Growing Together: How the Community Impact Fund Continues to Evolve

When we launched the Community Impact Fund, our goal was simple: Invest in grassroots organizations already doing meaningful work in Ward 8 and walk alongside them as partners. Over the last four years, this commitment has guided the growth of the Community Impact Fund.

“At its inception, we were initially giving one-year grants to 10 grantees,” said Charlie Gussom, our Director of Community Programs. “In year two, we expanded to 14 grantees and extended the funding cycle to two years at $15,000 per year.” That expansion marked an important shift. Longer funding cycles offered organizations greater stability and room to plan. At the same time, we began deepening our support beyond dollars. 

Building Capacity and Supporting Wellness 

Through our partnership with the Center for Nonprofit Advancement, each grantee now receives a year of no-cost, tailored capacity-building support, which allows organizations to strengthen their internal systems in ways that align directly with their goals. As CIF continues to grow, we heard clearly from grassroots leaders that sustaining their work also means supporting themselves.

“One of the things leaders shared with us was the importance of emotional and mental wellness,” Charlie explained. “That feedback led us to introduce wellness coaching as part of the Community Impact Fund through our partnerships with the Center for Nonprofit Advancement and AllProfit HR. Grantees now receive six months of wellness coaching and a monthly stipend to support their well-being.”

A Commitment to Collaboration 

The Community Impact Fund is deeply connected to Martha’s Table’s broader mission and our long-standing presence in Ward 8. It’s one of the ways we live out our commitment to being a true and trusted neighbor. Our work is grounded in collaboration, recognizing that community-led organizations bring essential expertise, lived experience, and leadership to the table. It’s through this collaboration that we’ve continued to evolve over the last four years.

“Everything we’ve developed, from capacity-building to wellness coaching, came directly from grantee leaders. Through regular check-ins, we listen closely, identify common themes, and respond.”  – Charlie Gussom, Director of Community Programs

Welcoming Our 2025 Community Impact Fund Grantees 

Earlier this month, we welcomed 10 new organizations into the Community Impact Fund. This year’s grantees include organizations focused on youth development, education, family support, workforce readiness, and community wellness. Each brings deep relationships, local knowledge, and a strong commitment to serving the residents of Ward 8.

• Acts of Random Kindness
• Ascensions Community Service Inc.
• Crowned in Resilience Foundation
• The Difference Society
• Eagles Nest Youth Association
• Fihankra Akoma Ntoaso – FAN
• Metropolitan Washington DC Chapter of NCBW 100
• Nigerian Center Inc.
• Recovery Cafe DC
• Wake the 8 DC

Beyond Funding: Measuring Leadership Growth

When reflecting on the Community Impact Fund’s evolution, the most meaningful impact has been the growth of the organizations themselves. “I’m most proud of the growth I’m seeing in executive directors,” Charlie shared. “We’ve seen program expansion, increased access for participants, and organizations using funds to support strategic planning.”

The Community Impact Fund is a testament to the power of listening, learning, and collaborating. Stay tuned for details on the Fall 2026 application deadline for the next round of grantees and support our ongoing efforts to champion community-led leadership and build a thriving Ward 8.