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Caring The Most For Our Community

supporting the community that supports us

Nest DC is a justice-based business. What does that mean? We put people and place first. A strong bottom line means we advance justice, housing security, and community wellness. We measure our profit in impact; good jobs and proudly, we model

diversity | equity + inclusion - because the world may change around us, but our values don't. And they won't.


When you work with Nest, you invest in community. We spend locally, we pay rent for the planet with our environmental policy. We lead in giving. We're vocal advocates and activists. An oxymoron in this business - and for us, the only way to do it. 


Caring for community is our business.  We're proud of the time, passion and resources we've invested.  Our founder and owner lisa wise stands out as a regional voice representing the impact business can have when we put justice over profit and soar in business.  Boss lay founded the birdSEED foundation in 2021 which gives no strings attached downpayment grants to first time disadvantaged homebuyers in the DMV.  Forty one families have closed on homes with birdSEED's $5,000 - 20,000 grants.


$900,000 +

raised for housing justice

41

birdEEED grantees

1

Fast Company World Changing Idea Winner

25+

Non-profit

The birdSEED Foundation

birdSEED makes no strings attached downpayment grants for first time disadvantaged home buyers. No strings. Not one. Really.  The application is about an hour.  That's it, really.  


The racial wealth gap is so wide because the real estate industry designed itself to exclued Black and brown homebuying or asset acquisition.   It's not just redlining, it's systemic, broadly practiced racism in real estate.  


birdSEED is restitution for what this industry has taken, and continues to take. It may not seem like much, but the impact lasts for generations. 


birdSEED has made 95 grants. We've raised nearly 1 million dollars and 41 famillies have closed on their homes. 


birdSEED's mission is clear: help close the racial wealth gap by supporting historically disadvantaged communities achieve home ownership. 

Health - Justice - Housing

We're proud to advise Jubilee Housing on creating deeply affordable housing in DC's most gentrified neighborhoods, and we make space for organizations like My Sister's Place and the District Alliance for Safe Housing who are doing the critical work of keeping people housed and safe.Healthy communities are happy communities. For seven years, we hosted Casino Night for  \La Clinica del Pueblo, raising over $350,000 to support healthcare for our neighbors. During the pandemic, we connected local restaurants with frontline workers when both needed support. And yes, we love stuffing backpacks for kids, delivering meals with Food and Friends, and planting thorny bushes around Planned Parenthood (true story—ask us about it).

Local Love

As a small business, we're committed to lifting up our neighbors who make our city special. Each year, our hatch! microgrant program puts cash directly into the hands of local changemakers. You'll find us sponsoring the Petworth Jazz Festival, opening our doors during protests, and spotlighting local orgs in our community Nestletter. We believe in supporting the small businesses and local initiatives that give our neighborhoods their distinctive character.

Our commitment to community shows up in three key ways:  creating spaces that nurture local talent, rolling up our sleeves for hands-on involvement. 


We don't just talk about community values—we measure them, fund them, and live them every day. This isn't a side project for us; it's central to who we are as neighbors, as humans, and as a business.


Your property deserves a partner who truly understands and cares about its neighborhood.

Our Impact

$900K+

41 (and counting)

birdSEED grantees with keys to a home

Why our community commitment matters for your property


Nest lives here, too



  • Truly knows your neighborhood – We don't just work here, we show up here
  • Build relationships that last – The same care we show community partners extends to you
  • Connect with our residents – Our local reputation helps us find responsible tenants who care about their homes
  • Deliver long-term property value – Our deep community roots mean we understand market trends and neighborhood development
  • Provide ethical property management – Our values ensure your investment aligns with positive community impact
Work With Nest