Community Forklift's programs provide low-cost building materials, appliances, and furniture to low-income individuals and families and to nonprofit organizations (social services, schools, gardening cooperatives, civic organizations, theaters) throughout the DMV. These salvaged and surplus, landfill-bound materials are "redirected" and made available at below-market rates (or at no cost to those with limited resources), creating assets that catalyze economic, housing, and community revitalization. Reuse keeps landfills from filling up, supplies the workforce with good, green jobs, and fits beautifully into homes and tight budgets (think an older washing machine, cleaned, tested, and ready for a second life). With social distancing measures in place, an online catalog of curated materials and furniture means community members can purchase pick-up items "dockside," with limited home delivery an option on an as-needed basis. Community doesn't sleep during a pandemic: neither does Forklift.

Headquarters: MD-Prince George's County

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Statewide; MD-Prince George's County; VA-Statewide; Port Towns area of Prince George's County

Age Groups Served: All

Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities; Individuals who identify as LGBTQ; Individuals living with HIV/AIDs; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students; Veterans/Military Families; Immigrants/Refugees


  • $ amount of usable materials diverted from local landfills since 2001:   $45 million
  • Number of visits to our Reuse Center annually:   56,260
  • Number of individuals impacted through our Community Giving programs annually:   50,541

Awards & Recognition

Prince George’s Sierra Club: Walter “Mike” Maloney Environmental Service Award (awarded to CEO Nancy J. Meyer), 2019

National Association of Remodeling Industries (NARI): DC Metro Community Service Award, 2019; DC Metro Image Award, 2011

Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation: NBC 4/Telemundo 44 - Project Innovation - Culture of Inclusion, 2019

eBay SHINE Awards for Small Business: Charitable Business Award, 2017

Green America: Green America Seal of Approval – Gold Certified Business, 2008 - 2018; People & Planet Award, 2013

City Paper:
Reader’s Choice Best Green Business, 2014 - 2020
Reader’s Choice Best Hardware Store, 2012 - 2013
Reader’s Choice Best Home Goods Store, 2010 - 2011

Washington Post Express:
1st Place Best Vintage Store, 2013
1st Place Best Home Store; 3rd Place Local Hardware Store, 2012
2nd Place Best Home Store, 2011
1st Place Best Hardware/DIY, 2010

Congressional Recognition: Certificate of Congressional Recognition by U.S. Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD), 2013.

Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce: Green Business of the Year, 2013

Alice Ferguson Foundation: Potomac Champion Award, 2011

Press

Budget (FY0)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $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!

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