What is the National Fencing Foundation of Washington, D.C.?

Updated

The National Fencing Foundation of Washington, D.C. Inc. is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) educational organization that uses fencing to develop personal character, academic achievement, and athletic excellence. It is relevant to you if you are looking for a Washington, D.C.-area organization that supports youth fencers, wheelchair fencers, tournament hosting, or scholarship reimbursement for competition travel.

What the organization says its mission is

According to the foundation's own site, its mission is educational and character-building through fencing. The organization describes itself as dedicated to developing personal character, academic achievement, and athletic excellence through the world of fencing.

Main programs and activities

The foundation lists four areas of impact:

Program What the site says
Youth Fencing Since 2007, the foundation has provided free classes, equipment, and instruction to underprivileged youth in the Washington, D.C. metro area.
Wheelchair Fencing In 2019, it began a campaign to support military veterans and first responders learning wheelchair fencing, with all instruction and equipment provided free of charge.
Capitol Clash The foundation is host and sponsor of the Capitol Clash, described as one of the largest annual youth fencing tournaments in the world. In 2024 it will host its 13th Capitol Clash over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.
Scholarships Scholarships are available to fencers who show dedication to the sport, demonstrate ability to achieve success in fencing, and have a strong academic record. They are designed to support competition in national and international tournaments by reimbursing travel-related expenses.

Where to go for Capitol Clash information

The site notes that the Capitol Clash 2024 website has moved to www.CapitolClash.org. If your interest is the tournament itself—dates, registration, or event details—start there rather than the foundation homepage.

How to decide whether this organization fits your need

  • If you are a young fencer or a family in the D.C. metro area seeking free instruction or equipment for underprivileged youth, the youth fencing program is the relevant entry point; the site says to learn more through its Mission section.
  • If you are a military veteran or first responder exploring wheelchair fencing, the site describes free instruction and equipment through that campaign.
  • If you are a competitive fencer with a strong academic record seeking help with travel costs for national or international tournaments, review the scholarship criteria and the Scholarships page.
  • If you want to compete in or follow a major youth tournament, use the Capitol Clash website.

The site does not publish pricing, membership fees, or eligibility details beyond the descriptions above, so confirm specifics such as application deadlines and selection criteria directly with the foundation before relying on them.