Arlington County, VA · 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Real help for neighbors in Arlington, right when they need it most
Captains of Commerce hosts fun, social events that raise money for local causes — providing compassionate support to individuals and families in need across Arlington County and greater Northern Virginia, and building a more inclusive, equitable community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Your generosity goes further than you think
We know it can feel hard to trust where a donation actually ends up. Here's our promise to you.
More of your gift gets through
We process donations through Zeffy, a donation platform that charges nonprofits 0% in fees. That means more of what you give goes toward the causes we support.
Donations stay local, in Arlington & Northern Virginia
We’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Arlington. What we raise goes toward programs and partnerships right here in our community.
You’ll see exactly where it goes
From fundraising for Aspire Afterschool Learning and the Animal Welfare League of Arlington to running the Arlington Police "Fill the Cruiser" Toy Drive, we’re transparent about the partners and programs your gift supports.
Raise funds and have fun doing it
Coming to our events is the best way to support these causes — and the most fun. We bring the community together for a genuinely good time that does real good. Prefer to give directly? One-time and recurring donations are always welcome too.
These struggles are closer than you think
They're not abstract statistics. They're our neighbors, our kids' classmates, and families just a few streets away.
The opportunity gap starts early
For many students in South Arlington — often from low-income, immigrant, and refugee families — access to academic support and enrichment outside the school day can be out of reach, making it harder to keep pace and build confidence.
Animals need shelter and care
Homeless and at-risk animals in our community need a safe place to go, medical care, and a path to a loving home — work that takes ongoing support to sustain.
The holidays can highlight what families don’t have
For families already stretched thin, the holiday season can turn from a time of joy into a stark reminder of what they can’t provide for their kids.
We started Captains of Commerce because we believe no one in our community should face these moments alone — and because a little help, at the right time, can change everything for a family. That's where you come in.
What your support makes possible
Every gift, no matter the size, becomes something real for someone in our community. Here's a glimpse of where it goes.
Learning, after the school bell
Supports our fundraising for Aspire Afterschool Learning, helping fund free afterschool and summer learning programs for South Arlington students.
A rescue animal, cared for
Supports our fundraising for the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, helping fund shelter, care, and adoption services for animals in our community.
A holiday, made brighter
Helps put a new toy under the tree through the Arlington Police "Fill the Cruiser" Toy Drive — we run a toy-collection event and use donations to purchase additional toys for kids in our community.
A neighbor, supported
Helps us keep showing up for our Arlington neighbors, wherever the need is greatest.
Total impact
Afterschool learning, animal care, and holiday toys — supporting our neighbors here in Arlington.
You don't need to solve all of it. Your part is simple: come to our next event — a great time that's also the best way to support these causes — or make a direct donation. Either way, you're helping the people who need it most.
Organizations we support
We work alongside established local organizations so your gift supports programs that are already doing the work.
Aspire Afterschool Learning
Founded in 1994, Aspire Afterschool Learning provides free afterschool and summer learning programs for 3rd-8th grade students in South Arlington, with a focus on families who are low-income, immigrant, or refugee. Their programs support academic growth and social-emotional development to help close the opportunity gap.
We fundraise to help support their afterschool and summer learning programs.
Animal Welfare League of Arlington
Serving the community since 1944, AWLA improves the lives of animals and the people who love them — providing shelter for homeless animals, adoptions, lost-and-found services, low-cost spay/neuter and vaccine clinics, a behavior helpline, humane education, and wildlife resources.
We fundraise to help support their animal shelter and care programs.
ACPD "Fill the Cruiser" Toy Drive
An annual Arlington County Police Department program that collects new, unwrapped toys for local children — from newborns to age 17 — and distributes them through community organizations each December.
We run a toy-collection event and collect donations to purchase additional toys for the drive.
From a fun night out to a stronger community
Here's what happens after you click “See Upcoming Events.”
Step 1
Today
You grab tickets to one of our events — a fun, social get-together with friends and neighbors. It takes just a couple of minutes, and it's the best way to fuel these causes.
Step 2
Your gift, pooled
Your contribution combines with others and goes toward our fundraising for Aspire Afterschool Learning and the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, or toward toys collected and purchased for the "Fill the Cruiser" Toy Drive.
Step 3
Out to our partners
Funds raised support the programs run by Aspire and AWLA, and toys collected go to the Arlington County Police Department's holiday toy drive for kids in our community.
Step 4
Year after year
The "Fill the Cruiser" Toy Drive happens every December, and our fundraising for Aspire and AWLA continues — so your support adds up over time.
Will you help a neighbor in Arlington this week?
The best way to support these causes is to come to an event — share a few laughs, meet your neighbors, and do real good while you're at it.