FAQs

(frequently asked questions)

1. Does Washington Grantmakers give grants?
No. Washington Grantmakers does not give grants or accept grant proposals.

2. What is Washington Grantmakers?
Washington Grantmakers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership association composed of grantmakers in the National Capital Region (Northern Virginia, suburban Maryland, and the District of Columbia). Our members include a rich cross-section of philanthropy including family, community, corporate, independent and operating foundations as well as corporate giving programs, governmental grantmakers, grantmaking public charities and individual philanthropists. We provide a variety of services to our members, to facilitate more effective, strategic, and efficient grantmaking, thereby making the National Capital Region a better place to live and work.

3. Can Washington Grantmakers help me get a grant?
We do not control or suggest how our members’ grant dollars should be spent. Each member’s grantmaking and grantmaking priorities are autonomous and determined by their respective governing bodies. However, to assist our members and the nonprofit grant-seeking community, Washington Grantmakers developed the Common Grant Application and related documents, which you may find useful. For more information on grantmaking organizations, including grantmakers’ profiles, giving priorities and grant cycles, visit The Foundation Center.

4. What is a "membership association"?
A membership association is an organization of members that come together around a common interest--in our case, grantmaking. In order to participate in Washington Grantmakers' various programs, meetings and services, WG members pay annual dues based on their prior year’s giving in the National Capital Region.

5. Can I have more information about Washington Grantmakers' members?
We have a strict non-solicitation policy and do not give out contact information to non-members. For information on grantmaking organizations, your best bet will probably be GuideStar or The Foundation Center.

6. How do I become a member?
Click here!