Bridging Community Divides

By Jayne Park, Executive Director, IMPACT Silver Spring

Between income and wealth, culture and language, the newly arrived versus life-long residents, the divisions that separate people within Montgomery County’s diverse community are wide.  So when the Greater Washington Community Foundation reached out to IMPACT Silver Spring for support in organizing their Community Conversation in Montgomery County, we welcomed it as a positive step towards closing this divide.

We were admittedly a little unsure how many residents from IMPACT’s grassroots network would choose to come to this one-time event, with an organization they did not know.  We decided to do targeted invitations to people we thought might be inclined to participate, and did our best to explain who the Community Foundation is, and their goals. To our surprise, nearly all the 30 residents we spoke with showed up, to the point that we could barely fit everyone in the room.  The time and care IMPACT takes to nurture relationships of trust with members of our network are in large measure what led to the high community turn-out. 

 
 

Most certainly, our network’s participation in the event will help to infuse the foundation’s learning process with the voices, perspectives, and lived experiences of grassroots residents, and not only the voices of the professionals serving the poor and low-income.  Our hope is that philanthropy will continue to press forward in figuring out ways to cultivate its own trusting relationships with grassroots residents through a long-term community engagement process.  Only then can foundations be assured that their giving priorities will be informed and shaped by the lived realities of the very residents they are trying to support, through a constant flow of mutual learning that comes when strong connections and relationships are in place. 

We witnessed the start of this relationship-building process at the event, when the foundation’s President and CEO Bruce McNamer pulled up a seat to join one of the tables reserved for IMPACT’s Spanish-speaking network members.  Bruce stayed with this group for the entirety of the 3-hour evening, and listened and spoke to the group in Spanish.  This simple yet powerful gesture was a first step towards overcoming the divide that often exists between philanthropy and the grassroots.  Imagine if it was more common practice for foundation CEO’s to take the time to meet with grassroots residents as equals, speaking in their language!  This could go a long way for establishing a more meaningful relationship-building process. 

 
 

The Resilience Fund Awards First Grants to Organizations that Support Immigrant Communities

The Resilience Fund, a collaborative partnership among the Greater Washington Community Foundation, the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation, and other foundation and individual contributors, awarded its first grants last week — three grants totaling $110,000 to community organizations working throughout the region to support immigrant communities. Grants were awarded to:

  • Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition — $30,000 to support community education and legal services, and the organization’s role as convener of the DMV Immigration Alliance

  • Casa de Maryland — $30,000 to support community education, legal services, and policy advocacy

  • Legal Aid Justice Center — $50,000 to support community education and legal services through the members of the Northern Virginia Immigrant Legal Services Providers Coalition

The Resilience Fund was created by The Community Foundation and the Meyer Foundation in early 2017 to address critical needs of nonprofits working to support our region’s vulnerable communities during a period of rapid federal policy change.

The three initial grants reflect the Resilience Fund’s early focus on changes in international travel, immigration, and deportation policies that are affecting residents and families in the Greater Washington region. The DC metropolitan area has 1.3 million foreign-born residents, including an estimated 400,000 unauthorized immigrants — many of whom are long-term residents with deep community ties, including spouses and children who are U.S. citizens.

These grants will help the region’s networks of immigrant-serving organizations expand their collaborative work to ensure that community members understand their legal and civil rights, take precautions to stabilize their families in the event they are detained, and receive legal representation.

Share Your Ideas

As the Fund’s steering committee considers further work in this area, as well as future areas of focus, members welcome input from a wide range of stakeholders about how federal policy shifts are currently affecting our region. The committee has created this form so that representatives of nonprofit organizations, businesses, government, and community residents can provide input on current and future areas of focus. The steering committee will review all comment submitted, and is especially interested in hearing about efforts to fight intolerance and build community cohesion. Please use this form to share your ideas and thoughts with us.

Join us!

The Resilience Fund was launched in early 2017 with an initial goal of $500,000, and has so far raised nearly $400,000 in gifts and commitments from foundations and individual donors — although the breadth of policy changes affecting the region may lead us to increase our goal. Join with us and others who seek to ensure that our region’s communities are resilient and supported in spite of federal policy shifts by contributing to The Resilience Fund. More information is available here.

Mayor Bowser Announces Grant Awards to Community Organizations Working to Prevent Violence

Mayor Bowser has announced 33 awardees of the City Innovation Fund’s Safer, Stronger DC Community Opportunity Grant Competition, administered by the Greater Washington Community Foundation. The grants, which total $1.5 million, are part of Mayor Bowser’s Safer, Stronger DC initiative.

“We know that public safety and violence prevention are not just policing issues,” said Mayor Bowser. “As my Administration works with the community to build a safer, stronger DC, these grants will provide financial resources to outstanding organizations that are improving the lives of individuals and families in neighborhoods throughout our city.”

The grants will support the work of organizations whose missions and programs provide targeted interventions and strategies that:

  • reduce incidents of violent crime;
  • improve the health, well-being, and quality of life of residents in the priority communities;
  • increase community and civic participation; and
  • engag e residents in meaningful and productive activities.

The 33 organizations were selected through an independent grant management process managed by the Greater Washington Community Foundation. 

“We applaud the District’s leadership in providing critical assistance to community-based organizations in the form of general operating grants and capacity-building support," said Bruce McNamer, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Community Foundation. "The Community Foundation is proud to partner with District leadership to administer the City Fund and advance our shared goal of improving the quality of life throughout the region.”

In all, 104 organizations applied for funding this round – the most ever for a Safer, Stronger DC Community Opportunity Grant Competition. The following organizations are being awarded grants:

  • Access Inc.
  • Apple Tree Early Learning Public Charter School
  • Bread for the City
  • City Kids in the Wilderness Project
  • City Year DC
  • Citydance Ensemble, Inc
  • Collaborative Solutions for Communities
  • DC Creative Writing Worksho
  • DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative, Inc
  • DC Youth Orchestra Program
  • Do the Write Thing Foundation of DC
  • East of the River Clergy Police Community Partnership
  • Excel Automotive Institute
  • Exodus Treatment Center
  • FAIR Girls
  • Homes for Hope Inc.
  • Innercity Collaborative Community Development Corporation
  • Institute for African Man Development Inc.
  • Jah Kente International, Inc.
  • Kid Power
  • Live It Learn It
  • Men Can Stop Rape
  • Nomis Youth Network
  • One Common Unity
  • Open City Advocates
  • Recreation Wish List Committee of Washington, DC
  • Survivors and Advocates for Empowerment – SAFE Inc.
  • Teens Run DC
  • University Legal Services
  • Washington Tennis & Education Foundation
  • Y.O.U.R. Community Center
  • Young Women’s Project
  • Youth Entrepreneur Institute

The disbursement of grant payments is contingent on organizations successfully satisfying all District of Columbia business and tax requirements. In Fall 2017, during the next round of grants, an additional $1.4 million will be awarded. Technical assistance will be provided to organizations interested in applying and those that did not get funded this round.

Information on the final grantmaking round is forthcoming. Visit the City Fund website for more information.

Showing up and lending our voices for Prince George's County

By Brian Rubin, Advisory Board Member, Prince George's County Social Innovation Fund and Bowie resident

I firmly believe that good things eventually happen when you commit to showing up. To that end, it was only logical that I join the Greater Washington Community Foundation in the launch of Voices of the Community (VoicesDMV) at the Prince George’s County Ballroom.  I am convinced that if spaces are created for the most promising talent and the brightest ideas to emerge, the possibilities are endless.  

It was gratifying to be in a space in which so many people, not only cared about Prince George’s County, but also believed in the County.  As one of my conversation partners that night stated, “Prince George’s County is already a good place to live.  With the proper investment, we have an opportunity to take it from 'Good to Great' (stealing from management guru, Jim Collins)."

At the community conversation, we discussed everything from healthcare to education, from housing to transportation, from crime to overall community well-being. We also separated the real issues from the ‘fake’ news. What became evident is that all of us who showed up desire a community built by design and not as a reaction to perceived crisis or merely by accident.   

Nearly five years ago, when my wife and I relocated to the Metro DC area, we made a decision to live, worship, and raise our two boys in Prince George’s County.  We could have chosen some of the local areas often profiled as being a better choice for families with school-aged children, but we were convinced that Prince George’s County was for us.  Even amidst some of the negative press, both warranted and unwarranted, we have not regretted our decision. 

Even evident during the night’s dialogue, one of the areas that is often scrutinized about Prince George’s County is public education.  While there have been times in which we have wanted more out of our school’s, our oldest son has excelled.  Many times that required action on our part as parents, but in making a decision to enroll him in the local public system, we also were committed to showing up and making our children’s education a joint effort between us and the school.  We believe in placing high expectations on those who serve our children, but we also believe that in order for any community endeavor to succeed, we must also show up.

By the attendance alone, it was clear that people in Prince George’s County are willing to show up. Perhaps the most valuable thing that I took away from joining this conversation is that Prince George’s County is comprised of people who care. As we discussed perceived strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, not everyone agreed, but everyone communicated a shared interest in seeing Prince George’s County thrive and flourish.

In the end, my hope is that this conversation leads to a stronger investment in the people that have decided to make Prince George’s County home.  We can point to so many individuals that are already engaged in small scale interventions - family, church, mentoring, fraternities and sororities, etc. - that are worthy of being acknowledged, but are typically small scale and under-resourced.  I often muse about the impact that a collective effort of adequately resourced folks with ‘skin in the game’, committed to the long path would have. As I stated before, the possibilities are endless.

The Children’s Opportunity Fund Announces Initial Grants in Montgomery County

July 17, 2017 -- The Greater Washington Community Foundation has announced the Children’s Opportunity Fund’s (COF) first grants of $625,000 to three high-impact nonprofit organizations in Montgomery County, Maryland.  All three groups provide life-changing educational opportunities for low-income children and reflect the COF’s innovative and systemic approach to closing the opportunity gap for children and youth in Montgomery County.  These first three grants include nearly $625,000 in public funding and will leverage an additional $625,000 in private matching funds, totaling a $1.25 million investment. 

Children’s Opportunity Fund Grants June 2017

The Children’s Opportunity Fund's initial grants will serve over 1,200 students in the following ways:

Building Educated Leaders for Life (BELL) works to create high-quality learning opportunities for the children who need them most, so that they, too, can develop the skills, interests, and determination to excel.  BELL builds educational equality by mobilizing schools and communities and expanding learning time beyond the traditional school day and school year.  BELL exists to transform the academic achievements, self-confidence, and life trajectories of children living in under-resourced communities. The grant from COF will support educational services to students currently attending Montgomery County Public Schools Summer Program in partnership with the Norman R. and Ruth Rales Foundation, Montgomery County Government and MCPS.

The Urban Alliance Foundation, Inc. partners with businesses to empower under-resourced youth to aspire, work, and succeed through paid internships, formal training, and mentorship. The grant from COF will expand the Urban Alliance High School Internship Program into Montgomery County by providing career preparation and internships to low-income high school students in the east county area.

Family Services, Inc. (FSI) provides high-quality services for newborns to adults to foster health and well-being in the home, school, and community.  FSI currently serves over 27,000 of the most vulnerable residents through more than 36 programs throughout Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. The grant announced today supports the coordination of work around early childhood care and education for participants of the newly formed Thriving Germantown Collaboration.

Although Montgomery County is the 11th richest county in the United States, most people are shocked to discover that over 200,000 people are living below self-sufficiency levels and over a third of MCPS students quality for free and reduced meals  — widening the opportunity gap for children and families.  The latest U.S. Census data show 12 census tracts with poverty rates of 18 percent or more.

The Children’s Opportunity Fund is working to close the opportunity gap for children and their families; address the need for integration among health, education, and social investments for vulnerable children; and diminish the disparity in educational achievement between children from wealthy and low-income families.

About the Children’s Opportunity Fund

The Children’s Opportunity Fund (COF) is a component fund of the Greater Washington Community Foundation (The Community Foundation) and its local office in Montgomery County. Funded jointly by the government of Montgomery County, Maryland, and Montgomery County Public Schools to leverage public funds to attract private investment, COF champions, plans and funds strategic investments that improve the lives of low-income children and families in the county. With a focus on innovative, evidence-informed efforts targeted at closing the opportunity gap, COF identifies priority areas for investment based on unmet need, aligns resources toward effective multi-sector collaborations serving the county’s most vulnerable youth and their families, and seeks new funding sources.

COF is guided by and works closely with a Policy Leadership Group and Steering Committee representing leaders from government, philanthropy, business and the community. These leaders include:

 Children’s Opportunity Fund Policy Leadership Group

  • Ike Leggett, County Executive, Montgomery County
  • Nancy Navarro, Councilmember, Montgomery County Council
  • Patricia O' Neill, Member, Montgomery County Board of Education
  • Jack Smith, Superintendent, Montgomery County Public Schools

 Children’s Opportunity Fund Steering Committee

  • Uma Ahluwalia, Director, Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services
  • Gabriel Albornoz, Director, Montgomery County Department of Recreation
  • David Asai, Senior Director of Science Education, Howard Hughes Medical Institute
  • Kevin Beverly, President and CEO, Social and Scientific Systems
  • Parker Hamilton, Director, Montgomery County Public Libraries
  • Anna Hargrave, Executive Director, Montgomery County, Greater Washington Community Foundation
  • Julian Haynes, Program Officer, Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation
  • April Kaplan, Executive Director, Montgomery County Collaboration Council for Children, Youth and Families
  • Agnes Leshner, Board Member, Montgomery's Kids
  • Maria Navarro, Chief Academic Officer, Montgomery County Public Schools
  • David Petr, President/CEO, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation

For more information on the Children’s Opportunity Fund, click here.

 

Contact:

Mala B. Thakur

Executive Director, Children's Opportunity Fund

Greater Washington Community Foundation

[email protected]

Introducing the Greater Washington Community Foundation

This week the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region is undergoing some exciting new changes as we transition to the Greater Washington Community Foundation. We’ll still be doing the same great work serving our region, but now with a new name, logo, website, and office address for DC-based staff.


Please update your records! 

Effective July 5, 2017, our headquarters in Washington, DC has moved to:
1325 G Street NW, Suite 480, Washington, DC 20005

Our phone numbers will remain the same; however, staff email addresses have changed to [email protected]


The Community Foundation was originally incorporated in 1973 to make community change through charitable giving easy, flexible, tax-smart, efficient and, above all, personal. Since that time, The Community Foundation has grown into the largest funder of nonprofits in the region while also managing charitable giving funds of all sizes. We may have expanded over the years, but our commitment to our community has never wavered. Community is at the center of our work and we exist to help our region thrive and be more resilient.

Last year, we began implementing a new strategic plan with new Board and staff leadership in place. As we listened to our community, it became clear that our name and visual identity needed to better reflect the region we serve and be inclusive of our local work. We decided it was the right time to redefine our organization to better communicate who we are, and why we exist.

We are excited to unveil our new name and logo for the Greater Washington Community Foundation that were designed to represent the power of generous giving. Just as seeds of a plant flourish with proper care, so too does our community flourish when we work together in a spirit of giving. The four-leaf like symbols represent the four communities we serve in the District of Columbia, Montgomery County, Northern Virginia, and Prince George’s County.

Although our name and visual identity have changed, we remain committed to mobilizing philanthropy through leading, partnering, and serving with others in the community. We have deep roots in this region and we respect our heritage. At the same time, we are evolving and innovating to be the best stewards of philanthropic engagement for Greater Washington’s community of givers and partners to our nonprofit grantees.

Check out our new website to find out more about how we plan to continue leveraging the resources in our region for the greatest impact.

 

Sincerely,

Bruce McNamer

President & CEO, Greater Washington Community Foundation

1325 G Street NW, Suite 480 | Washington, DC 20005

GWWDC Announces Investments To Address Regional Employer Hiring Challenges

Washington, DC (July 10, 2017) – The Greater Washington Community Foundation’s Workforce Development Collaborative today announced new investments through Greater Washington Works, a $1 million grantmaking initiative. Developed to address hiring challenges that have been persistently reported by local employers, Greater Washington Works will support at least 250 local workers to launch living-wage careers in the IT and Healthcare sectors.

With over 70% of net new jobs requiring post-secondary education and training, the Washington regional economy continues to be highly knowledge-based. Local employers, however, face challenges in finding skilled workers. Nearly 800,000 individuals in our region have no education past high school, highlighting a skills gap that has the potential to undermine our region’s global economic competitiveness. This gap is a particular challenge for employers in higher-skilled industry sectors including IT and Healthcare. 

In an effort to address this significant gap and connect local employers to a qualified workforce, Greater Washington Works is issuing multiyear investments in three employer-led regional consortia to help meet the talent needs of local IT and Healthcare employers.  

IT AND HEALTHCARE ARE REGIONAL ECONOMIC DRIVERS

In December 2016, JP Morgan Chase & Co. sponsored the release of a landmark study on the Washington region’s IT and Healthcare workforce challenges, Greater Washington Works IT and Health Careers with Promise. The report examined regional labor market trends and included interviews and focus groups with dozens of regional employers and workforce development stakeholders, focusing on how our region can address the skills gap and lift more of our neighbors out of poverty through careers in IT and Healthcare.  The report finds: 

  • 12% projected growth in healthcare employment during 2016-2021.
  • 6% projected growth in IT employment during 2016-2021.
  • 3x growth in IT cybersecurity jobs during 2010-2014 in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
  • $6,500 yearly average salary premium in the nation for cybersecurity specialists compared to other information technology salaries.

The report found that growth will remain robust in both IT and Healthcare, and that demand for workers with the necessary skills and credentials will continue to outstrip supply without additional investment and support. Employers in all industries across Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia will maintain strong demand in the coming years for “middle-skill” workers—those individuals employed in occupations that require postsecondary education and training beyond high school but less than a four-year degree. “Investing in data is a key part of our skill development strategy—without sound information it is impossible to build the industry driven workforce solutions our region needs to succeed,” said Alexis Bataillon, Head of Strategic Initiatives for the Washington, D.C. Region for JPMorgan Chase & Co. The report, developed by Civic Analytics and Oldmixon Consulting, further highlighted the need for increased regional collaboration to address employer hiring needs. 

PARTNERSHIPS WILL ADDRESS TALENT PIPELINE CHALLENGES

The Workforce Development Collaborative, a partnership comprised of local foundations, philanthropists, and businesses, is issuing three investments in regional partnerships that are poised to assist Greater Washington employers address their hiring challenges. Grantees were selected by a diverse set of workforce development experts and philanthropists based on the strength of the proposed partnership, connections with local employers, and deep understanding of the needs of our region’s un- and under-employed workers. 

Each partnership is a strategic collaboration between regional nonprofits, local government, and IT and Healthcare employers who will work collectively to train and place workers in living wage careers with the opportunity for career advancement. Partnerships will focus on a range of occupations including Computer User Support and Certified Electronic Health Record Specialists. Investments include: 

BYTE BACK

Local unemployed and underemployed residents will get a new chance at tech careers soon with EPIC (Education Partnership for IT Careers). Byte Back, in partnership with the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation-Workforce Services Division, will help workers earn industry-recognized IT certifications and launch living-wage careers. With almost 30 years of collective experience, the two organizations are excited to expand tech opportunities to even more local residents. Additional partners include the Northern Virginia Technology Council, Angarai, PC Retro.com, DC Office of the Chief Technology Officer, International Software Systems, Nucore Vision, Sage Services Group, SoftCon Enterprises, and Science Systems and Applications.

SKILLSOURCE GROUP

The Northern Virginia IT Employment (NVITE) Partnership, led by Skillsource will provide unemployed and underemployed low-income job seekers with intensive case management, employment coaching and skills training to launch or advance them into entry-level Information Technology living wage careers as Computer User Support Specialists.  The partnership will also address the hiring disconnect between front-line IT hiring managers and corporate HR personnel hiring policies. Additional partners include the Fairfax County Department of Family Services, Stratford University, Intellectual Point, and StrategyUS LLC.

SOME (SO OTHERS MIGHT EAT) 

SOME’s Center for Employment Training will launch a Healthcare Industry Sector Partnership of leading healthcare employers (including Unity HealthCare, Abundant Health Chiropractic & Wellness Center, and Providence Health System) in Washington, DC and Prince George’s County, Maryland. This Partnership will provide ongoing strategic direction and oversight of their employer engagement efforts and provide a hiring pipeline for healthcare employers in the region.  Students will train for careers as Medical Administrative Assistants and Electronic Health Records Specialists.

The Community Foundation’s President, Bruce McNamer, notes that “We believe that this initiative provides important support for our region’s workforce stakeholders—including government, business, nonprofits, and philanthropy—to help support efforts to address the skills gap that underlies the lack of opportunity for so many in our region.” The full report, Greater Washington Works: IT and Health Careers with Promise is available online at www.gwwdc.org.   


# # #


Greater Washington Community Foundation
The Community Foundation works to ensure equity, access, and opportunity for all residents in the Washington metropolitan area. Our mission is to strengthen the Washington metropolitan region by encouraging and supporting effective giving and by providing leadership on critical issues in our community. As the region’s largest local grantmaker with grants of more than $70 million last year, we are a community of givers dedicated to inspiring and creating change across the Washington region and beyond.

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.5 trillion and operations worldwide. The firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, asset management and private equity. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase & Co. serves millions of consumers in the United States and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under its J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.

The Greater Washington Workforce Development Collaborative
The Workforce Collaborative is a coalition of local workforce investors who share a common commitment to addressing poverty and income inequality by helping workers advance their skills and credentials so they can earn family-sustaining wages. Current Collaborative partners include The Community Foundation, the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, Capital One, JPMorgan Chase & Co., the Consumer Health Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation, the Moriah Fund, Northern Virginia Health Foundation, Patricia Weiss Fagen, United Way of the National Capital Area, and the Washington Area Women’s Foundation.

Generation Hope’s Pep Rally Under the Stars Honors The Community Foundation

President & CEO Bruce McNamer was honored to accept the 2017 MVP Award on behalf of the Greater Washington Community Foundation at Generation Hope’s 6th Annual “Pep Rally Under the Stars” gala on Friday, June 16.

The Community Foundation has been a vital part of Generation Hope’s success. In 2010, as a fledgling nonprofit, Generation Hope participated in The Community Foundation’s incubator program, sharing office space and resources to support the organization during its critical first years. Since then, Generation Hope has been able to provide emotional and financial support to 120 parenting teens as they pursue a college degree. Additionally, Generation Hope has reached nearly 600 expecting and parenting teens through college-readiness workshops in schools, churches, and organizations across the D.C. Metro area.

While it was wonderful for The Community Foundation to be recognized as a long-time supporter of Generation Hope, the highlight of the evening was hearing inspirational speeches by Generation Hope Founder and CEO Nicole Lynn Lewis, as well as 2016 National Teacher of the Year Jahana Hayes. Their stories and experiences as former teen parents, were marked by their perseverance and dedication to education; stories which mirrored those pregnant and parenting teens who benefit from Generation Hope’s programs and services today.

Generation Hope currently supports 100 teen parents attending 18 different two-and four-year colleges across the region. The mission of Generation Hope is to empower ambitious, family-focused teen parents striving to complete their college education by pairing them with caring, committed, adult mentors and an emotional and financial support system, thereby driving a two-generation solution to poverty.

You can learn more about Generation Hope’s mission and services by clicking here or viewing this video shared at the gala.

Learn! DC Takes Community Foundation Donors Out on the Water

The Greater Washington Community Foundation held its inaugural event for a new initiative called Learn! DC on Monday, June 19. Learn! DC will be a series of opportunities for Community Foundation donors and fund holders to learn about the issues facing the Washington, D.C. community, and the organizations who build their programming to combat these issues and support the needs of the community.

Learn! DC’s first event was held in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing pollution in the bay and its tributaries by serving as a watchdog fighting for effective science-based solutions to “Save the Bay”. In addition to advocacy, the CBF hosts educational field programs which take students outside to explore the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

To gain a deeper perspective regarding the state of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, 10 Community Foundation donors took a ride on the CBF’s education vessel for a two-hour exploratory, interactive adventure. As the boat passed through the waterways crisscrossing the rivers, CBF educators explained in great detail how the state of the Chesapeake Bay and its sprawling watershed effects the health of the rivers’ water.

Trawling for fish is one way to measure the health of the Anacostia and Potomac rivers. The variety and health of fish are good indicators of oxygen and nutrient levels in the water. Donors participated in a trawling demonstration by helping to heave a massive net from the water and then survey the catch. The haul that day produced a majority of catfish. These catfish are not native to the area, as they were placed here for sport fishing. The catfish have since flourished as there are otherwise no other natural predators. All fish caught by the trawling net were then put back in the water safe and sound.

“It’s so important for the DC community to learn about the Potomac and Anacostia rivers. As  D.C. natives and fishing enthusiasts, it was exciting to learn about how we can help maintain the health of the rivers that we love.” - Betsy Paull, donor

The Community Foundation hopes to host more Learn! DC events starting in Fall 2017.

A Day in the Community with The Walton Group of Companies

To offer donors an in-depth opportunity to learn about the local nonprofit community, The Community Foundation in Prince George’s County is hosting a series of site visits where donors can take a first-hand look at the important and exciting work the sector plays in meeting needs of some of the region’s most vulnerable residents.  The series will run throughout 2017 and will include an array of organizations including those providing education, safety-net, workforce training, and environmental and housing services.

The first visit was held on April 27th and was organized in conjunction with The Walton Group of Companies, a multinational, privately-owned real estate investment and development company that transitions land into sustainable communities where people live, work, and play.  The goal was to provide an opportunity for company executives to learn firsthand about the services that nonprofits provide in Prince George’s County with an aim of observing the results of the investments made by the company through its Walton Prince George’s Community Fund, which is housed at The Community Foundation. 

The team spent the day visiting First Generation College Bound, Prince George’s County Child Resource Center, and Promise Place – Sasha Bruce Youthwork. These nonprofits are part of a larger network of The Community Foundation’s grantees that work with communities daily, addressing some of the most pressing challenges such as homelessness, education, healthcare, workforce, and family dynamics.  As grantees of The Community Foundation’s Sharing Initiative, these organizations along with many more, can address and alleviate many of the issues that are commonly associated with poverty.  The Community Foundation’s robust grant-making process helps to identify opportunities for investing in social causes and work with competent nonprofits that demonstrate the potential for delivering effective and measurable results. It was apparent during the site visits that these nonprofits were undeniably delivering on their commitments.

For over 20 years, First Generation College Bound (FGCB) has been working with high school students who would be the first in their immediate family to attend college. Working in five schools in Prince George’s County, the organization helps students seek admission to college. Additionally, FGCB works with student’s parents to ensure they are engaged in the process of preparing and transitioning high school students to college. While the staff of First Generation College Bound encounter a wide range of challenges in this effort, the results of their hard work over the years are evident in their successful alumni who graduated from college and are now serving their communities in important roles. For example, Alonzo Washington, currently a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, spoke to participants during the site visit about his personal journey through the program and the significance of First Generation College Bound in transforming his life. He invests in the program by creating scholarship and internship opportunities and mentors students currently enrolled in the program.

Another example is the compassionate services provided by Prince George’s Child Resource Center.  This organization works with vulnerable families in Prince George’s County with children under the age of 4, providing them access to family support services, literacy, career preparedness, and positive nurturing parenting techniques. With a focus on nurturing healthy growth of children and helping parents gain access to community services, this nonprofit plays an important role in family integration efforts – a forward-looking approach to developing a “healthy next generation.”  The organization is facing significant challenges in addressing the needs of recent immigrants particularly with language barriers and insufficient resources needed to ensure that their services are culturally competent.  However, the staff of continuously solicits support from other communities with common languages and donors to help cover as many vulnerable families as possible.  

Similarly, Promise Place – Sasha Bruce Youthwork provides emergency shelter to homeless, abandoned, abused, or neglected youth as well as supports their reintegration with their families after offering intensive counseling services. The staff shared numerous examples of the success of their interventions resulting in successful transitioning of youth into healthy lifestyles. Interestingly, during these processes, this nonprofit identified highly talented youths with the potential to grow significantly when guided appropriately. For instance, one participant of the program, recovering from a nervous breakdown, voluntarily designed and organized a proposal to create a garden for the Promise Place offices.  She incorporated basic statistical analysis to substantiate her proposal which resulted in a convincing piece of work that the organization considered appropriate to include in their budget.

Our partnerships with individuals and organizations like The Walton Group of Companies have proven vital. Over the years, The Community Foundation has served as a unique platform for donors to give back to their communities and achieve their philanthropic goals while also connecting nonprofits to funding opportunities necessary to carry out the much-needed services. We continue to deliver on our commitments to our partners by effectively tailoring funding opportunities to specific social needs. Our primary goal is to help our donors achieve their philanthropic goals and expand the resources to provide shelter for more families, educate more children, offer healthcare for vulnerable families, and address other emergency needs of our communities.   

We invite you to join us on the amazing journey!  For more information, please contact Mustafa Rahin, Donor Services Officer at [email protected].

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES THE FOURTH ROUND OF CITY FUND GRANTS

City_Fund_header[1].jpg

 37 Local Nonprofits Awarded $1.3 Million in Grants to Support Community-Driven Work

The Community Foundation is pleased to announce the awarding of $1.3 million in grants to 37 nonprofit organizations serving District residents on behalf of the City Fund’s Safer, Stronger DC Opportunity grant initiative.
 
“The Safer, Stronger DC Opportunity Grant is a targeted approach to assist nonprofits who are actively engaged in empowering our most vulnerable communities every day,” said Bruce McNamer, President and CEO of The Community Foundation. “The Community Foundation supports placed-based grantmaking that serves the immediate and diverse needs of our various neighborhoods and residents.  We applaud the District’s leadership in partnering with the nonprofit sector to improve quality of life outcomes for our most at-need neighbors.”
 
The awardee organizations will receive grants for up to $50,000 for project/program support in the following issue areas:  arts, education, environment, health, public safety, senior and disability services and workforce development.  The grant period is one-year.
 
This grant from the City Fund has provided the Far Southeast Collaborative an opportunity to create a Community Impact Center that is truly be community-driven.  The Center will provide a serene space where those residing and/or working in the community can build upon the concept of “Each One, Teach One,” said Perry Moon, Executive Director of Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative.  “Residents will be provided an opportunity to not only further develop their skills sets, but also teach others in their community those skills. It will be a space for not only learning, teaching, and having fun, but also a space for obtaining resources by being self-guided or with assistance.”
 
Today’s announcement serves as the fourth round of another very competitive and rigorous grantmaking process.    The Community Foundation received over 80 proposals totaling $3.6 million in funding requests. 
 
To date, the City Fund has committed more than $10 million of its $15 million to nonprofits that are using proven and effective methods to deliver programs that contribute to a prosperous and sustainable city for all.
 
About The Community Foundation
The Community Foundation is an independent, public charity, with an independent board of trustees. The Foundation utilized an independent grant review committee, during the review process, comprised of individuals with no direct D.C. government affiliation.  As the City Fund Administrator, The Community Foundation is charged with implementing the City Fund’s grantmaking strategy which began in October 2013.  For more information, visit www.thecommunityfoundation.org.

 About The City Fund Safer, Stronger DC Opportunity Grant
The City Fund Safer, Stronger DC Community Opportunity Grant seeks to provide funding to nonprofits that help improve the lives of individuals and families living in District neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by inequities related to social determinants of health including:

  • Access to educational, economic and job opportunities
  • Access to health care services
  • Quality of education and job training
  • Recurring exposure to violent crime.

Nonprofit grant recipients include:

Breast Care for Washington
Building Bridges Across the River
Calvary Women's Services Inc.
City Gate
Collaborative Solutions for Communities
College Success Foundation
Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind
Community Services Agency of Metropolitan Washington AFL CIO
DC Creative Writing Workshop
DC Urban Greens Inc.
Do The Write Thing Foundation of DC*
FAIR Girls
Family Matters of Greater Washington
Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative
The Fishing School
For Love of Children
Healthy Babies Project Inc.
Higher Achievement Program
Institute for Local Self Reliance
Kid Power
Leading Educators
Living Classrooms
The Muscianship Inc.
Open City Advocates
Reading Partners
Rockson Community Development Corporation
Seabury Resources for Aging
Survivors and Advocates for Empowerment
Teens Run DC
Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts
Thrive DC
Turning the Page
Urban Teachers
Washington DC Police Foundation
Washington Parks and People
Young Playwrights Theater Inc.
* Grantee and fiscal sponsor on behalf of Swagola Productions

Anna Hargrave is Named Montgomery Women’s 2017 Rising Star

Montgomery Women recently presented its 2017 Rising Star Award to Anna Hargrave, Executive Director of the Community Foundation in Montgomery County. Hargrave received the award, given annually to a woman who has shown outstanding leadership, is a role model for others, and has made significant contributions to the community, at its 13th Annual Power Tea.

Also honored was Jacky Schultz, president of Suburban Hospital, who received the annual Shining Star Award.

“Our award winners showcase the mission of Montgomery Women—to advance common interest and support outstanding women in their quest for positions of leadership,” said organization president Rose Krasnow. “Jacky Schultz and Anna Hargrave are outstanding examples of what women can accomplish. I couldn’t be more delighted that we are honoring them.”

Hargrave received the award, which honors the life of visionary activist and founding member Phyllis Campbell Newsome, for her outstanding community leadership. A Montgomery County native, Hargrave is well-versed in program management, community outreach, and project development stemming from her experiences with the Office of the County Executive, Montgomery Youth Works and the Jewish Social Service Agency.  In her role with The Community Foundation, she works one-on-one with hundreds of Montgomery County donors to provide them the tools, resources and support needed to facilitate their personal philanthropy.

In her inspiring acceptance speech, Hargrave acknowledged the many women leaders who have inspired her. “Particularly now in my role at The Community Foundation, I literally spend my days with passionate, generous donors who want to make a difference, and visionary nonprofit leaders working to get the job done, “she said.

In her address to the more than 100 women leaders from all county sectors—public, private, and nonprofit—at the March event, Hargrave spoke about a hard-working single mom raising two young boys, a story she said “I keep circling back to. . .that I’ve been mulling over ever since I heard it.”

“Her boss decided to reward her with a raise.  Which sounds great, right? The trouble is, here in Montgomery County there is a chasm between the poverty line and what it actually takes to survive.  That raise catapulted her right smack in the middle.  She lost her childcare support and food stamps.  Before she knew it, they had lost their home and ended up at the Stepping Stones Shelter, right up the road here in Rockville.

“But this woman—she is the absolute epitome of grit.  She got herself into transitional housing and connected with Habitat for Humanity.  Today, thanks to her hard work, she’s a homeowner. That woman and the thousands like her are the unsung heroes of Montgomery County, working to raise their kids and lift whole families out of poverty. I realize that this award is not recognition of past accomplishments, but rather a call to action.  I understand that it’s my job to lift up and support women throughout our community, the same way you all have supported and inspired me.”

Hargrave ended with a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt: “We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it as not as dreadful as it appears, discovering that we have the strength to stare it down.”

 

Bobbi Shulman

Chair, 2017 Awards Selection Committee

Montgomery Women

Improving the lives of our youth

The Greater Washington Community Foundation is committed to addressing challenges faced by our region’s young people. Our goal is to achieve economic security for all residents of the greater Washington region. That's why education is one of our community leadership initiatives. Find out what we’re doing to connect young people to opportunities to grow and thrive.

Achieving economic security by strengthening the safety net

The Greater Washington Community Foundation is committed to leading on critical community issues, including strengthening the safety net.

Why is this important? The quality of life in our region depends on increasing individuals' and families' access to high quality food, shelter, and services.

The greater Washington region has one of the strongest economies in the nation. Unfortunately, poverty continues to grow. In addition, the demand for safety net services continues to increase as available resources drastically decrease.

According to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s 2012 Count of Homeless Persons, there are 11,830 homeless people in our region with children and youth representing 29% of the homeless population. Homelessness among the region’s families has increased nearly 23 percent since 2008 in our region, compared to 1.2 percent for the nation since 2009.

The region’s overall increase in family homelessness is attributed to the impact of the economic crisis and the lack of affordable housing. Service providers are unable to meet the increased and steady demand for shelter, housing, emergency financial assistance.

Bridging Differences: Youth/Police Dialogue in Montgomery County

We were ushered into a small classroom near the side entrance to Gaithersburg High School where a group of 10 students were already gathered in a circle. About half of them were African American; the others were Latina. Included in the circle was a burly African American Montgomery County police officer, and two young African American women police officers.

On the floor was a colorful rectangular cloth surrounded by handwritten papers. Vanessa, the group’s facilitator, told me that these were depictions of the students’ values – “honesty, love, hope, faith…” — the people for whom they want to make the world a better place – “my little brother, my grandma, my friends, myself…” — and their safe places – a church sanctuary, a bedroom, a beach.

Not content simply to have us observe this program, Vanessa invited me, my colleague Anna, and our Grant Committee member to take the remaining open seats and to participate fully in the intense, raw, honest conversation that followed.

For the next hour and a half, we talked about our frustrations with those who had authority over us as adolescents – for some of us, a distant memory, for others, very much of the moment. “There are too many rules.” “They don’t trust me.” “They assume I’m screwing up before I even have a chance.” The students shared their questions and concerns about interactions they and their friends have had with police. “Why do police always stop my friend’s dad – a Muslim with a license plate that says ‘EGYPT’ when he’s driving around the County — and never my white friend’s dad?” “Why do you always assume the worst?” “Why did that SWAT team barge into my house, break all of our stuff, handcuff me to my bed, and terrify my grandma, when the guy you were looking for wasn’t even there?!”

The police officers told why they are called to this work, how it feels when they have to confront their neighbors, and how they perceive their duty to protect and serve. “I’m putting my life on the line for you and your family.” “Your parents work hard to pay for your car and your insurance. Do you want other people to get away with not paying for their registration and insurance? Your parents are gonna be stuck with the bill if an uninsured motorist causes an accident.” “I feel terrible when I have to bust into someone’s home, but I have to put on my emotional armor to protect myself and everyone there from the danger that might be lurking just around the corner.”  “I’m sorry that you had that experience; it must have been scary.”

This conversation, the fifth in a series of six sessions with this particular group of female students, is part of a Youth/Police Dialogue program funded by an anonymous donor through her fund at The Community Foundation. 

About two years ago, this donor and her family felt heartsick every time they saw another police-related shooting in the news. They were especially troubled by the pattern: shooting, protests, community meetings, lip-service responses, and then…nothing. No meaningful change. They wanted to make an investment in the deep relationship-building necessary to heal the distrust between police and communities, particularly communities of color in their own county. They turned to us.

Our Philanthropic Engagement staff in Montgomery County did some research, and found that one of our long-time trusted grantees, Identity, already had a program in partnership with Montgomery County Police and Public Schools, offering one-time youth/police summits.  The donor was impressed, but wanted to invest in a longer series that would enable the students and police to make real connections with each other. She wanted to remain anonymous, so our staff served as the intermediary to solicit a proposal and get all of the donor’s questions answered.

Together, we agreed on a program design involving six facilitated sessions (three with youth only, three with police joining the young people), focusing on youth who have interacted with law enforcement after participating in or witnessing violence or being involved with a gang, are crime victims, have served in-school suspensions, and/or have low conflict-resolution skills. Our staff invited other donors to join in supporting the project, raising sufficient funds to launch the program last fall in three public high schools, two community-based centers, and a Germantown library.

The school staff, Identity’s facilitators, and the police officers told us that the group of Latina and African American girls we met at Gaithersburg High School that day were chosen because they are leaders within their peer groups, but their voices are often drowned out by boys who join them for larger summits. With skilled help from Identity’s staff, these young women and the police who join them are opening up, bravely sharing their values, stories, and fears with each other, cultivating respect and empathy. They are engaging “power with” – the power of people and communities to connect and nurture trusting, healthy relationships.

At the end of the session, Vanessa asked everyone in the circle to answer one question: “Is there hope?” Coming from our very different perspectives – across race, ethnicity, gender, class, professional status – each of us answered, simply, “yes.” This is what philanthropy can make possible!  

If you are troubled by discord among our neighbors in Greater Washington and aren’t sure how your philanthropy can make a difference, please reach out and we would be honored to facilitate a connection between you and community organizations that are healing the divides among us. Together, we can bridge differences, cultivate empathy, and make our region stronger and more resilient.

2017 Celebration of Philanthropy

Dear Friends,

Last week, over 700 nonprofit, philanthropic, business, and government leaders joined our Celebration of Philanthropy at Arena Stage. Because of the generosity of so many of you, the event raised a record-breaking $560,000 – proceeds that will help us expand charitable resources and ensure that equity, access, and opportunity are available to all who live in the region.

As our President and CEO, Bruce McNamer, said at the event: “Many across our region struggle to meet basic needs and achieve economic prosperity. The Community Foundation works to correct this imbalance – bringing together donors, nonprofits, and community leaders to address the most critical issues facing our community and create healthier neighborhoods today and for generations to come.”

Dr. Johnnetta Cole, director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, presented the 2017 Civic Spirit Award to Patty Stonesifer and Martha’s Table, on behalf of all of us at The Community Foundation. When accepting the award, Stonesifer shared her journey from growing up in a working class family to working at Microsoft, running the world’s largest charity, and serving as President and CEO of Martha’s Table. Referencing the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together,” Stonesifer invited guests to join together to pledge “a new level of advancing racial equity, a new level of learning, a new awareness of race and privilege, and then, together indeed, we will go far!” Watch our tribute video featuring Patty and her amazing team, and visit our Events page to see pictures of the event:

Bruce concluded the program saying, “The Community Foundation stands with you and all of our nonprofit partners in the room – and affirms our commitment to equity, racial justice, and an inclusive community that is vibrant, resilient, and prosperous for everyone.”  

It is because of you that we are able to make this commitment to our community. We are so grateful to all of the incredibly generous friends who contributed to the evening’s success and have joined us in the fight to make our region stronger. Thank you for all you do.

— The Community Foundation Team

The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region was proud to honor Patty Stonesifer and Martha's Table at the 2017 Celebration of Philanthropy on March 20, 2017.

Lynnhill Condos Fundraising Effort: Thank You

In response to the emergency housing situation at the Lynnhill Condominiums in Temple Hills, Maryland in November 2016, The Community Foundation in Prince George’s County responded to an outpouring of support from the community to support the immediate needs of those impacted. Approximately 77 families were affected by a power shut-off due to a long-standing conflict between owners, the condominium association, and utility companies.

Because of the community’s deep generosity, we have collected close to $50,000 in donations to date. From these funds, The Community Foundation made a grant to the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services, which has been providing case management for the affected families since the events occurred, and will continue to provide services in the months ahead. County agencies have assisted 127 households with 47 receiving financial assistance totaling close to $83,000.  Assistance included help with security deposits, rent, moving costs, renters insurance and utility deposits. 

We would like to extend a special thank you to two long-time Community Foundation partners for their donations to this effort – The Meyer Foundation for their $10,000 contribution, and Pepco for their $25,000 contribution. A number of families and individuals have been supported by these generous contributions, and on behalf of them and Prince George’s County, thank you for your commitment to your neighbors.

And a big thanks also to the many community members who contributed and to our family of donors for stepping up to help – not just in an emergency like this one, but every day. You’re making our region stronger.

Workforce development is critical to achieving economic security

Helping workers acquire the skills and credentials they need to launce successful, family-sustaining careers, and helping businesses attract, retain, and advance the skilled workforce they need to remain globally competitive.

Along with education and strengthening the safety net, workforce development is one of the Community Foundation’s three strategic investment priorities. Our investments in these three areas work together towards one overarching goal – achieving economic security for all residents of the greater Washington region. 

Our region’s economy increasingly demands high levels of skills and knowledge from its workers Thousands in our region are unemployed, under-employed, or stuck in low-wage employment, lacking the necessary tools to find and keep a job that can lead to economic security. Employers value credentials, so we are working to link adult education and training to the on-the-ground needs of employers.

Our workforce development investments have helped thousands of workers across the greater Washington region earn credentials and launch family-sustaining careers. 

Three strategies for improving education

The Greater Washington Community Foundation is improving the quality of life in our region through community leadership initiatives.

Our education initiatives are geared to preventing youth from falling off track (which means 2 or more years behind graduation requirements), intervening with at-risk students before they fall off track, reengaging students and accelerating completion of graduation requirements, and targeting drop out populations for re-enrollment toward an educational and career trajectory. 

Our team pursues this work in in three key ways: Defining needs, best practices approaches, and collective impact.

Defining Needs

Our commitment to defining needs helps to inform the creation of multiple education options matched to students’ needs by investing in research and other products that define the needs of “disconnected youth.” 

Best Practice Approaches

Define and invest in best practice approaches to re-connecting disconnected youth to education and training opportunities that lead to a post-secondary credential and ultimately a career. 

Collective Impact

Support communities to work together on a common agenda that will improve the lives of young people by investing in collective impact. 

Amplifying Philanthropy with Time and Talent

On top of the $75 million our donors gave through The Community Foundation last year, we are proud of the invaluable time, creativity, and viral enthusiasm they invest into their favorite causes.  As we continue our thank-a-thon, we’d like to highlight one inspiring example.

Kevin Beverly

Kevin Beverly

Six years ago, Kevin Beverly (President, Social & Scientific Systems) joined our Sharing Montgomery Grants Committee to learn more about great organizations serving the county.  He signed up for the CollegeTracks site visit to learn more about how it supports hundreds of students trying to navigate the daunting college application process.  Instantly, the visit transported him back to his own college application experience, reminding him how overwhelming it had been and how lucky he was to get help at just the right time. 

Before he knew it, Kevin found himself stepping up to become the Board Chair of CollegeTracks, using his business acumen, skill for strategy, and extensive networks to help expand the program’s reach. Remarkably, when asked how his leadership factored into CollegeTracks’ growth over the last few years, Kevin humbly says that he got much more than he gave. 

To the hundreds of people like Kevin who give time, talent, and treasure, we thank you!  Your generosity is making a profound difference throughout our community.