The mission of the One City Fund is to provide competitive grant funds to District nonprofit organizations in education, job training, health, senior services, arts, public safety, and the environment for the purpose of growing and diversifying our economy, educating and preparing our residents for the emerging new economy, improving the quality of life for all residents, and increasing our city’s sustainability.

The One City Fund, to be administered by the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region, was established in 2013 as part of the District’s FY 2014 budget. The One City Fund was created under the One City Fund Establishment Act of 2013.  The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region does not provide direct services to families; however, it sub-grants funds and provides technical assistance to nonprofit organizations that provide direct services to District residents and families and thereby promote a growing economy, educational improvement, increased sustainability, and improved quality of life for all residents.  By housing the One City Fund outside the government with strict rules that insulate it from politics, grant decisions are to be kept at arm's length from the District government and made entirely on the merits of the various organizations' proposals.