Now in its 45th year, The Ellington Fund ensures a dynamic arts and academic experience for students at Duke Ellington School of the Arts, which annually educates over 545 aspiring artists from all DC wards – regardless of students’ socioeconomic background or prior experience. Young artists take the stage for theater, music, dance, spoken word, and technical design; display their paintings, sculptures, and photography at exhibitions; and share their writing through publications, plays, and readings. The Fund provides critical support for this work – and for initiatives that keep kids in school and prepare them for higher education and careers, including counseling, tutoring, and college guidance. This school sets high expectations, and with help from the Fund, students rise to meet them: in 2018, 100% graduated on time and 91% achieved college acceptance. An investment here nurtures young talents and minds alike.

COVID-19 Update: Like all public schools in the District, instruction has moved online – challenging in all circumstances but differently so for an arts-based school. Dance, for example, must be taught and practiced remotely and all music studies are digital. Fortunately, the dedicated faculty and staff see to it that all children have the computer technology they need to learn, and home visits are made where necessary to check for and address food and housing insecurity.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 2

Where They Operate: DC-Ward 1; DC-Ward 2; DC-Ward 3; DC-Ward 4; DC-Ward 5; DC-Ward 6; DC-Ward 7; DC-Ward 8; Our students come from every ward in the city with 48% living in the most underserved wards - 5, 7 and 8.

Age Groups Served: Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17)

Population(s) Served: Individuals who identify as LGBTQ; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Women/Girls; Students

Schools They Work In: Duke Ellington School of the Arts


  • Number of students we serve annually:   570
  • Performances/exhibits/art classes, etc. offered annually:  
    Over 50 performances and exhibitions each school year
  • High school graduation rate (or GED completion rate) of our students:   97% (2021)
  • College acceptance rate of our students:   97% (2021)

Awards & Recognition

Designated as a 2016-2018 "Exemplary School" by Arts Schools Network (2016)

College Board Award for Excellence and Innovation in the Arts, Equity through Arts category (2015)

Press

Budget (FY2014)

  • $3 million or higher
  • The current budget for The Ellington Fund is: $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!

If you like The Ellington Fund you might also like



This organization collaborates with