Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5A

Grant Applications

Each Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) receives an annual allocation of funds that may be used for public purposes within the Commission area or for the functioning of the Commission office. While ANCs are not required to issue community grants, the D.C. Official Code permits them to do so. 

Grant-funded projects must: 

  • Serve a public purpose that significantly benefits people who live or work in the ANC’s boundaries and not duplicate District government services. 

  • Not to be used for general organizational support or private gain. 

  • Not duplicate services or programs already provided by the District Government 

  • Only organizations may apply though it is not required to be incorporated 

  • Grants must be approved by a majority vote at a public ANC meeting following a public presentation.

  • Expenditures must be supported by documentation (e.g., proposal, receipts, meeting minutes). 

  • Grantees must use funds as approved and submit a use-of-funds statement within 60 days of receiving the grant—and every 90 days thereafter for the duration of the grant. 

Examples of Allowable Grants 

  • To neighborhood civic associations or nonprofit organizations for public-facing projects that significantly benefit the community. 

  • To Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs), charter schools, or private institutions for community events. 

Examples of Prohibited Grants 

  • Projects for private or non-public purposes. 

  • Grants to individuals or where the primary beneficiary is a specific person or group. 

  • Grants duplicating services that are already provided by the District government. 

  • Grants used to support fundraisers. 

  • Direct grants to DC Public Schools. 

  • Any grantee(s) on this list of Prohibited Grantees 

How to Apply for A Grant

Step 1: Review Previous and Current Grants  

OANC Community Benefits and Grant Review Memo Portal 

 

Step 2: Complete the Grant Application Form

Your application must include: 

  • A description of the proposed project. 
  • A statement of expected public benefits—clearly explain how the project will benefit residents or workers in the ANC area. 
  • The total cost of the project, including other sources of funding. 
  • A breakdown of expected overhead costs (must not exceed 15% of the total grant). 
  • A detailed budget, clearly identifying which expenses ANC funds will cover. 

 

Step 3: Submit Your Application 

  • Send the completed application to the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (OANC) at [email protected]
  • Please copy [email protected] as well as your ANC Commissioner on the application email to OANC

Note: Failure to submit to OANC may delay or disqualify your application. 

Reporting Requirements

Grantees must email itemized receipts and paid-out invoices to [email protected]. Please write “GRANT RECEIPT FOR (Grant Name)” in the subject heading of the email.

  • All paid out invoices must include the name and address of the vendor as well as the date and location of service.
  • Grantees must submit a Grant Closeout Report to the ANC within 60 calendar days of receiving the award, and every 90 days thereafter for the duration of the grant.
  • A final closeout report is due within 60 days of the project’s end date. The Closeout reports require the following items:
    • Completed Invoice Statement: Complete a list of final expenditures and details about how the grant funds
      were spent in support of the community.
    • Receipts: Include all receipts for purchases made with grant funds.
    • Photos or Other Publicity Materials (optional): Please share materials for promotional purposes with the ANC if you would like them to share your work in the community.
    • Refund: Return any unspent grant funds to the ANC.
    • Copy of all Materials to the OANC: Please submit copies of all materials to the OANC in addition to the ANC 5A.
  • Fill out the application in its entirety. The completed application must be submitted to [email protected] and to the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (OANC) at [email protected]
  • For information about Grants, visit the OANC Grants Webpage

Failure to submit reports on time may affect eligibility for future grant awards.

 

Nullification of a Grant.

A grant that is inconsistent with any statute or regulation of the United States or the District of Columbia is null and void to the extent of its inconsistency. The Commission is not liable for any costs incurred by the grant applicant in preparing or presenting the grant, or as a result of its approval or denial. The grant applicant must remit to the Commission or the District of Columbia any funds received in violation of statutes or regulations.