In the early 1990s, two pioneering gay dads started a listserv to connect LGBTQ families to one another. Today, with more than 1,000 members, Rainbow Families is the region’s only nonprofit dedicated solely to supporting LGBTQ families. Here, they find trusted resources and compassionate services – from college scholarships for teenagers to adoption support groups. Maybe Baby, its signature five-week program for prospective LGBTQ parents, provides information and guidance about surrogacy, adoption, and fostering, including racial, financial, and legal considerations. A yearly conference (declared Rainbow Families Day by the DC Mayor’s office) offers workshops and panel discussions, a resource fair, and more. And annual events (picnics, dances, camping weekends) provide safe spaces where parents and kids can be around other families like theirs. Membership dues are just $35, with financial aid available, because all are welcome. Your support is welcome too.

COVID-19 Update: Rainbow Families has continued to offer all of its programs – education classes, support groups, story times, book clubs – throughout the pandemic, albeit in a virtual format. This includes its yearly conference, which Rainbow Families has hosted since 2004. Increasing awareness of its services has also been critical due to the impact isolation can have on the individuals and families Rainbow Families serves.

Information coming soon

Awards & Recognition

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Press

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Budget (FY0)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $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.

About the Catalogue for Philanthropy

Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.

The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

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