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.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 1

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Montgomery County

Age Groups Served: All

Population(s) Served: All


  • Low-income DC residents served:   422,392
  • Staffing capacity added to local antipoverty organizations:   $3.5 million
  • Emerging leaders who have participated in Avodah's yearlong Service Corps program:   360
  • Local partner agencies, front line organizations serving low-income DC residents and communities:   40

Awards & Recognition

Community Advocate Award given to Avodah by CAIR Coalition, September 2021
Steven Speilberg donate a portion of his earnings from the prestigious Genesis Prize to Avodah, Summer 2021
Slingshot, October 2014

Press

Budget (FY2016)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • The current budget for Avodah is: $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About the Catalogue for Philanthropy

Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.

The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

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