Serving the DC Area Since 1898
Through annual grants, we help nonprofits provide critical services that make DC more inclusive and accessible for residents who are blind or visually impaired.
Without adequate funding, services for people with vision loss can become fragmented—limiting access and reducing quality of life.
As public funding remains uncertain, the work of nonprofit organizations is more important than ever. The Aid Association supports this work through grantmaking that emphasizes:
Flexible Funding
We seek to provide grants that allow organizations to address the most important needs within their mission and programs.
A Coordinated Approach
Our grants support work across three focus areas— independent living, systemic change and vision and medical care—to strengthen a network of services for people with vision loss.
Together, we can create opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Annual grants support organizations working in three key areas.
Independent Living
Programs that help people with vision loss live independently and participate fully in their communities
Systemic Change
Initiatives that expand accessibility, equity, and opportunity for people with vision loss
Vision & Medical Care
Vision care, assistive technology, and research that help prevent and manage vision loss
Everyone deserves equal access within society.
Founded in 1898, the Aid Association for the Blind of the District of Columbia has a long history of supporting residents with vision loss.
In the early twentieth century the Association operated a home and services intended, in the words of a 1914 report to the District Commissioners, “to help them become self-supporting.”
Today, the organization continues that legacy by supporting nonprofit programs that strengthen vision health, independence, and opportunity for people with vision loss.
Meet Grant Recipients
Grant recipients are driving change and creating opportunity throughout the Washington, DC region.
Since 1898, the Aid Association has supported organizations working on the frontlines of programs and projects serving people who are blind or visually impaired.
Lived experience drives our mission.
Our collective lived experience and personal connection to blindness uniquely positions our team to steward grants for maximum impact.
As teachers, doctors, social workers, nonprofit leaders, and people with lived experience, we see the daily impact of gaps in blindness services. This personal stake in our mission drives our work and commitment to making DC more inclusive and accessible.