The Vitality Fund is a multi-year, performance-based grant program designed to incentivize the relocation to, or expansion of companies who plan to occupy commercial office space in the District, with a preference for attraction to, or retention and expansion in the central business district (the “Vitality Fund Target Area”), and to encourage job creation and investment in DC.
FY26 applications closed July 15, 2026. The Vitality Fund reopens on an annual cycle — next-cycle dates haven’t been announced yet. Check DMPED’s Vitality Fund page for the latest, or contact WDCEP.
Program overview
Mayor Bowser’s Vitality Fund is a multi-year, performance-based incentive that supports large, established companies relocating to or expanding in Washington, DC. The program encourages job creation, capital investment, and long-term occupancy of commercial office space, with a focus on diversifying DC’s economy and supporting Downtown revitalization.
Program eligibility
In the FY26 cycle, applicants were required to:
- Relocate to, or expand in, commercial office space in Washington, DC — with preference for companies occupying 15,000+ sq. ft. for at least five years
- Create 30 or more new jobs and/or invest $2M+ in capital improvements over three years
- Demonstrate that the expansion or relocation will have a significant positive economic impact on the District
- Require employees to spend at least 50% of their work hours at the DC location
- Participate in a workforce development program for DC residents, or spend at least 5% of annual contracting with local businesses
Priority considerations
Applications received priority if the company was:
- Located in the Vitality Fund Target Area
- Operating in a high-growth industry sector, including Consulting and Business Services, Communications and Design, Education and Research, Life Sciences, and Technology
How to apply
The Vitality Fund is administered by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), not by WDCEP. Companies actively considering relocation or expansion can learn more and submit the intake form at dmped.dc.gov/page/vitalityfund. For questions, email bizdev@dc.gov.
WDCEP can help you understand how the Vitality Fund fits alongside DC’s other business incentives. Get in touch.
The Vitality Fund is a yearly incentive — see DMPED’s Vitality Fund page for exact dates.