The N.E.E.D.S. Project
Nurturing Education, Experiences & Dreams for Students
Every school has a programmatic wish list. A program they want to launch. A resource gap they can’t bridge on their own. An initiative that could change everything if only they had the support to make it happen.
The N.E.E.D.S. Project exists to change that.
Video Credit: Students from George Mason’s Video for Social Change course — Samir Alimov, Kirolos Elbaghdady, MinJi Kim, Mel Moya‑Jaldin, and Maryann Weber.
What Is The N.E.E.D.S. Project?
The N.E.E.D.S. Project, Nurturing Education Experiences and Dreams for Students, is built on a simple belief: the people closest to students often know exactly what they need most. This initiative gives schools and youth‑serving organizations the opportunity to bring forward ideas that remove barriers, spark engagement, and create experiences that change how students see themselves and their futures.
From essential resources to bold new programs, The N.E.E.D.S. Project supports ideas that may not fit neatly into traditional funding models but make a powerful difference in students’ lives. These are the ideas that boost attendance, strengthen literacy, build confidence, and open doors to learning experiences students would not otherwise have access to.
Where Community Need Meets Real Support
Designed to break down barriers and empower schools and community organizations, The N.E.E.D.S. Project is our newest initiative. We partner directly with schools to identify their students’ most pressing unmet needs and then go to work helping them address those needs with funding, resources, and community support. Whether it’s after‑school programming, a project to decrease chronic absenteeism, access to enriching experiences, or support for literacy or STEAM initiatives, we are here to help turn vision into reality.
How it works
Start with the Need
Think about what’s holding your students back—or what could propel them forward. Whether it’s access to resources, exposure to new opportunities, or a program that builds confidence and connection, we want to hear your story.
Submit Your Vision
Share your idea through the application, outlining the need, the solution, and the impact you hope to create. The more clearly you tell your story, the better we can understand the difference this support will make. Outline exactly how you will measure success.
Create Change Together
If selected, your school or organization will receive funding and support to bring your idea to life. Together, we’ll celebrate the impact and share your story amplifying what’s possible when communities invest in students.
Program Guidelines
- Applicants must be a school, after‑school program, or youth‑focused nonprofit located within a 7‑mile radius of a Northwest branch
- Applicants must be authorized representatives of their organization
- Priority is given to projects benefiting students eligible for free or reduced meals and those on a path toward financial security
- Projects must serve students in elementary through high school
- A detailed project budget is required
- Funding requests range from $2,500 – $5,000.
- Clearly explain the anticipated impact of the project and how that will be measured.
- Include how NWFCU volunteers can be leveraged in your project or in your school.
- The Foundation does not fund races, runs, walks, general operating expenses, salaries, or “nice‑to‑have” requests
The N.E.E.D.S. Project 2025 Awardees
- Aspire AfterSchool
Emergency funding to sustain summer enrichment learning.
- Books for our Herndon BeesHerndon Elementary
Funding a summer reading and educational program for 150 kindergarteners, with financial literacy books included.
- CARES through BooksDranesville Elementary School
Using books as rewards for good attendance and positive behavior to motivate students, promote literacy, and inspire a lifelong love of reading, impacting 600 students.
- Clear Vision and Healthy Smiles
Supporting uninsured Loudoun County Public Schools students with essential vision and dental care.
- Dominion Trail Food PantryDominion Trail Elementary School
Sustaining the school's food pantry for food insecure students.
- Dranesville Elementary School
Inspiring a love of reading through a book vending machine initiative, with a goal of 7,000 books read resulting in increased attendance and improved SOL scores.
- Emergency Holiday SupportJennie Dean Elementary
Offering gift cards and emergency assistance to ensure families facing hardship have the support they need through the holidays.
- Falcons Always ShowForest Grove Elementary
Providing tools and incentives to assist in decreasing chronic absenteeism by 7.7%
- Helping Hungry Kids
Addressing summer food insecurity for 240 students across Title 1 elementary schools in Reston and Herndon.
- James Madison MentoringJames Madison High School
Supporting peer mentoring for freshmen students, impacting 630 lives and increasing sense of belonging 27%.
- LCPS Fueled Food Pantry Program
Investing in Loudoun County Public Schools' Fueled Program, which supports food pantries providing weekly assistance to more than 2,000 families.
- Lions RoarLondon Towne Elementary
Providing sensory support and equipment to enhance the success of students with special needs and learning disabilities.
- Pages of Praise ProjectDogwood Elementary School
Promoting positive behavior and inspiring literacy through a book vending machine.
- Purple Star ProgramGainesville Middle School
Supporting military-connected students through peer mentorship, staff training, and community-wide activities that foster belonging, resilience, and recognition.
- Sources of StrengthLoudoun Education Foundation
Funding the Sources of Strength program in LCPS offering strength-based curriculum for mental health.
- Stars on the Stage After School ProgramsDogwood Elementary, Clearview Elementary, and Hutchinson Elementary
Exposing Title 1 students to theater through afterschool programs in partnership with NextStop Theatre Company.
- The PEP (Parents as Educational Partners)Leesburg Elementary School
Empowering English-learning and low-income families by offering weekly evening classes on essential life and school-related skills, impacting 100 students.
- The Pioneer Path to ReadingSterling Middle School
Increased MAP reading scores 7% by installing a book vending machine with financial literacy books included.
- The Roadrunner Ready ProjectMarshall Road Elementary
Rewarding students and families for strong school attendance through an incentive program reducing chronic absenteeism by 9.6%.
- Vienna.i.LabVienna Elementary
Creating a STEM Lab, a one-of-a-kind space designed to inspire innovation and hands-on learning.
- Wildcat Literacy LoungeWheaton Woods Elementary
Creating a cozy nook space for the grand reader program and a free little library, including financial literacy books.
- Winners Breakfast ClubSouth Lakes High School
Providing students with daily access to nutritious breakfasts, academic support, and mentoring opportunities, impacting 100 students.