Girls Rock! DC was founded by local musicians and music fans who didn’t see themselves – women, non-binary, transgender, and gender-expansive folks – represented in the music they loved. So, they created a high-quality arts and activism education program where young people could learn about music as a tool for storytelling and change from role models who come from their own community. Youth of color make up the majority, and more than 75% of youth receive funding to participate. After school, in summer camps, and through a youth leadership program, they learn to play instruments, form bands, compose original music, enjoy private concerts from local musicians, participate in workshops from local educators and activists, and experience how their voices make a difference. Every year, Girls Rock! serves more than 200 youth (and 50 adults) who rise up and rock out together!

Headquarters: DC-Ward 1

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; DC-Ward 1; DC-Ward 2; DC-Ward 3; DC-Ward 4; DC-Ward 5; DC-Ward 6; DC-Ward 7; DC-Ward 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


  • Number of people (clients, patrons, students, etc) we serve annually:   151
  • Number of volunteers who work with us annually:   70
  • Artists employed by us annually:   25
  • Audience members served annually:   1700

Awards & Recognition

Girls Rock! DC was awarded the Do Good Award at the 2023 Wammies (DC’s music awards) for recognition of the organization's work benefitting the DMV music community as a whole.

Press

  • No stories found

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • The current budget for Girls Rock! DC is: 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 Spur Local

Every year, 190+ local nonprofits (with budgets under $4M) apply to join the Spur Local network. 170+ community volunteers assess these applications for impact. 100% of organizations are site visited and financially reviewed. Finally, 76+ critical, local nonprofits are selected for inclusion in Spur Local's annual print and digital catalog, and enter a four-year partnership with us. Since 2003, we have raised over $65 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region. We charge no fees and raise funds separately to support our work.

Spur Local looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to Spur Local to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

If you like Girls Rock! DC you might also like