DC Coffee Joints You Can Feel Good About

Bourbon Coffee first began in Kigali, Rwanda in 2007, and has since expanded across Rwanda and the United States. The company was the first retail brand to originate from Africa, and they've been helping their home country ever since. They aim to reshape the global image of Rwanda and its economic development and culture by promoting sustainable practices, economic development, and cultural unity through their coffee. 

Ebenezers Coffeehouse promotes "coffee with a cause." Owned and operated by National Community Church, profits from every cup of fair trade java go to community outreach projects such as The Way Home Campaign, which is a campaign to end homelessness in DC by 2017. 

Dog Tag Bakery takes the cake (pun intended) for doing good by brewing excellent coffee and baking delicious pastries. The website states that Dog Tag "seeks to provide a transformative opportunity for veterans with disabilities by offering an education at Georgetown University and real life work experience." Once accepted into the five-month program, fellows work toward earning a Certificate in Business Administration from Georgetown's School of Continuing Studies. Visitors and supporters of the bakery are making a difference in this innovative veterans program with every brownie, cake and espresso they purchase. 

If you'd rather skip the lines and enjoy your coffee at home, Building With Beans lets you do just that while still helping others. Proceeds from their 12oz bags of expertly roasted coffee help the company reach its goal of "empowering marginalized D.C. residents by providing the highest quality coffee in D.C." They employ people with disabilities, at risk youth, those exiting the criminal justice system and people experiencing homelessness. Through their program, Building With Beans aims to reduce recidivism, lower crime and empower D.C. neighbors. What could be better?