In the Montgomery County area, numerous nonprofit organizations are making a difference in the community. This article highlights remarkable charities that address a range of needs, from education and health to housing and food security, showcasing their commitment to uplifting and supporting those in need.
Mercy Health Clinic is a nonprofit community health center serving low-income uninsured residents of Montgomery County. Mercy provides high-quality medical care, health and nutrition education, behavioral health services, cancer screenings and prescription medications for 2,200 patients – free of charge – each year. Our adolescent medicine program, started in 2021, now serves 300 youth ages 13-17. Community support is essential to our efforts to provide healthcare, and we encourage, and in fact rely on, the community for both financial support and as clinic volunteers. Our medical volunteers provide primary care and enable Mercy to offer a broad spectrum of specialty care in over a dozen medical specialties. mercyhealthclinic.org
The Lilabean Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer (LBF) is funding research and raising awareness for pediatric brain cancer. Pediatric brain tumors are the deadliest form of cancer in children, with over 4,000 children diagnosed each year in the United States. LBF aims to accelerate treatment breakthroughs and improve the quality of life for affected children through innovative research and collaboration. The LBF’s annual Fall Ball, to be held on November 2nd, is its primary event to raise funding to support crucial advancements in childhood brain cancer research. For more information about this year’s Fall Ball or to purchase tickets or a sponsorship, please visit https://www.lilabeanfoundation.com/fallball2024.
The Christ Child Society of Washington, D.C. Founded over 130 years ago by Mary Virginia Merrick, a resident of Chevy Chase, Maryland, the Society is a nonprofit, volunteer, and member organization. In 2024 its various programs served over 10,500 children and families. These programs include The Student Success Program, which includes student tutoring at its partner schools, its Beloved Babies Layette Program, and its Girls on the Rise program, which provides a safe and enriching afterschool and summer camp in Southeast Washington for girls ages 8-18. Proceeds from its Opportunity Shop, a nationally recognized, high-end consignment shop located in Georgetown, go to fund the Society’s programs. christchilddc.org
Autism Ally Group (AAG) is dedicated to supporting families and individuals affected by autism and intellectual disabilities. Founded by Elizabeth Ucheya, who recognized the challenges faced by families after school, AAG aims to bridge gaps in resources. CEO Ike Ogbuebile emphasizes the group's commitment to fostering community independence. AAG assists over 100 families every month through initiatives like the Food Distribution Program, Respite Funding, and Employment Readiness Services. They also offer caregiver support, assistive technology, and the Dreams Come True Program to help individuals realize their aspirations. Learn more and donate at autismallygroup.org or contact info@autismallygroup.org.
Just Tryan it Bethesda- started in Bethesda in 2010 by a group of moms who wanted to help other families who had a child in cancer treatment. JTI has raised 5.9 million dollars to support families in treatment at our partner hospitals. Grants pay rent/mortgage, utilities, transportation, and food. The average grant is $1,700. Its main annual event is a Kids Triathlon in Bethesda on the campus of the Landon School. justtryanit.com/bethesda
Technology Playground 2nd Chance Network- In the District, around one in four children live below the poverty line, with high school graduation rates lagging 20 points behind the national average. Additionally, the teen unemployment rate is the highest in the nation, leaving over half of 16- to 19-year-olds unprepared for work. Many underprivileged youth lack the skills and opportunities needed for future leadership roles. The 2nd Chance Network (2CN) is a business incubator designed to support returning citizen entrepreneurs through a community of like-minded leaders. Our purpose is to help them reach their full potential, fostering transformational growth through connection, shared experiences, and collaborative learning. Learn more and donate at techplay.org or contact info@techplay.org.
The Yellow Ribbon Fund is a veteran service organization, providing housing, transportation, and caregiver & family support to severely wounded, ill and injured post-9/11 service members from every branch of the United States Military, following unexpected medical crises.
Since its founding in 2005, our priority at Yellow Ribbon Fund has been to keep families together during the recovery process for wounded, ill, and injured service members. This is done by providing housing and transportation during recovery and by giving caregiver support when and where it is needed. yellowribbonfund.org
Comfort Cases- You can help make a difference in the life of a child in foster care. They believe in a compassionate community that cares for the most vulnerable among us, and we can all do something to bring comfort to children in foster care. Please join us as we work to eliminate trash bags from the system and show children in foster care that they matter.
They also offer Comfort XL duffel bags which truly replace the need for trash bags for children entering foster care. The Comfort XL is a 32 inch duffel bag that folds up to easily fit on an office shelf, in a desk drawer, or in the trunk of a car.
The goal is for every social worker and police officer in the country to have a supply of Comfort XL duffel bags to give to children when they are removed from their homes. A trash bag should never be a child’s suitcase. Our Comfort XL duffels are packaged in boxes of 25, and each agency can order up to 2 boxes per month. comfortcases.org
Truman Charities is an organization that focuses on helping local and national charities. We host events multiple times a year and cover all costs so 100% of the money raised goes directly to the charity. Join Truman Charities for an upcoming event where 100% of proceeds go directly to non-profits supporting important causes such as cancer, research, combating food insecurity, and funding after-school programs for children. With over $2 million raised so far, their events make a real impact. trumancharities.com