2025 Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington
HUMAN SERVICES: Nonprofit Support/Volunteerism
Spur Local
| WISH LIST
$10: Giver;
$100: Contributor;
$1000: Supporter;
$5000: Friend
|
At Spur Local, formerly the Catalogue for Philanthropy, strengthening communities is our life’s work. As the region’s only locally-focused guide to civic engagement, we believe in the power of small nonprofits to spark big change together. A gift to Spur Local has a huge multiplier effect. It helps us amplify and support over 400 critical local nonprofits. Over the last 20 years, our organization has both raised nearly $60M for local nonprofits and grown to become the largest nonprofit capacity builder in the region, designing resources specifically for nonprofits operating with small teams and budgets. Join us in making a difference, close to home.
Matt Gayer, Executive Director
80 M Street SE, Suite 100
Washington, DC 20003
202-838-3015
mgayer@spurlocal.org
cfp-dc.org/cfp
HUMAN SERVICES: Health, Mental Health, and Aging
Potomac Community Resources, Inc.
| WISH LIST
$100: supplies for the Wednesday Art program;
$500: 5 music/fitness videos created for PCR members
$2500: 1 month of music therapy in the NoteAbles and Chorus programs
|
For teenagers with developmental and intellectual differences, services begin with the school system – and end when students “age out” at 21. That’s when PCR steps in, providing therapeutic programs in arts, fitness, and communications that enable the full inclusion of those with developmental differences. Basketball welcomes 50 sports enthusiasts; a 20-person chorus fosters a love of music; Communication Counts covers basic and advanced social skills; Phabulous Photographers builds technical skills and self-expression. A respite care program provides therapeutic activities and nursing support for medically fragile people with profound disabilities, while social clubs unite adults from around the region and help prevent loneliness. Much-needed support is also there both for caregivers and for families whose children are transitioning to adulthood. Knowing the difference this program has made, PCR works with other communities to replicate the model – and increase the impact.
PCR promotes the inclusion of teens and adults with developmental differences into community life through our award-winning social/recreational and respite care programs, through our public policy advocacy, and through our James M. Sullivan Memorial House, home to women with developmental differences. Steve Riley, Executive Director
9200 Kentsdale Drive
Potomac, MD 20854
301-365-0561
sriley@pcr-inc.org
cfp-dc.org/PCR
NATURE: Environment & Animal Services
Nature Forward
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 native plants pollination garden kit
$500:
climate change impact training;
$1000: environmental education for a full grade of students
|
Nature Forward connects Washington area residents to nature, inspiring them to appreciate, understand, and protect their forests, wetlands, water resources, and open spaces through education, advocacy, and conservation. And that connection with nature can start early. Each year, more than 7,000 children from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade visit Nature Forward's two beautiful sanctuaries, where enthusiastic naturalist teachers emphasize hands-on, interactive learning. GreenKids, a unique collaboration with the Montgomery and Loudon County Public Schools (and plans to expand through metro DC) fosters the development of school environmental resources such as gardens, nature trails, and recycling programs. Protecting and preserving natural habitats and local clean water are all part of Nature Forward’s community outreach plan. In a world of ever-higher environmental stakes, supporting Nature Forward, and the local environment makes natural sense.
Corinna Fisk, Development Director
8940 Jones Mill Road
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-652-9188
corinna.fisk@natureforward.org
cfp-dc.org/nf
Casa Chirilagua
| WISH LIST
$100: scholarship for aspiring senior to apply for college;
$500: 1 month supply of healthy snacks for Kids Club;
$1000: mental health initiatives to support staff
|
What began as a reading club in an apartment shared by three young women has grown into Casa Chirilagua, a Christ-centered community organization deeply invested in Alexandria’s Chirilagua neighborhood. In this predominantly Central American immigrant community, many families face economic challenges, language barriers, and limited access to opportunities. Guided by a holistic Leadership Framework, Casa Chirilagua partners with children, youth, and families to develop leadership at every life stage. Programs—including Kids Club, Teens Club, and Casa to College—offer academic support, mentoring, life skills, Bible study, and post-secondary guidance. Young adults often return as Local Leaders, serving and teaching while receiving career and educational support. Families engage in strengthening and leadership programs, building healthier households and deeper connections. Casa’s long-term, culturally inclusive approach helps children, families, and the community grow in resilience, leadership, and hope. Hjarman Cordero, Executive Director
4109 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22305
703-933-3688
hjarman@casachirilagua.org
cfp-dc.org/
C&O Canal Trust
| WISH LIST
$100: contribution toward conservation of natural resources;
$300: towpath rehabilitation efforts;
$500: 2 buses for 50 students traveling to the park
|
Since 2007, C&O Canal Trust has worked with the C&O Canal National Historical Park and the National Park Service to keep its 184.5-mile path beautiful, safe, and accessible. Its 5 million annual visitors relax in nature, gather for celebrations, enjoy recreational sports, and appreciate the biodiversity of the park. Through its partnerships, the Trust welcomes community members who have fewer opportunities to engage in the outdoors. The Trust brings the park’s two-century history alive by offering overnight stays in historic lockhouses. Trust fundraising supports the NPS Canal Classrooms Program, immersing K-12 students in STEAM learning outside the classroom, and supports the NPS biodiversity program that protects 200 endangered plant species in the park. With hundreds of residents volunteering over 7,000 hours annually, the Trust shows how communities can steward public land for future generations. Lauren Riviello, President & CEO
142 West Potomac Street
Williamsport, MD 21795
2402022625
riviello@canaltrust.org
cfp-dc.org/canal
Young Artists of America
| WISH LIST
$100: musical score/script & costume for 1 student;
$500:
orchestra program for 1 student;
$1000: participation in the musical theatre program for 1 student
|
A premier music theater training and performance organization, YAA trains students grades 5 through pre-professional to perform fully orchestrated works at state-of-the-art venues. But what makes the program truly unique is its mentorship component: students receive individualized instruction from major performing artists and teachers in leading university programs. Each year, more than 500 students from 80 regional schools receive 150 hours of training (plus another 100 hours at a summer performing arts intensive program) in vocal and orchestral performance, dance, and acting. Over $75,000 in scholarships is available for talented students in need of tuition assistance. Outstanding performances – including musical theater productions, community concerts, and masterclasses – are offered at low or no cost to more than 5,000 audience members each year. Your support nurtures young artists, preparing them to take the stage today … and for years to come.
Lisa Larragoite, Executive Director
5301 Tuckerman Lane
North Bethesda, MD 20852
301-272-8604
lisa@yaa.org
cfp-dc.org/YAA
EDUCATION: Enrichment
Youth Leadership Foundation
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 week of after school snacks for students;
$200: book stipend for 1 VLA participant entering college;
$1000: year-round programming scholarship for 1 student
|
Helping kids succeed academically is essential to their economic future – but helping them build character enhances every aspect of their lives. YLF does it all, training college-age youth and young professionals to mentor children ages 7-17 both in person and virtually. Year-round, students in the Tenley Achievement Program for boys and the Program for Academic and Leadership Skills for girls strive for educational excellence through intensive tutoring while building character through sports, trips, and challenging electives. The Virtuous Leadership Academy also provides high school students with opportunities to engage community leaders through a Spirit of Service Business Plan competition. Mentors serve as role models, empowering students to tackle challenges in the classroom and at home, and instilling in them the values of hard work, generosity, justice, and community service. Teaching kids not only to do well but to do good is life-changing. Tonnete Abellana, Program Administration
2001 L Street NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 455-8530‬
donors@helpingkids.org
cfp-dc.org/ylf
HUMAN SERVICES: Hunger, Homelessness, and Housing
PathForward
| WISH LIST
$100: two sets of pots and pans for newly-housed persons;
$500: one day of meals for all clients staying at PathForward's Homeless Services Center;
$1,000: one month of medication for patients recovering in medical respite
|
20,000 shelter stays, 30,000 meals, 1,300 medical visits: for Arlington’s homeless community, PathForward’s annual statistics are more than just numbers. On freezing winter nights and sweltering summer days, staff and volunteers seek out homeless adults on the streets, providing them with life-sustaining care and encouraging them to seek additional support that can change their lives for good. At the Homeless Services Center (the first of its kind in the region), supportive services come together under one roof, and include shelter, hot showers, healthy meals, counseling, and job training. Together with case managers, homeless individuals, including veterans, work toward employment, access disability benefits and mental health care, and apply for housing. A full-time nurse practitioner provides clients with the follow-up care, specialty treatment, and prescriptions needed for a return to health. The goal is a permanent and stable home for Arlington’s most vulnerable people. You can lend a hand.
Betsy Frantz, President & CEO
2020-A 14th Street North
Arlington, VA 22201
703-228-7807
grants@pathforwardva.org
cfp-dc.org/pathforward
HUMAN SERVICES: Children, Youth, and Families
ACCA, Inc. (Annandale Christian Community for Action)
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 week of food for a family of 2;
$500: 3 months electric & water bills for a family of 4;
$1000: 2 weeks rent for a family of 4
|
Helping the neediest and most vulnerable, ACCA offers critical help in emergencies: rental assistance; funds for car repairs, utility bills, medical and dental care; hygiene products; gently used furniture; meals on wheels – the most basic, fundamental aid. Its Child Development Center provides affordable day care, early education, and special services annually for 274 infants and children from low-income households, the kind of help that gives families a healthy start in life. ACCA has grown to include 26 congregations in sections of Fairfax County where many low-income and immigrant families reside; emergency programs are managed and supported by volunteers who work from their homes, offices, and cars, providing thousands of hours of service each month. Continual increases in referrals, and clients whose needs have only grown, means that your generosity matters now more than ever. Bonnie Lefbom, President
7200 Columbia Pike
Annandale, VA 22003
703-256-0100
president@accacares.org
cfp-dc.org/ACCA
HUMAN SERVICES: Hunger, Homelessness, and Housing
Friendship Place
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 day of a Street Outreach team;
$500: 1 month of groceries for a family in need;
$1000: Before Thirty program for 1 young adult (counseling and case management)
|
Since 1991, Friendship Place has used solution-driven and person-centered homeless services to serve the DC region. People experiencing homelessness turn to Friendship Place to meet their immediate needs: showers, laundry, meals, basic needs, blankets, healthcare, and more. A street outreach team coordinates services for neighbors in Ward 3, ensuring more people know that Friendship Place offers free drop-in services, including a health clinic. Young people under the age of 30 participate in developmentally-informed services while veterans work with staff to gain rapid rehousing. Through a job placement program, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing, Friendship Place empowers people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness to attain stable housing and rebuild their lives. Ending homelessness for thousands of people annually, Friendship Place believes in a region where everyone has a place to call "home." Jean-Michel Giraud, President & CEO
4713 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
202-213-1318
jgiraud@friendshipplace.org
cfp-dc.org/
NATURE
Earth Sangha
| WISH LIST
$100: 5 trees for a restoration project;
$500: 50 native
plants & 10 trees for a local project;
$1000: Habitat Refuge planting with deer protection in a public park
|
Some 1,000 native plant species occur naturally within 50 miles of the Washington Monument, but even within our parks, native plants are under siege by invasive alien plants, storm water runoff, and a host of other pressures. Earth Sangha (“sangha” means “community”) maintains a Wild Plant Nursery, with over 320 native species in propagation, providing the most comprehensive selection of native plant material in the region. Its restoration work – primarily invasive alien plant control and native plant re-vegetation – reaches 10 field sites a year and includes stream-buffer, forest, and meadow restoration. The School Greening program supplies native plants for gardening projects at 40 local schools per year. Most of us cannot name the plants we see daily or recognize an eroding stream bank. That disconnection – between our lives and our landscape – is something Earth Sangha works to repair. Katherine Isaacson, Director of Development
5101-I Backlick Road
Annandale, VA 22003
7033333022
kisaacson@earthsangha.org
cfp-dc.org/sangha
EDUCATION: Literacy and Learning
Washington English Center
| WISH LIST
$150: tutoring scholarship for 1 student;
$500: group class scholarships for 2 students;
$1000: textbooks for 25 students
|
An estimated 41% of DC workers with low wages are immigrants, but without a command of the English language, career advancement is nearly impossible – and time and money for classes are scarce. So Washington English Center fills the gap, providing excellent and affordable English instruction (in-person and virtual) at convenient hours: four days a week, day and night. A team of more than 350 volunteer teachers and tutors offers a sequence of classes from beginner to advanced, focusing on both written and verbal communication and serving 1,700 students each year. Citizenship preparation and a workforce readiness program further build skills and empower students. For many, WEC is a community as much as a classroom – the place where they learn, connect, and take the first steps toward achieving the American dream. Phillip Carlisle, Director of Development
1100 G Street NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 387-2222
pcarlisle@washingtonenglish.org
cfp-dc.org/englishcenter
HUMAN SERVICES: Children, Youth, and Families
Mary House
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 week of nutritious food for a family of 4;
$500: art supplies for the after-school program;
$1000: refrigerator for a new apartment
|
Some have immigrated from Mexico, Latin America, or Iraq; others have journeyed from Rwanda and Cameroon to seek political asylum; some have come to receive long-term treatment at Walter Reed. Nearly all Mary House clients have been traumatized by natural disasters, war, violence, or loss. So the transitional housing program comes first, supplemented by food deliveries, clothing, games, school supplies – and counseling. After school, youngsters work on language and study skills (summer means day camp), and a mother-to-mother newsletter builds community and creates a vital support network. Families attend workshops on money management, homeownership, employment, and other topics. In-house advocates and a web of partnerships ensure that everyone has access to the services and resources they need – to recover from trauma and rebuild their lives.
Aaron Shneyer, Development Officer
4303 13th Street NE
Washington, DC 20017
2027805137
aaron.shneyer@gmail.com
cfp-dc.org/mary
CULTURE: Performing, Literary, and Visual Arts
National Philharmonic
| WISH LIST
$200: NatPhil concert for 3 adults & 3 children;
$500: 10 private instrumental or vocal lessons;
$1000: Summer Strings Institute for 2 middle or high school students
|
The National Philharmonic engages, inspires, and unites communities across the region through musical performances and creative education programs for all ages. Each year, 9,000 people attend NatPhil’s orchestral concerts and choral collaborations with local choruses at its home venue, the Music Center at Strathmore. Student engagement starts with annual concerts for all second graders in Montgomery County Public Schools and continues through middle and high school with youth ensembles, master classes, and summer string and choral institutes. NatPhil’s signature “All Kids, All Free, All the Time” allows youth ages 7–17 attend any performance for free with an accompanying adult. Adults can subscribe to affordable daytime or evening performances, attend free pre-concert lectures, and observe master classes with guest artists. Your support brings the joy and beauty of music to thousands. Laurie
5301 Tuckerman Lane
North Bethesda, MD 20852
laurie@nationalphilharmonic.org
cfp-dc.org/
CULTURE: Community Arts
Project Create
| WISH LIST
$100: teaching artist for 1 class of 15 students;
$500: tuition for 1 student for a semester course;
$1000: 4 arts & culture field trips
|
For thirty years, Project Create has empowered young people in DC and amplified their voices through accessible, multidisciplinary arts education. Outside of school, students participate in free art classes, art therapy groups, workshops, open studio time, and exhibitions and performances. At the Project Create Arts Center in Anacostia and dozens of community partner sites across the District, teaching artists and art therapists collaborate with children, youth, and families to explore drawing and painting, dance, music, theater, and more. In this supportive and inclusive community, art is healing and transformative, improving students’ academic and social success while sparking their creativity and confidence. Serving over 1,500 young people annually, primarily in Wards 7 & 8, Project Create combines arts education and art therapy to support students and their families through the social-emotional, health, and economic challenges students face. Christie Walser, Executive Director
2208 Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20020
202-660-2555
christie@projectcreatedc.org
cfp-dc.org/projectcreate
HUMAN SERVICES: Children, Youth, and Families
The Family Place, Inc
| WISH LIST
$100: diapers & baby supplies for 1 family for 1 month;
$500: fresh & non-perishable food bags for 25 families;
$1000: 1 month of the HIPPY program for 10 families
|
Every year, TFP serves over 1,500 low-income families, many of whom are immigrants facing significant barriers like limited social networks, unfamiliarity with local resources, and language challenges. Those with young children are triply isolated, so TFP begins by focusing on the littlest ones, providing early childhood development to empower families. Using the renowned Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters program (the only one in DC), TFP equips parents to be their children’s first teachers, nurturing a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Meanwhile, parents gain the skills they need to achieve self-sufficiency through workforce readiness and literacy programs. Emergency material assistance including daily food, case management, referrals, and a Spanish-language domestic violence support group weave a vital and comprehensive safety net, equipping families with the resources they need to thrive. Haley Wiggins, Executive Director
3309 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20010
202-265-0149
hwiggins@thefamilyplacedc.org
cfp-dc.org/familyplace
HUMAN SERVICES: Health, Mental Health, and Aging
Yellow Ribbon Fund
| WISH LIST
$100: daily transportation for a family during treatment;
$500: 1 month of caregiver peer support and mental health services.
$1000: rental cars for 6 families for a full month
|
Since 2005, Yellow Ribbon Fund (YRF), has proudly served over 40,000 post-9/11 wounded, ill, and injured service members, caregivers, and families from all US military branches. Today, YRF supports more than 5,000 military families annually, including 3,000 veterans and 2,000 caregivers, following life-changing medical crises. Through the Crossroads Program, YRF provides no-cost hotel stays, long-term apartments, and rental cars near Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, helping to keep families together during treatment. Once home, the Keystone Program—operating in 11 chapters nationwide—offers life skills training, mental health access, peer support, financial literacy, and caregiver respite. YRF is committed to bridging the gap in care, ensuring America’s disabled veterans and their families receive the lifelong support they need to heal and rebuild. Ariana Caragliano, Chief Development Officer
PO Box 41048
Bethesda, MD 20824
(240) 223-1180
donate@yellowribbonfund.org
cfp-dc.org/
HUMAN SERVICES: Legal Services and Justice Programs
Just Neighbors Ministry
| WISH LIST
$100: legal consult for 1 family;
$500: application for a work permit & authorization for legal employment;
$1000: full legal representation to reunite a family in the US
|
Just Neighbors offers hope and help for immigrants to the US, providing high-quality legal services to neighbors throughout the region. In 2020 alone, 460 persons escaped violence in their home countries and were able to work in the US. Work authorization and family unification were achieved for hundreds of clients. Some were "advice and counsel" cases in which nearly all were also eligible for immigration benefits; others were given legal advice about their rights in the US and warnings about paying unscrupulous providers. Experienced staff attorneys supervise all cases, prepare clients for interviews, and accompany them to meetings with immigration officials, ensuring that no one feels confused or alone. The goal is to help an increasing number of immigrants build their own capacity and resources – and achieve the goals they have set for themselves and their families.
Erin McKenney, Executive Director
7630 Little River Turnpike, Suite 900
Annandale, VA 22003
703-979-1240
erin@justneighbors.org
cfp-dc.org/neighbors
EDUCATION: Youth Education & Enrichment
Liberty's Promise
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 week of meals for after-school program participants;
$500: field trip Metro fare for 50 participants;
$1000: stipend for one summer internship
|
Liberty’s Promise supports low-income, immigrant youth by helping them get involved in civic life, pursue higher education, and start meaningful careers. Each year, 800 participants join an after-school civics program that deepens their understanding of American democracy and gives them first-hand experience: meeting local leaders, visiting government offices, and volunteering in the community. A Spanish-language version of the program for English language learners builds skills to help them succeed. Navigating the path to college and careers is central to the curriculum, and about 100 youth also secure 8-week professional internships where they learn about the American workplace. Liberty’s Promise has helped thousands of young people from more than 120 countries learn about and feel at home in the United States. An investment here builds a stronger America for everyone. Robert M Ponichtera, Executive Director
2900A Richmond Highway
Alexandria, VA 22305
(703) 549-9950
rponichtera@libertyspromise.org
cfp-dc.org/
HUMAN SERVICES: Basic Needs, Food, & Housing
Rebuilding Together Montgomery County
| WISH LIST
$100: smoke detectors;
$500: safety grab bars for a home of older adults with disabilities;
$1000: 2 toilet replacements for a home without sufficient plumbing
|
RTMC promotes a “neighbor-helping-neighbor” approach to ensure that Montgomery County’s residents thrive. Its staff and volunteers work with our most vulnerable homeowners (seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and families with young children) to provide critical repairs, energy efficiency upgrades, and accessibility modifications – at no cost. Home repairs for these 150 low-income households are essential for their health and safety but are often unaffordable. RTMC performs everything from small tasks like installing bathroom handrails to large-scale weatherization projects and system replacements. It also gives residents the information they need to conduct periodic maintenance and perform minor repairs. The increase in these neighbors’ quality of life is significant – their homes are dry, clean, safe, pest- and contaminant-free, well-ventilated, and thermally controlled. For RTMC, every small repair builds a stronger foundation for homeowners and helps stabilize entire communities.
Chloe Bernardi, Chief Executive Officer
18225A Flower Hill Way
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
301-947-9400
cbernardi@rebuildingtogethermc.org
cfp-dc.org/
EDUCATION: Enrichment
Emerging Scholars Program
| WISH LIST
$100: 10 backpacks with school supplies;
$500: 5 robotics kits;
$1000: 2 laptops for college students
|
Offering admission and financial aid is not enough to prepare students from low-income-earning families to succeed in the rigorous environment of an independent school. ES was founded to give these hardworking students the resources they need to thrive. Each year, it identifies bright fourth-graders who meet competitive academic standards and enrolls them in a 14-month Scholars Academy. Students undergo a demanding academic curriculum, while their parents participate in workshops to learn how to navigate independent school environments and advocate for their children. Partner schools commit to significant tuition assistance that funds life-changing opportunities for these capable students, who consistently rank in the top 10% of their class and graduate into some of the nation’s most competitive colleges. ES scholars then become mentors themselves, guiding their younger peers while receiving consistent support in college and beyond. Megan Downing, Marketing and Development Director
2009 14th Street North
Arlington, VA 22201
703-567-6600
megan@emergingscholarsprogram.org
cfp-dc.org/
EDUCATION: Enrichment
Global Kids, Inc
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 week of snacks & supplies for 20 students;
$500: travel expenses for 5 students for a career fair or college tour;
$1000: college application fees for 20 students
|
Too often, youth in our nation's capital lack access to the education they need to become engaged citizens. Global Kids bridges this gap by equipping students with the essential tools to succeed. Through after-school programs, a citywide initiative, and partnerships with the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute, as well as the Department of Parks and Recreation, students explore global issues and their relevance to their own lives. They design and lead service-learning and civic engagement projects, learning how to drive change in their communities and beyond. College and career preparation are central to the programming, through partnerships and guest speakers ranging from diplomats and policymakers to international business leaders. In today’s evolving workforce, critical thinking, problem-solving, and global awareness are more essential than ever. Let’s empower our young people to step confidently into their future. Dominique Jones, Executive Director
99 M Street SE, 4th Floor
Washington, DC 20003
(212) 226-0130 ext 105
dominique@globalkids.org
cfp-dc.org/globalkids
HUMAN SERVICES: Hunger, Homelessness, and Housing
Georgetown Ministry Center
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 sleeping kit (tarp, sleeping bag, blanket, sleeping mat) for 1 guest;
$500: warm dinners for 40 guests;
$600: 1 day of Street Outreach
|
Begun in 1987 with just one social worker and a mandate to provide service and shelter, GMC has since grown into a year-round drop-in center, providing psychiatric and medical outreach, social and mental health services, case management, shelter and housing support, handicapped-accessible bathrooms, and laundry facilities to one of the very neediest populations: chronically homeless individuals who suffer from mental illness, substance abuse, developmental disabilities, and physical injuries. Many are resistant to help, so GMC creates a welcoming environment that fosters trust. Last year it reached nearly 800 homeless individuals, including 60-70 “regulars.” An on-staff psychiatrist served 100, while a general practitioner provided care to 350. Moving from the streets to housing is profoundly challenging for this population, but for those who achieve it each year, GMC supports them at each step. On a cold night in Georgetown, you can add some warmth.
Teddy Sullivan, Director of Development
1041 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20007
240252-0105
teddy@gmcgt.org
cfp-dc.org/gmc
CULTURE: Performing, Literary, and Visual Arts
Split This Rock
| WISH LIST
$100: poet stipend for the The Quarry: A Social Justice Poetry Database;
$500: writing workshop facilitator payment and accessibility services;
$1000: honorarium for 4 featured poets at a poetry reading
|
As the only organization in the country working at the intersection of poetry and social justice, Split This Rock believes in the transformative power of language to envision a better world. Poets who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, working class, and disabled are historically underrepresented in the literary landscape. Split This Rock champions these poets' work through readings, workshops, and publication in The Quarry, a searchable online social justice poetry database with 600+ poems. The organization hires poets as teaching artists to facilitate writing workshops, encouraging youth and poets of all ages to write about social justice themes and share their work. Centering a commitment to disability, racial, gender, and economic justice in its accessible programming, Split This Rock regards poetry as an agent for change. Gowri Koneswaran, Literary Arts Program Director
1301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
gowri@splitthisrock.org
cfp-dc.org/
Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 week of groceries for a family of 5;
$500: 1 month of hygiene supplies for food program participants;
$1000: food refrigeration for 1 month
|
In predominantly affluent Takoma Park and Silver Spring, it's easy to overlook the many individuals who struggle to get by. For more than 40 years, ACSGW has served these residents, providing food and material assistance while creating spaces for them to learn. Food insecure and economic insecure individuals and families can receive food boxes filled with canned and packaged food, fresh veggies, and protein, as well as assistance with diapers and hygiene supplies. Youth participate in summer camps while community members enroll in computer and language classes to brush up on their skills, boosting their job prospects and increasing earning power. ACSGW serves more than 3,000 families each year. It has responded to every crisis, including major fires, the COVID pandemic, and refugee influxes. Recently, it has launched a major initiative to support workers affected by federal actions, or anyone economically impacted, with food assistance. At ACSGW, neighbors truly help neighbors. Joseph Manuel, Finance Officer
501 Sligo Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20910
3015856556
jmanuel@acsgw.org
cfp-dc.org/
Great and Small
| WISH LIST
$100: 2 new riding helmets;
$500: used saddle for the comfort of the horses;
$1000: semi-private weekly riding for a 14-week session
|
Bonding with a horse can be life-changing, particularly for people with special needs. Great and Small offers equine-assisted activities and therapies – from individualized riding lessons to summer day camps – to help children and adults with disabilities improve their health and reach their potential. Through therapeutic riding, individuals with special needs (autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy) learn horsemanship, while also working toward personal goals in areas like balance, strength, and social skills. And in the serene farm environment, mental health clients work with a counselor – and equine friends – to learn how to cope with trauma and conflict. Some of our riders are encouraged to pitch in, building independence as they help care for these magnificent creatures that empower and befriend people of all abilities. Rachel Neff, Center Director
17320 Moore Road
Boyds, MD 20841
301-349-0075
rneff@greatandsmallride.org
cfp-dc.org/
Life Asset
| WISH LIST
$100: 6-week business training class for 1 entrepreneur;
$500: loan capital to launch a start-up;
$1000: 1 year of coaching to start or expand a micro-business
|
Entrepreneurs with low incomes stand to benefit the most from small loans, yet few qualify for them: poor credit, minimal savings, and other financial challenges stand in the way. Life Assets provides microloans (under $5,000) to promising entrepreneurs who too often get overlooked. 75% are recent immigrants and 80% are women with low incomes (40% of whom are single mothers). Microloans allow them to start or grow businesses, earn an income, and create jobs. Additional business training and support sets them up for success, leveraging the loan and encouraging long-term financial sustainability. A loan program helps borrowers build or repair their credit scores – critical in securing employment or renting a home. Since 2011, Life Assets has provided nearly 2900 loans to 1500 entrepreneurs, with a repayment rate of over 98%. For every dollar loaned, two are generated: a superb investment. Lina Cortas, Executive Director
1640 Columbia Road NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-709-0652
cortas@lifeasset.org
cfp-dc.org/life-asset
HUMAN SERVICES: Life skills, Training & Employment
A Farm Less Ordinary
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 month of light bulbs for the sheds & greenhouses;
$500: average bi-weekly paycheck to a Grower;
$1000: gas for the farm truck for 1 year
|
At AFLO, people with intellectual, developmental, and cognitive disabilities (IDCD) are recognized for their abilities, not defined by their disabilities. On its fifteen-acre farm in Leesburg, adults with IDCD work as Growers: planting, harvesting, creating jams and pickles, and selling their products at farmers markets. In partnership with schools across Loudoun County, students with IDCD participate in work-based learning on the farm, gaining hands-on experience in a supportive environment. For many Growers, AFLO provides them with their first opportunity for meaningful, paid work and the chance to develop relationships with coworkers who become friends. Since its founding in 2016, AFLO has helped nearly 250 teens and adults with IDCD develop leadership skills and community ties, positioning them for long-term employment and fostering a sense of belonging.
Maya Wechsler, Co-Founder, Grantwriter & Director of Communications
17281 Simmons Road
Purcellville, VA 20132
202-810-3276
maya@afarmlessordinary.org
cfp-dc.org/farm
HUMAN SERVICES: Basic Needs, Food, & Housing
Anne's Place, Inc
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 meal for all residents;
$500: 2 months of case management for an existing resident;
$1500: 1 month of supportive housing for an existing resident
|
The number of older adults experiencing homelessness is estimated to triple by 2030. At Anne’s Place, where the average resident is 67, adults with chronic mental illness or other disabilities can age in place through supportive housing programs. Using privately raised funds, Anne’s Place pays for furnished singleoccupancy apartments that house eleven residents, half of whom have lived at Anne’s Place for a decade or more. Residents work with case managers to access medical and other support services, and build relationships with volunteer liaisons who visit them and deliver holiday meals. Participants in a new partnership with DC’s permanent supportive housing program collaborate with case managers and volunteer resident liaisons, re-certifying their housing voucher every year. For Anne’s Place, housing is a means to stability, friendship, and independence. Pam, Executive Director
PO Box 73275
Washington, DC 20056
2027431225
pam@annesplace.org
cfp-dc.org/annes
EDUCATION: Youth Education & Enrichment
BCAUSEICAN
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 hour of CODE or THRIVE instructional time;
$500: 1 week of CODE or THRIVE classes;
$1000: software for instruction and program evaluation
|
In Prince George’s County and across the region, many young people struggle with using technology because they do not own laptops or computers, and their caregivers often face language and digital skill barriers. BCAUSEICAN reduces the technology learning curve for students of color so that they and their families can thrive in an increasingly digital world. Every week after school, underserved K-12 students participate in bilingual programming to develop foundational knowledge in computer coding, earning age-appropriate industry certifications that equip them with marketable STEM skills. Interactive programs and introductions to sector professionals allow students to apply their learning to the real world, with many pursuing careers in STEM. BCAUSEICAN also supports adult learners (including seniors) in brushing up on their computer fundamentals, closing the technology gap for over 2,000 students and adults annually.
Ron Nicholson, Executive Director
7600 Ora Glen Drive, Suite 1003
Greenbelt, MD 20770
202-579-0643
rdn@bcauseican.net
cfp-dc.org/bcause
HUMAN SERVICES: Girls & Women
BRAWS-Bringing Resources to Aid Women's Shelters
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 month of menstrual supplies for 10 women;
$500: sports bras for 30 girls;
$1000: 100 boxes of pads or tampons for a PTA-sponsored school pantry
|
Two out of every five women struggle to afford menstrual necessities. BRAWS works to make them accessible to all, providing bras, underwear, and menstrual supplies to 100+ regional partners. These community organizations address hunger, assist refugees, support individuals recovering from substance use disorder, and assist formerly incarcerated women — all collaborating with BRAWS to distribute essential products. Girls in local schools receive pads and tampons every month. Children in foster care receive supplies as they transition in and out of the system. Unhoused women and girls residing in shelters and transitional housing receive regular deliveries and “shop” for items during BRAWS distribution days, where volunteers help them to find the bras and underwear they need. Providing more than 6 million products since 2015, BRAWS addresses period poverty, one essential item at a time. Lauren Sterling, Grant Manager
2102 Gallows Road, Suite C
Vienna, VA 22182
703-615-4571
lauren@supportbraws.org
cfp-dc.org/braws
HUMAN SERVICES: Basic Needs, Food, & Housing
OSG
| WISH LIST
$100: movie night snacks for 25 neighbors;
$500: art and sensory supplies for 2 months of weekly studio sessions;
$1000: 1 month of housing site Community Builder support
|
The shortage of affordable and accessible housing in Northern Virginia disproportionately impacts individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) who want to live and thrive independently. OSG partners with affordable housing developers to help close this gap. When an adult with DD begins attending its community events, they are welcomed by Community Builders who help them foster peer connections and work with them to determine their housing goals. After joining the OSG network, they are notified as soon as an apartment becomes available. OSG assists with moving in, connects them to essential services, and creates spaces where they can engage with neighbors in book clubs, walking groups, and more. To drive policy change, OSG partners with other organizations to advocate for more affordable and inclusive housing. In an OSG community, individuality is celebrated and interdependence embraced. Margot Greenlee, Executive Director
4250 North Fairfax, Suite 600 PMB 2259
Arlington, VA 22203
202-253-7946
margotg@osgcommunities.org
cfp-dc.org/osg
NATURE: Environment & Animal Services
Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council
| WISH LIST
$100: native plant & sustainable landscaping resources for
3 maintenance crew members;
$500: advanced training class for 1;
$1000: workforce development for 20
|
A healthy Chesapeake Bay watershed requires conservation landscaping, so CCLC educates and supports professionals to implement these green practices. Landscapers often impact large areas of land, but many do not currently design, install, or maintain sustainable landscapes. By increasing their skills and knowledge, CCLC significantly changes their understanding of and approach to preserving biodiversity and water quality. Its entry-level and professional certification programs are tailored to the unique ecology of the Chesapeake watershed. Beyond industry-standard green training, CCLC promotes the use of native plants and practices that improve soil health and reduce reliance on chemicals. Publications, private training, and continuing education reach more practitioners and representatives across sectors. Having awarded hundreds of certificates since its founding in 2016, CCLC shapes careers, behaviors, and our local environment for the long term. Elizabeth Ginter, Executive Director
PO Box 3399
Silver Spring, MD 20918
7035011208
beth@cblpro.org
cfp-dc.org/chesapeake
HUMAN SERVICES: Health, Wellness, & Senior Services
Community FarmShare
| WISH LIST
$200: a new market tent;
$500: 5 weeks of fresh produce shopping;
$1000: stipend for a college student intern to support market operations
|
CFS works to build a robust local food system so that residents can access healthy and culturally relevant foods, and small-scale farmers can sustain their businesses while protecting the environment. Every week, it provides fresh produce to students in 15 Montgomery County public schools whose families need food assistance. Offering the same to uninsured residents, it partners with clinics and nutritionists to supplement produce with education and one-on-one counseling. By sourcing produce from socially disadvantaged farmers across the county, CFS forms a key income stream for them. It also started the county’s first farm produce aggregation hub, creating the infrastructure that small farms need to sell bulk produce to food banks and pantries. Investing over $330,000 (and counting) in local regenerative farms, CFS allows food-insecure neighbors to access healthy food.
Jennifer Freeman, Executive Director
14975 Sugarland Road
Poolesville, MD 20837
(301)377-4267
jennifer.freeman@communityfarmshare.org
cfp-dc.org/farmshare
HUMAN SERVICES: Children, Youth & Families
DC Fiscal Policy Institute
| WISH LIST
$100: DC budget & advocacy training for community members & grassroots organizations;
$500: 1 focus group;
$1000: roundtable with local leaders & partners
|
The majority of DC residents are people of color, but many live in stark contrast to their white and often wealthier neighbors. Operating with the belief that policy is personal, DCFPI provides research, analysis, and strategy to inform local policies and reform inequitable systems. Budget and tax policy can be opaque, so DCFPI offers community rooted organizations and community members advocacy training that strengthens their understanding of how local budget priorities affect their daily lives and how their voices play a role in shaping these priorities. Its policy recommendations and rapid response analysis have become a trusted source of information for policymakers, advocates, and community-rooted partners. This deep engagement across social issues weaves a community-driven agenda, and it pays off: DCFPI has boosted incomes for 40,000 families, secured healthcare and higher pay for 4,000 childcare workers, and more. Todd Gray, Director of Institutional Advancement
712 H Street NE, Suite 2191
Washington, DC 20002
202-886-5180
tgray@dcfpi.org
cfp-dc.org/dcfiscal
HUMAN SERVICES: Community & Civic Engagement
DC Girls' Coalition
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 youth stipend for 1 young person;
$500: stipends for 20 youth participants;
$1000: 16 coping skills baskets
|
At DCGC, young girls of color are leaders with solutions for the issues they face every day. The organization trains young people across the city to identify and prioritize the issues impacting their communities, develop and research solutions, and communicate and implement those solutions. Its annual Youth Town Hall, facilitated entirely by young people, draws city leaders from all areas of government. Over the last six months, youth lead campaign actions such as presenting their solutions at panel discussions, organizing rallies, and meeting with city officials. Throughout the year, DCGC provides youth and their families with mutual aid support and opens healing circles where they practice coping skills with allies. When DCGC brings city leaders to the table, that table is built by and for youth of color. Kristi Matthews-Jones, Director
2303 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-612-0564
kmatthews@blackswanacademy.org
cfp-dc.org/girlscoalition
HUMAN SERVICES: Health, Wellness, & Senior Services
District of Columbia Forensic Nurse Examiners
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 year of self-care & mental health support for 1 employee;
$500: 1 training session for a forensic nurse;
$1000: transportation to forensic exams for 20 patients
|
DCFNE is the city’s sole provider and authority for performing medical forensic exams for adult survivors. Individuals who’ve experienced sexual assault, intimate partner violence, or family violence are referred to its nurses to document injuries, collect evidence, access critical medication, and receive essential care. Since 2013, DCFNE has responded to over 8,000 calls for service, using a trauma-informed and consent-based approach to care for survivors at District hospitals, its private Forensic Nursing Clinic, and through telehealth consultations. It also trains providers from other programs in forensic nursing best practices. DCFNE’s expertise has led to a formal government partnership to provide technical assistance to medical units globally. DCFNE ensures that every resident can walk away from a traumatic experience feeling empowered to take control of their health.
Erin Pollitt , Executive Director
101 Q Street NE, Suite T02
Washington, DC 20002
2027421736
erin@dcfne.org
cfp-dc.org/dcforensic
EDUCATION: Youth Education & Enrichment
EduTutorVA
| WISH LIST
$100: noise-canceling headsets for 6 students;
$500: 1 semester of high-impact tutoring for 1 student;
$1000: 1 year of personalized tutoring for 1 student
|
Founded by a group of former educators to address pandemic-related learning loss, EduTutorVA offers intensive tutoring support to 3rd-8th grade students who
would otherwise be unable to afford private tutoring. Each year, school partners identify students most in need of tutoring. EduTutorVA then connects them with trained college tutors from different backgrounds and majors for virtual sessions three times a week, covering reading and math. Some 600 students annually receive targeted and consistent small-group instruction, with 93% growing in reading or math by the end of the school year as a result. In turn, over 300 college tutors receive competitive pay, valuable education, ongoing support from a master
educator, and a positive introduction to the teaching profession. EduTutorVA bridges the academic achievement gap for students most at risk.
Meredith Fortner, Executive Director
PO Box 3373
Merrifield, VA 22116
7036232454
mfortner@edututorva.org
cfp-dc.org/edututor
HUMAN SERVICES: Community & Civic Engagement
Heurich House Museum
| WISH LIST
$100: sign language interpretation for a 1-hour guided tour of the museum;
$500: supplies for a Touch Cart;
$1000: fees to support 4 teaching artists
|
The Heurich House Museum honors the legacies of the craftspeople who built it while supporting modern-day artists from historically underrepresented groups. A dynamic local history museum in Dupont Circle, it welcomes residents through public tours, exhibits, and programs about DC history, where visitors learn about the women, household staff, and immigrant brewery workers who contributed to the Heurich family’s successes. Its biergarten serves as a gathering place for thousands annually in a city with few “third spaces.” Each year, through its Urban Manufacturing Incubator Program, over 300 local artisans, craftspeople, and small-scale manufacturers gain access to on-site studio space, education, partnerships, and digital and physical retail platforms. Operating as a traditional house museum in service to its community, Heurich House preserves local history, engages residents with people-driven programming, and stimulates economic opportunities for local makers. Alex Fraioli, Interim Executive Director
1307 New Hampshire Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-429-1894
admin@heurichhouse.org
cfp-dc.org/heurich
HUMAN SERVICES: Community & Civic Engagement
Interfaith Power & Light (DC.MD.NoVA)
| WISH LIST
$100: clean energy workshop speaker;
$500: solar energy
contract technical assistance;
$1000:media training to advocate for strong environmental legislation
|
IPL-DMV connects members of all faith communities to the environmental movement and cultivates them as “green leaders” to respond to climate change. All year long, its staff are out in communities, educating congregations about environmental justice through guest sermons, presentations, youth group programs, and skills
workshops. Congregants learn about native plants, practice gas pollution testing, and participate in induction cooking demonstrations. Hundreds of congregation leaders receive hands-on guidance and educational support to install solar panels and undertake energy upgrades for their sanctuaries and their homes. In coalition with other grassroots religious environmental efforts, IPL-DMV speaks out for strong climate policy in the region. Accountable to the communities most affected by pollution, its grassroots organizing builds the capacity of 1,400 congregations to invest significantly in clean energy projects and fight for urgent climate action. Lindsay Estes, Operations Manager & Executive Assistant
900 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
2027097641
lindsay@ipldmv.org
cfp-dc.org/interfaith
HUMAN SERVICES: Health, Wellness, & Senior Services
Kingdom Care Senior Village
| WISH LIST
$100: 10 long-handled shoe horns;
$500: freezer to store proteins for food distribution;
$1000: shelving for organizing the food pantry
|
KCSV is an aging-in-community village that fosters companionship and connection among senior adults, empowering them to support each other as they age in their own homes. As the only village in Ward 8 serving predominantly Black residents, KCSV addresses critical gaps for seniors who face barriers such as limited transportation, access to healthy food, and other essential resources. Members rely on KCSV for rides to appointments, help with applications for safety-net services, and support during transitions between hospital stays. Throughout the year, KCSV offers a broad range of social and wellness activities, including concerts, exercise sessions, and arts and crafts. Staff and volunteers make house calls, deliver prepared meals, and celebrate members’ birthdays. Hundreds of older adults benefit from the weekly pantry, receiving food and household essentials. Recognized in 2023 as an outstanding village, KCSV helps seniors thrive. Sally White, Grant Writer (pro bono)
814 Alabama Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20032
2025615594
sswhite33@gmail.com
cfp-dc.org/kingdomcare
HUMAN SERVICES: Basic Needs, Food, & Housing
Meals on Wheels of Takoma Park/Silver Spring
| WISH LIST
$100: heaters for the winter for 2 clients;
$750: 1 week of daily fresh fruit for all clients;
$1000: 2 shelf-stable meals for every client for all weather emergency days in 1 year
|
For over 50 years, Meals on Wheels TPSS has been meeting the needs of homebound residents experiencing food insecurity. Today, it serves nearly three times the number of clients compared to before the pandemic, delivering more than 55,000 meals annually. Every day, volunteers prepare and deliver a deli lunch and a hot meal, tailored for various allergies and dietary restrictions. For many vulnerable elders and residents with disabilities who live in isolation, these daily in-home visits provide crucial social interaction. Meals on Wheels also leverages partnerships to offer vaccinations, address safety hazards, make home repairs, and liaise with clients’ families and care providers. Acting as a critical safety net service in a region where food insecurity is growing rapidly, Meals on Wheels sustains and connects residents so they can live with dignity. Javonte McDonald, Interim Executive Director
7410 New Hampshire Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912
(301) 434-1922
javonte@mowtakoma.org
cfp-dc.org/meals
HUMAN SERVICES: Children, Youth & Families
Open Goal Project
| WISH LIST
$100: game-day uniform for 1 student athlete;
$500: healthy snacks for 100 participants for 1 week of programming;
$1000: tournament entry for 1 DCFC team
|
Many talented young athletes face financial barriers to high-level sports opportunities. So, Open Goal Projectcreated a 100% free-to-play soccer club where every child can succeed on and off the field. Youth ages 7–18 join the District of Columbia Football Club (DCFC) and compete against top pay-to-play teams,which would otherwise cost families over $3,000 annually. Students receive soccer training and participate in youth development workshops, covering topics from financial literacy to college preparation. A free summer camp and in-house soccer league for younger children expand these offerings. An empowerment program offers mentorship, coaching certifications, and paid positions to help youth build valuable workforce experience. Since its founding in 2015, 15 alumni have graduated to play collegiate soccer, and 30 have been hired as youth coaches. At Open Goal Project, soccer opens doors for all young people. Amir Lowery, Executive Director
1640 Columbia Road NW
Washington, DC 20009
amir@opengoalproject.org
cfp-dc.org/opengoal
HUMAN SERVICES: Basic Needs, Food, & Housing
Peace For DC
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 meal for 10 participants;
$500: Chromebook & computer classes for 2 HEAL DC participants;
$1000: Career Coaching for 1 month for 5 participants
|
Founded by survivors of gun violence, Peace For DC knows it takes much more than gun safety laws to make a community safe. It builds trusting relationships with those most at risk of experiencing or perpetrating gun violence so they can access the housing, food, education, health, and financial resources they need. Peace For DC’s HEAL DC wraparound program provides support to help them start healing, from case management to life coaching to cognitive behavioral interventions that address trauma. Its hands-on class for violence intervention professionals is the only one of its kind in DC, strengthening their work and teaching them first aid skills if they arrive on the scene before emergency medical services. Peace For DC uses long-term, proven, neighborhood-based strategies— now being replicated across the country—to break the cycle of violence.
Rachel Usdan, COO
853 New Jersey Avenue SE, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20003
202-680-9808
rachel@peacefordc.org
cfp-dc.org/peacedc
Reading Is Fundamental of Northern Virginia
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 new book (of their own choosing) for 25 children;
$500: 1 new book for 125 children;
$1000: 1 author visit for up to 2 grades and an autographed book for each student
|
At RIF NOVA, books change lives. Every year, RIF NOVA ensures that more than 20,000 children are able to choose free books to begin building their home libraries, a key factor in reading success. Many come from economically disadvantaged households, where the pandemic closure of classrooms and libraries further deepened learning divides. RIF NOVA raises funds to fill this gap by providing a wide range of new books and literacy activities to engage Pre-K through eighth grade students in reading. A donated book program augments book options, with a collection of over 50,000 new and used book donations to date. An authors-in-schools program brings diverse authors and their books to classrooms. A STEAM program provides relevant books and hands-on STEAM learning activities. Book by book, RIF NOVA gives children opportunities to read and succeed.
Lisa Keathley, Communications Director
PO Box 7012
Arlington, VA 22207
703-528-3763
lisa.keathley@rifnova.org
cfp-dc.org/rifnv
HUMAN SERVICES: Immigrant & Refugee Services
Restoration Immigration Legal Aid
| WISH LIST
$100: initial consult for legal status eligibility;
$425: Know Your Rights presentation staffing;
$800: Special Juvenile Status petition for an abused or abandoned immigrant child
|
Navigating the immigration system alone is nearly impossible for RILA’s clients: non-English-speaking asylum-seekers and immigrant children with few to no resources, many of whom fled their home countries carrying profound trauma. RILA offers them a safe environment and free, high-quality legal support to help them win asylum and obtain legal status. At its legal aid clinics held twice a month, volunteers work alongside staff members to lead meetings, take notes, provide interpretation, and offer childcare. Clinics begin with a shared meal, furthering cross-cultural dialogue and fostering empathy and shared understanding. Since its founding, RILA has won asylum for 107 individuals and obtained legal status for nearly 200 young people. Today, it compassionately represents more than 1,000 clients. RILA serves as a trusted community leader, providing sound counsel and a welcoming space for our most vulnerable immigrant neighbors. Natalie Foote, President & CEO
1815 North Quincy Street
Arlington, VA 22207
8043394688
natalie@restorationimmigration.org
cfp-dc.org/restoration
EDUCATION: Mentorship & College Access
Southeast Children's Fund
| WISH LIST
$100: reimbursement for 1-2 required textbooks;
$500: mini-grant for 1 educator;
$1000: partial scholarship for 1 educator pursuing an associate or bachelor'ss degree
|
For more than 30 years, SCF has provided early childhood educators and community members with high-quality, research-based training, investing in our childcare
workforce to empower children, families, and communities in Southeast DC. Educators receive scholarships to obtain associate’s and bachelor’s degrees and work with program advisors to navigate classroom and workplace challenges.
Additional hands-on training and certification build their skills in child development, classroom management, and educational planning, while mentorships with experienced educators further their long-term personal and professional growth. SCF also advocates for meaningful policy change to strengthen the landscape of early childhood education in DC. By directly supporting over 500 early childhood
educators annually, SCF ensures that more than 1,200 children and families can access early learning programs that holistically promote their well-being.
Kamren Rollins, CEO
2006 Martin Luther King Junior Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20020
2025615500
k.rollins@sechildrensfund.org
cfp-dc.org/scf
HUMAN SERVICES: Children, Youth & Families
The Clothesline for Arlington Kids
| WISH LIST
$100: coats, hats, and gloves for 4 kids;
$500: clothes for 3 kids for an entire season;
$1000: restock shoes for 1 week of giving
|
Clothing is a critical need for school-aged children, especially to build their confidence as they grow their sense of identity and explore social dynamics. Yet, many families in Arlington struggle to afford essentials like clothing. The Clothesline collects and distributes clothing donations in excellent condition so that low-income children can receive the clothing they deserve. Families can shop twice a year for spring/summer and fall/winter wardrobes, selecting clothes and shoes at no cost. Rigorous donation and processing standards ensure quality clothing, and community partnerships help expand its inventory to include items like new bras and socks. Staff and a dedicated team of volunteers curate the store thoughtfully and invite families to shop by appointment, ensuring a personalized and dignified experience. Distributing over 50,000 clothing items annually, The Clothesline empowers students to feel comfortable and confident in the classroom.
Ellen Moy, President
3330 Washington Boulevard, Suite 200
Arlington, VA 22201
7032432615
ellen@clotheslinearlington.org
cfp-dc.org/clothesline
HUMAN SERVICES: Children, Youth & Families
The Heart Leaf Center
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 hour parent or family counseling session;
$500: 1 month of Play Therapy for a child;
$1000: 1 year of supervision & advanced training for a therapist
|
THLC was founded in 2021 when younger children were struggling with rising mental health issues due to the COVID-19 crisis, and many underserved children from multicultural families could not access or afford counseling. THLC provides high-quality, low-cost, and culturally competent play therapy to hundreds of families each year. At its outpatient clinic in Fairfax, therapists offer individual and family counseling, promote healthy attachments, and build strong partnerships with parents, caregivers, and schools to tailor comprehensive support for each child. Public preschool and elementary school students receive similar care on site, where therapists collaborate with educators to support students in the classroom. THLC also trains mental health therapists and student interns in its play therapy practices, expanding both the number and skills of the local mental health workforce. THLC intervenes early to ensure every child can thrive. Sheri Mitschelen, Executive Director
11166 Fairfax Boulevard, Suite 207
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-397-8163
sheri@heartleafcenter.org
cfp-dc.org/heartleaf
EDUCATION: Mentorship & College Access
The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria
| WISH LIST
$365: year-round college & financial aid advising for high school senior class;
$1500: yearly books & supplies for 1 student;
$3000: annual scholarship for 1 student
|
Since its founding 40 years ago, SFA has awarded over $20 million in scholarships, affording close to 6,000 students the opportunity to access higher education.
Its unique partnership with Alexandria’s only public high school allows students and families to visit its on-site offices year-round. Well before their junior year, students attend college awareness workshops to explore their options. They engage with advisors individually and in groups to complete college applications, apply for financial aid, and stay on top of deadlines. SFA uses its broad network of partnerships to match students with additional resources they may not know about and to help them obtain as many scholarships as possible, including its
own. SFA’s dedication to funding and supporting students is unparalleled, walking alongside them as they transition to college and complete their degrees.
Jasmine Milone, Executive Director
3330 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302
703-824-6730
jasmine.milone@acps.k12.va.us
cfp-dc.org/spurlocal/org/sfa
HUMAN SERVICES: Children, Youth & Families
The T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project
| WISH LIST
$100: 4 Uber safe ride/UberEats vouchers;
$500: economic opportunity stipends for 20 youth;
$1000: 40 safe ride/UberEats vouchers for youth & families
|
To create a world free from gun violence, TTP focuses on prevention by mentoring, educating, and protecting young people. Too often, youth in DC are forced to survive instead of thrive. Reframing case management as care management, TTP meets over 600 young people where they are, connecting them with transportation, resources, and opportunities. Every summer, it provides paid jobs for young people to learn de-escalation, process trauma, engage with gun violence survivors, and build their social and emotional skills. Culminating in its annual Youth Day, youth graduate as Prevention Strategists, leading discussions and training to educate their peers on solutions to gun violence. Year-round, students in paid internships advocate for their needs with local leaders and policymakers while building community over dinners and outings. TTP centers youth voices to create safe spaces where they can heal and grow. Tahira Ben-Anxi, Chief of Partnerships and Prevention Strategy
252 37th Street SE
Washington, DC 20019
2027414614
terri@thetriggerproject.org
cfp-dc.org/trigger
HUMAN SERVICES: Children, Youth & Families
The TraRon Center
| WISH LIST
$100: safe passage for students to the program from home or school;
$500: 1 week of homework assistance for 6 children or youth;
$1000: 10 sessions of art therapy
|
Most of the young people in Wards 7 and 8 who have been exposed to gun violence experience profound psychological damage from trauma they continue to endure. The TraRon Center allows those ages 4-14 to grieve, cope, and heal through the arts. Every day after school and across seven weeks in the summer, art therapists lead children through developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive activities. Children express their emotions through affirmation sessions, drawing, group therapy, and individual counseling. Additional mentorship and tutoring assist children in catching up academically, while books, museum visits, and guest speakers introduce them to African American artists. By beginning gun violence prevention work earlier than most, the TraRon Center reduces PTSD among youth, equips them with conflict resolution skills, and opens a safe space for dialogue. Ryane B Nickens, Executive Director
700 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 290-9855
ryane@traroncenter.org
cfp-dc.org/traron
NATURE: Environment & Animal Services
Ward 8 Woods Conservancy
| WISH LIST
$100: supplies for 1 week of forest remediation work;
$500: 4 hours of environmental cleanup work with a crew of 5;
$1000: 20 durable metal signs with work by local artists
|
More than 500 acres of DC’s urban forest are located in Ward 8, but public institutions have historically neglected cleaning and maintaining access to this land. Ward 8 Woods centers residents from these neighborhoods in its environmental justice work. Many are often left out of such conversations despite living with the most pollution. Employing residents as Park Stewards, it trains them to restore the woodland ecology, build trails, and promote sustainable living. Park Stewards work alongside a crew of volunteers to remove trash and invasive species. In six years, they have cleared more than 1.5 million pounds of trash and cut invasive vines from over 8,000 trees. In an area where residents earn about half the average citywide income, Ward 8 Woods provides meaningful employment
that restores the environment and increases access to it. Nathan B Harrington, Executive Director
3214 11th Place SE
Washington, DC 20032
2025202742
nathan@ward8woods.org
cfp-dc.org/woods
HUMAN SERVICES: Veterans & Military Families
Warrior Music Foundation
| WISH LIST
$100: 3 weeks of music lessons for 1 service member;
$500: 12 weeks of music therapy for a service member;
$5000: entire Songwriting Retreat weekend
|
WMF uses evidence-based music therapy to reduce the risk of suicide for active-duty military, veterans, and their dependents. Music therapists design treatment programs for each individual, drawing from across WMF’s six key
programs. Through private music lessons, group therapy sessions, drumming circles, and cohort recital performances, veteran students practice regulating their mood and relaxing. Musical improvisation and songwriting give them space to express themselves while connecting with others to reduce social isolation. During quarterly songwriting retreats, students write songs that tell their deeply personal stories of trauma, grief, and loss. Many write for their children, spouses, and friends. The positive impacts are profound and award-winning: music
therapy decreases students’ anxiety, improves sleep, imparts coping skills, and reduces suicidal symptoms. For many students skeptical of therapy, WMF empowers
them to pursue mental health support.
Kirsten Anatone, Director of Programs
15480 Annapolis Road, Suite 202, #141
Bowie, MD 20715
2604668810
kirsten@warriormusicfoundation.org
cfp-dc.org/warrior
HUMAN SERVICES: Community & Civic Engagement
Young People for Progress
| WISH LIST
$100: space & refreshments for 1 General Body meeting;
$500: canvassing t-shirts for 30 members;
$1000: 1-day leadership development & organizing training
|
YPP cultivates the political power of young adults so they can fully participate in our democracy. Founded to address the policing and criminalization of young people in Montgomery County, it is led by young people under the age of 35, who comprise the majority of its members, board, and staff. Since winning seats on the county’s civilian Policing Advisory Commission, YPP has continued to influence countywide change through youth-led organizing: securing restorative justice coaches and funding for full time social workers in every public high school, and limiting the police department’s use of consent searches that increase harm and racial profiling. Through canvassing, Know Your Rights training, and workshops, YPP engages and educates more young people, developing grassroots leadership among those most impacted by state violence. At YPP, youth have the power to shape our future. Danielle Blocker, Executive Director
8070 Georgia Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20910
240-242-5030
danielle@ypforprogress.org
cfp-dc.org/ypp
HUMAN SERVICES: Children, Youth & Families
St. Ann's Center for Children, Youth and Families
| WISH LIST
$100: 10 days of groceries for 1 family;
$500: 1 week of housing & support services for 1 family;
$1000: 1 week of food, housing, life skills & employment education for a teen mom
|
Teen mothers who come to St. Ann's range in age from 13-21. Some are in the foster care system, others are runaways or are trafficked, all are homeless. The residential Teen Mother-Baby Program ensures the health of mother and child while the teen continues her education. Tutoring, GED preparation, internships, and a parenting and life skills curriculum help teen moms move on with their lives. For adult women experiencing homelessness and instability, transitional and supportive housing along with a dynamic employment program supports them in their job search and helps them overcome barriers to career mobility. Serving the children of working families in greater Washington as well as those in its residential programs, the child care center provides a rich learning environment that prepares kids for success in school. St. Ann's is there every step of the way for families that need support. Nancy Downing, CEO
4901 Eastern Avenue
Hyattsville, MD 20782
3015595500
ndowning@stanns.org
cfp-dc.org/
Page 8
Anacostia Riverkeeper
| WISH LIST
$100: supplies & processing for 1 Citizen Science water quality sample;
$550: boat tour for local youth;
$1500: Clean Waterways cleanup to remove & categorize trash
|
An 8.5-mile-long tidal river within a 176-square-mile watershed, the Anacostia River is home to nearly one million people who live either directly on it or on one of its many connected streams. Working toward a clean, healthy, swimmable, fishable river means enforcing existing environmental laws, working on better ones, building public awareness of environmental and health issues, and creating programs that focus on pollution prevention and cleanup. Friday Night Fishing, educational boat tours, service opportunities that foster ownership in the river for watershed residents, citizen water quality monitoring, and opportunities for residents to weigh in on important policy matters that will impact the future – all are framed around questions of equitable access to the river, equal representation in watershed issues for marginalized communities, and ensuring that the health of the river works for the health of its communities. Suzanne Kelly, Acting President
729 8th Street SE, Suite 100
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 863-0158
suzykelly@anacostiariverkeeper.org
cfp-dc.org/anacostia
Page 9
ecoLatinos
| WISH LIST
$100: community clean-up trash bags;
$500: stipends &
supplies for youth in 1 environmental education session;
$1000: supplies & refreshments for community clean-up
|
From its inception, ecoLatinos was designed to encourage more members of the region’s fast-growing Hispanic community to take action to protect the environment and improve local green spaces. It specializes in effective, culturally sensitive work with the Spanish-speaking residents of the Chesapeake Bay region and builds a bridge that unites Hispanics with other environmentalists. Latino consulting services, customized Spanish educational campaigns, culturally appropriate bilingual field outreach teams, and access to a vast network of Latino-led organizations, businesses, churches, and community leaders forge a powerful alliance for environmental justice and stewardship. Working with the Hispanic community, ecoLatinos encourages members to enjoy nature while keeping waterways free of trash. Its green career-training program offers an early introduction to best management practices. The vision is social and environmental justice through engagement, education, and activism across the Chesapeake Bay. Ruby Stemmle, CEO
7309 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 215
Cheverly, MD 20740
240-564-1256
ruby@ecolatinos.org
cfp-dc.org/ecolatinos
NATURE
Potomac Conservancy
| WISH LIST
$100: equipment for 20 volunteers to remove trash;
$500: training for 3 volunteers to lead clean ups;
$1000: equipment to collect 1000 pounds of acorns for reforestation projects
|
For centuries, the Potomac has been an anchor for our region’s identity—and the source of 90% of its drinking water. The wildest river running through an urban area, it’s home to more than 200 rare species and natural communities. But rapid population growth and associated urban sprawl have led to more river and stream pollution. Potomac Conservancy provides effective, long-term conservation solutions: permanently protecting land from development (preventing future pollution) and building a coalition of advocates for smart urban growth and river-friendly policies. Thousands of volunteers get involved in hands-on restoration, raise awareness, inspire action, and encourage friends and family to join in. Tree plantings, river cleanups, seed collections, and other activities improve the local environment and empower people to leave a healthier, cleaner legacy for generations to come. Hedrick Belin, President
4500 East-West Highway, Suite 150
Bethesda, MD 20814
belin@potomac.org
cfp-dc.org/
Protection & Conservation
EcoAction Arlington
| WISH LIST
$100: hands-on presentation for 25 students;
$500: 10
action alerts to engage local activists;
$2500: 4 large, native trees planted in under-resourced neighborhoods
|
Climate change, air and water pollution, and habitat degradation are urgent issues that require action, not only at the global but also at the local level. At EcoAction Arlington, local residents participate in stream cleanups, invasive plant removals, and storm drain markings; well over 2,000 students gain hands-on training in sustainable environmental practices; high school seniors create energy conservation activities for elementary students; Energy Masters volunteers make tangible improvements to reduce energy use/emissions in affordable housing units (a real benefit to families). The Tree Canopy Fund plants trees on private property thereby increasing Arlington's tree canopy, and Straw Free Arlington engages restaurants in reducing the consumption of single-use plastic – a benefit to shores and sea creatures alike. Volunteer engagement is critical throughout – because engaging residents in the creation of a sustainable environment is what our planet, and our community, requires. Elenor Hodges, Executive Director
3308 South Stafford Street
Arlington, VA 22206
703-2286427
elenor@ecoactionarlington.org
cfp-dc.org/ecoaction
Page 12
CULTURE: Community Arts
ArtStream
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 hour class instruction by a Lead Teaching Artist;
$500: costumes, props, set support for 2 performers during a production;
$1730: 2 full participant scholarships
|
Few theatres provide challenging arts opportunities for adults with disabilities and fewer still encourage them to be artists as well as audience members. ArtStream's six Inclusive Theatre Companies and four Cabaret Companies invite actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities - including Autism - to collaborate with theatre professionals and trained volunteer mentors to build skills while developing and presenting original musical theatre productions. Participants can also take theatre-based classes to boost self-confidence and strengthen communications. Super Social Saturday workshops focus on a specific theme to create a welcoming environment for participants to learn how to socialize, let loose, and have fun. And the arts can heal, just as they can educate and entertain. Partnerships with schools, community organizations, and others ensure that adults and children can access the arts in a way that is meaningful, powerful, and healing.
Katherine DuBois , Executive Artistic Director
402 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 125-101
Rockville, MD 20850
k.dubois@art-stream.org
cfp-dc.org/artstream
Mosaic Theater Company of DC
| WISH LIST
$100: intergenerational matinee & transportation for 1 high school student;
$250: video workshop for the High School Playwriting Contest;
$1000: wardrobe for 1 actor
|
Independent, intercultural, entertaining, and uncensored, Mosaic is nationally acclaimed for cultivating transformational, socially-relevant art. Each year, eight mainstage productions (including dynamic post-show talks) amplify underrepresented voices and address some of the most pressing issues of our time – from racial dynamics in America, to struggles for peace in the Middle East, to stories of resilience within LGBTQ communities. A workshop series nurtures vital works-in-progress, offering professional support and presentation opportunities to emerging artists. Audiences are as diverse as the playwrights and subject matter: while based at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, where deeply discounted weekday matinees ensure that students and seniors of all income levels can experience high-quality performances, Mosaic also brings free performances into DC public libraries and community venues. This theater speaks truth to power. You can add your voice.
COVID-19 Update:
Mosaic took a three-pronged approach to programming: virtual public programming, new play development, and online performances. The company is workshopping multiple plays, enabling artists to continue creating, and providing a platform for development. Productions designed to be live are being transformed into film versions, including Alexandra Petri's INHERIT THE WINDBAG. Virtual public programming consists of panels with artists, scholars, and community leaders in discussions about productions, social justice, and history. Dina Soltan, Donor Relations Manager
1333 H Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-937-6104
Dina@mosaictheater.org
cfp-dc.org/mosaic
Page 13
CULTURE: Community Arts
The Delaplaine Arts Center
| WISH LIST
$100: summer art camp for 1 child or teen;
$500: 2 art classes for 15 preschoolers;
$1000: art experiences for 6 developmentally challenged adults for 1 semester
|
As the only full-service arts organization in the Frederick region, the Delaplaine knows that "everyone deserves art." Each year, 84,000 individuals visit eight on-site galleries (and three satellite galleries at area public libraries) featuring exhibits in painting, ceramics, jewelry, printmaking, and more. Admission is always free. Art instructors and visiting artists lead 270 classes for all skill levels, from the art curious to the art professional, and needs-based scholarships ensure that anyone can participate. Community outreach programs partner with other local nonprofits and service organizations to provide customized art experiences to underserved populations – Head Start students, homeless youth, families recovering from substance abuse, adults with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Public programs, including an Art Carnival, drop-in activities, and free gallery talks, further integrate art into the community – because art has the power to enhance the quality of life for so many.
Catherine Moreland, Executive Director
40 South Carroll Street
Frederick, MD 21701
301-698-0656
cmoreland@delaplaine.org
cfp-dc.org/delaplaine
CULTURE: Performing, Literary, and Visual Arts
IN Series
| WISH LIST
$100: program printing for 1 show;
$500: artist fees for a
rehearsal;
$1000: discounted tickets for a community group
|
IN Series collaborates with diverse local artists and nonprofit organizations, performing in small, intimate, sometimes unusual venues – from GALA Hispanic Theatre to the abandoned Boiler Plant – commissioning fresh English adaptations, and breathing new life into rarely heard pieces. Think Verdi's Othello in repertory with Toni Morrison's Desdemona, music by Nina Simone, and a community art installation as the set design. Affordable ticket prices and free community events and outreach programs include Q&As with artists and creative teams and educational programs for thousands of DC schoolchildren. A four-year artist fellowship program designed by and for exceptional Black singing artists supports them on the road to becoming opera industry leaders. A new INVISION streaming service provides free digital access to present and past programming anywhere in the world. IN Series makes a once-elite art form relevant, accessible, powerful. Janelle Kennedy, Director of Development and Marketing
900 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 204-7763
janelle@inseries.org
cfp-dc.org/inseries
CULTURE: Community Arts
The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts
| WISH LIST
$100: art supplies and food for 1 drama camper;
$500: a trained Life Stories instructor for 10 grieving families;
$1000: 1 Musical Theatre Camp scholarship for a deserving child
|
Returning citizens, women in recovery, unhoused children and families, wounded veterans, teens working toward a GED, seniors in assisted living: everyone has a story to tell, a voice that needs to be heard, a life that is ready for transformation. At TTL they get to tell those stories, transforming their personal narratives into film or theater. And the self-esteem that comes from creating original works of dramatic art is life-changing. The pioneering, tuition-free, Life Stories (and Institute) program teaches hundreds of children, youth, and adults to create original dramatic work from their personal experiences. Hundreds more are able to participate in classes and summer camps in acting, directing, playwriting, and musical theater. Instruction comes from local actors, directors, and playwrights, and each year more than $150,000 in additional scholarships is granted to a third of those enrolled. Let the voices be heard.
Deb Gottesman, Co-Executive Director
900 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-824-0449
deb@theatrelab.org
cfp-dc.org/theatrelab
Page 14
NextStop Theatre Company
| WISH LIST
$100: costumes for 2 actors;
$500: summer theater camp for 1 student;
$1000: 1 professional actor’s stipend for a production
|
Before each show at NextStop Theatre, audience members are invited to turn and greet the people around them. This small gesture represents what NextStop is all about: building community and connection. The only professional theater company in the Dulles Corridor, it employs more than 100 professional artists each year, presenting six mainstage productions with completely diverse styles and themes – from beloved literary classics to contemporary hip-hop musicals. Every holiday season, 30 budding actors work alongside the professional company to present a show for young audiences, with complimentary tickets benefiting local community groups. Add special events (improv, cabarets, readings) and year-round educational programs (including fun, affordable Summer Adventure Theater camps) and it’s easy to see why NextStop is rapidly growing into a theatrical institution in the Town of Herndon and beyond. Your patronage helps set the stage.
COVID-19 Update:
Like all performing organizations, NextStop had to cancel the balance of the 2019-20 season and all 2020-21 season packages – a major challenge to be sure. It held a revised, smaller-than-usual summer and fall education program, but it is waiting on a change in public health guidelines before it can safely resume. What does the future hold? For one thing, more diverse, inclusive shows! Evan Hoffmann, Producing Artistic Director
PO Box 5006
Herndon, VA 20172
703-481-5930
evan@nextstoptheatre.org
cfp-dc.org/nextstop
Page 15
CULTURE: Performing, Literary, and Visual Arts
The PEN/Faulkner Foundation
| WISH LIST
$100: transcription services for a virtual program;
$500: books for a full classroom;
$1000: honoraria for authors involved in the fall Literary Salon
|
Understanding that stories from diverse perspectives enrich everyone’s lives, PEN/Faulkner cultivates a vibrant landscape for fiction readers and writers in DC and across the country. Working with local schools and educators, it brings writers from different backgrounds into classrooms for discussions, writing workshops, and semester- and year-long writing experiences. A fall salon spotlights emerging authors alongside established ones, while a partnership with the DC Public Library brings book club discussions, community workshops, and author conversations to the broader community. Every year, its four literary awards commend authors and literary advocates whose fiction creates empathy and advances civil discourse in America. PEN/Faulkner introduces over 4,500 youth and adults each year to a diverse breadth of fiction, inspires them to share their voices, builds community, and empowers them as readers and writers.
Gwydion Suilebhan, Executive Director
6218 Georgia Avenue NW, Suite 1062
Washington, DC 20011
(202) 258-1993
gwydion@penfaulkner.org
cfp-dc.org/spurocal.org/penfaulkner
CULTURE: Community Arts
Educational Theatre Company
| WISH LIST
$100: online multi-week session for 1 55+ student;
$500: Shakespeare in the Schools performance & workshops by 4 actors;
$1000: 4 weeks of PreK programming for 6 classrooms
|
In partnership with over 40 schools and community organizations, ETC brings theatre and artists directly into local classrooms. Students don't watch from the audience: they write dialogue, paint sets, analyze and create characters. Young children work closely with resident teaching artists to write, produce, or perform an original musical, while older students create and star in a film or experience a touring Shakespeare production in their own schools. Using theatre techniques, an ESOL program builds vocabulary, fluency, and public speaking among English language learners while Devising Hope encourages adults to share their stories of racism, homelessness, and unemployment in community performances. Seniors engage through the Creative Age program by performing scenes and writing monologues about their lives. At its core, ETC weaves the arts into everyday experience and makes collaboration, confidence, creativity, and community come to life. Katie McCreary, Director of Development
PO Box 4760
Arlington, VA 22204
7243886962
katie.mccreary@educationaltheatrecompany.org
cfp-dc.org/
Page 16
Girls Rock! DC
| WISH LIST
$100: private concert for youth by local women & nonbinary musicians;
$500: 1 week of camp for 1 student;
$1000: equipment & gear for an entire youth band
|
Girls Rock! DC was founded by local musicians and music fans who didn’t see themselves – women, non-binary, transgender, and gender-expansive folks – represented in the music they loved. So, they created a high-quality arts and activism education program where young people could learn about music as a tool for storytelling and change from role models who come from their own community. Youth of color make up the majority, and more than 75% of youth receive funding to participate. After school, in summer camps, and through a youth leadership program, they learn to play instruments, form bands, compose original music, enjoy private concerts from local musicians, participate in workshops from local educators and activists, and experience how their voices make a difference. Every year, Girls Rock! serves more than 200 youth (and 50 adults) who rise up and rock out together! Sirra Faal, Communications and Fundraising Manager
1640 Columbia Road NW
Washington, DC 20009
2026817625
sirra@girlsrockdc.org
cfp-dc.org/
Page 17
CULTURE: Community Arts
DC Creative Writing Workshop
| WISH LIST
$100: 10 copies of the hArtworks literary magazine for local libraries;
$500: journals & pens for Writing Club students;
$1000: field trips to Arena Stage for 40 youth
|
In the Congress Heights neighborhood of Ward 8, where nearly all students know someone who has been assaulted or murdered, DCCWW provides a place where trauma is channeled and energy is guided into creating works of power and clarity. Most start the year substantially below the national average in literacy, but as students read poetry, discuss what they’ve read, and write their own works of art, they practice literacy skills without even realizing it. DCCWW also creates a safe, stable environment, especially for those perceived as gay, intellectually disabled, or simply different. Museum trips, poetry readings, and plays allow young artists to experience and connect with the larger artistic community. Students win more writing awards than those in any other program in the city, including prestigious private schools. Award these kids your support. Bernie Horn, Secretary/Treasurer
601 Mississippi Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20032
202-445-4280
bhorn@ourfuture.org
cfp-dc.org/
CULTURE: Community Arts
Critical Exposure
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 week stipend for a young person in the Youth Organizing Collective;
$500: DSLR camera and supplies;
$1000: Giving Photography Society membership
|
CE trains historically marginalized DC youth of color to harness the power of photography and their own voices. It develops their capacity to shape narratives about themselves and their communities and to drive concrete changes in school environments by mounting youth-led campaigns that work toward education equity and that close the opportunity gap. Since 2004, CE has provided experiential learning and leadership opportunities to more than 2,700 Black and Brown youth (140 a year) who have used their photos and narratives to fight for restorative justice programs, find solutions to the school-to-prison pipeline, protect visual and performing arts requirements, advocate for financial literacy education standards, and win funding for new school facilities. Elevating the voices of youth and developing their leadership skills means they control the narrative and create meaningful spaces where they can shape decisions that impact them and their worlds.
Nicole Newman, ED
1816 12th Street NW, Third Floor
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 986-2177
nicole@criticalexposure.org
cfp-dc.org/ce
CULTURE: Community Arts
Young Playwrights' Theater
| WISH LIST
$100: supplies for 1 YPT student;
$500: 1 semester of theater arts instruction for 1 student;
$1000: 1 professional theatrical workshop reading for a YPT in Progress mentee
|
YPT uses theater education to engage students in joyful, creative play, empowering young people ages 5-24 who have been denied opportunities to access arts education because of their race or socio-economic background. Across the school year, some 1000 students write their own plays from idea to final draft, which local actors then bring to life through classroom and festival performances. Young playwrights interested in furthering their professional careers develop and strengthen their work in a paid residency and mentorship program. Silence is Violence provides a space for students to tackle challenging lived experiences of injustice, where they process, discuss, and tell stories about topics like police brutality, xenophobia, and young Black motherhood. Explored in live theater, community workshops, and podcast formats, these stories form the cornerstone of YPT’s annual production season. Matt Volk, Development Manager
6925 Willow Street NW
Washington, DC 20012
2023879173
mvolk@yptdc.org
cfp-dc.org/
Page 21
Communities in Schools of NOVA
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 month of student food assistance;
$500: health screenings, career fairs or a family event;
$1000: weekend food and school supply bag initiatives
|
CIS NOVA was founded by a civics teacher who saw that children were more likely to engage in school when they were safe, healthy, and well fed. To address issues like a lack of stable housing and health insurance, which originate outside the classroom, CIS NOVA works with school districts, teachers, and over 100 community partners to transform each school into an environment that meets students’ needs. Whether students require academic tutoring and mentoring, mental health support, or food assistance, site coordinators at every school assess their needs to provide personalized support to students and their families. School-wide leadership opportunities, career exploration workshops, and college readiness guidance create a supportive environment throughout the school. This nationally proven model, where families, educators, and community organizations coordinate support, demonstrates that when their needs are met, all children can thrive. Molly Wadsworth, Director of Advancement
PO Box 3512
Alexandria, VA 22302
703.239.3567
mollyw@cisofnova.org
cfp-dc.org/
EDUCATION: Mentorship & College Access
Community Youth Advance
| WISH LIST
$100: 2 hours of personalized tutoring;
$500: college tour for a high school student;
$1000: 6-week Summer Academy for 1 child
|
Committed to closing the achievement gap for underperforming students – a gap that grows to more than 30 points for children categorized as economically disadvantaged – CYA’s weekly tutoring, high-quality instruction, hands-on learning, and problem-solving build strong academic skills for Prince George’s County students. The curriculum reinforces what students learn in school and exposes them to entirely new topics: health, arts, cooking, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and college- and career-readiness programs. CYA combines education with mentoring to promote interaction, growth, and character building. Weekly group activities include separate boys’ and girls’ groups, as well as one-on-one mentoring when available. Case management for academically disengaged students, begun in partnership with PGCPS, responds to the disengagement of thousands of youth during distance learning: increased family support and referral services are all designed to reconnect students with learning – and with their futures. Karin Sheets (secondary contact) , Grants Consultant
2342 Vermont Avene, Suite 1
Hyattsville, MD 20785
240-770-3870
karinjane1@netzero.com
cfp-dc.org/
Community Services Foundation
| WISH LIST
$100: educational supplies for 1 student;
$500: 1 month of after-school snacks for 50 students;
$1000: 1 educational field trip
|
It begins with something simple: children in an apartment complex have no place to go at day’s end and are struggling in school. An out-of-school-time program is formed to offer tutoring and recreational activities – and CSF is born. It now serves more than 700 children annually in 23 subsidized housing-based community centers throughout the region. One fourth of children and half of seniors live below the poverty line; all struggle with access to opportunity. So elementary school students receive two hours daily of math, language arts, STEAM, digital literacy, character education, health and wellness. Adults access digital literacy, GED, job readiness, ESOL, nutritional and parenting training. Activities for seniors are offered three to four hours every day and fresh groceries are distributed each month to households needing assistance. Enhancing the lives of residents and preparing them for a better future: that’s the vision.
Shenita Vanish, Vice President
6606 Greig Street
Seat Pleasant, MD 20743
(301) 925-4251​
svanish@csfnd.org
cfp-dc.org/
EDUCATION: Literacy and Learning
One World Education
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 hour of in-school professional development;
$500: 60 journals;
$1000: safe passage for students traveling to and from One World Academy
|
In the District, two-thirds of students write at a “basic” or “below basic” level; college instructors estimate that half are unprepared for college-level writing. OWE leads the District's largest writing program, annually serving 5,000 students, equipping educators to teach critical thinking, and empowering students to write about issues that matter to them. They learn to create strong hooks, gather and cite hard evidence, and write with clarity and purpose, basics they will need in college and the workplace. Select students get direct support from teachers and performance artists to build essays into persuasive oral presentations for community leaders and family members. Over the next three years, a Pandemic Rebuilding Plan will expand programs to impact 20,000 students and re-engage those set back by the pandemic. OWE is cultivating a generation of critical thinkers, persuasive writers, and social justice advocates. Our world needs them.
Cam Hawkins
1800 Kenyon Street NW
Washington, DC 20010
202-558-8899
cameron@oneworldeducation.org
cfp-dc.org/owe
Page 23
EDUCATION: Youth Education
Turning the Page
| WISH LIST
$100: a year of books for 1 family;
$500: author-signed books & materials for 1 author visit;
$1000: learning materials for Museum Experience program for all families
|
TTP uniquely engages public school parents in ten school communities in Wards 1, 7, and 8 to maximize their involvement in their children's learning. TTP provides thoughtfully selected books to grow students' home libraries. Then, during "mobile meetings," parents and caregivers connect with experienced educators in one-on-one consultations to implement at-home strategies that help their children achieve reading and learning gains. Through additional parent workshops, they develop stronger parent-teacher relationships and support reading progress at home while building their children's science skills and advancing social-emotional learning. Author visits bring the whole family together to read aloud and receive mentoring and a book, while museum experiences invite families to engage with resources at various national museums. TTP also provides parents of middle school students with career and higher education information. When families are active participants in their children's education, everyone benefits. Jason S King, President
1300 I Street NW, Suite 400E
Washington, DC 20005
202-347-9841
jking@turningthepage.org
cfp-dc.org/
EDUCATION: Literacy and Learning
Reach Incorporated
| WISH LIST
$100: a set of 20 teen-authored children's books for 1 classroom;
$500: monthly tutor stipend for 5 teens;
$1000: Summer Leadership Academy for 1
|
By third grade, more than half of DC students have fallen behind in reading. This shortfall has serious, long-term implications because reading ability is a strong predictor of high school completion, college success, and stable employment. So Reach takes a novel approach. It recruits as tutors teens who have experienced significant academic challenges themselves. Professional instructors guide them in preparing lesson plans with a focus on decoding and comprehension skills, and Reach entrusts them with tutoring elementary students in need. Tutors gain 120 hours of teaching experience; approximately 90% graduate from high school; their young charges receive 60 extra hours of reading instruction. The results? Both groups experience significant growth: 1.5 years for tutees and two years for their tutors. For the teens who learn by teaching and for the children who benefit, it’s a win-win.
Stephanie Wolfe, Development Director
300 M Street SE, Suite 803
Washington, DC 20003
N/A
stephanie@reachincorporated.org
cfp-dc.org/reach
ASAS
After-School All-Stars
| WISH LIST
$100: a week of art supplies for 15 students;
$500: STEM supplies for 15 students;
$1000: bus for an environmental science outdoor experience or college campus visit
|
The vision: that children from historically marginalized communities will be prepared to compete in a global economy, grow as leaders, and have a brighter future. ASAS brings this vision to life for nearly 500 of the District’s youth, providing free, comprehensive after-school programming at six Title I middle schools: academic support, arts, health and fitness, high school readiness, and career exploration. To address an achievement gap that was accelerated by the pandemic, ASAS has embraced a high-intensity tutoring initiative and expanded basic needs and mental health supports for students and families. New workshops keep parents connected too, while cultural conversations and mentoring provide an outlet for student voices in the wake of a challenging year that also included a public reckoning with racial justice. Kids connect with caring adults who represent different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints – and who believe in their potential for greatness.
Daniela Grigioni, Executive Director
1730 Rhode Island Avenue NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
202-759-1084
daniela@as-as.org
cfp-dc.org/asas
Page 25
EDUCATION: Youth Education & Enrichment
Wilderness Leadership & Learning
| WISH LIST
$100: lunch for six WILL youth at a WILL program day;
$500: venue for a financial literacy/SMART Goals Day;
$1000: day of canoeing on the Anacostia River for six youth
|
For students in WILL, the natural and cultural worlds of Greater Washington are their holistic, transformative, positive youth development classrooms. On Saturdays, school holidays, and summer breaks, youth from underserved DC area neighborhoods learn and explore: day trips on the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers; a scavenger hunt on the National Mall; a seven-day journey of backpacking, canoeing, caving, and rock climbing in the Appalachian Mountains; service learning projects; a forum on college admissions; workshops on financial literacy and resume writing – all are designed to unleash their potential by developing their inherent strengths, leadership, and life skills. Annually, some 40 students make the full, 335+-hour commitment to explore and grow, and every student who completes the program has graduated from high school or is on track to do so. Steve Abraham, President
1758 Park Road NW
Washington, DC 20010
202-319-2765
steve.abraham@will-lead.org
cfp-dc.org/will
HUMAN SERVICES: Children, Youth, and Families
DC SCORES
| WISH LIST
$100: writing supplies for an entire DC SCORES team;
$500: a full fall or spring season for a poet-athlete;
$1000: programming for 1 poet-athlete for an entire year
|
Providing 3,000+ kids at Title 1 schools with access to high-quality enrichment activities, DC SCORES' whole-child approach is unique in the DC youth development space — combining soccer, poetry, and service-learning to help "poet-athletes" build physical fitness, find their voices, improve their literacy, increase school engagement, and strengthen ties to their community. The program is free – kids get everything they need to participate: balls, uniforms, coaches, fields, transportation, journals, writing supplies – and it's not "a la carte." Poet-athletes participate in all aspects of the program, which pushes everyone outside their comfort zone. Students who join to play soccer end up performing poetry on stage, and students drawn in by service end up scoring their first goal on an athletic field – with their peers and their coaches (85% of whom are teachers), supporting them all the way.
Megan Testen, Grants Officer
1140 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20036
202-393-6999
mtesten@dcscores.org
cfp-dc.org/dcscores
EDUCATION: Enrichment
Center for Inspired Teaching
| WISH LIST
$100: supplies & food for 2 in-person programs;
$500: 100 decks of the ABCDE of Learner Needs cards;
$1000: year-long Teaching With Improvisation Fellowship for 1 teacher
|
Disparities across economic and racial lines have been exacerbated by the pandemic, and isolation and learning loss have harmed students from all backgrounds. Confronting a complex and difficult world, students need to think critically and advocate effectively – and teachers need to be meaningful partners in the work. Inspired Teaching promotes civil discourse and social justice right in the classroom. It engages young people in real conversation about the things that matter to them – from racism to police brutality to cancel culture to voter suppression – and teaches teachers to do the same. Whether in a year-long, honors-level course or when gathering with peers from diverse DC schools, students engage in civic – and civil! – discourse, learn productively and respectfully to discuss controversial topics and develop the power of their voices. Empowering teachers and students together: this charts a way forward.
Elizabeth Cutler, Grants Manager
5614 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 258
Washington, DC 20015
202-462-1956
elizabeth@inspiredteaching.org
cfp-dc.org/inspired
Page 26
HUMAN SERVICES: Children, Youth, and Families
Phoenix Bikes
| WISH LIST
$100: brake and shifting cables for one Earn-a-Bike club;
$500: a season of cyclocross race entry fees for 2 youth;
$1000: 40 U-locks for drop-in or offsite Earn-a-Bike clubs
|
The guidelines are simple: work hard, serve your community, earn a bike. Whether at Phoenix Bikes’ community bike shop in South Arlington, or area public schools and community centers, youth ages 12-17 learn the basics of bike repair, practice their skills refurbishing a bike for someone in need, and earn a bike for themselves. Next, teens can stay on to learn advanced mechanics and help their peers through the basics, as well as build other leadership and job-readiness skills. On weekly group rides throughout metro DC, they use their well-earned bicycles for transportation, fitness, and fun. The junior cycling team gives young people an opportunity to experience endurance, discipline, and teamwork – valuable skills in cycling and in life. Using tools to fix bikes? Excellent. Using bikes as tools to develop young leaders? Awesome. Stacey Stump, Development & Communications Manager
909 South Dinwiddie Street
Arlington, VA 22204
703-575-7762
stacey@phoenixbikes.org
cfp-dc.org/phoenix
Page 27
HUMAN SERVICES: Community Development
City Blossoms
| WISH LIST
$100: 2 garden field trips;
$500: garden shed with tools, art supplies, and mini-library;
$1000: professional development workshop for up to 20 educators
|
City Blossoms cultivates the well-being of local communities through creative programming in kid-driven gardens. It collaborates with schools, early childhood centers, neighborhood groups, and community-based organizations to connect underserved communities to safe green space and garden-based programming, taking unused or underused land and creating urban gardens where children and youth use their creativity, intellect, and energy in new ways. Offering free and affordable in-school, after-school, and summer programming at 32 active sites for children (toddlers to teens) who would otherwise have little access to green spaces, the focus is healthy living skills, artistic expression, environmental stewardship, and community development. Dozens of neighborhood organizations, thousands of volunteers, and over 100 schools are part of the greening effort, fostering healthy communities by developing creative, kid-driven green spaces and innovative resources. Green thumb or not, you can help them grow.
Rafael Woldeab, Executive Director
516 Kennedy Street NW
Washington, DC 20011
2028822628
rafael@cityblossoms.org
cfp-dc.org/blossoms
EDUCATION: Enrichment
BUILD Metro DC
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 week of entrepreneurship programming for 1 student;
$500: seed funding to launch a small business;
$1000: 1 semester of mentorship & coaching for 1 student
|
"We want to start a business." These words first inspired BUILD's founder, who agreed to help four young entrepreneurs – on the condition that they finish high school. Now in five locations across the country, including DC where more than 300 students participate annually, BUILD runs a comprehensive, four-year business and academic program that immerses students in entrepreneurship training, teaches critical thinking and problem solving, and propels them toward college. BUILD Metro DC begins in 9th grade with a credit-bearing course at six DC schools and then shifts to an after-school program. Students craft business plans, make pitches for venture capital, build a small business, and "cash-out"; in the third year, they focus intensively on college readiness. 98% of students graduate on time; 97% are accepted into a post-secondary institution; 75% into four-year colleges. The profit is clear. Sybil Mimy-Wells, Regional Executive Director
2202 18th Street NW, Suite 104
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 506-6623
grantsmdc@build.org
cfp-dc.org/build
Page 28
EDUCATION: Literacy and Learning
Classroom 2 Community (Formerly Literacy Council of Montgomery County)
| WISH LIST
$200: IT certification work training course for 1 student;
$600: new device loaned to 1 learner;
$1200: national certification exam vouchers for 4 students
|
For more than six decades, C2C has used education to show underserved adults their own power and potential to change their lives. Through entrepreneurship classes, career coaching, computer boot camps, and professional development certifications, learners gain the experience they need to secure jobs that can sustain their families. They can also enroll in English as a Second Language and GED classes as a cohort, gaining essential skills and opportunities to network. Classes are flexible for those with limited time in their schedules, allowing all learners to proceed at their own pace. C2C educates over 6,000 residents annually, teaching them skills they can continue developing independently, placing them in good jobs, and fostering their confidence to advocate for themselves. For these residents, a C2C classroom is where trust and opportunity grow. Gabriel Martinez Cabrera, Executive Director
21 Maryland Avenue, Suite 320
Rockville, MD 20850
646-673-1468
gabriel@learnwithc2c.org
cfp-dc.org/LCMC
Page 29
Alfred Street Baptist Church Foundation
| WISH LIST
$100: food, laundry needs, transportation;
$500: books, fees, emergency trip home;
$1000: 1 Legacy Scholarship
|
Founded in 1803 in Old Town, Alexandria, The Alfred Street Baptist Church opened the Foundation in 2002 to make possible college scholarships for high-achieving, financially challenged students – because education may be the great equalizer, but only if it is financially accessible. The predominantly African American board approaches this educational effort with a special sense of purpose. Applicants must have a low expected contribution from their families and high academic achievement. Many recipients attend Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs). Because the same hurdles also exist in immigrant populations, the Foundation reaches out to diverse ethnic populations as well. Since its inception, it has awarded $1.7 million in scholarships ($1000 to $20,000) to over 400 students and offers ongoing mentoring to support them on their educational journey. Demand is greater than capacity: your support expands the outreach of this critical effort.
Patricia L Wallace, President
325 South Patrick Street
Fort Washington, MD 22314
301-292-9412
patalwallace@aol.com
cfp-dc.org/
EDUCATION: Enrichment
Collegiate Directions
| WISH LIST
$500: books and supplies for a college Scholar;
$1000: 3-day resilience workshop for young women;
$5000: upkeep of MacBooks, iMacs, and the computer lab for a year
|
Low-income and first-generation students face long odds on the path to earning a college degree: their graduation rate is just 16% nationwide. CDI provides 270 first-generation high schoolers with the wraparound support they need – from 10th grade through college graduation. It provides comprehensive college advising, individualized test prep, support in identifying "best-fit" schools, negotiation of aid packages, and one-on-one assistance through college that includes wellness counseling. When students are ready to graduate, the Career Mentoring Initiative provides coaching, access to workforce opportunities, and connections to accomplished professionals in their chosen fields. Additionally, the School Support program provides coaching that improves college advising for 3,000 students in Maryland and DC. Each year 100% of CDI scholars are admitted to selective four-year schools with average grants and scholarships of $36,000 – and a 97% graduation rate. Amma Felix, President & CEO
4827 Rugby Avenue, Suite 001
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-907-4877
afelix@collegiatedirections.org
cfp-dc.org/cdi
Page 31
EDUCATION: Youth Education
Edu-Futuro
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 night of childcare expenses;
$500: participation in regional Robotics competition for 10;
$1000: scholarships for 10 students in ELP-I public speaking competition
|
Pursuing your dream college is challenging for anyone. Now, imagine being the first in your family to do so, grappling with financial and language barriers at the same time. Working with under-resourced Latino and immigrant families throughout Northern Virginia, Edu-Futuro offers free, Spanish-English bilingual programs to inspire a new generation of leaders. Each year, close to 700 students work toward graduation through the multi-stage, after-school Emerging Leaders Program (ELP): middle schoolers build STEM skills through hands-on robotics; high schoolers engage in leadership development and mentorships; and rising seniors receive year-long support as they navigate college applications and enrollment. A suite of programs — from workforce development to parenting classes — empowers parents too and helps them secure employment, adapt to life in the US, and fully advocate for themselves and their children.
Zachary Hoskins, Director of Development
2110 Washington Boulevard, Suite 349
Arlington, VA 22204
703-228-2560
directorofdevelopment@edu-futuro.org
cfp-dc.org/edufuturo
Page 33
Prince William County Community Foundation
| WISH LIST
$100: groceries for a family of four for 1 week;
$500: groceries for a month for a family of 4;
$1000: 1 months worth of groceries for five families
|
In Prince William County, 14,000 children experience food insecurity daily. An alarming 44% of them (more than double the national average) are not eligible for federal nutrition assistance. PWCCF bridges this gap for a frequently overlooked community by delivering meals directly to families. Many live in areas without grocery stores or transportation options, so PWCCF brings its Combating Hunger on Wheels (C.H.O.W.) Wagon to them. Since 2018, the C.H.O.W. Wagon has delivered over 10 million healthy, prepackaged meals to food-insecure families, including military personnel and veterans. Its Backpack Buddy Bag program gives children additional bags of shelf-stable, nutritious food so they have reliable meals on weekends and over school breaks. Partnerships with individuals, schools, local businesses, and nonprofits allow PWCCF to implement its innovative mobile distribution model that seeks to end child hunger in the county. Dr Vanessa M Gattis, President & CEO
PO Box 5148
Woodbridge, VA 22194
800-455-4773
president@pwccfoundation.org
cfp-dc.org/
Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services, Inc
| WISH LIST
$100: meals for a family of 4 for 1 week;
$500: power restoration for one client's home;
$5000: education program or employment training for 1 person
|
Serving 900 households each year, LARS is a source of hope and relief for members of the Laurel community who struggle to meet their basic needs. At its Community Crisis Center, help may mean rental assistance after an unexpected illness causes lost hours at work, or a bag of groceries so a family does not have to choose between buying food and filling a prescription. Case managers connect clients to comprehensive social services and work with them to set goals and build skills in areas like personal finance, education, employment, and mental and physical well-being. And for individuals and families coping with chronic homelessness and disabilities, LARS provides subsidized housing and supportive services to get them off the streets and on the path to stability. Support here means a lifeline in crisis … and a path to independence. Shannon Mouton, Executive Director
311 Laurel Avenue
Laurel, MD 20707
301 776 0442
fundraiser@laureladvocacy.org
cfp-dc.org/LARS
HUMAN SERVICES: Hunger, Homelessness, and Housing
New Endeavors by Women
| WISH LIST
$100: household supplies for 1 client for 1 month;
$500: 4 counseling sessions for 1 client;
$1000: supportive case management services for 1 client for 1 year
|
NEW annually gives over 150 women and children in seven housing programs a safe place to stay. Homeless for a variety of reasons, the women (single or with families) come to NEW when they are ready to make big changes in their lives. Independent living skills, academic retooling, employment counseling, strategies for obtaining and maintaining affordable housing, support groups, and therapy – all help them regain control of their lives. Drug recovery assistance is critical because most residents have a history of substance abuse. Importantly, they learn how to afford places of their own: many put a portion of their income into an escrow account and work diligently with staff to identify potential housing. NEW women who become self-sufficient remain so: more than 80% of the 3,000 who have completed the program are no longer homeless – an impressive feat. Chantal James, Grants Development Manager
611 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
2026825825
cjames@nebw.org
cfp-dc.org/new
Page 35
HUMAN SERVICES: Hunger, Homelessness, and Housing
ECHO
| WISH LIST
$100: 22 sets of school-required headphones;
$500: 20 pairs of sneakers;
$1000: 40 winter jackets, men's sizes S-M-L
|
The DC suburbs are among the nation’s most affluent, yet pockets of poverty persist. ECHO addresses critical community needs often caused by job loss, relocation, health issues, or family breakdowns. Nearly all the families who receive assistance from ECHO have extremely low incomes, so its primary focus is food security, providing nutritious food and assistance to those struggling. Every year, over a thousand households receive hundreds of thousands of pounds in food. Beyond food, an all-volunteer team offers vital support such as help with housing and utility bills, essential housewares, clothing, and more. These forms of aid allow residents to achieve an acceptable standard of living, and regain stability and hope during difficult times. ECHO’s programs serve as a lifeline, ensuring no one in our community faces hardship alone. Michael Baier, Executive Director
7205 Old Keene Mill Road
Springfield, VA 22150
703-569-7972
executivedirector@echo-inc.org
cfp-dc.org/echo
Page 37
HUMAN SERVICES: Basic Needs, Food, & Housing
Homestretch
| WISH LIST
$100: gasoline for a client to travel to work & bring children to childcare & school;
$500: groceries for 1 family;
$1000: mattresses & pillows for a new family
|
Well over 1,000 individuals (a third are children) are homeless in affluent Fairfax County. Most have limited education and work skills, chronic illness or addiction, histories of eviction, language challenges. They need rigorously tailored services to succeed and for 70 families annually, Homestretch provides just that: two years of housing, case management, employment assistance, scholarships for training and education, money management and debt reduction, life skills, parenting, computer, and ESOL classes, therapy for survivors of violence, and services for children, including a licensed preschool. Homestretch has a 90% retention rate and a full 95% of graduates remain permanently housed. Adults who were homeless and in crisis become nurses, accountants, teachers, plumbers, chefs, social workers, restaurant owners; many children go on to college. The array of intensive services is costly but has a significant payoff when previously homeless families begin ... to amaze themselves. Barfonce Baldwin, Director of Institutional Giving
303 South Maple Avenue, Suite 400
Falls Church, VA 22046
bbaldwin@homestretchva.org
cfp-dc.org/homestretch
HUMAN SERVICES: Hunger, Homelessness, and Housing
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries
| WISH LIST
$100: 17 fresh food weekend meal packs for students;
$500: 85 weekend meal packs for students;
$1000: rent or utility bill assistance for 1 family during the fiscal year
|
A family of four at 200% of the federal poverty income guidelines lives on $64,300 or less, and this is the situation for 89% of WFCM clients. They may be experiencing a one-time crisis, have a job-preventing disability, or work part-time jobs with no benefits. As the anchor human services nonprofit in western Fairfax County, WFCM provides both food and financial support. Two Client Choice Food Markets offer free produce, meat, dairy, shelf-stable foods, toiletries, diapers (in partnership with the Greater DC Diaper Bank), baby food, and formula. WFCM also assists with rent and utility bills, including rental assistance. Seasonal and year-round supplemental programs include nutrition workshops, a laundry ministry, student backpack support, and food during school and holiday breaks. The goal is to meet basic needs and keep clients safely housed during financial crises. Harmonie Taddeo, Executive Director
4511 Daly Drive, Suite J
Chantilly, VA 20151
703-988-9656
htaddeo@wfcmva.org
cfp-dc.org/WFCM
HUMAN SERVICES: Children, Youth & Families
The Center for Alexandria's Children
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 month of Learn&PlayGroup for 1 family;
$500: child abuse prevention training for 25 professionals;
$1000: comprehensive services for 1 child impacted by child abuse
|
The Center was founded as a partnership between the City of Alexandria and the local community foundation to create responsive systems of care for child victims of abuse. Today, it remains the only organization in Alexandria providing comprehensive services to children. Using a trauma-informed, cross-agency approach, it provides a safe space for children who have experienced trauma and abuse to begin healing. Its focus on prevention includes inviting parents and caregivers of at-risk children ages 0-5 to participate in weekly and monthly play-based learning experiences. Additional outreach and education programs train community members and professionals to recognize, respond to, and report child sexual abuse. As a public-private partnership, the Center activates the whole community to end child abuse. Terri, Executive Director
1900 N Beauregard Street, Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22311
703-746-6017
terri@centerforalexandriaschildren.org
cfp-dc.org/AlexandriasChildren
Page 39
HUMAN SERVICES: Children, Youth, and Families
Community Family Life Services
| WISH LIST
$100: food, clothing, & transportation for 2;
$500: bedding & toiletries for a family in transitional housing;
$1000: starter kit after release (laptop, hygiene products, clothing, food)
|
At the intersection of incarceration, poverty, homelessness, and trauma, there is much work to be done. CFLS addresses the needs of recently released individuals and their families. Short-term crisis assistance like food and clothing provides an emergency safety net, while long-term support like housing assistance, employment services, parenting programs, legal aid, and financial literacy training gives families the opportunity to transform their lives. For people returning home after incarceration (many of whom are single mothers), intensive case management begins three to four months before release and continues as they rejoin the community – meeting basic needs, helping secure employment and housing, and offering parenting classes and medical case management, including substance abuse treatment. Some arrive at CFLS with a single plastic bag holding their possessions – and leave with a new beginning. Claudia Thorne, Executive Director
4860 Fort Totten Drive NE
Washington, DC 20011
202.347.0511
cthorne@cflsdc.org
cfp-dc.org/
Only Make Believe
| WISH LIST
$100: costume-making supplies for in-person performances;
$500: transportation for actors to & from an in-person performance;
$1200: 1 in-person performance
|
The children served by OMB face diverse challenges – some are chronically ill or struggling with psychiatric disorders; others have physical or developmental disabilities; most spend a large portion of their childhoods isolated from their communities. But all can benefit from the therapeutic power of theatre. OMB creates and performs interactive theatre for children in hospitals, care facilities, and special education programs. With the help of local professional actors, children take part in original plays, dressing up and becoming the stars of the show. Each performance is tailored to suit the children’s needs – including sensory modifications for children with disabilities, an interactive closed-circuit TV program for kids who cannot leave their hospital beds, and virtual programming (developed during the pandemic) for children who need it – all free of charge. OMB brings the magic of imaginative play into kids' lives.
Tamela Aldridge, CEO
6856 Eastern Avenue NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20012
202.299.0855
taldridge@onlymakebelieve.org
cfp-dc.org/omb
HUMAN SERVICES: Children, Youth, and Families
The Barker Adoption Foundation
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 pregnancy adoption plan counseling session;
$500: 3 adoption competent mental health counseling sessions;
$1000: 2 months of Parent Peer Coaching for 1 family
|
For 80 years, Barker has served those connected to adoption, providing ethical, child-centered services and support that fully respect everyone's needs. It makes adoption-competent, trauma-informed counseling and support available to anyone—not just Barker clients, who are diverse in age, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background. Expectant parents with crisis pregnancies access emotional support, education about adoption, and connections with community resources. (There are no fees and no one is turned away.) The adoption of older children in foster care is a critical societal responsibility – 25% of these youth otherwise “age out” of care and experience homelessness. Understanding this, Barker’s Project Wait No Longer recruits, trains, and supports permanent, loving families for some of the 100,000 adoption eligible older children in the foster care system. Michele Mazzei, Director of Development
7979 Old Georgetown Road, First Floor
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-664-9664
mmazzei@barkerfoundation.org
cfp-dc.org/
Page 40
DC127
| WISH LIST
$100: grocery store gift card for 1 family;
$500: rent and/or utility stipend for 1 family;
$1000: 1 month of supplies (books, clothes, bedding, diapers) for Tabitha's Closet
|
DC127 provides parents with the resources they need to keep their families together. Working with church partners, government agencies, and community organizations, it offers integrated support that includes financial wellness tools, job training, food security, stable housing, and mental health services that sustain healthy interpersonal relationships. For children who need temporary placements, through a partnership with Child & Family Services, DC’s only child welfare agency, DC127 identifies, recruits, and trains foster parents so that kids have the right kind of support and protection while they need it. There are over 800 children in foster care awaiting a permanent home because circumstances made parenting them during a crisis impossible. DC127 addresses the problem head-on, helping families to stabilize themselves, mobilizing a team of volunteers around them, and creating lifelong supportive relationships – because parents and their children belong together.
Chrissy Weeks, Executive Director
1225 Otis Street NE
Washington, DC 20017
202-670-1145
chrissy@dc127.org
cfp-dc.org/dc127
Page 41
SafeSpot Children's Advocacy Center of Fairfax
| WISH LIST
$100: court accompaniment for 1 child and family;
$500: advocacy, case management, and crisis counseling for 1 family;
$1000: 1 multidisciplinary team training
|
Children's Advocacy Centers provide a centralized, family-friendly location for the investigation of the unthinkable: child sexual abuse and severe physical abuse. They bring together law enforcement, child protective services, and other professionals to minimize the number of times children have to describe their traumatic experiences. At SafeSpot, highly trained bilingual forensic interviewers structure their questions to avoid re-traumatizing children or compromising an investigation. A multi-disciplinary team (medical professionals, therapists, criminal justice personnel, social workers, victim advocates) decides how best to help the child, and a Family Advocate meets with (non-offending) caregivers to listen and offer essential support. Counseling is tailored to the unique challenges of youth with post-traumatic stress and mood disorders resulting from abuse, violence, or grief. One in four girls and one in six boys will be abused by the age of 18. Safespot is committed to being there for them.
Heather O'Malley, Chief Executive Officer
PO Box 148
Fairfax, VA 22038
703 385-5437
homalley@safespotfairfax.org
cfp-dc.org/safespot
Page 42
HUMAN SERVICES: Children, Youth, and Families
Court Appointed Special Advocates/Prince George's County
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 personalized care package for an older youth;
$500: holistic, best-interest advocacy for 1 month;
$1000: matches for 5 youth with screened, trained volunteer advocates
|
For the nearly 500 children living in foster care in Prince George’s County, it often takes four years (twice the national average) to find a stable home. In those years, their Court Appointed Special Advocate may well be the only source of comfort and safety they have. Since 2001, CASA/Prince George’s has provided "best-interest advocacy" to youth in the foster care system by screening, training, and supervising volunteer advocates and promoting the timely placement of children in safe and permanent homes. While attorneys are experts on the law, CASA volunteers are experts on the child and provide the long-term advocacy that children in complex, frightening situations desperately need. For twenty years, CASA/Prince George’s has been the only organization in the county connecting youth with the full circle of support they need and the advocacy they deserve.
Yolanda Johnson, Executive Director
6811 Kenilworth Avenue, Suite 402
Riverdale, MD 20737
3012090491
executivedirector@pgcasa.org
cfp-dc.org/casapg
Page 43
So What Else, Inc.
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 month of summer camp for a child;
$1000: 1 year of meals for a family of 6;
$1500: supplies for the food pantry for an entire month
|
Nearly one in four children in Maryland and DC are lost in the after-school-time abyss. So at eighteen sites in Maryland and one in DC, SWE reaches some 3,500 kids with over 100 free programs and 24 free summer and school break camps, offering everything from expressive arts and healthy cooking to STEM and sports – all interwoven with service learning. In March 2020, together with its partners and teams of volunteers, SWE launched a program to respond to the hunger emergency in historically marginalized communities hard hit by the pandemic. Now a core initiative, it delivers food to affordable housing complexes, homeless shelters, churches, and community rooms. A walk-up food pantry serves thousands of meals each day and stocks baby goods, clothing, books, snacks, toys, and educational materials for children. Serve kids, serve the community, and help kids serve the community: light the spark.
Dave Silbert, Executive Director
6901 Rockledge Drive, Suite 709
Bethesda, MD 20817
240-602-0486
dsilbert@sowhatelse.org
cfp-dc.org/swe
HUMAN SERVICES: Children, Youth, and Families
Safe Shores: The DC Children's Advocacy Center
| WISH LIST
$100: a "take care" bag of new clothing, pajamas, underwear, and toiletries;
$500: a month of groceries for a family of 4;
$1000: relocation to new housing away from an abuser
|
For over 26 years, Safe Shores' child-friendly approach has ensured that children traumatized by abuse have a safe and welcoming place, their voices are heard, their needs are placed first. It provides a compassionate, comprehensive approach to child victims: sensitive forensic interviews and evaluations, a supervised playroom for kids awaiting interviews, new clothes and toiletries, meals, and funds for emergency needs. The model also includes training for partner agencies and volunteers, prevention training for adults, and mental health assessment and treatment. During the pandemic, an untold number of children spent months in isolation with their abusers. While reports of suspected abuse fell dramatically, parental stress and economic instability increased the risk factors. Now, Safe Shores anticipates a spike in reports of youth who have experienced long-term exposure to abuse and may require more intensive and lengthier support. No child should go through this alone. Michele Booth Cole, Executive Director
429 O Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-645-4419
mboothcole@safeshores.org
cfp-dc.org/safeshores
Page 45
The Safe Sisters Circle
| WISH LIST
$100: appointment transportation for 4;
$500: group therapy cohort for 8-10 survivors;
$1000: Survivor Advocacy Board meeting compensation for 10 survivor members
|
Safe Sisters was founded by a Black woman who saw a cultural disconnect between those providing and those receiving services for domestic violence and sexual abuse. The only organization that focuses on the needs of Black women survivors in Wards 7 and 8, Safe Sisters provides culturally-specific, trauma-informed legal representation in civil protection, family law, and criminal court cases. It also explores non-carceral alternatives for survivors who want safety but favor help and accountability, not jail, for their loved ones. Education is central, with a special focus on young girls and the importance of healthy relationships and the meaning of consent. Embedded in the community, Safe Sisters arranges referrals for therapeutic services, educational/career assistance, and even clothing and food needs. The long-term vision is to change the culture of intimate violence in Wards 7 and 8 through culturally-specific representation ... and prevention. Nel-Sylvia Guzman, Executive Director
PO Box 15126
Washington, DC 20003
202-365-5251
nelsylvia.guzman@safesisterscircle.org
cfp-dc.org/safesisters
Rainbow Place Shelter for Homeless Women
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 night of counseling for 12 women;
$500: costs to stay open during the day when weather causes county closures;
$1000: utilities for 1 month
|
Despite broad community commitment to end homelessness in Montgomery County, the cost of housing continues to increase and, with it, the number of working poor. Many who come to Rainbow would otherwise be sleeping in store doorways, parks, bus stations, or cars – and the number is rising dramatically. Rainbow Place provides adult women with extra support during the hypothermia season, opening its doors every night from November 1st through April 1st each year. Guests thrive in the small setting: enjoying dinner and conversation, doing laundry, accessing case management services, participating in arts and fitness activities, and relaxing after a long day. A vital part of Montgomery County's continuum of care, Rainbow collaborates with the county and local providers to eliminate duplication of services and serve its guests with warmth and compassion. Olusina Adebayo, Executive Director
215 West Montgomery Avenue
Rockville, MD 20850
301-762-1496
Director@rainbowplace.org
cfp-dc.org/rainbowplace
Page 47
Healwell
| WISH LIST
$100: massage therapist for 1 hour;
$500: massage therapy training program for 1 therapist;
$1000: partial scholarship for 9-month palliative massage therapy certificate program
|
Many people affected by acute, chronic, and serious illness find their experience is compounded by other symptoms like pain, depression, and loneliness. In conjunction with other forms of care, like medication, massage therapy can have a significant positive impact on relieving these symptoms. Healwell trains massage therapists to bring expertly adapted massage therapy to patients who would not otherwise have access to it. Since 2009, Healwell has become a national leader in providing massage therapy as healthcare: their published research shows that massage therapy improves patients’ quality of life and reduces the emotional distress of nurses working with these patients. Breaking down barriers about who "deserves" to be seen and cared for with compassion, Healwell's massage therapists partner with healthcare teams in hospitals, homes, and clinics to change what it's like to live with serious illness. Cal Cates, Executive Director
2300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 700
Arlington, VA 22201
2023207921
cal@healwell.org
cfp-dc.org/
HUMAN SERVICES: Health, Mental Health, and Aging
Nueva Vida
| WISH LIST
$100: transportation for a cancer screening exam;
$600: 1 3-hour mental health support group;
$1000: 1 cancer diagnostic test
|
Imagine you have no health insurance, no primary care physician, no family or friends nearby – and suddenly “usted tiene cancer” (you have cancer). For many Latinos in the Washington area, this is their reality. Founded in 1999 by Latina breast cancer survivors and health professionals, Nueva Vida has provided support services to over 7,500 clients in the Latino community. The only Spanish-speaking agency of its kind in the DMV, its culturally competent, trained bilingual/bicultural workers offer high-touch, comprehensive programs that serve the cultural needs of this community – outreach and education, patient navigation, and psychosocial support – guiding them through the difficult days of diagnosis and assisting them with life-saving access to treatment and healthcare. Nueva Vida has given "new life" to so many. You can offer your life-changing support.
Larisa Caicedo, Executive Director
801 North Pitt Street Suite 113
Alexandria, VA 22314
202-223-9100
lcaicedo@nueva-vida.org
cfp-dc.org/nuevavida
Community Advocates for Family and Youth
| WISH LIST
$100: new locks for safety;
$500: 3-4 safe-night hotel stay;
$1000: security deposit for a family relocating out of fear
|
For those in Prince George’s County – some 1400 a year – who experience a crime or suffer trauma, CAFY functions as the “social services emergency room.” Its most important job is to minimize trauma and ensure that people have a voice. Staff help with answers to questions like “so what now?”, “so where do I go?”, and “so when will I feel safe?” Therapists address mental health concerns, advocates help secure safe shelter, food, and clothing, and attorneys offer pro-bono legal services – all helping to answer "so what?/where?/when?" questions and ensure that victims become survivors. Services are offered in English and Spanish and are available 24/7 via the CAFY Helpline. For anyone who experiences a crime in the county, CAFY is there to help, providing necessary wraparound services on the journey toward healing and justice. Arleen B Joell, CEO & President
PO Box 4419
Capitol Heights, MD 20791
301 882-1210
ajoell@cafyonline.org
cfp-dc.org/
HUMAN SERVICES: Health, Mental Health, and Aging
Senior Services of Alexandria
| WISH LIST
$100: 16 nutritious meals for a homebound senior through the Meals on Wheels program;
$500: 5 educational outreach events;
$1000: 27 weeks of meals for one homebound senior
|
One in four older Alexandrians lives alone. Most are retired and living on a fixed income, some live in poverty, and many have chronic health conditions. For over 50 years, SSA has been there. It delivers meals and groceries to those who can’t shop or prepare food, offers quick assessments for those recovering from surgery or illness, arranges visits and educational seminars to promote social connection and enrichment, and manages low-cost transportation for those with mobility issues. A bilingual Outreach Program connects immigrant seniors to vital, culturally tailored services that foster trust and ensure their inclusion. Senior volunteer Ambassadors keep their local communities informed about issues and programs important to them. Keenly aware of the challenges, SSA’s mission is to enable aging adults to live independently, with autonomy, dignity, and self-sufficiency. Mary Lee Anderson, Executive Director
206 North Washington Street, Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
7038364414
executivedirector@seniorservicesalex.org
cfp-dc.org/
Page 49
HUMAN SERVICES: Health, Wellness, & Senior Services
Shepherd's Center of Northern Virginia
| WISH LIST
$100: social lunch for 5 older adults;
$500: 10 gas cards for high-volume volunteer drivers;
$1000: operations funding to support older adults in the community
|
Aiming to help seniors “age in place,” Shepherd’s Center provides programming at little or no cost to promote the well-being and independence of older adults. Volunteers spend over 10,000 hours with homebound older adults each year, transporting them to grocery stores, community centers, banks, and vital appointments, and ensuring they can access critical medications and treatments for chronic conditions. Wellness and learning classes, social lunches, and friendly visits become “lifelines” for many seniors, who connect over everything from tai chi to world affairs. Volunteers also assist with minor home repairs, technology challenges, and seasonal yard work, while the Center’s staff helps older adults navigate the healthcare system and opens support groups for their caregivers. With the help of the Center, older adults can age in their homes and stay involved outside of them for years to come. Carolyn Pennington, Executive Director
111 Church Street, NW, Suite 202
Vienna, VA 22180
(703) 281-0538
carolynpennington@scnova.org
cfp-dc.org/
Page 51
Hamkae Center (formerly Nakasec VA)
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 month of Korean or Vietnamese translation services;
$500: multilingual literature to canvass 100 households;
$1000: 3 completed naturalization applications
|
Some 25% of undocumented immigrants in Virginia come from Asian countries and primarily work in food or service industries; one-fifth live in linguistically isolated households. Community organizing is the key to change, so Hamkae Center fights for immigrant rights and a path to citizenship, expanding healthcare coverage, improving language access to publicly funded services (during the pandemic, few materials were available in a language other than English), and increasing electoral participation of Asian Americans and other communities of color. A leadership development program for youth equips them with the tools to organize and community services offer assistance with naturalization applications and Driver Privilege cards, DACA screenings and renewals, and applications for public healthcare benefits. Hamkae Center knows that racial equity is not just the absence of discrimination but the presence of values and systems that ensure fair opportunities and outcomes for all.
Sookyung Oh, Director
11350 Random Hills Road, Suite 230
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-256-2208
soh@nakasec.org
cfp-dc.org/hamkae
HUMAN SERVICES: Legal Services and Justice Programs
Tahirih Justice Center
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 doctor's visit for a survivor of violence;
$500: emergency housing for an immigrant survivor & their children;
$1000: 20 pay-as-you-go cell phones
|
Tahirih addresses an urgent need: serving survivors of gender-based violence, primarily immigrant women and girls, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. It provides holistic legal services, social service case management, advocacy, and education. Clients complete safety plans, set goals, develop budgets, and work with an advocate to find shelter, counseling, medical care, food, and clothing. The success rate is extraordinary: in immigration and family law cases, an astonishing 96%. In court and in the community, Tahirih gives a powerful voice to those who are not heard and whose needs often go unmet – training attorneys, police, judges, prosecutors, legislators, and social and medical service providers to understand the unique concerns facing those they serve, and then advocating for policies that better shield them. Each year, Tahirih seeks justice and rekindles hope for 2,000 courageous women, 1,000 of whom are members of our local community.
Meaghan Whalen, Director of Individual Giving
6400 Arlington Boulevard, Suite 400
Falls Church, VA 22042
571-550-9230
meaghanw@tahirih.org
cfp-dc.org/tahirih
HUMAN SERVICES: Immigrant & Refugee Services
Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition
| WISH LIST
$100: daily intake & assessent process;
$500:interpreter for asylum interviews;
$1500: psychological evaluation, to support asylum cases for torture survivors
|
For individuals fleeing civil war, terrorism, and repressive regimes in their home countries, TASSC offers more than a peaceful refuge. Founded and led by torture survivors, it serves 330 clients each year, helping them apply for asylum and build new lives. Most come from Ethiopia and Cameroon, arriving with little more than the clothes on their backs. Together with a clinical case manager, they create a roadmap for their journey to recovery, including medical treatment (through on-site care and referrals), bilingual, trauma-informed counseling, and therapeutic activities like yoga, story-telling, art workshops, and more. A career counselor assists with job searches and resumé preparation, and staff and pro bono attorneys offer services to navigate the asylum application process. Most importantly, TASSC restores in its members the belief that they are a welcome and dignified part of the human family. Aymen Tabir, Executive Director
4121 Harewood Road NE, Suite B
Washington, DC 20017
(703) 720-9264
aymen@tassc.org
cfp-dc.org/
Page 53
First Shift Justice Project
| WISH LIST
$100: legal consultation for pregnant or caregiving worker;
$500: documentation training for team of medical providers;
$1000: legal action assistance against an employer
|
Many workers, especially those in low-wage jobs, lose their jobs when they become parents or caregivers. In DC, which has the country's highest percentage of breadwinning mothers, First Shift supports working mothers and caregivers to maintain employment and empowers them to foster environments where caregiving is considered an asset, not a liability. Through Know Your Rights workshops and legal representation, workers advocate for their rights to obtain workplace accommodations, access job-protected leave, and DC paid-leave insurance, and stay employed. First Shift trains healthcare staff to support their patients’ work-related requests so that workers can count on their medical providers as allies. By advocating for local legislation like the DC paid family leave law, First Shift fights for parents and caregivers to be treated with dignity in the workplace. Brian Palazzolo, Operations Manager
1640 Columbia Road NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-644-9043
bpalazzolo@firstshift.org
cfp-dc.org/
DC KinCare Alliance
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 meeting with a client intake manager;
$500: legal advice to a relative caregiver;
$1000: legal representation for filing court documents
|
Fueled by high rates of parental incarceration, gun violence, addiction, and mental health problems, some 9,000 DC children live in homes with "relative caregivers." DC KinCare Alliance is the only organization focused solely on serving these caregivers, who rise to the occasion when parents are not able. They often live at the margins of economic stability yet face an uphill battle in a system designed for traditional families, one that expects relatives to step in without aid. A team of lawyers works to support them (usually grandmothers; often disabled themselves), offering free legal representation and education, as well as assistance with obtaining identification and advocacy in acquiring effective health and mental health care, financial supports, and other services for the whole family. The only organization in DC focused on this population, KinCare helps those who have opened their homes and hearts to children in need.
Marla Spindel, Executive Director
1101 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 450
Washington, DC 20036
2023151551
marla@dckincare.org
cfp-dc.org/spurloal.org/kincare
HUMAN SERVICES: Legal Services and Justice Programs
Open City Advocates
| WISH LIST
$100: essentials for 1 youth in the first days of reentry;
$250: 1 month of reentry advocacy for a client;
$1000: 1 month of legal defense for an unlawfully confined child
|
Open City Advocates works with youth whom the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services has removed from their families. 100% are youth of color, most have been in the child welfare system, and all are at too high a risk for being jailed, harmed, or killed by street violence. Trapped and often lost in the system, they rarely receive the trauma-informed care and reentry services they deserve. Open City is their zealous advocate. Working with youth in the deepest end of the juvenile system, staff and mentor-advocates visit weekly, develop a relationship of trust and goals for reentry, and represent clients in disciplinary hearings. Open City also spearheads systemic reform efforts to end the revolving door of the juvenile and criminal legal systems, safeguard and expand due process protections, and encourage the individualized, trauma-responsive services that court-involved youth both need and deserve.
Penelope Spain, Chief Executive Officer
1328 Florida Avenue, NW, 2nd floor
Washington, DC 20009
202-678-9001
penelope@mentoringtoday.org
cfp-dc.org/opencity
Page 54
DC Justice Lab
| WISH LIST
$100: support for 1 publication;
$500: media training for justice-impacted community members;
$1000:1 stipend for the Policy Training Academy
|
Nearly every facet of the criminal legal system reveals the impact of racial bias: 93% of people sentenced in DC are Black; more than 90% of searches are of Black people; child and adult corrections facilities are almost entirely Black. Locally, the ripple effects from decades of aggressive policing and mass incarceration – social oppression, erosion of constitutional rights, stagnation or decline in economic mobility, dissolution of family structure, neighborhood decay, and multigenerational trauma have largely been borne by DC’s Black residents. So DC Justice Lab takes a forward-thinking approach. It focuses on writing model laws that will create fair and racially balanced reforms in policing, prisons, and the judicial process. Forging policies that center the interests, concerns, and capacities of native Black Washingtonians also creates opportunities for residents to participate meaningfully, not just in policymaking but across our shared public life.
Clinique Chapman , Chief Executive Officer
1200 U Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 681-8783
grants@dcjusticelab.org
cfp-dc.org/justicelab
Page 55
Advocates for Justice and Education
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 hour of advice and counseling;
$500: a 2-hour Know Your Rights training for 15 parents and youth;
$1000: extended legal assistance for 1 family at a discipline hearing
|
Over 14,000 children in the District require special education and related services, and while federal law requires states to provide a free and appropriate public education, the District has struggled to do so. These children, often students of color, face unfair discipline and exclusion from school and unacceptable delay or denial of services. A parent-led organization, AJE works to ensure that they receive what they need. The focus is on families who live in poverty, have limited English proficiency, experience homelessness, and have children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Advice, counsel, and direct legal representation address a family's immediate issues while training programs educate parents about their rights and empower them to advocate for their children and be peer advocates who can support other parents. Building community power to advocate for children – that's something we all can support. Rochanda Hiligh-Thomas, Executive Director
1200 G Street NW, Suite 650
Washington, DC 20005
202-678-8060 ext 205
rochanda.hiligh-thomas@aje-dc.org
cfp-dc.org/aje
HUMAN SERVICES: Legal Services and Justice Programs
Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless
| WISH LIST
$100: toiletry supplies & water for community members;
$500: 10 outreach events (legal information & know-your-rights training);
$1000: legal advocacy for 4 homeless families
|
When the 2021 Point in Time survey counts 5,111 DC residents as homeless, there is work to be done. Staff lawyers and 150 legal intake, litigation, and outreach volunteers at WLCH meet, now both in person and virtually, with individuals and families experiencing homelessness or severe housing instability, offering direct legal representation at no cost and helping them achieve permanent, affordable housing. WLCH also strives to ensure that housing agencies respect clients' rights, shelters are well-maintained and accessible to people with disabilities, homeless services provide a safety net during financial crises, and shelter residents are educated about their rights under the law. WLCH typically serves 900+ individuals and though numbers were lower during the pandemic (thanks to a moratorium on evictions) they are expected to surge. You can amplify the call for housing justice – in court and in the community.
Renata Aguilera-Titus, Director of Communications and Development
1200 U Street, NW, Third Floor
Washington, DC 20009
202-328-5500
renata@legalclinic.org
cfp-dc.org/wlch
Volare (formerly Network for Victim Recovery of DC)
| WISH LIST
$50: clothing for 5 sexual assault survivors after a medical forensic exam;
$100: 4 safe rides to/from the hospital;
$1000: services for 3 survivors
|
In the aftermath of a crime, victims often feel helpless – unsure of whom to trust and where to turn. Volare, formerly NRVDC, answers the call, offering free, holistic case management, advocacy, and legal support to victims of all types of crimes. It runs the advocacy portion of DC’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program, supporting a coordinated community response for survivors including hotline services, transportation to and from the hospital, entry into therapeutic services, hospital advocacy, and referrals to legal services. Staff attorneys provide legal advice and representation for survivors in criminal cases, civil protection orders, and Title IX and Clery Act (campus violence) cases. Focused on survivor-defined justice, Volare has walked alongside over 5,000 crime victims since 2012, empowering them to pursue their goals for recovery and redress. As one survivor put it, “[Volare] has been, and continues to be, my saving grace.”
Bridgette Stumpf, Executive Director
6955 Willow Street NW Suite 501
Washington, DC 20012
202-742-1727
bridgette@volare-empowers.org
cfp-dc.org/NVRDC
Page 56
Kitchen of Purpose (formerly La Cocina VA)
| WISH LIST
$100: study materials for 1 SBI participant;
$500: 230 packaged hot meals for the homeless;
$1000: 1 month shared kitchen membership for an entrepreneur
|
Culinary students and entrepreneurs at LCVA are immigrants of multiple ethnicities, African Americans, youth, and veterans. Seventy percent live below the poverty line, and the majority are women, including single mothers, some of whom have experienced multiple traumas. What they share is a powerful desire to lift their families out of poverty and what they want are opportunities. LCVA provides hands-on training in the industrial kitchen and commercial operations, vocational English learning, job-readiness classes, mentoring, and financial literacy training. Certifications lead to paid internships in the hospitality industry and permanent jobs. The new Small Business Incubator (SBI) offers two commercial kitchens, business planning, access to micro-lending, and exposure to distribution outlets. The Community Café and Catering provide employment opportunities for youth and showcase the products of on-site entrepreneurs. La Cocina VA provides food assistance for the community and hope for the future. Brian MacNair, Founder & CEO
918 South Lincoln Street, Suite 2
Arlington, VA 22204
703-596-1557
cfp-dc.org/kitchen
Page 57
HUMAN SERVICES: Life Skills, Training, & Employment
Jubilee Jobs
| WISH LIST
$50: work attire for 2;
$1000: transportation stipend cards for 40 program participants;
$1500: digital literacy training for 1 young adult
|
Jubilee Jobs' singular focus is helping people from low-income backgrounds find jobs. Some applicants have sizable gaps in employment history; some have no history at all. Jubilee Jobs provides a supportive community that guides applicants through the process of securing and retaining a position. This includes resume development, online application assistance, and mock interviews. Participants are also encouraged to move beyond entry-level employment by pursuing additional training or education. Jubilee Jobs connects individuals to employment as quickly as possible so that they can attain financial stability which in turn will let them address other life challenges. For 40 years, it has helped over 27,000 people obtain employment, and last year alone 241 individuals secured positions, including people struggling with homelessness or returning from incarceration. Work for sustenance, dignity, and hope: it's a journey worth pursuing – and supporting.
Christine Gossens, Director of Operations
2712 Ontario Road NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-667-8970
cgossens@jubileejobs.org
cfp-dc.org/jubileejobs
Urban Ed
| WISH LIST
$100: educational software for 1 tablet;
$500: textbooks & materials for 15 students;
$1000: certification exam vouchers & exam prep licenses for 10 youth or adults
|
In DC’s Anacostia neighborhood, the unemployment rate is 31%, and half of the 19,000 people out of work are young adults. This is where Urban Ed makes its home. Its Career and Workforce Development program offers 12- to 16-week courses that equip adults with competitive skills for high-demand occupations in information technology, cloud computing, software development, and digital transformation. Last year, 90% of graduates obtained gainful employment. Urban Ed's TechnoAcademy reduces truancy for high school and middle school youth, requiring school attendance in exchange for lessons in popular subjects like software coding and gaming. These youth then help lead the Lil Bitties TechnoCamp, a STEM-oriented summer enrichment program for kids ages 5-7. Last year, 90% of graduates obtained gainful employment. Urban Ed moved adults from unemployment and homelessness into stability and put young people on the path to success.
Same as director, President
1231 Marion Barry Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20020
202-610-2344
rwilliams@urbaned.org
cfp-dc.org/urbaned
Page 59
HUMAN SERVICES: Nonprofit Support/Volunteerism
Avodah
| WISH LIST
$180: 1 meal for an issues meeting;
$720: rent, utilities, & household supplies for a Corps Member for 1 month;
$1800: monthly cohort Shabbat at the group home
|
Each year, Avodah Corps Members ("avodah" means "work" or "service" in Hebrew), 24 post-college young adults, may well discover their life’s work. During their year of service, they work at local anti-poverty organizations and participate in intensive educational programs, from trainings in activist skills to workshops on urban poverty. Here in the District, where one-fifth of residents experience poverty, this couldn't be more important: Corps Members expand the reach of the organizations they serve while strengthening their own resolve to work for social change throughout their lives. Since its inception in 2002, 360 young people have served some 400,000 DC residents struggling with poverty and systemic injustice and added more than $7 million in staff capacity to 58 local nonprofits. 95% of Corps members affirm that Avodah strengthened their commitment to social justice work: there is, indeed, promise for the future.
Kim Faraci, Director of Institutional Giving
2202 18th Street NW, Suite 175
Washington, DC 20009
929-532-4602
kfaraci@avodah.net
cfp-dc.org/avodah
HUMAN SERVICES: Children, Youth, and Families
Fair Chance
| WISH LIST
$100: 1 hour capacity building for 1 organization;
$500: assessment, planning guidance, and implementation support for 5 organizations;
$1000: 3-session consulting engagement
|
Local nonprofits embedded in and trusted by the communities they serve build lasting bonds, understand residents’ needs, and foster innovation. Fair Chance helps strengthen community-based nonprofits to transform communities by providing capacity-building programs and ongoing support that enable organizations to scale their results and serve more children, youth, and families. This includes convening nonprofits for shared learning and collective action, partnering with philanthropy to better serve the sector, and advocating for improved social policies. Fair Chance strategically selects nonprofit partners—most led by people of color—who are ready to grow but face challenges in raising capital, workforce development, regulatory matters, and impact measurement. By developing long-term relationships and building capacity in management, fundraising, and leadership, Fair Chance helps create stronger, more resilient nonprofits that place more children and youth on a path out of poverty. Taylor Cobb, Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships
1775 Eye Street NW, Suite 1150
Washington, DC 20006
2024672420
tcobb@fairchance.org
cfp-dc.org/
Page 60
The Giving Square
| WISH LIST
$100: programming for 4 kids;
$500: curriculum training for 5 teachers;
$1000: 1 grant for a local kid-serving nonprofit
|
If adults engage children in meaningful discussions about their worlds by the age of ten, they are twice as likely to become lifelong civic and philanthropic actors. TGS offers a dynamic civic experience for 2nd-8th graders that develops their philanthropic identity and capacity. In schools, camps, and community programs, kids develop empathy by connecting with social issues, discovering themselves and their communities while building a culture of philanthropy through allocating funding to local nonprofits. A kid-hosted podcast shares their voices and perspectives on topics like “The Real School Life” and “Technology for Good” while a kid-reviewed book award centers 1,300 kids as judges of books that most resonate with their values of empathy, responsibility, and philanthropy. With 97.6% of participating kids agreeing that “I am a philanthropist!”, TGS taps into the curiosity and empathy of children to foster lifelong philanthropic practices. Amy Neugebauer, Executive Director
5237 River Road Suite 244
Bethesda, MD 20816
2024873103
amy@thegivingsquare.org
cfp-dc.org/
Page 61
HUMAN SERVICES: Community Development
ONE DC
| WISH LIST
$100: membership for five;
$500: transportation & admin support for Tenants Association meetings;
$1000: office and cleaning supplies for the Black Workers & Wellness Center
|
Black working-class residents have been disproportionately affected by chronic unemployment, gentrification, displacement, and poor public health services. ONE DC is fighting to change this. Its flagship Black Workers & Wellness Center incubates worker cooperatives, advocates for labor-friendly policy reforms, and champions structural solutions to the city’s Black unemployment crisis. The Right to Income Committee fights for DC residents’ right to good work and stable income: through work-sharing programs and in collaboration with DC Mutual Aid, the goal during the pandemic was to see that people didn't lose their jobs. The Right to Housing Committee focuses on building a strong, city-wide, tenant organizing movement and combating displacement. Rent cancellation has been a key focus and remains the only solution for survival. Affordable housing, sustaining work, and wellness – all critical to a fair and healthy DC - must be available to all. Kelly Iradukunda, Resource Organizer
2500 Martin Luther King Jr Ave Se
Washington, DC 20020
2022322915
Kiradukunda@onedconline.org
cfp-dc.org/
Jews United for Justice
| WISH LIST
$100: welcome packets for 30 volunteers;
$500: text invites for 6,250 members to take action on a campaign;
$1000: space rental & food for 2 community-building events
|
Justice is a Jewish value, rooted in a history of rising from oppression to freedom. JUFJ stands in solidarity with those who are fighting inequality and racism, ensuring that marginalized people have the rights and opportunities to which we are all entitled. Through community organizing, leadership training, political education, and advocacy, it annually mobilizes and educates some 2,000 volunteer leaders who, allied with local communities, engage in issue-focused local campaigns that lead to systemic change. In recent years, JUFJ has played key leadership roles in protecting critical safety net services, winning Paid Family Leave in DC, fighting for immigrant rights, and winning Paid Sick Days and the minimum wage increase in DC and Maryland. JUFJ will continue to advocate for a just recovery from the pandemic, working for eviction prevention, affordable housing, racial equity, and economic justice for all.
Development Team, Senior Director of Development
PO Box 41485
Washington, DC 20018
202-788-5068
development@jufj.org
cfp-dc.org/jufj
Tenants and Workers United - Inquilinos y Trabajadores Unidos
| WISH LIST
$100: outreach materials for 500 households;
$500: snacks for 1 semester of weekly Homework Help program;
$1000: leadership workshop series for 10 women of color
|
TWU first organized in the mid-1980s in response to the scheduled evictions of thousands of renters in the Arlandria/Chirilagua neighborhood of Alexandria. Developers assumed residents would simply make way for gentrification but instead, they stayed, studied, and organized. A nearly ten-year-long campaign succeeded: the limited-equity Arlandria-Chirilagua Housing Cooperative is owned and democratically controlled by residents, most with low incomes. Organizing work includes housing justice, health equity (increasing access to culturally sensitive healthcare), education justice (ending the school-to-prison pipeline), immigrants’ rights (ending local collaboration with authorities), and police accountability. The goal is to advance social and racial justice through community power building. When the pandemic hit, TWU worked overtime to meet the dire needs of its community, and in partnership with others expanded its work to include direct services that will continue long after the pandemic's end.
Mia Taylor, Development Lead
3801 Mount Vernon Avenue, Suite 215
Alexandria, VA 22305
(703) 684-5697
mtaylor@tenantsandworkers.org
cfp-dc.org/twu