Our Grants
The Aid Association for the Blind of the District of Columbia was founded in 1898 to provide support services for blind residents of Washington, DC This now includes the Metropolitan DC area.
Our Community Focus Areas & Impact
Blindness and low vision touch every corner of life, from medical care and daily independence to navigating a world that is not always accessible. That's why our grants don't fund just one type of program. We invest across three interconnected focus areas.
Vision & Medical Care
From preventing blindness before it starts to funding surgeries for patients who can't afford them, we support medical practitioners.
Social Services
Once someone receives a vision diagnosis, the question becomes: what are the next steps? We fund the services that help people navigate daily life, stay in their homes, continue their education, find work, and stay connected to their community.
Systemic Change
We invest in organizations doing the harder, slower work of changing the systems around them, making crosswalks and polling places accessible, expanding career opportunities, and advocating for the rights of people who are blind or have low vision.
Eligibility Criteria
Our grants are for nonprofit organizations serving people who are blind or have low vision in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Before submitting a full proposal, take a few minutes to review the criteria below.
Organizational Requirements
Clear, measurable objectives with demonstrable impact for people who are blind or visually impaired
Sustainable outcomes beyond the grant period, when applicable
Project Requirements
Must have IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
Must be in good standing with federal and local governments
Must operate within DC, Maryland, or Virginia
Must serve residents in DC, Maryland, or Virginia
Financial Requirements
Submission of a detailed project budget
Most recent year-end profit and loss (P&L) statement
Demonstrated financial accountability and tracking of granted funds and how used for intended purposes
Reporting Requirements
A high level progress report (one to two pages) outlining program accomplishments, spending, challenges and major/unanticipated changes to date is due by December 1 of the year grant monies are issued. If at any time during the grant period you determine that the funds cannot be used for the purpose for which they were awarded, please notify us immediately.
Grant Proposal Requirements
Proposals should address the following evaluation criteria to aid the Board in assessing quality, feasibility, and impact. It is important that the proposal be comprehensive in discussing each requirement, including items not bulleted below but pertinent to the requirement.
Have additional questions?
Email: info@aidassociationdc.org
Our Application Process
We've kept the process as clear and straightforward as we can. Start with the screening questionnaire to confirm your eligibility, then move through to a full proposal if you qualify. Here's what to expect from start to finish.
Apply for a Grant
Start by completing our screening questionnaire. This short form helps us understand your organization and confirm you meet our basic eligibility criteria before you invest the time in a full proposal. Our team reviews every eligible application and will be in touch with next steps.
Interview Invitation
Selected applicants will be invited for a 60-minute interview. Our invitation will include the date, time, and format of the interview (in-person or virtual), names of panel participants, and any required documents to bring.
Interview Participation
Organizations should bring key staff who are familiar with the proposal.
2027 Application Deadline
All proposals must be submitted electronically by form on December 31, 2026. Only complete proposals received by the deadline will be reviewed. Funding decisions are typically made by June of the following year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about applying? Here are some of the things we're asked most often.
Have additional questions?
Email: info@aidassociationdc.org