before you apply
1. TAKE
Take our eligibility quiz! We’ve updated our programs and eligibility criteria, and have created this quiz that will direct you to the application that best fits your group/organization.
2. REVIEW
Our revised “Our Grantmaking Work” page to make sure your group is eligible and your work aligns with what we fund, especially our funding priorities.
3. ATTEND
an Info Session. Info sessions in English, ASL, and Spanish will be offered virtually through Zoom. Sign-up at the links to the right.
If you need interpretation in a language in addition to those listed, please let us know at least 10 days in advance by reaching out at info@diversecityfund.org.
4. LEARN MORE
about “Defining Systems Change” at our webinar hosted by Two Brown Girls. The webinar clarifies what we mean when we say, “We fund groups and organizations that address racial injustice by tackling root cause issues and do systems change work in DC.”
5. LEARN MORE
about how Generative AI affects our grantmaking process and what we are doing differently this cycle. Watch Here
You can find the example AI Application here.
6. REACH OUT
for one-on-one assistance with your application after you attend an info-session if you still have questions or need support to info@diversecityfund.org.
TOOLS FOR APPLYING
Create or log into your OpenWater Account here once you know you are eligible and that your work aligns with what we fund. *Note that if you're a returning applicant, you'll need to make a new account under this new portal!
Application questions by Grouping to help you draft your answers.
Watch our webinar with Two Brown Girls talking in-depth about the systems change work we fund in DC.
DC Fund receives and scores fully submitted applications through OpenWater. Applicants must create a profile and apply to their corresponding group.
Tips FOR APPLYING
START EARLY – register and create your organization’s account as early as possible to make sure you don’t run into any technical issues and have time to familiarize yourself with the application. Unlike past rounds, the application does not need to be completed at one time. However, we do advise you to work on your application in a separate document so you can save and edit your responses.
CONSIDER VIDEO – the application gives the option to submit a video response to certain project narrative questions. Video responses will be given the same weight as written responses in the grantmaking decisions, so feel free to pick the method that helps you tell your story best
RETURN HOME – even technology isn’t perfect! If you get an error message while completing any part of the application, just try returning to the homepage and try again.
WHEN USING AI–use AI to improve your answers, not to write the answers for you. It’s really obvious when we are reading an AI generated answer because our application questions are meant to be answered by regular people living in DC neighborhoods. Also, don’t worry about grammar. We write and read like regular people.
Curious about our Grant Cycle Timeline? Take a look here.
NEED HELP ?
If you need any assistance with the application or accessibility support, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at info@diversecityfund.org. We are happy to virtually walk through the application process with you.