Building Community, Changing Lives

The Takoma Foundation raises funds for local nonprofit groups to make positive changes in our community. Our goals are to advance social justice, create connections, empower people and improve lives.

Grantee Spotlight

Interview with Civic Circle’s Eliza Newlin Carney

The Civic Circle is a local nonprofit whose arts-based “Civics in Seven Steps” program gets youth engaged in democracy’s fundamentals. Their work emphasizes creative expression, civic literacy, and youth empowerment. With the help of a recently-awarded Takoma Foundation grant, they hosted their 2024 Democracy Concert—an event featuring youth performances and civic art. Despite funding challenges typical for small nonprofits, growing support is enabling the organization to expand its reach beyond elementary school students to serve those in middle and high schools as well.

Read Eliza’s interview to learn more.

Awards Spotlight

Save the Date

This year's Azalea Awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 7 from 1–3pm at Heffner Park. Please save the date.

The Foundation will begin accepting nominations soon. Please watch this space for more information.

To learn more about previous award winners, follow the link below.

Event Spotlight

Beerfest ’25 Thanks You

Our 2025 Beerfest Fundraiser was a lot of fun. As always, it was great to socialize and enjoy local craft beer; the food from neighborhood restaurants was a big hit.

Huge thanks to our volunteers, attendees, participating breweries and event sponsors!

Breweries

  • Atlas Brew Works
  • Denizens Brewing Co
  • Manor Hill Brewing
  • Silver Branch Brewing Co

Event Sponsors

  • Dacha Beer Garden
  • El Golfo
  • Motorkat
  • Olive Lounge
  • TPSS Co-op