Commission 5B established its new Grants Program effective October 18, 2023.  This revised process for 5B is effective August 18, 2024 in accordance with the revised statute effective July 8, 2024. 

Per the DC Code, there are 5 specific requirements which must be met for a grant:

1. Public Purpose: ANC grants must be for "public purposes within the Commission area." A public purpose is one that, "includes a significant benefit for the community."  This does not preclude a grantee organization from receiving some indirect benefit from the grant, as long as the public is the grant's primary beneficiary.

2. Local Benefit: A grant must, "benefit persons who work or reside in the Commission area."  This does not mean the grant may only benefit Commission residents; it simply means the grant's benefits should be focused on those residents.

3. Proposed Project: A grant must be for a, "proposed project."  The grant must be for a specific undertaking, not for general support of an organization.  Additionally, a grant cannot reimburse for expenses already incurred.

4. Organization: A grant must be to an, "organization that is public in nature," not an individual or a government entity, although the organization does not need to be incorporated.

Examples of organizations which may apply for a grant: Neighborhood Civic Associations, Non-Profit Organizations, Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs), or private institutions (for community events).

5. Non-Duplication: A grant must be for services that are not, "duplicative of any that are already performed by the District government."  In other words, a grant cannot fund services the District government already provides.

Additionally, the Commission may not issue a grant for these activities:

1. Partisan Political Activity

2. Legal Expenses

3. Travel Outside of the Washington metro area

4. Purchasing of Food 

5. Fundraising

6. Awards to an Individual (such as cash prizes or stipends).

Please note, a grant may be issued for entertainment.

Finally, please be aware grant amounts must adhere to the Commission's budget and will be subject to funds available.   Also, no grant shall be provided if the overhead costs are estimated to exceed 15% of the entire grant amount.

For more information refer to OANC Guidance 2023-006 (rev. 2024).

How to Apply

1. Complete pages 4-9 of OANC Form 100 (rev. July 2024).

Note: if the above link does not work, you can also find the form here on OANC's Quick Tips page.

2. Review the Checklist on page 10 of OANC Form 100.

3. Email the form to all ANC 5B Commissioners and to the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, as follows:

5B01@anc.dc.gov, 5B02@anc.dc.gov, 5B03@anc.dc.gov, 5B04@anc.dc.gov, 5B05@anc.dc.gov, 5B06@anc.dc.gov, 5B07@anc.dc.gov, OANCS@dc.gov.

Once the submission passes review, the Commission will work with you to schedule a presentation at a public meeting.

Expectations

As a grant-requesting organization, your responsibilities are to:

1. Ensure the application (OANC Form 100) is complete, accurate, and submitted correctly.

2. Respond timely to requests from Commissioners and the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions.

3. Present before the Commission at a public meeting once requested and scheduled.

4. Use the grant in the manner approved via this process.

5. Provide all requested documentation post award, including vouchers and paid receipts.

6. Provide a statement to the Commission as to the use of the funds within 60 days of award and every 90 days thereafter during the life of the grant.

Failure to meet your responsibilities may result in delay or rejection of your application!  

Failure to use the grant in the manner approved and provide documentation may result in being barred from future grants!

As presenting before the Commission is required to facilitate a vote, please be aware the ability to schedule the presentation will be driven by our public meeting calendar.  While the Commission will make its best effort to respond and process an application timely, depending on when your application is received the entire application process may take 3 to 4 months.