Our Impact

Creating Lasting Change Through Sports

For more than 35 years, we’ve been fighting to ensure every child in the DC Metropolitan area has access to high-quality sports programs that transform lives.

0 +

YOUTH SERVED
ANNUALLY

MEMBER
ORGANIZATIONS

$ 0 M+

Grants Distributed
SINCE 1990

What does this mean?

4,000+

Youth served annually by Institute members

110%

Increase in youth served, with members collectively serving twice as many young people

91%

Of youth showed measurable growth in Social-Emotional Learning competencies

20%

Increase in member revenue through grants and fundraising capacity building

35+

Different sports represented across all programs

How We Support Member Organizations

Five core pillars strengthen organizations, improve youth outcomes, and create lasting impact.

Grants & Funding

Direct grants and access to the DC Youth Sports Fund to expand programs and serve more kids.

Capacity Building

Hands-on support in financial management, fundraising, board development, and operational excellence.

Training & Development

Coach education, CPR/First Aid certification, and professional development opportunities.

Network & Collaboration

Regular town halls, peer learning, and connections with other high-impact organizations.

Strategic Partners

Access to best-in-class partners providing technology, equipment, and expert consulting.

Impact Measurement

Tools and support to track outcomes, measure SEL growth, and demonstrate program effectiveness.

What Our Members Say

Hear directly from the member organizations on the front lines.

“We benefit from the collective knowledge, experience, and impact of other youth-serving organizations in the city. A network like the Fight For Children Collaborative provides a critical foundation on which to build advocacy programs that can benefit the entire sports-based youth development field.”

DC Scores

FFC Youth Sports Collaborative Member

“The Fight for Children Collaborative and its collective members are integral to improving the quality and impact of youth-serving programs in our region and we are proud to be a member. The wide range of initiatives have impacted everything from staff development to program safety.”

Alexandria Soccer Association

FFC Youth Sports Collaborative Member

Stories from Our Member Organizations

Hear directly from the organizations driving change in our community. These videos highlight the innovative non-profit programming offered by Open Goal, Flagstar Football, and the Dance Institute of Washington, and showcase how their partnership with Fight for Children is essential to expanding their reach and impact. Explore their stories to see the power of collaboration in action.

Dance Institute of Washington

The Dance Institute of Washington (DIW) is committed to providing world-class dance training and holistic support to youth from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their ability to pay. Their programs use the discipline of dance—including classical ballet and diverse styles—to cultivate artistic excellence, build life skills, and prepare students for college and careers.

Open Goal

Open Goal is dedicated to empowering youth through 100% free-to-play soccer programming. Their unique model eliminates traditional barriers to participation, harnessing the transformative power of sport to promote positive youth development, leadership, and upward social mobility for underserved communities.

Flagstar Football

Flagstar Football offers a safe, low-pressure environment for K-12 students of all skill levels to play and learn in an organized flag football league. They focus on fostering team sports, positive coaching, and a strong sense of community, ensuring that financial need never prevents a child from having the opportunity to play.