DC Appleseed takes on the big public policy problems facing the national capital region and brings about real change that affects thousands of people. Transforming the way the District confronts the HIV/AIDS epidemic, it expanded HIV testing, enhanced condom distribution and needle exchange, and developed a curriculum to teach young people how to protect themselves. It helped spearhead a new DC community college initiative, providing a much-needed opportunity to area residents seeking an opportunity to be trained for better jobs. It has led the fight to hold accountable the biggest health insurance company in the region, resulting in greatly increased monetary support for community healthcare needs. DC Appleseed also successfully advocated for a new Department of the Environment to address the problem of lead in the District’s drinking water. Partnering with pro bono law firms, accounting firms, and others who contribute their expertise, DC Appleseed – now celebrating its 20th year – turns every donor dollar into three dollars to bring important, systemic change to the region. Your contribution has a huge impact here.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 2

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide

Age Groups Served: All

Population(s) Served: All

Schools They Work In: We are working to help develop an HIV/AIDS curriculum for the DC public school system.

Awards & Recognition

DC Appleseed was honored by the American Bar Association with its 2015 Distinguished Achievement in Environmental Law and Policy Award. We received this award for our sixteen-year effort to restore the Anacostia River and we think it reflects highly on the caliber of pro bono support we are able to secure and the dedication of our staff and board. In 2008, DC Appleseed’s Executive Director Walter Smith, received the Distinguished Community Advocate Award from the District of Columbia Primary Care Association. In 2008, He was also named by the Legal Times as one of the “90 Greatest Washington Lawyers of the Last 30 Years.” We have received several awards for our DC HIV/AIDS project including the 2007 Distinguished Service Award from the Gay and Lesbian Activist Alliance; the 2005 Dace Stone Memorial Leadership Award from PreventionWorks; and the 2005 Presidential Award of Excellence from the District of Columbia Hospital Association. In 2004, DC Vote honored DC Appleseed Executive Director Walter Smith for his leadership on congressional voting rights.

Press

Budget (FY2013)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • The current budget for DC Appleseed is: $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

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