Fuel Opportunity. Give Today.
Your gift empowers local entrepreneurs, strengthens communities, and creates lasting change where it’s needed most.
Priority General Funds
At WACIF, Priority General Funds are vital to advancing economic opportunity in underinvested neighborhoods across the Washington, D.C. region. Guided by our three strategic pillars—entrepreneurship, community wealth building, and economic development—these funds allow us to direct resources where they are most needed. Since our founding, WACIF has invested over $100M in capital and helped create or retain more than 44,000 jobs.
Fuel local opportunity—support our most urgent community investments.
Ascend Capital Accelerator
The Ascend Capital Accelerator is WACIF’s signature 10-week program designed to help underinvested entrepreneurs reach the next level. Graduating up to 30 clients annually, each participant leaves with a tailored growth plan, a supportive peer network, and ongoing assistance from WACIF. Since launching in 2017, the program has graduated over 100 entrepreneurs, fostering sustainable business growth in our community.
Help more entrepreneurs break barriers and achieve lasting growth.
Anacostia Arts Center
In December 2021, WACIF purchased the Anacostia Arts Center with the vision of building the region’s largest entrepreneurship hub while honoring its legacy in arts and culture. The Center supports small businesses, artists, and cultural organizations, driving revitalization in Historic Anacostia and beyond. It features The HIVE co-working space, Blackbox Theater, art galleries, and numerous small business incubation opportunities.
Invest in a thriving arts and business community in Historic Anacostia.
Office of Women’s Initiatives
The Office of Women’s Initiatives (OWI) expands WACIF’s long-standing work to empower entrepreneurs in the Great Washington DC region. OWI provides equitable access to capital, business knowledge, and professional networks—helping close the gender gap in entrepreneurship and fostering economic growth for businesses.