Split This Rock is dedicated to revitalizing poetry as a living, breathing art form with profound relevance in our daily lives and struggles. Integrating poetry into movements for social justice, it also supports poets – of all ages – who write and perform this vital work. Readings, workshops, colloquia, and contests; electronic publications; and events that integrate poetry into social change movements are all designed to bring poetry more centrally into the lives of all citizens. The youth programs include the DC Youth Slam Team, the city-wide World & Me Poetry Contest, the Louder Than a Bomb (LTAB) high school poetry competition, plus workshops, open mics, after-school clubs, and performances throughout DC. At the biennial Poetry Festival, poets from around the world converge on the U Street and Columbia Heights neighborhoods for four days of readings, workshops, book fairs, and public action. Year round, Split This Rock poets read at community events and appear in the media, discussing the role that art can play in the improvement and forward momentum of our culture and society. One does not live by bread alone.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 1

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Prince George's County; VA-Arlington County; VA-Fairfax County; VA-Loudoun County; VA-City of Alexandria

Age Groups Served: Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49); Seniors (50+)

Population(s) Served: All; Individuals with Disabilities; Individuals who identify as LGBTQ; Individuals living with HIV/AIDs; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students; Veterans/Military Families; Immigrants/Refugees

Schools They Work In: Bishop McNamara High School; Chavez - Capitol Hill High School; Dunbar Senior High School; Eastern High School; Eleanor Roosevelt High School; Falls Church High School; Friendly High School; H.D. Woodson Senior High School; Hayfield High School; Loudon County High School; Luke C. Moore High School; Madeira High School; McKinley Tech; TC Williams High School; Wakefield High School; Washington-Lee High School; West Springfield High School; Woodrow Wilson High School; and more

Awards & Recognition

Split This Rock has received two grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and multi-year funding from major national foundations such as the Open Society Foundation and the Nathan Cummings Foundation.

The positive impact of our youth programs has brought many accolades including proclamations from DC City Council (2013, 2015) and Montgomery County (2015). Additionally, our efforts have been acknowledged for excellence in youth arts programming as a 2016 Mayor’s Arts Awards finalist.

The DC Youth Slam Team took 1st place out of over 50 teams competing at the Brave New Voices International Teen Poetry Slam Festival in 2014.

The DC Youth Slam Team took 2nd place out of over 50 teams competing in the Brave New Voices International Teen Poetry Slam Festival in 2013. One of their videos from that competition has been viewed close to 2 million times on YouTube.

Press

Budget (FY2012)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • The current budget for Split This Rock is: 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 $37 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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