  • Provide:
    • Receipts equal to the total grant amount
    • A refund of any unused funds
    • A written summary of how the project met its goals and served the public
    • A completed grant closeout form (provided by ANC 1E or downloadable from OANC)

Extensions may be requested in writing before the reporting deadline. These may be granted for up to 15 additional days at the discretion of the Chairperson, Treasurer, or full Commission.

Failure to submit proper documentation will result in ineligibility for future ANC 1E grants for a minimum of one year. The Commission may also seek to recover funds through the D.C. Office of the Attorney General.

Forms and Contact

📎 Download the Grant Application (Application available here)
📎 Download OANC’s Grant Guidance (OANC Grant Guidance available here)
📩 Email Questions or Applications: Contact ANC 1E
📩 Also send to OANC: oancs@dc.gov
🗓 Schedule a Presentation: Contact ANC 1E

We are here to help. If you’re unsure whether your organization or idea is eligible, reach out early. ANC 1E is proud to support public-minded efforts that uplift and engage our community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for an ANC 1E grant?
Only organizations can apply. That includes neighborhood groups, civic clubs, nonprofits, schools (for public events), or any organized group that wants to do something good for the community. You don’t need to be a formal nonprofit or have a 501(c)(3), but you do need to have a clear mission and leadership. Grants cannot go to individuals.

Does my group need to be a nonprofit or have 501(c)(3) status?
No. Your group doesn’t have to be a registered nonprofit. As long as your organization has some structure, a way to manage funds, and a project that clearly helps the ANC 1E community, you’re eligible to apply.

What counts as a “public benefit”?
A public benefit is something that clearly helps people who live or work in ANC 1E. Your project should be open to the public, not just members of your organization. It can’t just promote your group—it has to do something useful for the neighborhood. Examples include community cleanups, public events, workshops, art installations, or shared equipment.

Can the project happen outside of ANC 1E?
No. The project has to happen within ANC 1E or serve people who live or work here. If your group is based somewhere else, that’s fine—but the work funded by ANC 1E must help our community directly.

Can individuals apply for a grant?
No. The law does not allow ANC grants to go to individuals. Grants can only be given to organizations. Projects that mainly help one person or a small group won’t qualify.

Can we use the money to pay salaries or staff?
No. You can’t use ANC grant money to pay staff, contractors, or stipends. Small overhead costs—like printing, flyers, or event permits—are okay, but they can’t be more than 15% of your total budget. And they must be listed clearly in your application.

Can we use the money for food, entertainment, or prizes?
No. The grant can’t cover food, drinks, music, raffles, giveaways, or anything where entertainment is a main expense. Your event can include those things, but ANC money can’t be used to pay for them.

Can D.C. government agencies or schools apply?
No. If your program already receives funding from the D.C. government—like a city agency or a DCPS school—you can’t get an ANC grant for the same thing. However, school-affiliated groups like PTAs may apply for separate community events that aren’t already paid for by the city.

How much funding can we request?
You can request up to $3,000. That’s the standard limit per organization per year. If you want more than that, it’s possible—but it requires a special ¾ vote from the Commission. That’s a higher bar, and you’ll need to explain exactly why you need the extra money.

How do I know if I live or work in ANC 1E?
Go to openanc.org and type in your address. That will show you which ANC you’re in. If you’re not sure or need help, please contact us and let us know.

Do I need a Commissioner to sponsor my application?
Yes. Every grant must be sponsored by an ANC 1E Commissioner. They’ll help you prepare your application, make sure everything is submitted correctly, and coordinate your presentation. It’s best to work with the Commissioner who represents the area where your project will take place. You can find a complete list of ANC 1E Commissioners here.

Do I have to present my request in a public meeting?
Yes. After you submit your application, you’ll need to attend an ANC 1E public meeting to talk about your project. The Public Safety & Engagement Committee will review your request first. Then, the full ANC will vote on it. Your sponsoring Commissioner will help you with scheduling and prep.

When should I submit my application?
You must submit your full application at least 30 calendar days before the meeting where it will be considered. If your request is urgent or time-sensitive, it may still be reviewed, but only with a special ¾ vote from the Commission.

Where do I send my application?
You must email your completed application and all materials to both 1E@anc.dc.gov and oancs@dc.gov. If you forget to send it to either one, your application will not be considered.

What do I need to include in my application?

  • A full project description
  • A clear statement of how it benefits the public
  • A detailed budget (including other funding sources)
  • A list of what ANC money will pay for
  • Overhead expenses (must be under 15% and explained)
  • A plan for how you’ll measure success
  • Any permits or licenses, if needed
  • The name of your sponsoring Commissioner

What happens after my grant is approved?
You’ll receive the funds and can begin your project. Once it’s complete (or within 60 days of receiving the money), you must send us:

  • A written summary of what you did
  • Receipts that match your budget
  • A refund of any unused funds
  • A completed grant closeout form (coming soon)

If you miss your reporting deadline, you may be banned from future grants for at least a year, and we may ask the D.C. Attorney General to help recover the funds.

What if I need more time to finish the project or turn in paperwork?
You can ask for an extension before your deadline. We can give up to 15 extra days if the Chair, Treasurer, or the full Commission agrees.

Still have questions?
Contact us by clicking here and choosing grants. We’ll help you figure out if your project qualifies and connect you with the right commissioner.

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