simple giving for bold ideas
Nest offers a $2,500 micro grant for doers, makers and disruptors.
We make it easy. Because, giving simply is simply giving, and small boosts can create big impact.
hatch! microgrant recipient for Winter 2026 round has been chosen!
Stay tuned for our next round...
How It Works
Three steps. No kidding.
- Share your idea. In 300 words or less, tell us what your project is, who it serves, your timeline, and your budget. Keep it simple.
- Keep it local. Your project must happen in or serve DC & be wrapped up within three months from when you receive the grant.
- Hit submit. That’s it. No strings. Not one
Where Our Grants Landed
We’ve sponsored murals, stocked diverse library books for under-resourced schools, chipped in for a tractor for a veteran farmer, and backed a small group that throws birthday parties for children experiencing homelessness. We’ve helped a local entrepreneur package his DC-specific hot sauce, underwritten a bicycle repair station in Southeast where none existed, and partnered with an organization to provide carbon monoxide and smoke detectors for seniors East of the River.
And we know there’s more out there to invest in.
Is it your idea?
Our 2026 hatch! Microgrant
Has Found Its Nest
We’re proud to announce this year’s recipient: Fuel for Learning: Emergency Food Support for Adult Students at the Goodwill Excel Center, an adult charter high school here in DC.
This year’s hatch! microgrant will help stock and sustain a school pantry for students working toward their high school diplomas while balancing jobs, childcare, housing instability, and rising food costs.
Fuel for Learning will provide nutritious, grab-and-go food that students can access throughout the day. For many, this isn’t just a convenience, it’s what makes it possible to stay focused in class, show up consistently, and keep moving forward.
The grant will go directly toward purchasing bulk food supplies like protein snacks, easy meal options, and household staples, ensuring the pantry stays stocked and accessible for the students who rely on it most.
It’s a simple boost with immediate impact: removing a basic barrier so students can focus on learning and building better futures for themselves and their families.
Stay tuned for more on Fuel for Learning and how this hatch! boost is helping students stay fueled, supported, and on track.
community impact
for doers, makers and disruptors making an impact in our communities
no strings, not one
no catch, no red tape. just $2,500 to hatch your idea.
dc
funding for the District
annually
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meet our past hatch! microgrant winners!
2024
Bunker Hill Elementary Parent Teacher Organization with "Garden to Classroom" Enhancement Initiative This project just got a hatch! boost to transform this NE DC school's garden into a dynamic outdoor learning space. With the help of hatch!, students built picnic tables, created weatherproof art, and got hands-on lessons in plant care. All about turning a simple garden into a vibrant classroom where education, creativity, and nature grow together.
2025
The Safe Nest Project, an initiative powered by the Wanda Alston Foundation, furnishes safe, affirming homes for LGBTQ+ youth in DC, turning transitional housing into spaces that truly feel like home. With support from the hatch! microgrant, the project provided furniture and essentials for young residents while also building hands-on skills and confidence. A simple investment with lasting impact: dignity, stability, and a place to belong.
faq
Q: Why is Nest DC giving money away?
A: Cool things happen when you share resources without creating stress. Also, we believe in supporting the community that supports our business. In tangible ways.
Q: What is a doer, maker or disruptor?
A: You tell us! Present a project you can complete in three months. Think food, art, culture, education. We have on $2,500 grant for a DC project - and another grant for Maryland. Some examples of former grantees are described below.
Q. What’s the money for?
A. You tell us! We’ve supported murals, community gatherings, bicycle repair stations, birthday parties for homeless kids and more. If your project is underway, that’s okay. You can still submit.
Q. Do I have to be a non-profit to apply?
A. Definitely not. You don’t need to be a business either. Be yourself and apply based on your project
Q. Do I have to do a report or do a presentation to get the grant?
A. Nope. Spend the money, go about your business. We’d love a picture and shout out - and we’ll talk about your project in our socials.
Q. Who decides?
A. We have a diverse team of volunteer Nesters who review and score applications. That committee selects the top candidate. Nobody you know can review your application.
Q: I have some more questions that are not answered on this page, who should I talk to?
A: We love that you are so interested in our micro grant! Please email us at hatch@nest-dc.com to get your other questions answered.
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