About arts forward fund

Established in July 2020, the Arts Forward Fund is a collaborative partnership between The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, Greater Washington Community Foundation, and other individual and institutional contributors. The purpose of the Arts Forward Fund is to provide resources to help arts and culture organizations in the DC region make essential shifts needed to continue their work despite the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to respond to the national movement for racial justice.

Arts Forward Fund believes that arts and culture organizations contribute immeasurably to our sense of community and well-being and are a critical economic engine for the region. Prior to making the initial grant to establish the fund, the Cafritz Foundation interviewed leaders of arts organizations across the DC region to better understand the impact COVID-19 was having on their operations, finances, and ability to fulfill their missions. The interviews revealed significant challenges and financial vulnerability, but also optimism, resilience, and creativity in finding a path forward.

our Investments

In total, the fund has made nearly $2.7 million in grants to 130+ organizations, 60% of which are BIPOC-led or BIPOC-serving. This includes the first round of grants in October 2020 that supported 43 nonprofits with more than $1 million, and a seond round in September 2021 that supported 89 nonprofits with nearly $1.7 million in funding. More than 60 percent of grants and grant funding have gone to organizations that are BIPOC-led and predominantly BIPOC-serving.

On June 15, 2021, Arts Forward Fund was announced as one of 289 equity-focused efforts nationwide that would receive philanthropic support from MacKenzie Scott. As a result of that commitment, Arts Forward Fund received $1 million for 2021 grantmaking.

If you are interested in supporting the Arts Forward Fund, contact Rick Moyers.

Donate Now

If you would like to make a contribution to this effort, please complete the online donation form below. For information on how to contribute by wire or check, please click here.

Community Foundation donors can make a grant recommendation from their fund in Donor Central.