The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Grant Review Committee provides financial support to charitable organizations operating in the Greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The grants are designed to promote economic independence by funding initiatives focused on education and economic development. The IMF prioritizes partnerships with nonprofit organizations that demonstrate effective performance and sound financial management.

The grant application process for the Fiscal Year 2025 cycle opens on December 1, 2024, and closes on February 7, 2025. The Grant Review Committee meets in February and March to review applications, with final decisions communicated to applicants in April. The average grant awarded is $15,000, though organizations may request up to $25,000. The grants are one-time awards, but organizations may reapply annually. However, those that have received funding for three consecutive years must wait two years before reapplying.

Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations registered under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Additionally, they must serve communities within the Greater Washington, D.C. area, specifically including the District of Columbia, Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties in Maryland, and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church, as well as Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties in Virginia. Organizations must register on the Benevity Causes Portal before applying and must provide documentation demonstrating financial responsibility and program effectiveness, such as audited financial statements. Recipients must also agree to report on how they utilize the awarded funds.

Certain organizations and activities are ineligible for funding. The IMF does not provide grants to veterans’ associations, social clubs, political or lobbying groups, private individuals, or capital and infrastructure projects. Additionally, fundraising events and galas are not eligible for funding. Faith-based organizations may apply, but only if their proposed project is secular, serves the general community without discrimination, and operates independently of religious instruction or requirements.

Applications must be submitted electronically through the IMF’s online form. Any questions regarding the grant application process can be directed to the IMF Giving Together Program via email at givingtogether@imf.org. While the IMF does not offer multi-year grants, organizations meeting the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply annually, subject to the funding cycle rules.