The Closet is a nonprofit thrift shop located in Herndon, Virginia, dedicated to supporting the well-being of communities in Northern Virginia. Since its founding in 1974, The Closet has distributed over $2.5 million in surplus revenue to local nonprofit organizations that create positive change for residents in need. This long-standing local institution exemplifies community reinvestment by channeling its earnings back into services that uplift vulnerable populations in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties.
Through its grant program, The Closet offers financial awards to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that serve low-income and at-risk individuals and families in the region. Grants typically range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the availability of surplus revenue in a given funding cycle. The initiative prioritizes programs that strengthen community fabric and improve the quality of life for marginalized groups across the two-county service area.
Eligible applicants must be local 501(c)(3) organizations serving Fairfax or Loudoun Counties. Proposals should clearly describe the organization’s mission, the specific geographic area served, the amount of funding requested, and how the funds will be used to support community-based programming. Applicants are encouraged to include brochures or other materials that describe the organization's work and impact in Northern Virginia.
The Closet accepts grant applications four times a year, with deadlines at the end of March, June, September, and December. Applications are reviewed, and decisions are communicated by the end of the following month after each deadline. All applications must be submitted by email to theclosetinc@verizon.net and also mailed in hardcopy to The Closet’s post office box address in Herndon, Virginia.
Awardees may expect a response within about four weeks following each quarterly deadline. Because the availability of funding is tied to The Closet’s surplus revenue, organizations should be aware that not all proposals may be funded during every cycle. The organization encourages nonprofits working closely with vulnerable populations to apply for support.
Include brochure or supplementary information to strengthen application; clearly link project use to community benefit in Fairfax/Loudoun Counties.
