The mission of the Innovation 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 Innovation 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 innovation 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, increasing sustainability, and improving the quality of life for all residents.  By housing the One City Fund outside the government and with strict rules that insulate it from politics, we ensure that grant decisions are kept at arm's length from the District government and made entirely on the merits of organizations' proposals.