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2024 Year End Gifts and Grantmaking

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As we near the end of the year, we would like to recognize our donors and their generosity throughout 2024. Thank you for standing with us as we worked to support and strengthen our community. You’ve continued to demonstrate the strong philanthropic spirit that empowers our region. 

In an effort to assist you with carrying out your philanthropic goals, please see below for The Community Foundation’s deadlines regarding year-end giving and grantmaking activities.

RECOMMENDING GRANTS FROM YOUR FUND

Grant recommendations submitted by December 16 will be processed by December 31, provided the grantee organization meets The Community Foundation’s due diligence requirements. Due to increased volume, we cannot guarantee that grant recommendations submitted after December 16 will be processed in 2024.

PLEASE NOTE: Grants submitted prior to December 16, 2024 must also meet The Community Foundation’s due diligence requirements to be processed by December 31, 2024.

Grant recommendations should be submitted through your Donor Central account. Questions regarding Donor Central can be forwarded to our Donor Services team.

MAKING GIFTS TO THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

GIFTS MADE ONLINE:

Gifts can be made online at www.thecommunityfoundation.org/donate.  

GIFTS MADE VIA CHECK: 

Greater Washington Community Foundation 
P.O. Box 49010
Baltimore, MD 21297-4910 (include 4-digit code 4910, or processing may be delayed)

Please note: checks sent by US Postal Service mail must be postmarked no later than December 31, 2024 to be credited as a 2024 contribution.

GIFTS OF CASH OR SECURITIES MADE VIA WIRE TRANSFER:

Please see the instructions for making gifts via ACH or wire transfer. Make sure to include your or the donor’s name/fund name in the reference section of the transfer. You can contact the Finance Department at 202-955-5890 if there are any questions. Monies must be in The Community Foundation’s account by December 31, to be earmarked as a 2024 contribution.

Gifts of Stock or Appreciated Securities must be initiated by December 27th, in order to be earmarked as a 2024 contribution.

GIFTS MADE VIA TRANSFER FROM MUTUAL FUNDS:

In order for gifts made from mutual funds gifted to The Community Foundation to be received by December 31 and earmarked as a 2024 contribution, the transfer must be initiated early enough — typically at least two weeks or more — to be posted into our account. Please check with your broker on their internal timelines.

QuALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS (IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER)

As a reminder, qualified charitable distributions from your IRA (if you are at least 70.5 years of age) cannot be used for donor-advised funds. They may be used for designated, field of interest, and other types of funds. Notify your plan administrator as soon as possible if you intend to make a gift from your IRA. Please contact us for help with these types of gifts.

ILLIQUID ASSETS AND REAL ESTATE

The Community Foundation accepts gifts of illiquid assets such as closely held stock, partnership interests, and real estate, among others. Gifts must be reviewed and approved by The Community Foundation’s Gift Acceptance Committee. Please allow plenty of time for review and approval.

PLEASE NOTE: THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE FOLLOWING FEDERAL HOLIDAYS: THANKSGIVING (NOVEMBER 28 AND 29), CHRISTMAS (DECEMBER 25), AND NEW YEAR’S DAY (JANUARY 1).

WE WILL ALSO CLOSE AT 1 P.M. ON November 27, DECEMBER 24 AND december 31.

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Benefactors: A Black Giving Collective

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The First Two Members of f Benefactors A Black Giving Collective, Marlissa Hudson (L) and Rahnesia Best (R)

The Greater Washington Community Foundation has partnered with the Young, Black, and Giving Back (YBGB) Institute to launch and co-lead Benefactors: A Black Giving Collective. The national giving circle aims to empower Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofits by building community and mobilizing individual philanthropy for maximum impact.

“Black Giving is Magic,” Ebonie Johnson Cooper, founder of YBGB shared. “Benefactors is about catalyzing the giving capacity of Black people who want to invest funds into our communities in a meaningful way.”.”

The Giving Collective was inspired by a similar movement, Black Benefactors, which convened more than 60 donors to distribute tens of thousands of dollars in grants to Black-led nonprofits between 2007-2022. Two years later, Benefactors aims to continue the legacy of Black Collective Giving.

“Together, as Benefactors, we aim to support Black-led and Black-Benefiting nonprofits and invite individuals to journey alongside us,” stated Melen Hagos, Chief of Staff at The Community Foundation and one of the lead facilitators for Benefactors. “Together, we’ll discover the power of philanthropy and deepen our engagement – both with impactful causes and with other fellow changemakers.”

Ebonie Johnson Cooper and Melen Hagos announce the launch of Benefactors at a special ABFE event in April 2024.

 Members of Benefactors will have access to an extensive network cultivated through the YBGB Institute’s successful Give 8/28 day of giving - which serves as a hub for over 1000 organizations and counting. This network forms the backbone of the groups collective efforts, providing a springboard for changemakers to come together to directly support Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofits across the country.

Changemakers like Chelsea Brown, founder and principal of The Black Mill. Brown was among the first members to join Benefactors when the initiative first launched back in April 2024 at ABFE’s annual conference. A seasoned philanthropist with over eight years of experience, Brown shared her excitement at being part of what she considers an innovative next step in Black philanthropy.

“To me, Benefactors represents the future of Black philanthropy,” Brown shared.

“The future of Black philanthropy is powerful and transformative,” she added. “It is marked by increased visibility, intentionality, and impact, with a focus on building generational wealth, amplifying Black-led organizations, and driving systemic change.

“As more Black philanthropists, organizations, and collectives take ownership of narratives and resources, Black philanthropy will continue to challenge traditional funding models, advocating for equity, trust-based giving, and community-led initiatives.”

“Black philanthropy is important because our donating power as Black people can and does move mountains,” added fellow Benefactor member, Leslie Jefferson, an Adjunct Professor in the University of Maryland’s School of Policy.

“I am excited for the chance to invest in the Black-led and Black benefiting nonprofits through Benefactors because we’ll be able to help organizations that are typically severely underfunded and face daily barriers to access the funding they need to deliver their missions.”

“When no one else is there for Black-led organizations, we are and must be there for our own. It is the philanthropy from our own that sustains and continues to sustain us.”

In addition to Brown and Jefferson, the Collective currently boasts 27 members. Members pay $500 in annual dues, which are payable in up to four monthly installments.

The Collective is made possible through a generous grant from former members of Black Benefactors, , and a matching grant from the Greater Washington Community Foundation.

Benefactors: A Black Giving Collective is actively recruiting new members to join us in making a difference for Black-led nonprofits! For more information, contact Melen Hagos at mhagos@thecommunityfoundation.org or visit our website to join!

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New Community Listening Survey Shows DMV Residents Are Significantly Less Optimistic Now Than They Were in 2020

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Worries about being able to pay rent or a mortgage in the Greater Washington region have soared; fewer residents believe changes where they live will benefit them

A new community listening survey conducted by Gallup in partnership with the Greater Washington Community Foundation shows that DMV residents are now significantly less optimistic about the future of the region than they were in 2020. DMV residents have become less positive in their views about who will benefit from changes in the area, and a staggering 85% of residents believe they have little to no influence on local government decision-making.

The number of residents who expect living conditions in the Greater Washington region to get “better” in the next five years dropped by nearly half, from 29% in 2020 to 16% in 2023, while the number of people who think living conditions will get “worse” in the region has increased from 24% to 32%. In 2020, 27% of respondents said changes in the area would benefit “more people like me,” but this is now down to 19%.

“Our last survey, conducted just before the pandemic, documented wide disparities in income and opportunity that were preventing many residents from accessing the region’s economic growth and prosperity. Today, many of these hardships remain, and have been exacerbated by the health and economic trauma of the past few years,” said Tonia Wellons, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Community Foundation. “Recognizing the challenges many people face, we’re redoubling our efforts to facilitate deeper engagement with residents and are investing in microgrants for individuals and organizations with ideas for improving neighborhoods to ensure every person has the opportunity to thrive.” 

The Voices of the Community (VoicesDMV): Community Insights survey is one of the only large-scale community listening and engagement tools in the region that seeks to understand how residents are experiencing key quality of life indicators across a wide range of topics: economic opportunity, wellbeing, safety, influence in our democracy, and general perceptions about livability in the region. Through VoicesDMV, The Community Foundation has committed to engaging our community every three years to help keep a finger on the pulse of the community by deeply and authentically listening to the voices, experiences, attitudes, and perceptions of people who are generally not heard from in philanthropy.

This year’s publication reveals that while the DMV is outpacing the growth of other northeast regions, and more than half of residents are thriving, many people still lack access to basic needs. Nearly one in five DMV residents say there were times in the past year when they didn’t have enough money to pay for healthcare or medicine or food for themselves or their family, while 11% say they were unable to provide adequate shelter. Black and Hispanic residents are more likely than other racial subgroups to report struggling to afford basic needs — including more than a third who say there were times in the previous year when they did not have enough money to buy food and more than a quarter who experienced not having enough money for healthcare or medicine.

“Economic precarity has been a consistent theme throughout Gallup’s and the Greater Washington Community Foundation’s research across pre- and post-pandemic measures, revealing inequalities that could persist or even expand if gone unaddressed as the DMV region continues to change,” said Camille Lloyd, Director of the Gallup Center on Black Voices. “These findings demonstrate the need for programs and services that help residents catch up and keep up financially, move up the economic ladder, and ultimately build wealth.”

Additionally, worries about being able to pay rent or a mortgage in the DMV have soared since 2020. The percentage of people who are “very” worried about not being able to pay their rent or mortgage has more than tripled – from 8% in 2020 to 27% in 2023. When asked which amenities are “good” or “excellent” in the region, across all geographies, the availability of affordable and accessible housing was ranked last. 

Results for the survey are based on a mail survey of adults living in Washington, DC, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Arlington County, Alexandria City, Fairfax City, and Falls Church City. Gallup mailed a total of 27,000 surveys, available in both English and Spanish, 2,832 of which were completed between May 5 and June 26, 2023. Previous iterations of the survey were completed in 2017 and 2020.

Along with the release of the new report, The Community Foundation will relaunch its Community Action Awards, a microgrant program for nonprofits, as well as the new VoicesDMV Fellowship, a leadership opportunity for residents. The full report and an online dashboard with further geographic and demographic breakdowns of the VoicesDMV survey data is available at VoicesDMV.org.

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Planned Giving Pointers for 2024

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A new year is such a great time to plan and reboot. Cliche as it may be to talk about resolutions this time of year, it’s tough to deny that January represents a clean slate for “to-do” lists, goals, and your overall mindset.

As you think about your 2024 charitable giving goals and priorities – including planned giving, here are a few tips to help break down the concept of planned giving and how The Community Foundation can help you achieve your charitable goals.

It may help to think of “planned giving” in contrast to what’s sometimes called “current” or “annual” giving. For example, when you write a check to a charitable organization such as your fund at The Community Foundation, you’re transferring those funds immediately in a relatively straightforward manner.

By contrast, a “planned gift” can be simple or complex and more forward-looking than current or annual support for your favorite charitable causes. Planned gifts can include bequests, beneficiary designations, gifts of business interests, real estate, tangible personal property, and more. Making strategic current or future transfers through one’s assets, to charity is often referred to as “planned giving” or “gift planning”  because these gifts can allow donors to give more significant gifts in support of their causes than they thought possible, but it requires some planning. Here are examples of common “planned gifts:” 

  • A bequest in your will or trust allows you to name a charity, such as your fund at the community foundation, to receive a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a particular item, such as a residence, after your lifetime, for example. The team at The Community Foundation can work with you and your advisors to include a bequest in your estate plan using the proper bequest language. 

  • Beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, retirement plans, or any accounts that pass through a beneficiary form can be practical tools for making gifts. The team at The Community Foundation can work with you and your advisors to complete the paperwork required to properly designate your fund or create a fund at The Community Foundation using a beneficiary designation form.

  • Setting up a life-income gift, such as a charitable remainder trust or a charitable gift annuity, is often an effective way for you to ensure that money will flow from your estate to a charity, such as your fund at The Community Foundation, in a way that meets both your philanthropic intentions and your financial goals (including retaining an income stream and triggering an up-front charitable income tax deduction).

Planned giving does not involve just giving after your lifetime but can also be done now, such as if you are planning the sale of a business or if you have a property you may be interested in donating or a life insurance policy that you no longer need, for example, you can use those assets to give during your lifetime.

There are many assets that The Community Foundation may be able to accept when considering a planned gift. If you would like to discuss your charitable goals and how we may be able to assist you, please contact the team at The Community Foundation. We look forward to working with you to help you meet your current and planned charitable goals during 2024 and beyond! 

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To C3 or Not to C3 – Helping Professional Advisors And Their Clients Maximize Charitable Impact

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In early November, The Community Foundation gathered at the National Press Club for its Annual Professional Advisors Luncheon. Organized by The Community Foundation’s Professional Advisor Council, the event brings together professional advisors and financial planners from across the region to network and discuss important topics for them and their clients.

“As Professional Advisors, we play a critical role in helping our clients maximize their philanthropic impact,” Karen Wawrzaszek, Co-Chair of The Community Foundation’s Professional Advisor Council, shared. “The Community Foundation is an invaluable partner and resource to help us achieve the best possible outcome for our clients and community.”

The luncheon featured a panel of professional advisors and experts to discuss the various mediums donors can utilize to enhance their philanthropic impact.

“We have seen increasingly over the past few years that philanthropists want to move beyond just charity,” The Community Foundation’s President & CEO Tonia Wellons, who served as moderator for the discussion, shared. “Philanthropists are increasingly looking to get involved in advocacy and more permanent solutions that can lead to systems change.”

“Philanthropy is no longer an extra,” Scott Jackson, President & CEO of Global Impact, shared. “Philanthropy can lead and drive change – and donors want to be a part of it.”

Established in 1956, Global Impact is a nonprofit that works with international charities based in the United States. Originally organized as a 501 c(3), Jackson says the organization recently expanded, to launch a 501 c(4)  because of this shifting trend in donor engagement regarding system change work.

“If you look at the latest Giving Tuesday Data, 60% of philanthropy is no longer going to traditional nonprofits,” Jackson shared. “It’s going to coalitions, community foundations, and 501 c(4)’s.”

“Donors – especially younger donors – are increasingly looking for change. They want organizations that are movement builders and advocates – something that we didn’t feel we could do effectively under the 501 c(3) status. So we made the transition.”

Global Impact’s move reflects a conversation that many professional advisors say their clients are raising, as many look to move beyond traditional DAFs (donor-advised funds) for new avenues to make a deeper impact, including establishing their own 501 c(3) or c(4) as a channel for their philanthropic impact.

““If your clients want extra help transitioning
from being charitable and making contributions
to being philanthropic and making a difference,
a community foundation is a great place for them.””
— Jeff Hammond

“What we’re seeing from our clients is that if you want to change the world, you have to use all your tools,” Bridgette Weiss, Partner at Arnold & Porter, shared. “We’re seeing folks be much more adventurous than they were in the past.”                                                

While most 501 c(3)’s are set up for specific charitable purposes, 501 c(4)’s have a broader purpose of promoting social welfare – which allows them more freedom and flexibility to do things like lobbying, political campaigning, and education around public policy.

However, Weiss shared, there are plenty of trade-offs. Unlike 501 c(3)’s, contributions to 501 c(4) organizations are not tax deductible. In addition, operating a 501 c(4) requires more infrastructure to ensure that the organization complies with IRS regulations.

“There is no ‘one-size fits all’ solution. It all comes down to your clients’ personal goals,” Weiss added. “What is their comfort with risk tolerance, deductibility, disclosure, and compliance?”

“Don’t be afraid to be creative in finding the best structures for your client,” she added. “There’s a lot of opportunities to have real impact. It’s all about exploring the available tools within each structure to find what feels best for your client’s needs and interests.”

Jeff Hammond, Vice President at Van Scoyoc Associates (VSA) – a leading lobbyist and government affairs firm – suggested that partnering with a community foundation is a great place to start. Hammond has over a decade of experience lobbying on behalf of philanthropic organizations and individuals – including The Community Foundation.

“If your client wants to get involved in advocacy, but they can’t do all the administrative work that advocacy requires, The Community Foundation can help,” Hammond shared – pointing out that most wealthy individuals may not have the capacity to run a private foundation or 501 c(4).  “Unlike private foundations, community foundations are public foundations, so they have more flexibility to lobby around issues important to donors and their communities. They also have years of experience and relationships with the communities they serve that can provide donors with a direct conduit to making a significant impact.”

Hammond pointed out that community foundations have become increasingly involved in advocacy nationally. This is partly due to a post-pandemic leadership shift, as Boards for many of the top 60 community foundations in the country have hired more CEOs from the nonprofit sector, as opposed to those from traditional philanthropic backgrounds. The result is that community foundations are becoming more community-focused and mission-driven, with a growing focus on direct advocacy and policy change.

“There’s a trend I’m seeing on Capitol Hill,” Hammond shared. “Staff on the Hill are starting to recognize what Community Foundations are and the power they have to promote change in their communities.”

“If your clients want extra help transitioning from being charitable and making contributions to being philanthropic and making a difference, a community foundation is a great place for them.”

The Community Foundation’s Professional Advisor Councilhelps connect estate planning attorneys, wealth advisors and financial professionals with the resources and information they need to help their clients maximize their philanthropic impact and achieve their goals. For more information, visit our website or read how partnering with The Community Foundation can enhance your client’s philanthropy.

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Tackling Hunger and Homelessness in the Greater Washington Region

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November 11-18 is National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week — a time to raise awareness of those in our community who lack the basic needs of food and shelter heading into the holiday months.

In recognition of those in our community who struggle with chronic homelessness and food insecurity, during the month of November, The Community Foundation is highlighting experiences from some of our partners working to increase access to affordable housing and nutritious food for our community.

  • 1) Briefly describe the mission of your organization and the services you provide to help those struggling with chronic homelessness or food insecurity in the Greater Washington region.

    As the nation's first and leading community kitchen, DC Central Kitchen uses food as a tool to strengthen bodies, empower minds, and build communities. We prepare 11,000 nutritious meals a day for our community while creating living-wage jobs and enduring careers for our neighbors who have experienced food insecurity, homelessness, and incarceration via our acclaimed Culinary Job Training program.

    2) What do you find most meaningful about the work that you do for those struggling with chronic homelessness or food insecurity in the Greater Washington region? What are you most proud of?

    We bring healthy, dignified food where it is most needed while employing 130 graduates of our Culinary Job Training program to lead and guide this work -- with industry leading benefits and living wages. Our graduates have overcome systemic barriers to employment and now are responsible for serving award-winning healthy school meals, empowering corner stores to become reliable sources of fresh, affordable produce, supporting local farmers, and training the next generation of culinary talent. We are most proud of this "leadership cycle" that takes on the root cause of hunger: poverty.

    3) As a nonprofit partner, tell us about how funding that you’ve received that has helped you achieve this?

    As a social enterprise, we earn half of our budget by serving scratch-cooked school meals, wholesaling affordable produce to small corner stores, and operating three cafes city-wide, but philanthropy makes our innovative solutions to hunger and poverty possible. Grants through the GWCF have allowed us to increase our trauma-informed, comprehensive social services for culinary students, invest more resources in local farmers, open the nation's most ambitious community kitchen and urban food hub in Southwest DC, and provide millions of emergency meals in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    4) What do you wish that more people understood about those struggling with chronic homelessness or food insecurity in the Greater Washington region?

    Food alone will never end hunger. Hunger-fighting organizations cannot measure our progress in fighting food insecurity through the pounds of charitable food we distribute. Answers to hunger must also reflect our success in unleashing the power of food to improve health, create jobs, and build a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive food system.

  • 1) Briefly describe the mission of your organization and the services you provide to help those struggling with chronic homelessness or food insecurity in the Greater Washington region.

    For nearly 50 years, Sasha Bruce Youthwork has been providing services to an often-overlooked population experiencing homelessness in the Greater Washington region - young people who are on their own. Our goal is to prevent chronic homelessness by addressing the factors that lead to homelessness before they become entrenched. Our 25 programs provide direct and preventive services for more than 5,000 young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Washington, DC, and Prince George's County.

    2) What do you find most meaningful about the work that you do for those struggling with chronic homelessness or food insecurity in the Greater Washington region? What are you most proud of?

    The most meaningful aspect of our work in the Greater Washington region is the historic and ongoing impact Sasha Bruce Youthwork has on calling attention to the plight of young people experiencing homelessness. We are incredibly proud of our services tailored to the needs of young people ages 18 to 24. While legally adults, these young people are still very much in transition.

    3) As a nonprofit partner, tell us about how funding that you’ve received that has helped you achieve this?

    The Community Foundation of Greater Washington has been an invaluable partner throughout history, helping achieve our mission. The Foundation administers giving for some of our top individual donors and foundation funds. Ongoing grants through The Community Foundation’s fundholders provide critical support for our Barracks Row Drop-In Center. Regular visits to a Drop-In Center are frequently the first step for a homeless or unstably housed young person to move toward family reunification or stable and supportive housing. This support ensures that we can fully staff our Center and provide all the resources needed to help vulnerable youth. The Community Foundation’s Fund for Children, Youth, and Families has also been instrumental over the last few years at Promise Place, our emergency youth shelter in Prince George’s County allowing us to hire a case manager, an essential position for helping homeless youth achieve self-sufficiency.

    4) What do you wish that more people understood about those struggling with chronic homelessness or food insecurity in the Greater Washington region?

    We wish for greater awareness of youth experiencing homelessness in our region. Homeless young people often manage to stay below the radar for a long time. They move between friends’ and relatives’ homes and sometimes stay in abandoned buildings. It can be difficult for them to admit they need help and to seek assistance. They are often homeless because the adults in their lives have mistreated them. Greater awareness of these youth and an understanding that they may need a lot of support to even admit they are homeless is critical. The more visibility organizations like Sasha Bruce Youthwork have, the more people will know about the needs of youth experiencing homelessness and the services available to them.

  • 1) Briefly describe the mission of your organization and the services you provide to help those struggling with chronic homelessness or food insecurity in the Greater Washington region.

    Miriam's Kitchen is dedicated to helping DC reach its goal of ending all chronic homelessness. We are thrilled with the impact of collective advocacy we help lead through The Way Home Campaign. Together 110+ agencies and 7,000 individual supporters have helped bring about important systems changes and increased city investment in proven best practices like Housing First/Permanent Supportive Housing.

    Aside from system level work, Miriam's Kitchen operates four programs that together provide a variety of direct services. Every weekday morning and evening our chefs serve a made-from-scratch meal--about 83,000 meals over the last year. Our Street Outreach program covers half of DC's geographic area to connect people living on the street or in shelters to essential services they. Our Permanent Supportive Housing program supports 320 people who used to live without the security of a home, but now have apartments. Our Social Services team staffs a drop-in center open every weekday morning and afternoon to connect clients (we call them guests) to medical care, mental health support, housing assistance and the income help they need to reach their goals.

    At the core of our work is our guests who have a seat at the decision-making table. They are equal partners in our strategic planning, serve in important advisory roles, fill paid positions as an Advocacy Fellow, speak alongside staff members at local, regional and national conferences, and help guide The Way Home Campaign from seats on the Steering Committee.

    2) What do you find most meaningful about the work that you do for those struggling with chronic homelessness or food insecurity in the Greater Washington region? What are you most proud of?

    We are proud of the high-quality services we provide AND that we were open every weekday during the pandemic except one (Inauguration Day) during which we had to close to protect our guests from threats posted on the Internet.

    3) As a nonprofit partner, tell us about how funding that you’ve received that has helped you achieve this?

    Funding from the Partnership to End Homelessness has helped us make great strides in advocacy and systems change. Together we have 1) pushed forward unprecedented investments in Permanent Supportive Housing, 2) taken initial steps on changing the narrative around homelessness 3) increased local investment and help expand Medicaid funding which will reduce the cost of Permanent Supportive Housing by about 20%, 4) achieved system improvements to address some of the hurdles in implementing the voucher investments and 5) helped win approval for a much-needed non-congregate shelter in Ward 2 against strong opposition.

    With support from the Community Foundation (and from other important private investors) we have been able to field a four-person Advocacy team (building to five this year) to lead collective advocacy through The Way Home Campaign. We will broaden our work in 2023 to address some of the root causes of homelessness and continue the important narrative change.

    4) What do you wish that more people understood about those struggling with chronic homelessness or food insecurity in the Greater Washington region?

    Homelessness is not caused by addiction, mental illness, or lack of family support. Those are risk factors that make it harder for some people to work their way out of homelessness, but they are not causes. Housing is too expensive and even people working full time jobs often can't afford to live here because of rapidly rising rents and increased cost of living. Structural reasons like systemic inequality and discrimination are some of the root causes of homelessness.

  • 1) Briefly describe the mission of your organization and the services you provide to help those struggling with chronic homelessness or food insecurity in the Greater Washington region.

    Hope and a Home’s mission is to empower low-income families with children in D.C. to create stable homes of their own and to make lasting changes in their lives. Our mandate is to break the cycle of poverty for qualified families through the programs and services we offer.

    Recognizing the extremely negative impact on the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities that result from homelessness, Hope and a Home’s programs implement the best practices of a housing-first model coupled with proven, multi-generational programs to confront the root causes of homelessness. Hope and a Home’s 19 transitional housing units in Washington, DC are rented to homeless and extremely low-income families with children at subsidized rates while families participate in Hope and a Home’s robust, multi-phased program, consisting of Phase I: Transitional Housing, Phase II: Independent Housing, the Grace Dickerson Higher Education Program (GDHE), and the Mary Jo Schumacher Nutrition Security Program.

    2) What do you find most meaningful about the work that you do for those struggling with chronic homelessness or food insecurity in the Greater Washington region? What are you most proud of?

    The most meaningful part of the work Hope and Home provides is seeing the growth of the parents and families Hope and Home works with. Our two-generation approach focuses on meeting the needs of both children and parents, providing parents access to quality education and financial literacy opportunities while also supporting children's development and educational needs. Families that come to Hope and a Home with little hope, leave the housing program after three years of intensive support thriving mentally, physically, and economically – not only because of the support Hope and Home provides but also through the hard and diligent work that parents and children engage in to build strong foundations for success. They also have the confidence that, when hard times inevitably come, they remain connected to the education, nutrition, and other supportive programming that Hope and a Home provides for as long as necessary. Hope and a Home is proud of its dedicated staff, who remain a constant source of support for each adult and child throughout their academic journey and is proud of the work that these families do to build new pathways to a permanent exit from homelessness.

    3) As a nonprofit partner, tell us about how funding that you’ve received that has helped you achieve this?

    Hope and a Home is grateful for the funding partners who make possible our work supporting low-income families with children in Washington, DC to create stable homes of their own and to make lasting changes in their lives. Support from Hope and Home’s partners ensures that Hope and Home can remain committed to operating the two-generation model that works to address the systemic causes of poverty and homelessness for families living in Washington DC. Becuase Hope and a Home provides services to families even after they have transitioned out of Hope and Home’s transitional housing, funds from our partners have been critical in ensuring that Hope and a Home can support families if they return for additional supportive services.

    Importantly, support from Hope and a Home’s partners has afforded Hope and a Home the ability to remain responsive to the needs of families experiencing homelessness which continues to be a critical element in Hope and a Home’s ability to support families as they build the foundation to transition from transitional to market-rate housing. In FY2023, Hope and a Home focused efforts on supporting families as they continued to be disproportionately impacted by post-pandemic pressures and increasing inflation. Even as emergency pandemic support has abated, Hope and a Home has been able to increase support for the Mary Jo Schumacher Nutrition Security Program to ensure families continue to receive nutritional, fresh foods.

    Hope and a Home has also been able to continue working to support our students who are recovering academically from the pandemic-mandated school closures and subsequent changes in school routines.

    4) What do you wish that more people understood about those struggling with chronic homelessness or food insecurity in the Greater Washington region?

    We wish more people, organizations, and stakeholders understood the multi-dimensional, multi-layered, and multi-generational challenges that families experiencing homelessness in the greater Washington area are met with. We also wish more people understood the opportunity that we have to strengthen our community, as we invest in the long-term well-being and success of these families.

    Research shows that getting people housed saves tax-payer dollars; improves education outcomes for young people, increases the likelihood that they will not experience homelessness in adulthood to mitigate further costs of homelessness; and reduces the cost and pressures on healthcare systems, among others.

    Investment is more than getting people housed. Investment means supporting individuals and families to develop the skills and foundation necessary to maintain economic stability and improved well-being. By investing in families and individuals experiencing homelessness, we can ensure that all people can experience the stability necessary for overall well-being and contribute to developing stronger communities.

  • 1) Briefly describe the mission of your organization and the services you provide to help those struggling with chronic homelessness or food insecurity in the Greater Washington region.

    Our Mission is to end housing instability with outreach Peer Mentoring and Advocacy by advocating on behalf of those who haven't found their voice yet. Speaking before Dc Council. Leading a women's initiative of women with lived experience although challenging it has been rewarding

    2) What do you find most meaningful about the work that you do for those struggling with chronic homelessness or food insecurity in the Greater Washington region? What are you most proud of?

    Being their voice and doing what we can to change the stigma around mental health and homelessness so society at large will see the unhoused population as human beings with a back story and helping those who engage with documents and resources to get housing.

    3) As a nonprofit partner, tell us about how funding that you’ve received that has helped you achieve this?

    The Rhonda Whitaker Streets to life DC Women's Initiative was birthed through the Waldons Adams Justice Grant bringing about racial equity and allowing unhoused women to have a seat at the table with real time info to become their own best advocates

    4) What do you wish that more people understood about those struggling with chronic homelessness or food insecurity in the Greater Washington region?

    That people who struggle with chronic homelessness are human and have a back story and just need someone to believe in them and treat them with dignity and respect so.they can see themselves in a different light thanks to the support of consistent people in their lives.

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2023 Celebration of Giving - Celebrating Mary Pat Alcus, 2023 Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year

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On November 16th, donors and community partners across Montgomery County gathered for the annual Celebration of Giving.  This year’s event kicked off with a moving memorial tribute to the Founding Executive Director of The Community Foundation in Montgomery County, Sally Rudney, and reflections on how her incredible legacy continues to inspire our work.  Anna Hargrave, Executive Director, then reported that The Community Foundation’s network of donors gave over $9.5 million to organizations in Montgomery County last year.  She also shared the early progress of The Community Foundation’s Together, We Prosper campaign which seeks to grow opportunity and build a community where everyone has what they need to thrive.

“For inspiration on how to set and achieve big goals, we can look to our 2023 Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year, Mary Pat Alcus,” Hargrave said. “Time and time again, her generosity and leadership have been game-changing for vital organizations across the county.”

Friends, family, and community partners joined in saluting Mary Pat as a catalytic leader who combines her financial acumen, strategic thinking, and generous support to help vital organizations achieve major breakthroughs for our community.

Through a fireside chat with President & CEO, Tonia Wellons, Mary Pat shared how her parents instilled the importance of education early on.  She then reflect on how her local philanthropic journey began shortly after she and her husband, Darren, moved to Potomac, MD with their two children, Claire and Colin.  Wanting to get more involved in their new home, the entire family became active leaders in kid-led giving circles through The Community Foundation. Mary Pat joined The Community Foundation’s Montgomery County Advisory Board and its Grants Committee for Sharing Montgomery, the flagship grantmaking initiative which supports high-impact nonprofits working on the frontlines of the county’s most pressing challenges.  Between the giving circles and her leadership with The Community Foundation, Mary Pat quickly learned about the needs across our community and supported visionary organizations helping low-income residents pursue pathways out of poverty.

After reflecting on where the community’s needs matched their deepest passions, Mary Pat and Darren decided to focus on helping children and youth to pursue their dreams.  She was drawn to join the Board of Horizons Greater Washington which provides academic enrichment to empower low-income children to succeed in school and beyond.  She also joined the Montgomery College Foundation Board shortly after she and Darren created scholarships to help promising students pursue higher education.  All the while, she continued to take on more leadership roles with The Community Foundation including joining the Board of Trustees and chairing its Investment Committee. 

Professionally, Mary Pat is an institutional investment advisor and a Chartered Financial Analyst with over 30 years of experience advising foundations, endowments, corporate, and public pensions in the areas of investment strategy, investment policy development, manager selection, and performance monitoring.  She explained how, as a philanthropist, she loves leveraging her professional expertise to help her favorite nonprofits grow so they can make a deeper impact.

“Time, talent treasure—that combination for me, that nexus of all three is what has helped fuel what I do,” Mary Pat explained. 

Inspired by Mary Pat’s philanthropic leadership, Craig & Pat Ruppert and Cliff & Debbie White teamed up to offer a $50,000 challenge match for the Sharing Montgomery Endowment —an initiative that Mary Pat has long championed. Contributions to the Endowment enable The Community to “keep giving” to the community in perpetuity by offering a stream of more stable, game-changing investments to nonprofit organizations. Thanks to the Ruppert and White families, the impact of endowment gifts will be doubled (up to $50,000). (To help us make the match, you can make a gift online today or contact us for other giving options!)

On behalf of the thousands of lives touched by her leadership and generosity, we congratulate Mary Pat on being named the 2023 Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year. We know her example will continue to inspire others to discover the powerful difference we each can make when we commit to making our community stronger for all.

Additional information about our 2023 Philanthropist of the Year is available the Bethesda Magazine Article and in our Celebration program booklet linked below.

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Now Is the Time! Your Holiday Charitable Giving Checklist

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The holidays are quickly approaching, which means so is December 31st. Now is the time to familiarize yourself with several essential year-end charitable giving techniques and deadlines as you prepare for year-end giving with your attorney, accountant, financial advisor, and The Community Foundation team.

Standard deduction reminders. Remember that the 2023 standard deduction for single taxpayers ($13,850) and married filing jointly ($27,700) is up nearly 7% over 2022. While this increase allows for more relief from income tax for most filers, it also sets a higher bar to exceed for those who itemize deductions. Keep your household's standard deduction amount in mind when you tally your deductible expenditures, including your gifts to charity.

Itemization and bunching. If your total deductions are at or under the standard deduction amount for 2023, but you and your advisors determine that your particularly high income this year means you could benefit from increased deductions, a "bunching" strategy may be a good fit for you. "Bunching" means you are "front-loading" charitable donations into the current year, knowing that you plan to make these donations in future years.

By structuring a sizeable year-end gift to your donor-advised fund at The Community Foundation, you could surpass the standard deduction threshold to further reduce your taxes in 2023. Then, your favorite organizations can receive support from your donor-advised fund this year and in subsequent years.

Stock, not cash! Don't automatically reach for the checkbook as you prepare for year-end giving! Gifts of long-term appreciated stock to your donor-advised or other type of fund at the community foundation is always one of the most tax-savvy ways to support your favorite charitable causes because capital gains tax can be avoided.

Not only will transfers be eligible for a charitable deduction during the year of transfer (and at fair market value if you held the shares for more than one year), but these gifts could potentially reduce income tax burdens triggered upon a future sale of the business. 

QCDs from IRAs. Remember that the Qualified Charitable Distribution ("QCD") is an ingenious way to support charitable causes. If you are over 70 ½, you can direct up to $100,000 from your IRA to specific charities, including a field-of-interest or designated fund at the community foundation. If you're subject to the Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) rules, QCDs count toward those RMDs. That means you avoid income tax on the funds distributed to charity.

Don't miss year-end deadlines. Remember it takes time to process your charitable giving! Donor Advised Fundholders who wish to submit grant recommendations must do so by December 15th.

Checks to your fund at The Community Foundation must be postmarked or hand-delivered no later than December 29th to be eligible for a 2023 tax deduction. Gifts of marketable securities also need to be fully transferred by December 29th, so please work with your advisors to contact us in plenty of time for our team to process and receive the transfer. Click here for more information about year-end deadlines!

If you have questions or would like additional information to help meet your year-end giving goals, The Community Foundation stands ready to help! Contact our Donor Services team at donorservices@thecommunityfoundation.org

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2023 Year End Gifts and Grantmaking

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As we near the end of the year, we would like to recognize our donors and their generosity throughout 2023. Thank you for standing with us as we worked to support and strengthen our community. You’ve continued to demonstrate the strong philanthropic spirit that empowers our region. 

In an effort to assist you with carrying out your philanthropic goals, please see below for The Community Foundation’s deadlines regarding year-end giving and grantmaking activities.

RECOMMENDING GRANTS FROM YOUR FUND

Grant recommendations submitted by December 15 will be processed by December 31, provided the grantee organization meets The Community Foundation’s due diligence requirements. Due to increased volume, we cannot guarantee that grant recommendations submitted after December 15 will be processed in 2023.

PLEASE NOTE: Grants submitted prior to December 15, 2023 must also meet The Community Foundation’s due diligence requirements to be processed by December 31, 2023.

Grant recommendations should be submitted through your Donor Central account. Questions regarding Donor Central can be forwarded to our Donor Services team.

MAKING GIFTS TO THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

All gifts submitted to The Community Foundation by December 29 will be credited as a 2023 contribution. Please note: The gift must be in The Community Foundation’s account by this day to be eligible for a 2023 tax deduction. 

GIFTS MADE ONLINE:

Gifts can be made online at www.thecommunityfoundation.org/donate.  

GIFTS MADE VIA CHECK: 

Greater Washington Community Foundation 
P.O. Box 49010
Baltimore, MD 21297-4910 (include 4-digit code 4910, or processing may be delayed)

Please note: checks sent by US Postal Service mail must be postmarked no later than December 31, 2023.

GIFTS OF CASH OR SECURITIES MADE VIA WIRE TRANSFER:

Please see the instructions for making gifts via ACH or wire transfer. Make sure to include your or the donor’s name/fund name in the reference section of the transfer. You can contact the Finance Department at 202-955-5890 if there are any questions. Monies must be in The Community Foundation’s account by December 29, to be earmarked as a 2023 contribution.

GIFTS MADE VIA TRANSFER FROM MUTUAL FUNDS:

In order for gifts made from mutual funds gifted to The Community Foundation to be received by December 29 and earmarked as a 2023 contribution, the transfer must be initiated early enough — typically at least two weeks or more — to be posted into our account. Please check with your broker on their internal timelines.

QuALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS (IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER)

As a reminder, qualified charitable distributions from your IRA (if you are at least 70.5 years of age) cannot be used for donor-advised funds. They may be used for designated, field of interest, and other types of funds. Notify your plan administrator as soon as possible if you intend to make a gift from your IRA. Please contact us for help with these types of gifts.

ILLIQUID ASSETS AND REAL ESTATE

The Community Foundation accepts gifts of illiquid assets such as closely held stock, partnership interests, and real estate, among others. Gifts must be reviewed and approved by The Community Foundation’s Gift Acceptance Committee. Please allow plenty of time for review and approval.

PLEASE NOTE: THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE FOLLOWING FEDERAL HOLIDAYS: THANKSGIVING (NOVEMBER 23 AND 24), CHRISTMAS (DECEMBER 25), AND NEW YEAR’S DAY (JANUARY 1).

WE WILL ALSO CLOSE AT 1 P.M. ON November 22, DECEMBER 22 AND december 29.

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Faces of Financial Planning - Getting to Know PAC Member Candace Lee

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To Candace Lee, her passion for Financial Planning can be boiled down into a simple phrase – “helping people.”

“Every aspect of the financial planning industry – whether you're advising clients or running projections – is oriented towards helping people live out their dreams,” Lee shared.

“I enjoy hearing what my clients want out of life. I'm a very goal-oriented person, so hearing other people's goals drives me. It makes me want to help them achieve what they want in life.”

A Vice President & Client Advisor at Glassman Wealth Services, Lee has been in the Financial Planning Industry since 2009. Over the years, she has helped hundreds of families meet their goals and plan for their financial futures.

Lee is also a Black woman in a field that is largely dominated by White men. Nation-wide, women make up just 23.6 percent of Certified Financial Planners (CFPs); African Americans make up less than 2 percent – a statistic that Lee says her firm has spent the last two years trying to understand.

“This past year, we had a series of conversations with several large organizations and HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) to better understand what the gaps are – why don’t we have more advisors of color in the profession.”

The answers revealed something that Lee best describes as “a knowledge gap” – a lack of exposure to financial planning that impacts Black students and their families both personally and professionally.

“In financial planning, knowledge is power,” Lee explained. “The wealth gap exists; but the wealth of knowledge that Black families have not historically had access to is also significant.”

“Many of the families who use financial planners have used them for decades; they’ve passed down those relationships and the knowledge they’ve gained over generations.”

“On the other hand, navigating the stock market or pin-pointing the best investment strategies – these are things that many people of color haven’t had exposure to – at home or in the school system.”

Lee pointed to the higher education system, as one key example. “There aren’t really that many CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™) programs,” Lee explained. “And even fewer of them are in HBCUs.”

When Lee started college at the University of Virginia, Financial Planning was barely on her radar.

“There are only so many professions that our society portrays as ‘this is what success looks like’,” Lee recalled. “My dream was to become a doctor, because I thought that was the best way to be successful and help people at the same time.”

After a few rough years of pre-med classes, Lee decided that she wouldn’t find success as a doctor. Fortunately, one of her church members worked at a financial planning firm that needed some extra help over the summer. After spending her summers learning the inside-outs of financial planning as an intern, the firm offered her a full-time job, which helped launch her career in the industry.

Years later, Lee says she hopes to open the doors of financial planning to more people like her – starting with the basics. With her help, her company established relationships with HBCUs like Delaware State University to provide networking and employment opportunities for Black students.

“I’d love to see more people of color in this industry,” Lee added. “The more diversity we have in the financial planning industry, the better we’ll be able meet the needs of our diverse community and more effectively serve them.”

Lee is an active member of The Community Foundation’s Professional Advisor Council, which convenes professional advisors from across the region to help clients enhance their charitable giving in new and innovative ways.

“I love being involved with The Community Foundation through the Professional Advisor Council,” Lee shared. “Their knowledge of the community, as well as their mission to narrow the racial wealth gap are inspiring to me.”

Candace with volunteers at the last Financial Planning Association’s Annual Free Planning Day held at University of DC.

Lee is also an active participant in the Financial Planning Association’s Annual Free Planning Day – an event where financial planners from across the region offer free financial coaching to members of the community.

“We help people with anything from credit card debt to Medicare or basic budgeting tips,” Lee explained. “The idea is to break down the barriers to financial planning and meet people where they are.”

The event, which is sponsored in part by The Community Foundation, includes both one-on-one coaching sessions, as well as workshops on budgeting, retirement, debt, and credit counseling. Past events have served as many as 100 people.

While budgeting and credit counseling may seem a far stretch from the complicated stock market investments typically associated with financial planning, Lee says it’s no less important – especially for communities of color.

“The beauty of financial planning is that it looks different for each person,” Lee explained. “For some, it means focusing on paying off debt. For others it may be investing money for retirement.”

Financial Planning Day is on August 19 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Center. Walk-ins are Welcome. Click here to learn more and to register!

Candace Lee is a member of The Community Foundation’s Professional Advisor Council (PAC) – a committee of professional advisors from across the region dedicated to helping their clients enhance their charitable giving. For more information, contact Tiffanie Purvis at tpurvis@thecommunityfoundation.org.

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Black Giving is Magic – Changing the Face of Philanthropy

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When Ebonie Johnson Cooper first founded the Young, Black, & Giving Back (YBGB) Institute nearly a decade ago, she had no idea that she would spark a national philanthropic movement.

Founded in 2014, YBGB serves Black-led, Black-benefitting nonprofits by providing leaders with much-needed trainings, resources, and capacity-building support to meet their organizational needs. However, as Johnson Cooper met with Black-led nonprofit leaders over the years, one need stood out among the others. Fundraising.

“Nationally, less than 2 percent of funding goes to Black communities and Black-led organizations,” Johnson Cooper explained, citing a statistic from the Association of Black Foundation Executives – a disparity that continues despite the recent spike in funding in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic and the murder of George Floyd.

So in 2018, Johnson Cooper and the YBGB team decided to take matters into their own hands. They organized Give 8/28 – a national day of giving for Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofits, aimed at mobilizing the power of black philanthropy.

“August 28th is already a significant day in the Black community,” Johnson Cooper explained. “It’s the day that Emmett Till was murdered. It’s the day that Barack Obama announced he was running for President. It’s the day that our beloved T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) passed away. It’s the day that Jackie Robinson was admitted into Major League Baseball.”

“We wanted to turn it into a special day for our nonprofits, as well.”

Inspired by movements like #GivingTuesday, Give 8/28 provides a platform for Black-led and Black-benefitting nonprofits to showcase their work to potential donors from across the country. In addition to providing a platform, YBGB also provides toolkits, webinars, trainings and prizes to help participants be successful and reach their fundraising goals.

In just five years, the event has grown exponentially. In 2018, Give 8/28 raised a collective $12,700 for 114 nonprofits. Last year, that amount soared to more than $250,000 – with more than 1,700 donors participating.

“Black Giving is Magic,” Johnson Cooper said when asked the secret behind the movement “It’s who we are!”

“The history of Black Philanthropy definitely doesn’t begin with us [Give 8/28],” she explained. “It begins on a very organic, community-oriented level. It begins with Blackness.”

“It begins by knowing and understanding that Black people have always been community-centered; have always taken care of our own.”

“Doing the work – and supporting the work -- is a part of who we are. We’re not looking for anyone to save us; we’re taking care of business.”

“This idea of building a self-sustaining community provides the impulse to Black Giving that cannot be replicated.”

For participating nonprofits, the impact of this support from Black Philanthropy – however small – cannot be overstated.

“I remember one year, there was a very young organization that worked with LGBTQ+ youth,” Johnson Cooper recalled. “It was their first year, so they had no idea what to expect. I think they only raised a couple hundred dollars – but they were so thrilled.”

“‘You have no idea what this means to us, as a new organization’ they told me. ‘We’ve never done this before, so to raise this amount of money is huge.’”

“And then they added -- ‘We’re excited to come back next year and do even better!’”

Johnson Cooper also credits part of Giving 8/28’s success to YBGB’s partnership with community foundations. The Greater Washington Community Foundation is one of three local community foundations sponsoring Giving 8/28 this year.

“Philanthropy is about more than just cash,” Johnson Cooper said. “It’s also about fostering and leveraging relationships to do the most good while causing the least harm. It’s about building a stronger community.”

“By supporting events like Give 8/28, community foundations help build that community --fostering relationships between donors and nonprofits to multiply the magic of Black Giving.”

The Community Foundation is proud to sponsor Giving 8/28. We strongly encourage our Black-led nonprofit partners to join us for this celebration of Black Philanthropy. Registration closes on August 14th.

We also invite our fundholders to learn more about Give 8/28 and support incredible, Black-led organizations near you.

For more information, visit www.give828.org.

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Having Pride in Planning Your Legacy

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by Lawrence S. Jacobs, Esq.

Trying to celebrate Pride Month despite the avalanche of bad news has me thinking about estate planning and why it's so important - especially for non-traditional families.  The traditional family dynamic has changed drastically over the past few decades. We're now seeing more non-traditional families - single parents, same-sex couples, blended families, etc. As a result, estate planning has become more important than ever for LGBTQ+ families, unmarried couples, or couples who have children from previous relationships, and parents with stepchildren.

It's so essential for non-traditional families to have a well-thought-out estate plan, including a Will and maybe a trust.  Confusion arises because of what happens if you die without a valid Will.  In that case, your legally-married spouse is at the top of the list to receive your assets, but only if they survive you.  If you are single or in a relationship with someone who is not your legal spouse or if your spouse is not alive and you don’t have children, then your parents, siblings or even cousins are generally the next in line. But the good news is that if you create a valid Will, you get to write your own rules. Members of your family only get what you want them to have – if you want them to have anything at all.

A lot of people feel that it is their familial duty to pass assets on to the next generation or to siblings. You certainly can, but it is rarely a requirement unless you have minor children.  Many of my clients think about naming their nieces and nephews as beneficiaries.  Yet you have many meaningful options that go beyond enriching those young people who might stand to inherit significant assets from their parents or grandparents.

I pose a simple question: what is it that you worked your whole life to accomplish when you die?  Of course, the answer is rarely simple.  I challenge you to add up all your assets, including life insurance policies and retirement accounts and to pretend that all that money is in your checking account.  Let’s say that number is $2 million.  Then write 10 pretend checks of $200,000 each and imagine what would happen if you handed one to each of your family members.  Hopefully, the money would achieve something incredibly meaningful to you and to your recipients.

But you might want to consider what that same amount of money would accomplish if it was given to a cause that is meaningful to you, perhaps gay rights, a scholarship at your alma mater, the environment, the performing arts, animal welfare, or many others – including The Community Foundation!  In reality, your assets could be enough to change the world and allow you to leave a truly meaningful legacy. 

I realize that all this is deeply personal and do not intend to make light of the serious choices involved.  However, many people do not think through the consequences and alternatives of simply telling their lawyer to draft a Will “that divides my assets among my family when I die.”  And you may relate to the alternatives more happily than to the people who share your genes, while making the DMV a better place.

Lawrence (Larry) has helped more than a thousand couples and singles in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area protect their assets and loved ones through carefully-crafted estate planning strategies and documents. He has been a vocal advocate for the LGBT community in Maryland for nearly 30 years.  Larry is a shareholder at McMillan Metro, P.C. and has practiced law for 48 years.  He is admitted to the bars of Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.  

This post should not be misconstrued as legal advice but intended for Educational Purposes Only. Contact your advisor(s) for advice on your specific circumstances.

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Peace for DC: Hope for Reducing Gun Violence in the District

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By Amy L. Walter

My husband Chuck and I opened our donor-advised fund with The Community Foundation in 2020. At the time, we were eager to learn from The Community Foundation’s insight into local organizations and how they contribute to racial and economic equity. We initially focused on affordable housing and wealth building, which we viewed as foundational to people’s financial and overall well-being. We also participated in The Community Foundation’s Sharing DC program.

In the summer of 2021, our lives, and consequently the focus of our philanthropy, changed. During an after-dinner stroll in DC with our dear, longtime friends, Jerry Black and Cathy Feingold, gunshots rang out, and Jerry was struck and killed.

Cathy, in the midst of this unimaginable loss, focused attention on the gun violence so prevalent in many areas of our city and region. Gun violence in DC and other cities is a devasting problem. Homicides in the District nearly doubled in the four years leading to 2021. In recent years, an increasing number of gun violence victims have been children.

Cathy decided to establish a memorial fund for Jerry benefitting The TraRon Center, an organization providing art therapy and counseling to children affected by gun violence in Ward 8. The culturally responsive services The TraRon Center lovingly provides and the safe, healing space it creates have a demonstrable impact on children’s levels of PTSD.

Inspired by Cathy, I began learning about gun violence – from reading the research to attending panels to meeting with leaders of grassroots organizations. I met regularly with the founders of The TraRon Center and Guns Down Friday – an organization founded by Jawanna Hardy, one of The Community Foundation’s Black Voices for Black Justice DMV Fellows.

Here are some of the things that I learned:

  • Research from around the country shows that community gun violence is a solvable problem. DC is learning from what works and targeting proven interventions toward the small number of people most likely to commit gun violence.

  • ·Solving this problem is as much about racial equity and economic mobility as about safety and well-being. Black people are disproportionately the victims of gun violence in urban areas, and the communities affected by gun violence face significant adverse economic and educational consequences.

  • In DC, there is momentum on this issue. For many years, community-based organizations (CBOs) with deep knowledge of the people and communities most affected have been working tirelessly to address this problem. More recently, the media are shining a spotlight on it, residents are demanding action, and the DC government is allocating greater resources to those doing this critical work.

This research led me to the Peace for DC Fund – a component fund at The Community Foundation that is playing a leading role in moving the District forward. Since its founding in 2021, Peace for DC has brought together CBOs, researchers, and the government to collaborate in solving the problem of gun violence. It has educated the public on proven solutions and supported the development of the District’s Gun Violence Reduction Strategic Plan. It has delivered financial and technical support to CBOs closest to the ground – all with the goal of reducing homicides in DC by 60 percent over five years.

In 2022, Peace for DC took the important step of launching the DC Peace Academy, grounded in the best practice of providing high-quality training to Community Violence Intervention (CVI) workers. These CVI workers put themselves at risk by connecting with the hardest-to-reach individuals, who are most likely to commit gun violence, so they choose another path. The Peace Academy gives CVI workers affiliated with different organizations the chance to learn from and support one another. In December 2022, Chuck and I were fortunate to attend the DC Peace Academy’s second cohort graduation ceremony, which we found deeply moving and inspiring.

Based on our strong belief in Peace for DC, Chuck and I have made a five-year financial commitment to support the powerful work they do. By contributing to Peace for DC, we not only help to heal and support people affected by gun violence; we help prevent gun violence-related deaths from ever occurring – a prospect that gives us hope for a safer future. We encourage you to learn more about Peace for DC’s visionary work in moving toward a District free from gun violence.

Amy L. Walter is an education professional with 20 years of experience combining classroom teaching, policy work, and nonprofit strategic planning and investment, in the U.S. and overseas. She and her husband, Chuck Szymanski, live in Washington, DC with their teenage daughter. For more information about the Peace for DC Fund, visit https://www.peacefordc.org/

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Let's Talk Taxes: Insights from The Federal Budget for Donors to Consider

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It’s that time of year again, when lawmakers on Capitol Hill convene to discuss the FY24 Federal Budget - a topic which (for better or worse) impacts many who live, work, and thrive in our region.

However, it’s what got passed in last year’s budget that some donors may want to pay closer attention to.

In August 2022, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which included nearly $80 Billion in funding for the Internal Revenue Service over the next 10 years.

Last month, the IRS Commissioner released the agency’s operating plan, outlining how the new funding would be allocated. The 150-page plan covering 2023 - 2031 speaks primarily to five areas of priority spending:

  • $47.4 billion to increase tax compliance among wealthy taxpayers and businesses.

  • $12.4 billion for technology enhancements.

  • $8.2 billion to recruit and retain a highly skilled, diverse workforce.

  • $7.5 billion targeting taxpayer service improvements.

  • $3.9 billion for cybersecurity.

Significant operational efficiencies are anticipated, and the heightened compliance efforts will generally apply to taxpayers making more than $400,000 annually. What’s raising eyebrows is that high-income earners and thus, donors to charity—and the financial professionals who serve them—should likely expect more in terms of attention, oversight, and audits. 

According to the plan, “segments of taxpayers with complex issues and complex returns where audit rates are minimal today, such as those related to large partnerships, large corporations, and high-income and high-wealth individuals,” will be areas of focus. 

The new-hire ramp up and technology implementation will take some time, per experts, with some believing that 2022 tax returns will be less subject to scrutiny than those in future years. But, the agency also has a three-year window to initiate an audit, giving it time to look back. 

Of specific importance to the charitable community is Objective 3, Initiative 4 (PDF page 66 of the plan), which states: “The IRS will increase enforcement activities to help ensure tax compliance of high-income and high-wealth individuals.” 

Increasing right along with the enhanced scrutiny is the need for solid charitable planning advice. The community foundation is an ideal partner, offering secure and efficient vehicles for charitable giving—including the precise tax documentation and compliance that the IRS expects. 

Indeed, a silver lining for advisors and those who work with The Community Foundation may be that the added potential IRS oversight plays to The Community Foundation’s strengths. By offering donors fully-vetted grantee organizations, plus gift execution, documentation and compliance services, those who’ve established donor-advised, field-of-interest, designated, or other funds at the community foundation can rest more easily knowing that their philanthropy is being handled as intended and able to withstand questioning, whether they are funding their contributions with Qualified Charitable Distributions, highly-appreciated stock, or complex assets such as closely-held businesses and real estate.

The Community Foundation stands ready to help donors and financial advisors unlock the power of philanthropy by providing the tools and expertise to help them achieve their philanthropic goals.

For more information, visit our website or contact our General Counsel & Senior Philanthropic Advisor, Tiffany Purvis at tpurvis@thecommunityfoundation.org

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Sharing the Love in Prince George's County

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Earlier this month members of Sharing Prince George’s gathered at the iHOP in Bladensburg, MD to celebrate and recognize the work of nonprofit partners in Prince George’s County.

“It has been such a privilege to learn about your organizations and the incredible work that you do,” Sharing Prince George’s member Rufus Lusk, shared. “Your leadership and dedication to our community is truly inspiring.”

A donor-driven initiative, Sharing Prince George’s has spent the past year meeting with nonprofit organizations across the county. In alignment with The Community Foundation’s Strategic Vision, the group met primarily with organizations focused on the three key intervention areas of the racial wealth gap — Basic Needs, Economic Mobility, and Community Wealth Building. Of those, seven organizations were ultimately selected to receive a total of $200,000 in unrestricted funding.

The initiative also celebrated the second half funding for five organizations who received multi-year grants in 2022.

“The support we received from Sharing Prince George’s last year has allowed us to be more comprehensive in the way we do our work,” George Escobar, Chief of Programs and Services for CASA shared. “With their support, we were able to invest in the infrastructure of our organization in a way that better meets the needs of those we serve.”

The meeting marked the first in-person gathering for Sharing Prince George’s since before pandemic – allowing members and nonprofit leaders valuable opportunities to chat and network over coffee and stacks of iHOP pancakes. This year’s nonprofit partners provide a diverse range of services to the Prince George’s community – from housing rehabilitation and workforce development to promoting the arts and environmental efforts.

“It’s great to connect with so many incredible people,” one leader shared. “We all serve some of the same people in this community, so opportunities like this help open doors for collaborations that can take the work to the next level.”

For more information about Sharing Prince George’s, visit our website or contact Kate Daniels at kdaniels@thecommunityfoundation.org

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Faces of Sharing - Getting to Know Sharing DC Member Maggie Prieto

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First-time Sharing DC members Maggie Prieto and her husband Mark Michael started their Donor-Advised Fund with The Community Foundation this past year.

“The Community Foundation really fit with our giving philosophy,” Maggie explained. “We were impressed with how purposeful and in sync they were with our philanthropic values.”

A former Civil Rights Disabilities Lawyer with the US Department of Justice, Maggie has been heavily involved in the DC nonprofit scene for several decades – generously donating money, time, and professional expertise to champion the cause of changemakers in the region. In addition to working at organizations like The National Council de La Raza (now known as UnidosUS) and Ayuda, Maggie has served on the boards of the Latin American Youth Center, Mary’s Center, and the Rosemount Center.

So when Maggie and Mark were invited to join Sharing DC, they were intrigued at the possibility of learning more about the evolution of a field they know so well.

Mark is an entrepreneur; a political science major who moved to DC from California with the idea of starting an up-scale catering company. Years later, Maggie and Mark say they have a deep appreciation for young entrepreneurs – especially in the social impact space.

“Part of why we joined Sharing DC was to learn more about ‘social impact entrepreneurs’ – smaller organizations with new and exciting ideas about how to make an impact in DC. We wanted to learn more about the work they’re doing and how it aligns with the organizations we already support.”

Maggie and Mark also enjoyed meeting and working with fellow philanthropists from a variety of different backgrounds and experiences.

“It is so important in philanthropy to have a diversity of voices at the table,” Maggie explained. “Diversity allows you to have a deeper and richer understanding of what’s possible and the resources, tools, and ideas that are required to do the work.”

As a daughter of immigrants who worked extensively with immigrant populations over her professional career, Maggie was able to bring a unique perspective to the group that helped inform the grantmaking process. She was also able to make a small personal grant to one of the applicants that didn’t receive funding.

“I think informed philanthropy is much more effective philanthropy. When you meet the leaders of an organization, learn about their mission, what drives them and the impact they’re having – you are empowered to do so much more compared to simply giving to an organization because a close friend recommended it to you.”

“If you’re committed to making your community better through philanthropy, Sharing DC gives you a great opportunity to gain invaluable insight and connect with other folks who are doing the same thing.”

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2023 Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year Award Nominations Now Open!

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Left to Right: Anna Hargrave (Executive Director, Montgomery County), Mimi Brodsky Kress (2022 Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year) and Tonia Wellons (President/CEO) at the Celebration of Giving.

Nomination Guidelines

Purpose: To honor an individual who has made a positive impact in our community through giving, and whose philanthropic leadership sets an inspiring example for us all. 

Nomination Process

Complete the official nomination form and submit a letter (2 pages max) explaining why your nominee should be selected as the Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year. 

Please note: The cover form must be completed in its entirety. The 2-page letter must convey that the nominee meets all the eligibility criteria. Nominators are welcome to submit attachments that will help convey the impact of the nominee’s giving and philanthropic leadership. However, the Awards Committee will not accept nominations which rely solely on resumes, newspaper articles, annual reports, or the like in substitution for concise responses to the criteria outlined above.  

When feasible, nominators are welcome to team up with other organizations to submit a joint nomination that will more fully articulate the nominee’s philanthropic leadership and impact. 

Pending review by the Philanthropist of the Year Selection Committee, The Community Foundation staff may contact you for additional information. 

For inspiration, look no further than our past Philanthropist of the Year honorees.

 
 

Eligibility Criteria

All nominees must:

  • Be a resident of Montgomery County

  • Have a demonstrated track record of charitable giving to one or more nonprofit organizations based in and working in Montgomery County*

  • Have made a positive impact in the lives of county residents through their giving*

  • Encourage/motivate others to become philanthropic

Please note: We encourage nominators to give special emphasis to any extraordinary giving and/or leadership over the past few years which helped your organization adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and/or advance work related to racial equity and inclusion. Please know, the level of charitable dollars given is secondary to its impact and potential to inspire others to follow suit. Creative approaches to philanthropy are welcome! Nominees may be of any age.

In exceptional circumstances, the Selection Committee may consider a former resident, a family unit, or a philanthropist who is deceased. 

Deadline: Thursday, March 2, 2023

The nomination form, letter, and any additional attachments must be submitted via email by close of business on Thursday, March 2, 2023 to:

Olivia Hsu
Development Associate, Montgomery County
ohsu@thecommunityfoundation.org

All nominators will receive confirmation that the nomination has been submitted within 24 hours of receipt. The Community Foundation will contact the selected awardee(s) and their nominator by June. All other nominations will remain confidential.

Questions: Contact Olivia Hsu at ohsu@thecommunityfoundation.org.

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Ring in the New Year with New Charitable Giving Tax Laws

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If you’ve been tracking federal legislation, you may have seen that on December 29, 2022, President Biden signed a $1.65 trillion-dollar omnibus spending bill known as the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (“CAA”). 

A component of this legislation, known as “SECURE 2.0,” includes many provisions that make it easier for people to build retirement savings, ranging from required enrollment in employer-sponsored 401(k) plans to larger “catch up” contributions to enable workers nearing retirement to add more to their retirement accounts each year.

Three of the new law’s provisions are particularly interesting to Community Foundation donors, especially related to a planning tool called the Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). Many donors who are 70½ or older have already been taking advantage of the QCD. This technique allows a taxpayer to make an annual transfer of up to $100,000 from an IRA to a qualifying public charity such as a field-of-interest fund, scholarship fund, or unrestricted fund at The Community Foundation. The taxpayer does not need to pay income tax on the distribution and, for taxpayers who must take RMDs from their retirement plans, the QCD counts toward that year’s RMD.

Here’s what’s new, thanks to SECURE 2.0:

More time to accumulate retirement assets

Under the new law, the required minimum distribution (RMD) age (previously 72) increased to 73 on January 1, 2023. RMDs are the IRS-mandated distributions from qualified retirement plans. The RMD age will further increase to 75 beginning on January 1, 2033. This provision is a boost to retirees’ financial plans and may mean more dollars available for charitable giving, especially in the form of a tax-savvy beneficiary designation of retirement plans to charity.

Note that the age for QCD eligibility is still 70½, and, still, donor-advised funds are not eligible recipients of a QCD.

“Legacy IRA” opportunity

SECURE 2.0 makes QCDs even more attractive because taxpayers may now make a one-time $50,000 QCD transfer to a newly established charitable remainder trust (CRT) or charitable gift annuity (CGA). These components of the new law are called the “Legacy IRA” provisions. 

Bigger QCDs

The annual per-taxpayer $100,000 QCD cap is now slated to be indexed for inflation, which will allow taxpayers to give even more from their IRAs directly to charity.

The team at The Community Foundation would be happy to talk with you about how the new laws can enhance your charitable giving plans. Reach out to us anytime! 

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Mutual Aid Groups: Preparing for Tomorrow’s Crises by Investing in Today’s Problem Solvers

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Ever since early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a tremendous mobilization in the social services sector. Within weeks, nonprofit organizations across the country scrambled to shift their operations to meet community needs – organizing new programs, experimenting with new technologies, and seeking new ways to connect and collaborate with community members.

Yet perhaps the most impressive mobilization has come from a different source – Mutual Aid Networks -- a growing movement of neighbors helping neighbors on a grassroots level.

“Mutual aid is a critical part of our region’s social safety net,” said Tonia Wellons, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Community Foundation. “When neighbors help neighbors meet their basic needs, it strengthens the whole community’s ability to address current crises – and weather future ones, as they continue along the path to economic progress.”

While the concept of mutual aid has been around for a long time, the pandemic saw a dramatic increase in the organization and mobilization of networks throughout the Greater Washington region. Neighbors mobilized to help each other with issues that ranged from food and transportation needs to utilities assistance.

“The heart of our work is to redistribute wealth and resources to Black communities in DC who are facing rapid displacement,” one organizer with Serve Your City, Ward 6 Mutual Aid shared. “When a community can care for itself from within, leaders are developed, and new power models are created.”

In addition to greatly increasing the efficiency and reach of ongoing relief efforts, these power models can provide vital infrastructure and partnership opportunities for future community-wealth building initiatives.

“Our dream is to create sustainability within Black neighborhoods so that the city's most long-standing residents can maintain homes within thriving communities,” another organizer added. “We are all best served when our community is safe and healthy, and when communities have agency over decision-making.”

Recognizing the critical role of mutual aid networks in responding to current and future crises, the Greater Washington Community Foundation recently awarded $250,000 in grants to help meet the basic needs of low-income residents, bridge diverse communities, support vaccine education/access, strengthen political education and organizing, and more.

These investments also marked a milestone for The Community Foundation as they represent the final grants issued from the organization’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund established at the onset of the pandemic.

“We are grateful for the donors and nonprofit partners who have stood by us and our community during one of the most trying and transformative periods in its history,” Wellons said.

“Though this concludes our immediate crisis response work, we will continue working together with our partners to prepare for future crises and to support pathways to economic mobility so more people can overcome everyday crises that prevent them from thriving in our region.”

Grant Recipients include:

East of the River Mutual Aid (EORMA/Grassroots DC)

To support the work of East of the River Mutual Aid in Wards 7 and 8 to provide residents with basic needs such as groceries, hot meals, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, school supplies, transportation, emergency housing, clothing, baby formula, diapers and more. EORMA will also provide support related to grief/loss, elderly resident support, political education/organizing, and operates a COVID-19 hotline to help neighbors with vaccine education/access.

Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid (SYC/W6MA)

To support the work of Serve Your City/ Ward 6 Mutual Aid Network in Wards 5,6, 7 and 8, including food and supply distribution, providing critical supplies and advocating alongside unhoused neighbors for access to resources, youth education and workforce programs, digital divide program, and political organizing and advocacy.

Silver Spring & Takoma Park Mutual Aid (SSTPMA)

To support mutual aid efforts in the Silver Spring, Takoma Park, and Kensington areas of Montgomery County that includes grocery store gift cards and financial assistance for utility bills. Funding will help expand the capacity of ongoing work as well as assist with the backlog of requests for assistance.

Ward 3 Mutual Aid (W3MA)

To support food assistance programs including buying /delivering groceries to neighbors, grocery gift cards, Ward 3 Food Pantry and household cleaning supplies, and financial assistance to other mutual aid groups in the city. W3MA has an ongoing commitment to providing support to East of The River Mutual Aid and to supporting a hot meal program for low-income people in other wards.

Ward 5 Mutual Aid (W5MA)

To support mutual aid efforts in Ward 5 and help neighbors with basic needs including groceries, personal and household items. W5MA operates a grocery delivery system and supply hub which is staffed by volunteers and has a storehouse of canned/dry food items, some fresh produce, diapers, and clothing. Funding will help meet the consistent inflow of grocery requests, and growing backlog.

The Hope Collective

To support a group of nonprofit organizations in Prince George’s County that utilize their resources collaboratively to provide school-based and community wraparound services in areas where violent crime is an issue. The Hope Collective will support up to 5 nonprofit organizations that will provide youth and their families with mental health, workforce development, after-school programming, and re-entry services specifically to address rising crime and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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Three Tips to Maximize Your Year-End Giving for 2022

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As the end of the year approaches, The Community Foundation’s Senior Advisor Rebecca Rothey provides three tips to help you meet your personal giving goals while maximizing tax benefits in an uncertain economy.

Gifts of appreciated stock still shine

Giving in a roller coaster market may continue to be a real concern for many, but remember, not all stocks are down. Donating an appreciated gift of stock is a fantastic tax-advantaged way to make gifts to charities. When donated directly into a donor advised fund at the Greater Washington Community Foundation or directly to the charity, you can avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation. 

Ashley Hall, Director at Chevy Chase Trust and a member of our Professional Advisor Council, shared the following experience:

“A client came to us this year looking to make a larger gift to a cause important to them through their fund at the Greater Washington Community Foundation. Despite being in a down market, we still had highly appreciated positions in their portfolio that were prudent to reduce from a portfolio management perspective but would be costly to sell. Donating parts of this appreciated stock allowed us to reduce this position and saved the client almost $10,000 in Federal and local taxes.” 

Donor-advised funds help both you and your favorite nonprofits

Even during economic uncertainty, grantmaking from donor-advised funds (DAFs) continues to rise, as donors pay increasing attention to the ways a donor-advised fund can help with tax planning. We encourage you to reach out to our team to learn more about how “bundling” at year end can maximize your tax benefits, and at the same time ensure that your favorite nonprofits receive the support they need.

Plan ahead to meet your goals!

As we approach the end of the year and look forward to 2023, I encourage you to make time to sit down and plan ahead so you can meet your personal philanthropic goals. Be aware of year-end giving deadlines to ensure you can receive the appropriate tax benefits.

Remember that checks to a fund at The Community Foundation must be postmarked no later than December 31 or hand-delivered no later than Friday, December 30 at 1 p.m. Gifts of marketable securities also need to be fully transferred by December 30, so be sure to contact us in plenty of time so our team can process and receive the transfer.

A reminder that the deadline for you to recommend grants through your fund at The Community Foundation is Friday, December 16. Any grant recommendations received after this date run the risk of not being processed in 2022 due to increased volume.

We are grateful that you have chosen to partner with The Community Foundation on your philanthropic journey. We are proud to partner with you in making a difference for the Greater Washington region – and look forward to continuing our work together in 2023!

Wishing you and your family a safe and connected holiday season!