Vitality Fund
Offers research teams and institutions for Vitality Fund in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and built environment.
Eligibility · United States · US-DC
The Vitality Fund is a performance-based incentive programme administered by the DC Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), designed to attract and retain large, established companies that commit to a substantial office presence in Washington, DC. The FY26 application cycle closes on 15 July 2026 at 4:00 PM EST. Eligible sectors include consulting, communications and design, education and research, life sciences, and technology — specifically cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Award amounts are negotiated on a company-by-company basis and are not publicly capped; disbursement is tied to verified performance milestones over a multi-year period.
Three quantitative thresholds define the minimum eligibility bar: occupying at least 15,000 square feet of commercial office space for a minimum five-year period; creating at least 30 new full-time jobs over three years; and investing at least $2 million in capital improvements. Employees must be on-site for at least 50% of their working hours — fully remote arrangements do not qualify. For awards exceeding $300,000, at least 51% of all new hires must be DC residents. Recipients must also either implement a workforce development programme benefiting DC residents or commit to directing at least 5% of annual contracting spend to local or Certified Business Enterprise firms.
The application process begins with an eligibility intake form submitted to DMPED; the agency notifies applicants of their eligibility determination within one week of receipt. Eligible companies proceed to a full application reviewed by DMPED's Business Development team. The performance-based structure means the fund functions as an incentive grant where disbursement follows milestone verification rather than an upfront award. Companies interested in applying should contact DMPED Business Development at bizdev@dc.gov or (202) 727-6365.
Provides performance-based incentive grants to large companies committing to establish or expand DC office presence, create at least 30 jobs, and invest a minimum of $2 million in capital improvements.
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