The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation is the largest independent grantmaking foundation focused exclusively on the Washington Metropolitan area. The Foundation is the legacy of Morris Cafritz, one of Washington’s leading commercial and residential real estate builders from the early 1920’s to the mid-1960’s. Morris Cafritz was an outstanding civic leader known for his generosity. He established the Foundation in 1948. His wife, Gwendolyn, one of Washington’s leading hostesses in the post World War II years, was President of the Foundation from 1964 to 1988. Their eldest son, Calvin, currently Chairman, President and CEO, said, "In keeping with my father’s wishes, we have continued to broaden the scope of our grants' program to meet the ever-changing needs of our metropolitan area."

Since 1970, awards totaling more than $275 million have been granted. In the last 10 years, $150 million has been awarded to more than 900 organizations. Community Services and Arts and Humanities projects lead the list, followed by Education and Healthcare.

The Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for residents of the Washington, DC area.