Community Foundation's Sharing Community Foundation Funds Announce $945,000 in Funding for Region Nonprofits

The Greater Washington Community Foundation is excited to announce $945,000 in grants awarded through its Sharing Community Funds this past cycle.

The Sharing Community Funds bring together donors who share our passion for building more equitable, just, and thriving communities.  With expert facilitation by Community Foundation staff, donors join together to learn first-hand about the challenges facing our community. Thanks to the generosity of this growing community of givers, together we discover and invest in visionary nonprofits working on the frontlines of our region’s most pressing needs.   

In alignment with our Strategic Vision, the Sharing Community Funds focused on the three intervention areas of the racial wealth gap — Basic Needs, Economic Mobility, and Community Wealth Building.

Grants were awarded in accordance with principles of trust-based philanthropy including investments in general operating and organizational capacity building.

See Below for a complete list of our nonprofit partners for 2025, sorted by category.

2025 Sharing Community Fund Nonprofit Partners - Basic Needs

• Sharing DC

  • DC American Academy of Pediatrics (2025 Multi-Year) is a key part of a national network focused on children's health. With nearly 500 members, including many trainees, DCAAP collaborates with over 67,000 pediatricians nationwide, particularly in the DMV region. The chapter addresses health inequities in Washington, D.C., through early interventions, family support services, and policy advocacy. DCAAP's mission is to promote children's health and development while supporting pediatricians. They advocate for basic needs through educational programs, community town halls, and legislative efforts, aiming for a healthier, more equitable future for children in D.C. and beyond. Through the organization’s service priorities and programming, DCAAP educates and bring awareness to critical issues in their community, including health equity, food insecurity integrated child health services, water quality, community safety, and early childhood development and education.

  • The Multicultural Spanish Speaking Providers Association (2025 Multi-Year) is a vibrant and diverse community of over 1,000 educators of which about 600 are DC residents. Their initiatives create a holistic impact by enhancing educational access, promoting entrepreneurship, and addressing the professional needs of DC’s early educator workforce. MSSPA community members are employed across more than 100 licensed early learning programs and several public schools. MSSPA’s work not only supports the immigrant community’s basic needs but also fosters economic mobility, contributing to a more equitable and thriving early learning sector.

• Sharing Prince George's

  • Community Outreach and Development CDC (2025 Multi-Year) focuses its efforts on Basic Needs, providing food, diapers, toiletries, and public assistance benefits enrollment to help persons who are in times of crisis overcome their situations.

  • Foundation Schools has been providing innovative programs and support services that address the educational, social, and mental health needs of children and adolescents with emotional disabilities and learning challenges.

  • Sasha Bruce Youthwork provides comprehensive support, including safe housing, life skills coaching, and mental health services, through programs like Promise Place (the County's only youth emergency shelter) and the Bruce Empowerment Zone (the County's only low-barrier drop-in center).

  • Jacob’s Ladder provides programming and educational support to help reduce the number of juveniles entering and returning to the juvenile justice system in Prince George’s County.

• Sharing Montgomery

  • AfriThrive empowers African immigrants to grow and share healthy, culturally appropriate produce with residents facing food insecurity. Its training programs help families achieve self-reliance and economic stability.

  • The Black and Brown Coalition for Educational Equity and Excellence unites traditionally marginalized communities to demand an education system that serves all students equitably. The BBC takes aim at dismantling systemic barriers that have underserved and limited the success of Black, Brown, and students from low-income families and fights for equitable access to the resources needed to thrive.

  • Care for Your Health provides culturally sensitive in-home health care to elders. Patients are served by trained staff from their own community in touch with their circumstances and needs.

  • Community Bridges, Inc. empowers girls in elementary, middle, and high schools to discover their unique identity, voice, and potential through leadership development, college and career readiness, and family support and mentoring.

  • Community Development Network of Marylandpromotes, strengthens and advocates for Maryland’s community development industry. Its Montgomery Housing Alliance is a coalition of members in the County who work to increase affordable housing through expanding public investment, promoting equitable development, and prioritizing the needs of vulnerable communities.

  • Community FarmShare strives to create a local sustainable food system. It supports small scale farmers by purchasing fresh produce for low-income children and residents struggling with diet-related chronic diseases.

  • CREATE Arts Centerprovides art classes, art therapy, and community outreach, with a focus on fostering academic, social and emotional development for students. To level the playing field for access and inclusion, CREATE provides free and reduced fee services to traditionally marginalized constituencies, including people living on low-and-fixed-incomes.

  • Crittenton Services of Greater Washington helps teenage girls achieve academic success, make healthy choices, and chart their own bright futures. Its virtual and school-based programs teach teenage girls to value their education, build healthy relationships, speak up for their own needs, and explore paths toward college and careers.

  • Home Care Partners provides in-home services that support vulnerable seniors, helping them to age-in-place with safety, dignity, and comfort. The organization serves approximately 1,000 clients annually in the DC metropolitan area.

  • Horizons Greater Washington supports students from low-income families for nine years, from kindergarten through eighth grade. The organization works to foster a joyful environment full of academic, artistic, and athletic activities that inspire young minds and build a love of learning.

  • Housing Unlimited provides affordable, independent housing for adults in mental health recovery in Montgomery County. The organization promotes independence and recovery by providing a stable and comfortable home, allowing tenants to focus on becoming valued and integrated members of the community.

  • KID Museum provides interactive programming to populations that are traditionally underrepresented in STEM. They foster a “mind of a maker” mindset in the kids and youth served, working with them to become empathetic and persistent problem-solvers, teammates, and changemakers.

  • Kingdom Global Community Development Corporation operates the East County Hub which distributes food, diapers, and COVID-19 support. The organization also has other public-private partnerships that address food security, health and wellness, education, employment, and housing.

  • Manna Food Center works to eliminate hunger through food distribution, healthy eating education, and advocacy. Its extensive network supported more than 60,000 participants over the past year, distributing 4 million pounds of food.

  • Mary's Center provides health care, education, and social services to build healthier and stronger communities. In response to COVID-19, Mary’s Center worked to prevent the spread of the virus by offering testing and vaccinations to community members through the Greater Washington region.

  • Montgomery County Food Council leads the coordination and advocacy to create a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable local food system by enhancing food access, expanding food education, and supporting the County’s farms and food/beverage businesses. The Council also addresses the impact of local food production, distribution, consumption and recycling on natural resources.

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness of Montgomery County (NAMI MC) provides comprehensive support, education, advocacy, and public awareness to promote recovery so that individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.

  • Rainbow Community Development Corporation provides relief for food insecurity paired with other safety net services including eviction and utility cutoff prevention, temporary short-term shelter, and job search and resume assistance.

  • Rainbow Place Shelter provides emergency overnight shelter to women during the hypothermia season and assists them as they transition to a better quality of life. Additionally, the organization is working to open a new year-round, LGBTQ-inclusive shelter to provide a safe haven for youth and young adults.

  • Red Wiggler Community Farm provides comprehensive on-farm training and education programs for adults with developmental disabilities. Half of its organic produce is donated to low-income households throughout Montgomery County.

  • Stepping Stones Shelter provides emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness with the goal of moving a family from crisis to stability within 90 days. Since 1982, Stepping Stones Shelter has served over 1,035 families in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.

  • Story Tapestries utilizes the arts to promote accessibility and equity in educational and community spaces. Professional artists share the magic of the arts and enhance individuals’ literacy, social-emotional, and STEAM skills through performances, workshops, artist residencies, and educator training programs.

  • The UpCounty Hub (2024 Multi-Year) was founded with the philosophy of providing low-income individuals and families with food and essential social services, allowing them to maintain their privacy and dignity. It currently provides food to about 1,200 families weekly via drive-thru distributions, home deliveries, and choice-pantry walk-in services. Additionally, its wrap-around supports have grown to include social services, such as supporting applications for SNAP and connecting clients to other essential resources. 

2025 Sharing Community Fund Nonprofit Partners - Economic Mobility

• Sharing DC

  • ScholarChips (2025 Multi-Year) directly addresses the basic needs of college- bound young adults with incarcerated parents by providing them with essential support and resources. Through their scholarship program, they alleviate the financial burden of pursuing higher education, ensuring that these students have access to the same opportunities as their peers. Additionally, ScholarCHIPS’ mentorship program and college life skills workshops equip these students with the necessary tools to navigate college successfully. They also offer mental health supports to address their emotional well-being, helping them overcome the challenges associated with having an incarcerated parent.

  • Urban Ed plans to expand and enhance their STEMAcad workforce & career development program for upskilling & reskilling low-income people of color and advancing the minority pool of talent in STEM.

• Sharing Prince George's

  • Life After Release works with low-income Black women and families in PG County who are currently or formerly incarcerated to chart pathways out of poverty to help them build a self-determined life after release.

  • Life Asset offers microloans, training , and support for entrepreneurs to make their business dreams a reality.

• Sharing Montgomery

  • CareerCatchers is dedicated to working with under and unemployed, low-income and disadvantaged residents of Montgomery County. Annually, CareerCatchers serves over 1,000 people with intensive career coaching and career navigation services, the majority of whom live in areas with the deepest disparities in homeownership and income.

  • CollegeTracks (2023 Multi-Year) supports first-generation-to-college students and students from low-income and/or immigrant households, by providing customized support to navigate the admissions and financial aid applications, degree completion, and pathway to a career.  Each year, thousands of students in Montgomery County graduate from high school without a postsecondary plan that could lead to meaningful careers and upward economic mobility. Since 2003, its network of staff and volunteers has helped over 11,000 students. 

  • Crossroads Community Food Network provides training and support for startup food businesses and healthy eating education to local students and shoppers at Crossroads Farmers Market. Its farmers market nutrition incentives allow federal nutrition benefits recipients to double the value of these benefits spent at the market.

  • Future Link (2024 Multi-Year) is dedicated to closing the opportunity divide for first-generation-to-college young adults in Montgomery County (ages 18-25). The organization provides the professional development, resources, and individual support necessary for higher education, career-based training, and workforce entry, ultimately achieving lasting self-sufficiency. Annually, Future Link serves 315 students with comprehensive services including paid internships, career coaching, mentoring, tutoring, scholarships, and academic guidance.

  • Housing Initiative Partnership (2025 Multi-Year) is a 35-year-old affordable housing developer and HUD-approved counseling agency which develops innovative affordable housing, revitalizes neighborhoods and equips people to achieve their housing and financial goals.  At its Gaithersburg Financial Empowerment Center, HIP’s integrated services model transforms clients’ financial health through coordinated interventions and referrals to other community resources.

  • Identity, Inc. (2024 Multi-Year) empowers youth and their families with social-emotional, academic, workforce, and life skills to succeed in the modern world. It works with Latino and other historically underserved residents at schools, in the community and on playing fields. Like family, Identity celebrates victories and offers extra help when something more is needed. Last year alone, Identity assisted more than 50,000 Montgomery County residents.

  • Interfaith Works (2025 Multi-Year) ensures that Montgomery County residents have access to vital services and a pathway to greater stability. They achieve this through supplying basic needs (food, clothing, emergency financial assistance), a job readiness program, and a suite of housing programs including four emergency shelters, shared supportive housing, and a Drop-In Center. Interfaith Works employs over 200 staff members and partners with 7,000 volunteers to support 35,000 clients a year who are experiencing poverty.

  • Montgomery College Foundation co-leads the Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success (ACES) program in partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools and The Universities at Shady Grove. ACES provides individualized academic coaching, scholarship opportunities, and career readiness to underrepresented high school students, for a seamless and supportive pathway to a bachelor’s degree.

  • Montgomery County Black Collective (2025 Multi-Year) provides business development, coaching, and individual/family financial literacy opportunities for start-up entrepreneurs and small business owners. Its programs are rooted by tailored resources, mentorship, and peer supports which empower entrepreneurs with the skills necessary to achieve economic independence, build a more equitable future, and drive positive change in their communities.

  • Phase 3 Training Corporation provides hands-on training in the elevator/escalator, electrical, solar, and HVAC industries. Through innovative and effective training models, they aim to reduce economic disparities and foster long-term community development and well-being.

2025 Sharing Community Fund Nonprofit Partners - Community WEalth building

• Sharing DC

  • Latino Economic Development Center is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with a 33-year history in Greater Washington. Their mission is to serve as a catalyst that drives the economic and social advancement of low-to moderate-income Latinos and other underserved communities by equipping them with the skills and tools to achieve financial independence, acquire personal and business assets, create generational wealth and become leaders in their communities. While each client of theirs has a different path to economic mobility, each department (Small Business/Lending, Housing Counseling/Eviction Prevention/Tenant Services, Direct Community Investments, and Financial Empowerment) helps them chart that path, stabilizing in the short term, while building long-term sustainability.

  • birdSEED is focused on creating economic mobility through home ownership so Black, Indigenous and persons of color who have been historically disadvantaged in the home buying process can begin building wealth. They do this by offering down payment assistance grants to first time home buyers.

• Sharing Prince George's

  • FSC First is a reliable provider of creative and innovative business financing solutions to established and emerging businesses in the State of Maryland. Their Level Up program provides access to capital, training, coaching, mentoring, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

• Sharing Montgomery

  • Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland provides home preservation and homeownership programs that help low-income families live a more stable, self-reliant life. Its staff, homeowners, and volunteers have completed nearly 1,050 projects since its inception.

  • IMPACT Silver Spring supports the creation of inclusive local economies by connecting people in an intentional network spanning individuals, neighborhoods, and leaders in the community. Ultimately, IMPACT is working to advance racial equity by transforming county policies, institutions, structures, and systems.

2025 Sharing Community Fund Nonprofit Partners - Capacity building

• Sharing Prince George's

  • Nonprofit Prince George’s: Equips and empowers Prince George’s County nonprofits to better serve our communities.

• Sharing Montgomery

  • Montgomery Moving Forward is a collective impact initiative which convenes leaders from government, business, philanthropy, education, and nonprofits to solve complex problems facing the county. As a capacity building partner, Sharing Montgomery’s grant empowers MMF’s nonprofit leaders to advocate around pressing issues that affect their clients, especially around challenges related to economic opportunity and early childhood education.

  • Nonprofit Montgomery supports local organizations around government relations, advocacy, strategic communications, financial management, metrics tracking, and cross-sector problem solving. As a capacity building partner, Sharing Montgomery’s support will enable our direct-service grantees to receive the personalized support and connections that will help them deepen their impact.

• Sharing Northern Virginia

  *In order to promote organizational growth and stability amongst the 2024 cohort, the Sharing NoVA committee made the decision to focus it’s 2025 grantmaking on capacity building.

  • Joyful Hands (2024 Multi-Year) is deeply rooted in the conviction that education, literacy, and access to community resources are foundational pillars of thriving societies. They provide access to essential school supplies and nutritious food for community members.

  • Culmore Clinic (2024 Multi-Year) advances health by bringing community together to provide primary care, health education and disease prevention services at no cost to uninsured neighbors in Fairfax County.

  • Loving Hands Touch Ministry (2024 Multi-Year) addresses immediate community needs while empowering individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency, ensuring access to necessities like food, shelter, healthcare, and education.

  • The Growth and Healing HUB (2024 Multi-Year) grows and nurtures the mental health and well-being of children, youth, young adults, and families. They provide services to anyone residing in the state of Virginia and strive to help all feel safe & supported and receive the help they deserve.

  • New Hope Housing (2024 Multi-Year) provides case management, permanent housing and shelter to support the needs of homeless individuals in Northern Virginia.

  • Arm & Arm, Inc (2024 Multi-Year) provides peer-to-peer mentoring and trauma recovery services to communities across Northern Virginia.

  • Future Kings (2024 Multi-Year) uses education, mentoring, training, practical experiences, and mastery of 21st century technology in order to create a pipeline of young men from underserved communities who excel in STEM related careers and positively influence their communities.

  • Hardemon Dynasty, Inc (2024 Multi-Year) provides affordable housing for young adults aging out of foster care and offer sufficient support during their transition to independence.

Faces of Sharing - Getting to Know Sharing Montgomery's Stew Edelstein

As a long-time veteran of Sharing Montgomery, Stew Edelstein says he is constantly amazed of how much there is to learn about the community where he lives.

"I've done this for five years,” Stew shares. “Every year I learn more and more about the nonprofits in Montgomery County and the incredible work that they're doing; for me it's a tremendous learning experience."

Learning is what brought Stew to Montgomery County, in the first place. An educator by profession and by nature, Stew came to the region in 1979 to work at the University of Maryland and follow his life motto – changing the world through education.

“People that have education can change not only their lives, but the world in which we live,” Stew reflects.

Stew Edelstein with students from each of USG’s partner universities.

This philosophy guided his career as he worked as an associate dean in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences and later, in 2002, became the Executive Director of the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). At USG, he oversaw a multi-campus regional center bringing together nine universities to offer educational degrees at the baccalaureate level, providing local access to higher education for community members.

"Education for me is a moral and social obligation we have for people to realize their dreams and advance their skills and have a good life," Stew explains. "The community benefits from people who are able to contribute their skills; it makes a difference for individuals and communities where individuals live."

From Scholarship Champion to Community Advocate

It was during this time that Stew became involved with The Community Foundation thanks to Clifford (Cliff) Kendall, a successful businessman and philanthropist who helped create USG and was instrumental in launching The Community Foundation in Montgomery County and the Sharing Montgomery initiative.

Cliff and his wife Camille were generous supporters of education and – utilizing The Community Foundation, as a philanthropic vehicle - provided scholarships for low-income students to finish their education at USG.

As an administrator, Stew gained firsthand insight into the complex challenges facing many of these scholarship recipients. "When I interacted with students, I learned it wasn't just about the money," he reflects. "There was so much more going on – outside of the classroom – their family and work responsibilities, among others - that was impacting their ability to succeed and get ahead."

Stew Edelstein receiving the 2015 Advocate of the Year Award at the Montgomery County Executive Hispanic Gala in recognition of his work to expand access to advanced education for minority and first-generation college student populations.

This realization led him to engage with local nonprofits to learn more about the needs that students face, and how USG could collaborate to meet those needs. Among those organizations was Identity, Inc. – a long-time Sharing Montgomery nonprofit partner based in Gaithersburg that serves and creates opportunities for Latino youth and their families.

“What I admire most about Identity and our Sharing Montgomery partners, is the level of trust that they have within the communities they serve,” Stew shares. “Many of the people that work at these organizations come from the community they serve. They have a deeply personal understanding of the challenges that individuals face and a desire to help others succeed.” (Stew would go on to serve on Identity’s Board of Directors).

These insights helped Stew and other administrators collaborate on important initiatives such as Achieving Collegiate Excellence & Success (ACES) – a partnership between Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery College, and USG to provide individualized academic coaching, scholarship opportunities, and career readiness to  high school students with diverse backgrounds, for a seamless and supportive pathway to a bachelor’s degree.

In 2020, Stew was invited to join The Community Foundation’s Montgomery County Advisory Board and participate in Sharing Montgomery – where he learned even more about the important work of nonprofit organizations across Montgomery County.

The Power of Sharing Montgomery – A Partnership for Community Development

Stew with Dr. Freida Lacey, member of the Montgomery College Board of Trustees at the 2023 Celebration of Giving in Montgomery County.

"Sharing Montgomery is a unique effort because of the diversity of nonprofits that it supports," Stew says. "It's focused on particular issues every year that are important, it covers the gamut and touches  all kinds of people within the county.

Stew highlights the critical role played by Anna Hargrave, The Community Foundation’s Executive Director for Montgomery County, and her predecessor Sally Rudney. "Their ears and eyes are focused on identifying community needs and helping nonprofits to cultivate the resources and relationships they need to meet those needs."

The Sharing Montgomery committee consists of several dozen people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives from across Montgomery County. Facilitated by The Community Foundation team, the Committee reviews grant proposals and conducts site visits to learn more about nonprofit partners and their impact on the community.

"I find the on-site visits to be really insightful,” Stew reflects. “We get the chance to ask these incredible nonprofit leaders direct questions about what motivates them? What challenges do they face? What are their plans for the future? And – most importantly – how can we help grow their efforts?"

“Sharing Montgomery isn’t charity,” Stew adds. “It’s a partnership for community development- it’s about giving agency, voice, and a pathway to growth for people and communities  that don’t have access to opportunity.”

 A memorable example of this for Stew is The Upcounty Hub, a rapidly growing Sharing Montgomery partner serving residents in Northern Montgomery County. What started as a grassroots Mother and Son food distribution during the pandemic, has quickly evolved to a 15-person organization serving about 1,200 families a week.

Grace Rivera-Oven, Founder of The Uptown Hub, explains the impact of their work in the Middlebrook Mobile Home Park to Stew Edelstein, Anna Hargrave and other Sharing Committee members.

Stew and other Committee members got to see the organization in action when they were invited to meet with organizers and residents at a food distribution site at the Middlebrook Mobile Home Park in Germantown.

“Many of us had no idea that people were living in mobile homes in a county as affluent as Montgomery County,” Stew remembers. “We learned so much – not only about the challenges that these residents face, but more importantly about the inspiring work that The Upcounty Hub is doing to empower residents to achieve their dreams.”

A Personal Commitment to Giving Back

Stew's involvement with Sharing Montgomery has profoundly influenced his personal philanthropy. Last year, he established an endowment at The Community Foundation, and recently he designated a significant portion of his estate to support Sharing Montgomery's efforts.

While he currently serves as Vice Chair on the Montgomery County Advisory Board and has no plans to ‘retire’ anytime soon, Stew’s experiences on Sharing Montgomery have made him more reflective about the challenges of creating lasting change – and his personal connection to the ongoing work and mission of The Community Foundation.

"Whatever my wealth is, I want my wealth to go back to the Sharing efforts of the Foundation," Stew says. "Because everybody in the world – and especially in Montgomery County -- needs someone to help them.”

“So many people have helped me, over the course of my life and my career. I want to make sure that my legacy can do the same for others.”

Leaders of the Future: Meet Our Sharing Community Nonprofit Partners

In 2025, The Community Foundation continues to highlight 'Leaders of the Future' - individuals and organizations who inspire us to look towards a brighter future for Greater Washington.

This month, we are excited to highlight nonprofit leaders from our Sharing Community initiatives - which facilitate connections between donors and nonprofits to build more equitable, just, and thriving communities.

• ScholarChips, Inc

  Which Communities/Neighborhoods do you serve?

  ScholarCHIPS serves children of incarcerated parents pursuing their college education in all wards of Washington, DC., and the Greater Washington Region.

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly describe the mission of your organization

  ScholarCHIPS' mission is to provide college scholarships, mentoring, mental health supports and a robust support network to children of incarcerated parents, inspiring them to complete their college education.

  How has funding from a Sharing Community Initiative impacted the work you do? Feel free to share any brief examples of projects or outcomes you've seen over the past year.

  Funding from Sharing DC, a Sharing Community Initiative, has positively impacted ScholarCHIPS' work as it has come at a time of great uncertainty and economic instability, which has given our staff encouragement to keep going in tough times. This funding also allows us to continue our necessary work with children of incarcerated parents, as we support them with scholarship funds to help alleviate the financial burden of a college education, in addition to mentoring, mental health supports, technology, professional development, soft skills training, and much more. To date, ScholarCHIPS has impacted over 100 scholars, now with 46 college graduates. Our scholars attend colleges and universities across the country and are entering into the workforce in critical fields such as law, prenatal care, dentistry, film, social work, and early childhood education, to name a few.

  What excites you the most about receiving support through the Sharing Community initiative?

  Receiving Sharing Community funding for the first time is very exciting because of what it represents! Many people from our beloved community come together to put their resources together in order to help support local nonprofits doing critical work, and this is very encouraging and very powerful. It is a form of unity and is reminiscent of the adages... "It takes a village to raise a child," and "If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together."

  As a nonprofit leader, how has your community or organization been impacted in recent months (financially or operationally)?

  As a nonprofit leader, my organization has faced numerous challenges as a result of the current political and economic climate. I have noticed generally that giving from individual donors on a large scale has stopped or slowed down, and that funding and disbursements from more traditional institutions have also been slow. With financial uncertainties, particularly as it relates to tariffs and drastic drops in the stock market, many investors and families are feeling worried and uneasy. Thus, as a precaution, many are cutting back on spending, and unfortunately, for many, this will include giving donations to charitable and nonprofit organizations. This has required my organization to reevaluate scholarship dollar amounts, timing of disbursements, and other operational factors. However, we remain strong and optimistic, and we will continue to provide our scholars with the best services possible to encourage them through their college journeys and onto their career paths.

  As a nonprofit leader in our community, what are your dreams or aspirations for the future?

  As a nonprofit leader, one of my biggest dreams is to establish a large endowment for ScholarCHIPS! In the future, I also envision expanding ScholarCHIPS' work and impact to students in other states and across the country and even internationally. I envision ScholarCHIPS being a thought leader in the spaces and intersectionality of education, higher education, nonprofit work, and philanthropy.

• Community Bridges

  Which Communities/Neighborhoods do you serve?

  Montgomery County including Silver Spring, East Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Wheaton, Aspen Hill, White Oak, Rockville and Gaithersburg.

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly describe the mission of your organization

  The mission of Community Bridges is to empower girls from under-resourced communities to become resilient young women who thrive as students, leaders, engaged community members and confident leaders. Through long-term mentoring, academic support, college access and success, leadership development, and family engagement, we help girls build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in school and beyond.

  How has funding from a Sharing Community Initiative impacted the work you do? Feel free to share any brief examples of projects or outcomes you've seen over the past year.

  Funding from the Sharing Community Initiative has had a significant impact on our work at Community Bridges by helping us expand access to critical programs and support services for the girls and families we serve. Over the past year, this support has allowed us to enhance our college access and success programming—offering more one-on-one mentoring, college tours, and application support. It also strengthened our “Food is Medicine” initiative, ensuring families facing food insecurity receive healthy groceries, which has improved girls’ focus and participation in our programs. Thanks to this funding, we were able to expand our reach by adding three additional schools this year, serving an additional 75 students—bringing our total to over 525 girls across 23 MCPS schools. We are proud to share that we are on track to see 100% of our girls graduate high school, and 100% have been accepted to attend a college or university this fall.

  One powerful example is Alisha, a high school senior who has been on the verge of homelessness. Through our college access support, Alisha completed her FAFSA, was accepted to Towson University, and received food assistance through our “Food is Medicine” program. Despite the challenges she’s faced, she remains determined and is now on track to attend Towson this fall to study business. Her resilience and determination reflect the strength of our girls—and the life-changing impact of continued support.

  As a nonprofit leader, how has your community or organization been impacted in recent months (financially or operationally)?

  In recent months, our organization has seen an increased demand for our programs and resources as more families face financial instability. Many of the girls we support come from families with varying levels of immigration status, and there is heightened uncertainty surrounding immigration policies, which has created additional stress for families accessing support. Additionally, while we are still awaiting clarity on the full impact of government layoffs and furloughs, some of our donors—who are federal employees—have been affected by these uncertainties, which may impact their ability to contribute as consistently. Despite these challenges, we remain optimistic and focused on adapting to ensure that we can continue providing the essential support our girls and families need during this time.

  As a nonprofit leader in our community, what are your dreams or aspirations for the future?

  As a nonprofit leader, my dreams for the future revolve around creating a sustainable, equitable environment where every girl in our community has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of her background. I aspire to see Community Bridges expand its reach even further, supporting more girls across additional schools, and continuing to provide vital resources such as college access, leadership development, and family support. I also hope to see a future where our work has a ripple effect, with our graduates not only succeeding in college and careers but returning to uplift their communities, serving as mentors and advocates for the next generation. Ultimately, my vision is for Community Bridges to become a model of community-driven change, where the resilience and potential of young women are recognized, nurtured, and celebrated.

• Home Care Partners

  Which Communities/Neighborhoods do you serve?

  Home Care Partners' Montgomery County Light Care program provides one or two weekly visits from a certified home care aide to older residents and adults with disabilities living in communities throughout Montgomery County, with a special emphasis on low-income residents living in subsidized apartment buildings. At present, this program serves individuals living in Silver Spring, (downtown, Wheaton and White Oak), Burtonsville, Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Olney.

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly describe the mission of your organization

  Home Care Partners is a private, non-profit in-home services provider serving the Washington, DC metropolitan area that supports vulnerable adults to remain in their own homes. We are committed to excellence in our workforce, programs and services; we embrace diversity; and we prioritize service based on financial need.

  How has funding from a Sharing Community Initiative impacted the work you do? Feel free to share any brief examples of projects or outcomes you've seen over the past year.

  Sharing Montgomery funding supports the home care aide services that our clients receive. This program does not have one overarching source of funding and clients are low income and unable to pay for their care. Therefore, Home Care Partners combines funds from several sources to be able to continue providing these services to current clients and to be able to add new clients to the program. Although the services are very limited with only one or two brief visits from an aide per week, our clients overwhelming report that the services have helped them to remain in their homes. Over 90% of our clients report satisfaction with their service.

  As a nonprofit leader, how has your community or organization been impacted in recent months (financially or operationally)?

  Home Care Partners receives a combination of federal and local state and County funding to support our programs throughout the DC metro area. The uncertainties regarding federal funds as well as extremely tight state budgets create a very stressful atmosphere in which nonprofit leaders are being asked to be prepared for potential funding changes that cannot yet be anticipated. In addition, some of our clients and staff may be impacted by immigration enforcement actions that affect family or friends or they may be concerned about losing their personal benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP and rental assistance. Although HCP doesn't provide any direct services through these programs, we are closely monitoring changes to these benefit programs that may indirectly affect our ability to provide quality services .

  As a nonprofit leader in our community, what are your dreams or aspirations for the future?

  As a nonprofit leader in our community, I aspire to provide the highest quality long term care services to vulnerable adults, while simultaneously supporting our dedicated workforce with the highest possible wages, benefits and other workplace support programs. I would like to see older residents of the community have a robust system of quality long term care options that enables them to age safely and with dignity in their own homes.

• Housing Unlimited

  Which Communities/Neighborhoods do you serve?

  Aspen Hill, Bethesda, Forest Glen Gaithersburg, Germantown, Layhill, Montgomery Village, Olney, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring, White Oak, and Wheaton.

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly describe the mission of your organization

  Housing Unlimited, Inc. (HUI) is a 501c(3) organization committed to community integration and independence for individuals in mental health recovery. To this end, we acquire and, when necessary, renovate scattered-site homes that provide independent, affordable permanent housing for individuals in mental health recovery.

  How has funding from a Sharing Community Initiative impacted the work you do? Feel free to share any brief examples of projects or outcomes you've seen over the past year.

  Funding from Sharing Community has helped HUI expand our work this past year in two major ways:

  1. New Home Acquisitions: Housing Unlimited (HUI) acquired two new homes. With these two additional homes, we now own a total of 92 scattered-site homes and serve a total of 253 very low income individuals in mental health recovery. One of the new homes is a new construction Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) three bedroom townhome in Montgomery Village. The other home is a resale MPDU townhome in Germantown. Both townhomes are located near shopping, employment, support services and public transportation.

  2. Extra Measure Property Management Program: Over the past twelve months, we carried out our “Extra-Measure Property Management” initiative in support of HUI's tenants. This included educational lease-signings. It also included regular weekly staff house visits to meet with tenants, check maintenance issues, and, in general, ensure our tenants are thriving in their independence. Overall, during the past 12 months, 96% of Housing Unlimited tenants sustained respectful relations with their housemates and 94% maintained a clean unit. 90% of tenants paid their rent on time. And 80% of our recent tenants have maintained their housing and independence for one year or more.

  As a nonprofit leader, how has your community or organization been impacted in recent months (financially or operationally)?

  Over the past several months, HUI has started the process of contingency planning to identify potential financial and operational exposure due to the recent draconian cuts and potential future cuts to the federal workforce and federal programs. As of this date, the recent cuts have not directly impacted HUI. At the same time, HUI is closely monitoring potential future funding cuts and/or freezes of the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program, CDBG Program, and HOME Program. HUI is particularly concerned about the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (HCV is a deep rent subsidy program) because HUI has 32 Project-based Housing Choice Vouchers that, on an annual basis, provide HUI with rent subsidy revenue of approximately $250,000.

  As a nonprofit leader in our community, what are your dreams or aspirations for the future?

  I look forward to the time when all levels of government-- federal, state, and local-- once again are full partners with the private sector in addressing the affordable housing crisis in our community and throughout the country. With a strong public-private partnership in place, I genuine believe a future is within reach in which all our residents have access to quality, affordable housing.

• The Foundation Schools

  Which Communities/Neighborhoods do you serve?

  Our schools are located in the 20774 and 20785 zip codes. However, our students come from throughout Prince George’s County and encompass, essentially, all potential zip codes in our region.

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly describe the mission of your organization

  The Foundation Schools partners with local school systems to serve their most in-need special education students with emotional disabilities, autism, and other learning challenges. While enrolled in our schools, students receive intensive, personalized academic and therapeutic programming free of cost to ensure they can mainstream back to their home school or matriculate in our schools, working their way toward graduation and brighter futures.

  How has funding from a Sharing Community Initiative impacted the work you do? Feel free to share any brief examples of projects or outcomes you've seen over the past year.

  The Foundation Schools operates specialized programs for nearly 250 students across our three schools. To best serve our students, we must cater classroom and mental health programming to the exact strengths and needs of each student. This may look like career programming focused on interview skills, basic needs provisions for a group of our most in-need families, or purchasing a state-of-the-art classroom learning program that bridges gaps in neurodivergent minds. There is rarely a one-size-fits-all scenario in our work, requiring us to implement a multitude of interventions just for one student. Funding from the Sharing Community Initiative will give our Prince George's County schools the funds they need to continue our holistic approach to caring for our students and their families, both in and outside of school.

  For those receiving Sharing Community funding for the first-time, what excites you the most about receiving support through the Sharing Community initiative?

  Being a part of the Sharing Community Initiative means a lot to The Foundation Schools. We exist in a network of incredible nonprofits, many of whom we partner with, and we are honored to be recognized for our impact in the county. In this political climate, having funds to implement necessary special education programming feels like a beacon of hope for our schools.

  As a nonprofit leader, how has your community or organization been impacted in recent months (financially or operationally)?

  The Foundation Schools is deeply fortunate to have strong relationships with the local school systems we partner with every school year. In light of the Department of Education's announcement to close, we stay fervent in our vision that "all students experience success."

  As a nonprofit leader in our community, what are your dreams or aspirations for the future?

  As the Director of Communications and Development, I feel inspired to help build local wealth and power, uplifting communities small and large. In the future, I would like to see a continuation of business / nonprofit partnerships that sustain important mission-based work.

• Jacob's Ladder, Inc

  Which Communities/Neighborhoods do you serve?

  All zip codes in Prince George's County..

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly describe the mission of your organization

  Our mission is to reduce the number of juveniles entering and returning to the juvenile justice system through mentoring, educational programming, character building, life skills training, and community engagement.

  How has funding from a Sharing Community Initiative impacted the work you do? Feel free to share any brief examples of projects or outcomes you've seen over the past year.

  This is our first year receiving funding from the Sharing Community. So far, the support has allowed us to continue delivering impactful youth programming and launch our Strengthening Families Program, which helps families improve engagement, strengthen home dynamics, and take greater accountability for their children’s success.

  For those receiving Sharing Community funding for the first-time, what excites you the most about receiving support through the Sharing Community initiative?

  The continued partnership with the Sharing Community—and their confidence in our program—means so much. Their support not only uplifts our work through funding but also strengthens our ability to collaborate with other Sharing Community organizations to make a greater impact in the community.

  As a nonprofit leader, how has your community or organization been impacted in recent months (financially or operationally)?

  In recent months, the slower pace of receiving pledged funds has impacted our organization both financially and operationally. This has directly affected the number of instructors and staff members we’re able to support for our programs, limiting our capacity to serve youth and families at the level we strive for.

  As a nonprofit leader in our community, what are your dreams or aspirations for the future?

  As a nonprofit leader, my dream for the future of our community is one where every young person is empowered to reach their full potential, and every family has the tools and support they need to thrive. I envision a future centered on individual and family success, where strong mentorship, educational opportunity, and life skills training build confident youth and resilient families.

• Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland

  Which Communities/Neighborhoods do you serve?

  Habitat Metro Maryland works with lower-income individuals and families across Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties.

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly describe the mission of your organization

  Our Mission: To build strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable housing. Driven by the vision that everyone deserves a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland empowers individuals and families to partner with us to build or improve a place they can call home. Through homeownership, we help to break the cycle of poverty and change lives, one home at a time.

  How has funding from a Sharing Community Initiative impacted the work you do? Feel free to share any brief examples of projects or outcomes you've seen over the past year.

  Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland was honored to receive Sharing Montgomery Grants for 2024 and 2025, to support our work scaling up our affordable homeownership and home preservation programs. This funding has been very impactful on our operations over the past year. As Montgomery County faces a growing shortage of affordable housing, Habitat Metro Maryland is significantly expanding the number of affordable homes we build and critical home repair projects we complete. Unrestricted funding, such as our grants from the Sharing Community Initiative, helps to cover our increased costs as we scale up our work. For 2024, funds from our Sharing Montgomery grant were spent on the Allium Place community we are currently constructing. This innovative community will feature 27 affordable homeownership units constructed by Habitat and 168 affordable rental units, constructed by a partner organization. All homes are scheduled to be completed with all families moved in by the end of 2025.

  As a nonprofit leader, how has your community or organization been impacted in recent months (financially or operationally)?

  Habitat Metro Maryland is thankful that we haven't been materially affected yet. That being said, we are keeping a close eye on tariffs and how funding cuts and layoffs will affect state and local budgets, as well as community members more broadly. Uncertainty in markets and pricing makes planning developments, projects, and budgeting very challenging.

  As a nonprofit leader in our community, what are your dreams or aspirations for the future?

  My dream for the future is that our region and community continues to step up to provide necessary funding for nonprofits especially as the Federal government's contributions to social service nonprofits decline. The need does not go away and will only intensify in the future.

• Phase 3 Training Corporation

  Which Communities/Neighborhoods do you serve?

  Montgomery county

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly describe the mission of your organization

  Phase 3 Training Corporation's mission is to empower underserved and marginalized communities by providing comprehensive training programs, industry-recognized credentials, and supportive services. Our goal is to enhance income, build wealth, and promote economic mobility for individuals, enabling them to achieve sustainable and prosperous futures. Through innovative and effective training models, we aim to reduce economic disparities and foster long-term community development and well-being.

  How has funding from a Sharing Community Initiative impacted the work you do? Feel free to share any brief examples of projects or outcomes you've seen over the past year.

  The funding will be instrumental in expanding the depth and reach of our programming here at Phase 3 Training Corporation. This summer our Summer Bootcamp program will serve 25-30 in-school and out-of-school youth for 6 weeks. That will earn NCCER Core-construction industry credentials. The funding also allowed us to further our partnership with local employers to ensure our curriculum directly aligns with hiring needs, ensuring our graduates are job-ready from day one. Additionally, we’ve been able to provide wraparound services—like transportation stipends and mental health resources—that have dramatically improved program completion rates. This holistic approach wouldn't have been possible without the flexible and mission-aligned support of the Sharing Community Initiative.

  For those receiving Sharing Community funding for the first-time, what excites you the most about receiving support through the Sharing Community initiative?

  As a first-time grantee, Phase 3 Training Corporation is most excited about the opportunity to deepen our community impact with support from a mission-aligned partner like the Sharing Community Initiative. This funding will allow us to scale up our apprenticeship readiness and summer boost programming. We’re looking forward to learning from fellow grantees, exchanging best practices, and collaborating on innovative approaches to economic mobility.

  As a nonprofit leader, how has your community or organization been impacted in recent months (financially or operationally)?

  In recent months, the community we serve and Phase 3 Training Corporation as a whole have faced many new challenges. Financially, we’ve seen an increase in demand for our programs as more individuals seek pathways to stable, living-wage employment in the current economy. At the same time, securing sustainable funding to meet that rising demand has required us to be more strategic and resourceful than ever when applying for funds. Operationally, we’ve adapted by expanding our hybrid training models and investing in digital API tools to support better participants who face barriers to in-person attendance. We've also strengthened partnerships with local employers to ensure our training remains aligned with labor market needs. These shifts have helped us not only maintain but grow our impact. While the landscape has been complex, the resilience of our staff, participants, and partners continues to drive our work forward.

  As a nonprofit leader in our community, what are your dreams or aspirations for the future?

  At Phase 3 Training Corporation, our dream is to create a future where every individual—regardless of background, zip code, or past circumstances—has access to meaningful training, dignified work, and long-term economic stability. We envision a community where talent is recognized, nurtured, and valued, and where systemic barriers to opportunity are actively dismantled through intentional, equity-driven efforts. We aspire to grow into a regional hub for workforce transformation—offering not just job training, but a full ecosystem of support that includes mentorship, employer partnerships, and pathways to entrepreneurship. We want to continue building a model that’s scalable, community-informed, and rooted in real results—where individuals leave our programs not only with skills and industry credentials , but with confidence, networks, and a clear vision for their future. Ultimately, we believe that by investing in people, we’re investing in the future of our entire community—and we’re committed to being a catalyst for that change.

• Urban Ed, Inc

  Which Communities/Neighborhoods do you serve?

  Anacostia, ward 8, ward 7 and DC overall

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly describe the mission of your organization

  The mission of Urban Ed is to provide children, youth, and adults throughout the District of Columbia region with technology-driven education, information and skill development for sustained futures.

  How has funding from a Sharing Community Initiative impacted the work you do? Feel free to share any brief examples of projects or outcomes you've seen over the past year.

  We just received the grant this month (Apr 2025). However, in the coming year we will be looking at outcomes around enrollment & participation, enhanced economic stability, improved job skills & confidence, stronger community & corporate partnerships, positive social & health impacts for entire families, public assistance reduction, and potential replication of our successes.

  For those receiving Sharing Community funding for the first-time, what excites you the most about receiving support through the Sharing Community initiative?

  Receiving support through the Sharing Community initiative is incredibly exciting for us because it enables us to expand our reach and impact in the most distressed areas of DC and southern Maryland. This funding allows us to provide essential tech education and career development opportunities to low-income young mothers, particularly women of color, who face significant socio-economic challenges. With this support, we can offer accredited courses in high-demand fields like cybersecurity, IT support, and software development, helping participants secure stable, living-wage jobs and achieve economic independence. Additionally, the initiative's backing helps us address critical issues such as financial and housing insecurities, mental and physical health improvements, and the need for gender and racial diversity in STEM. Ultimately, this funding empowers us to create a brighter future for our participants and their families, fostering a cycle of empowerment and breaking the generational cycle of poverty.

  As a nonprofit leader, how has your community or organization been impacted in recent months (financially or operationally)?

  We are beginning to see how the new "political pandemic" threatens to be even more devastating to low-income families of color than COVID-19. The reductions in public programs and funding allocations have created uncertainty and increased the demand for our services. We are particularly concerned about the impact on healthcare, food security, and economic assistance programs, which are crucial for the families we serve. We are also concerned about the strain on DC government funds due to federal cuts, shifts in corporate & foundation funding, and the heightened need for stable funding for small nonprofits like ours.

  As a nonprofit leader in our community, what are your dreams or aspirations for the future?

  I envision a future where cyclical poverty is eradicated, where the term “low-income” is a term of the past, belonging only to history because people are striving and thriving. Where young mothers and their children are cohesive -- learning together, prospering together and households are stable and full of joy, free from the constant stress of "the lack of" (scarcity). I see a future for our communities that are flourishing with economic independence and empowerment with technology at the core, serving as the roots and stems of community change in all directions.

• Mary's Center

  Which Communities/Neighborhoods do you serve?

  Mary’s Center has been dismantling inequities for over three decades by serving communities who are disproportionately excluded from traditional health care systems. We ensure that Latino, Black, and immigrant communities have access to the highest quality of care. Mary’s Center provides quality healthcare, education, and social services to residents of Washington, DC, and Maryland (Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties), regardless of their ability to pay. We have three sites in DC (Adams Morgan, Fort Totten, and Petworth) and two sites in Maryland (Silver Spring and Adelphi). The communities Mary's Center serves rely heavily on the vital programs and services that we provide.

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly describe the mission of your organization

  Mary’s Center’s mission is to embrace all communities and provide high-quality health care, education, and social services to build better futures. As a leader in community health since 1988, we offer over 40 critical services to approximately 65,000 uninsured and underserved individuals and families each year in Washington, DC and Maryland, as well as nearly $10 million in unreimbursed care annually. Mary’s Center’s integrated delivery of care is based upon our Social Change Model, which provides participants greater opportunities to achieve economic mobility and pursue a pathway for a better future.

  How has funding from a Sharing Community Initiative impacted the work you do? Feel free to share any brief examples of projects or outcomes you've seen over the past year.

  The Sharing Community Initiative's funding has been instrumental in Mary's Center's success in Montgomery County. Over the years, this support has enabled us to triple our impact in Montgomery County, bring our sonography services to Montgomery County, expand our dental services, and meet our communities’ growing and insurmountable needs. This is a clear demonstration of the significant difference that the Initiative's funding is making in our communities, and we are deeply grateful for the Sharing Community Initiative’s continued support.

  In 2024, funding from the Sharing Community Initiative enabled Mary’s Center to meet the following outcomes:

  -Medical services to 11,099 individuals through more than 34,224 visits annually.

  -Behavioral Health to 1,151 individuals through more than 8,918 visits annually.

  -Dental services to 8,274 individuals through more than 21,167 visits annually.

  As a nonprofit leader, how has your community or organization been impacted in recent months (financially or operationally)?

  As we navigate the complexities brought on by the new landscape created by the current administration’s priorities, uncertainty looms over federal grant funding and Medicaid reimbursements, creating significant challenges for nonprofits like Mary's Center. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Mary’s Center receives federal funding, which is currently at risk of being reduced. Nearly 20% of our total revenue is federal grant revenue. The communities Mary's Center serves rely heavily on the vital healthcare, education, and social services that we provide. During these precarious times, support from our foundation partners is more crucial than ever. The continued success of our mission hinges on the commitment and partnership of our valued foundations.

  Our staff and leadership are doing what we must to control costs, but we cannot fulfill our mission by addressing a funding gap through cutting expenses alone. We also need to increase our revenue with flexible funding that can be used where it is needed most. General operating funds are crucial as they enable us to fill gaps in uncompensated care and be nimble in meeting the needs of patients and providing support to the growing number of uninsured patients who walk through our doors.

  As a nonprofit leader in our community, what are your dreams or aspirations for the future?

  As a trusted health center in the community, Mary's Center aspires to continue providing services to underserved individuals and families in the DC Metro Region who are in vital need of our comprehensive services. Our mission is at the heart of everything we do, and as we look toward the future, we are committed to evolving with changes occurring in the healthcare industry while staying true to our mission. This includes recruiting and retaining the best team members, constantly improving our quality of services and participant experience, and strengthening the financial sustainability of the organization. In evaluating the strategic opportunities to distinguish ourselves in the evolving healthcare arena, Mary's Center will focus our growth plans on the following four pillars over the next three years:

  Pillar 1: Team Vitality Transparent opportunities for growth & work-life harmony for all staff.

  Pillar 2: Participant Focus Increased access to the highest quality comprehensive care.

  Pillar 3: Financial Strength Financial self-sustainability through diversified revenue.

  Pillar 4: Service Innovation Enhanced agility to meet organizational & community needs.

  We believe that through our strategic pillars and a robust fundraising strategy – combined with an organizational culture of philanthropy – Mary’s Center will be able to sustain, expand, and scale its program to effectively serve the community for many years to come.

• Red Wiggler Foundation, dba Red Wiggler Care Farm

  Which Communities/Neighborhoods do you serve?

  Red Wiggler is located in Germantown, Maryland and serves all of Montgomery County.

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly describe the mission of your organization

  Red Wiggler is a sustainable Care Farm where people with and without developmental disabilities come together to work, learn, and grow healthy food. Our vision is to create fertile ground to nourish a healthy and inclusive community.

  How has funding from a Sharing Community Initiative impacted the work you do? Feel free to share any brief examples of projects or outcomes you've seen over the past year.

  Red Wiggler has been the proud recipient of funding from Sharing Montgomery for more than 20 years. Each year, the funding we receive supports our cross-functional programs that focus on working, learning, and growing at the farm. Last year, our Grower Program employed 19 adults with developmental disabilities. Growers work alongside and lead volunteers and other program participants in all aspects of farming. In 2024, Growers worked more than 4,900 hours and earned more than $76,000. The vegetables grown by Growers are distributed throughout our community, with more than 50% delivered to underserved Montgomery County residents. Funding from Sharing Montgomery made that possible.

  As a nonprofit leader, how has your community or organization been impacted in recent months (financially or operationally)?

  Given the recent reductions in force and the large population of federal employees in Montgomery County, we suspect there will be an increased need for accessible fresh vegetables in our community. We plan to work with our partners like Manna Food Center, Community Food Rescue, and others to meet this need. While Red Wiggler has limited federal funding, we do have one grant through SARE and the USDA that we are unsure about its future. We also expect that individual giving may be impacted as the uncertainty of the time is impacting so many.

  As a nonprofit leader in our community, what are your dreams or aspirations for the future?

  Red Wiggler continues to strive for a healthy and inclusive community. We are strengthening our impact though Care Farming Network, an initiative started by Red Wiggler to spread awareness, educate, and increase capacity for Care Farms. As a pioneer Care Farm, we believe that this model of using farming to promote health, well-being and belonging is crucial.

• Story tapestries

  Which Communities/Neighborhoods do you serve?

  Our target communities have limited access to services as well as innovative arts in education programs. We provide programming in a variety of public spaces including community centers, local theaters, libraries, and schools at no cost to participants. In 2023 we were able to reach over 1,481,631 individuals, reaching 62,928 with in-depth in-person programs and services. Over 60% of Story Tapestries’ programs are located in Montgomery County in key cities such as Silver Spring, Wheaton, Montgomery Village, Germantown, Gaithersburg, Rockville, Clarksburg and Wheaton, as well as Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Wicomico and Frederick Counties with a focus on the highest poverty communities and where there’s a high concentration of multilingual residents. Over 90% of those engaged through in-depth programs are from low-income households in which 33% of students read below grade level, 63% live in poverty, 34% speak English as a second language and 13% have specific needs. Based on the statistics of the communities we serve, our average audience and workshop attendees are 48% Hispanic, 32% African American, 7% Asian American, 5% Caucasian, 2% multiracial, and 6% other. 90% of the programs we execute are subsidized by grants or private support. We collaborate with like-minded organizations who share similar goals and target populations such as the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless and the Latin American Youth Center.

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly describe the mission of your organization

  Celebrating its 15th year, and through the power of the arts, Story Tapestries helps children, young people and families communicate in effective and actionable ways. Their collaborations in quality education, mental health and workforce development; combined with independent evaluators and researchers, have led to data demonstrating innovative solutions that create definitive results within communities. Moreover, they address vital community issues for millions of people of all ages and abilities using the arts, in all forms, to create and deliver tailored, accessible programs.

  How has funding from a Sharing Community Initiative impacted the work you do? Feel free to share any brief examples of projects or outcomes you've seen over the past year.

  When people are moved by a story, they hear what you have to say, take it in, and act to improve outcomes. Through the DIVA’s fund and continuing with the Sharing Community initiative, we have been able to collaborate with the Jackson Road Elementary School Family supporting their social emotional learning programs. Before the start of the program, Story Tapestries worked with Jackson Road ES Community School Liaison, Lindsay Dankmyer. Together we identified the following program activities (sessions with multiple artists, professional development for the teachers and a family night) to support meeting their community school implementation plan objectives, especially goal #2: provide access to health and mental services and support both during and outside the school day, and goal #3: increase access to adult education. Arts-centered strategies were designed to engage both staff and students in exploring creative expression informed by the support of Dr. Cohen and School Counselor Ed Reed. These activities helped normalize discussions around mental health, self-care, and emotional well-being while boosting morale and promoting a positive classroom environment.

  For those receiving Sharing Community funding for the first-time, what excites you the most about receiving support through the Sharing Community initiative?

  Through the Sharing Community initiative, we will be able to continue to impact Jackson Road Elementary School next year providing the students, parents and staff with the tools of positive mental health – but also the tools to dream big and imagine what’s possible. We will be able to continue to custom design our program to fit the needs of Jackson Road Elementary’s families, with a special focus on supporting mental health. It is important and valuable to build upon the successes this year. Moreover, with the continuation of funding, we will be able as a team to continue to polish and expand our intentional mental health approach through the arts therefore to improve our ability to support the community. This past year the Story Tapestries team engaged in multiple Professional development activities to support skills and we will continue to do more next year. Our 3-hour training co-led by Michael Cohen, PhD, and Sue Snyder, PhD deepened participants’ understanding of the current landscape of mental health and social emotional development needs for students. Participants also explored activities that can support inviting students to process trauma through artistic practice and ways adults can pose questions and provide multiple means of response to meet students where they’re at as they learn to identify and share their emotions. Moreover, we are excited to continue to broaden and develop a stronger relationship with the community foundation both as a resource for giving and a collaborator to support the community. The Sharing Community fund could potentially be only the starting point of what is possible in partnership for Montgomery County, the DMV and Prince George’s County.

  As a nonprofit leader, how has your community or organization been impacted in recent months (financially or operationally)?

  For 15 years we’ve been able to support schools, community centers, non-profit and government partners charging nothing to the community directly. When a program was paid for by a site it was because they had written up a grant or raised the money. But this year in the first quarter, the funds are just coming through with the speed and if it continues more than 50% of our sites will not receive programs in the Summer and potentially the Fall depending on the wave of funding. Moving forward, we will need to continue to depend more on individuals, corporations and foundations than the previous state/county funds we received. Furthermore, we will need to be aware of our rhetoric and ensure that we are advocating with an approach that supports and pivots as necessary quickly with the community's needs.

  As a nonprofit leader in our community, what are your dreams or aspirations for the future?

  As a million dollar organization in its 15th year, Story Tapestries has supported mental health needs and wellness initiatives to serve nearly 4 million individuals. In all our years, we’ve never seen such high demand and urgent need to support this part of our community in meaningful ways. More than ever before, this community needs responsive solutions tailored to address critical needs with a long-term impact on building a brighter future. People are scared and stressed right now. We want people to see and use Story Tapestries as a beacon of light and hope.

  With the reality of current rising crises in mind, we want to continue to be able to provide free services to over 350,000 community members across the DMV region. We want to continue to allow Story Tapestries to thrive in communication, messaging, and media capture; addressing areas of education, early childhood education, mental health, and workforce development. We are working to build our capacity to respond and support the community and need more help both with stronger philanthropic partners as well as community entities building an endowment in the future of 10 million dollars to create longevity and sustainable support for the community no matter the state of the economy. Story Tapestries has grown from a $500K/year organization to $1M/year in just two years. To date, our growth has predominantly been step-wise: the more funding we raise, the more sites and individuals we are able to support. With data driven, scalable models and systems in place, we’re ready to take the next leap—to become a $5M/year organization within five years. We aim to achieve this “rocket boost” jump by leveraging our current donors with new investments.

  This growth will allow us to: Replicate successful Montgomery County programs particularly in the areas of early childhood and workforce development to Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria). Support 10 more early childhood sites, 5 new Digital Solutions sites, 6 expanded CHART mental health programs, and 5 new STEAM programs each year in the current region aligning with the needs of the area Continue to build a bigger pipeline for workforce development, by leveraging partnerships with businesses, community organizations, educational institutions to establish multi-purpose “Centers of Success” for community members to access technology, workforce training, and social connection.

• The Upcounty Hub

  Which Communities/Neighborhoods do you serve?

  Since our establishment in 2020, initially assisting the predominantly Hispanic, low-income residents of Middlebrook Mobile Home Park in Germantown, The Upcounty Hub has worked tirelessly to build strong, trusting relationships with the communities we serve, particularly focusing on the historically underserved region of upper Montgomery County, MD.

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly describe the mission of your organization

  We have recognized and responded to the unique needs of low-income families, including immigrant populations, by creating a “one-stop” shop where they can access essential benefits and assistance. The Upcounty Hub plays a crucial role in filling gaps in services that have long existed in the region, particularly by ensuring that vulnerable families receive the support they need to overcome the challenges they face. By engaging directly with our community through daily interactions, workshops, and community outreach initiatives, we are able to understand their particular needs on a personal level, enabling us to provide more relevant, tailored food distribution and social services.

  How has funding from a Sharing Community Initiative impacted the work you do? Feel free to share any brief examples of projects or outcomes you've seen over the past year.

  With the help of the Sharing Community Initiative, we have been able to support our food and social services in powerful and meaningful ways. Over the past year, we’ve seen a 20% increase in food relief services and a 40% increase in social services.

  One of our proudest achievements in 2024 was launching a school-based snack bag program—supported in part by public funding—which now reaches more than 1,400 students across 16 Montgomery County public schools. In addition, we established a social services division that assists families with critical applications such as SNAP, EBT, and FARM, helping connect them with longer-term resources beyond food. The impact of the Sharing Community Initiative is visible in every family we serve, every school we reach, and every meal we provide. This partnership has helped us scale our mission and build lasting support systems for our most vulnerable neighbors.

  For those receiving Sharing Community funding for the first-time, what excites you the most about receiving support through the Sharing Community initiative?

  What excites us most about receiving support through the Sharing Community Initiative is the opportunity to grow our impact in ways that truly transform lives. This support enables us to reach more families with dignity, expand access to culturally appropriate and nutritious food, and connect clients to vital social services. It also allows us to dream bigger—strengthening our infrastructure, deepening community partnerships, and helping families move from crisis to stability. With this backing, lasting change feels truly possible.

  As a nonprofit leader, how has your community or organization been impacted in recent months (financially or operationally)?

  ​In recent months, The Upcounty Hub, Inc. has faced significant operational and financial challenges due to substantial federal funding cuts to key food assistance programs. The termination of the USDA's Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program has severely impacted our ability to serve the community. This has disrupted our supply chains and strained our resources, making it increasingly difficult to meet the growing demand for food assistance in upper Montgomery County. This situation mirrors the experiences of other local organizations, such as Manna Food Center, which has also reported being blindsided by these abrupt funding changes.​

  Compounding these federal reductions, local budget constraints have further exacerbated the issue. The Montgomery County Council's decision to halve the proposed funding for the Office of Food Systems Resilience—from $7 million to $3.5 million—has limited the support available to organizations like ours. Despite the county's allocation of $3.5 million in grants to support 48 food assistance programs, the need continues to outpace available resources, leaving many families vulnerable. At The Upcounty Hub, we are committed to adapting our strategies and seeking alternative funding sources to continue our mission. However, the convergence of federal and local funding cuts presents a formidable challenge that requires immediate attention and collaborative solutions to ensure that no resident in Montgomery County goes hungry.​

  As a nonprofit leader in our community, what are your dreams or aspirations for the future?

  As a nonprofit leader in our community, my dream is to ensure that every child has access to a well-balanced meal every single day—and that no family ever has to choose between food and other basic needs. But I also envision something even greater: a future where families not only receive the immediate help they need, but are also empowered with the tools, resources, and support to become self-sufficient. My aspiration is to build a system that uplifts our neighbors, connects them to vital social services, and walks alongside them until they no longer need our assistance. I want to see a community where children thrive, parents feel supported, and cycles of poverty are broken permanently—because we invested not just in feeding people, but in helping them flourish.

• Loving Hands Touch Ministry, Inc.

  Which Communities/Neighborhoods do you serve?

  Loving Hands Touch Ministry primarily serves communities and neighborhoods in Northern Virginia, with a strong focus on the following areas: Hybla Valley, Mount Vernon Along the Route One Highway Corridor, Springfield/Franconia, Bailey's Crossroad, Culmore, and Annandale

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly describe the mission of your organization

  The mission of Loving Hands Touch Ministry is to provide compassionate, faith-rooted services that uplift underserved individuals and families through health education, mental wellness support, caregiving, and food distribution. We are committed to addressing health disparities and strengthening communities by offering holistic programs that promote healing, hope, and empowerment

  How has funding from a Sharing Community Initiative impacted the work you do? Feel free to share any brief examples of projects or outcomes you've seen over the past year.

  Funding from the Sharing Community Initiative has been transformative in helping us expand and strengthen our services to meet the growing needs of our community. Over the past year, it has enabled us to implement board and volunteer training, resulting in increased leadership participation and more effective coordination of our programs and fundraising efforts.

  We launched a successful Youth-Led Mental Health Awareness Initiative in Hybla Valley, where young leaders have facilitated peer discussions and workshops focused on mental wellness and stigma reduction. Encouraged by its impact, we are now preparing to expand this program into Bailey’s Crossroads, an area identified in the INOVA Health Assessment Report as experiencing significant economic and mental health challenges.

  In addition, through a partnership with a local community organization, we began offering family and children’s sessions focused on bullying prevention in the Annandale, Bailey’s Crossroads, and Culmore communities. These sessions can help families and children create safe spaces where they can openly discuss the emotional impact of bullying, strengthen communication, and develop healthy coping and conflict resolution skills. Due to the ongoing need in these communities and the strong engagement we've seen, this bullying prevention program remains active and continues to grow. This support has greatly enhanced our internal capacity and community outreach, allowing us to respond more effectively to the needs of vulnerable populations.

  How has capacity building funding impacted the work that you do? Feel free to share 1-2 examples of projects or outcomes you hope to accomplish this next year.

  Funding from the Sharing Community Initiative has significantly strengthened our ability to serve vulnerable populations with greater consistency and impact. It has supported wellness education efforts—including healthy eating, diabetes awareness, and mental health workshops—and enabled board and volunteer training that has enhanced leadership engagement and increased fundraising participation.

  One key success has been our comprehensive volunteer and board training program, which has led to stronger coordination, improved accountability, and a more engaged leadership team ready to support growth and sustainability. Another transformative effort has been the launch of our Youth-Led Mental Health Awareness Initiative in Hybla Valley. This program empowers youth to become mental health ambassadors, leading peer discussions, workshops, and creative outreach campaigns focused on reducing stigma and promoting emotional well-being. Due to its success, we are preparing to expand this initiative into Bailey’s Crossroads, where the need for youth mental health support continues to grow.

  These projects, along with the creation of a volunteer onboarding guide and mental health partnerships, have deepened our impact and increased our ability to serve the evolving needs of underserved communities.

  How would additional capacity building funding further the impact that has already been generated through this engagement with Sharing NoVA?

  Capacity building funding has been instrumental in strengthening our internal infrastructure and enhancing the effectiveness of our programs. It has enabled us to develop stronger leadership through board and volunteer training, implement coordinated systems for onboarding, and improve program delivery..

  Looking ahead, we are excited to launch EmpowerHER Business Academy, an online interactive platform designed to equip women entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and confidence needed to build and sustain successful businesses. We will also expand our Community Youth-Led Mental Health Awareness Initiative in Bailey’s Crossroads, empowering young people to advocate for mental wellness, reduce stigma, and connect peers with critical resources.

  In addition, we are committed to advancing the Bailey’s Crossroads Mental Health and Community Wellness Initiative, which directly addresses two critical needs identified in the INOVA Health Assessment Report—economic instability and mental health challenges. This initiative aims to support families and youth facing rising stress, anxiety, and barriers to care. To further increase economic resilience, we will incorporate community workforce development seminars, hands-on training, apprenticeships, and job placement opportunities through partnerships with local organizations. These efforts will help bridge gaps in employment and create long-term pathways to stability for community members.

  Together, these initiatives reflect our mission to uplift underserved communities through holistic support, empowerment, and expanded pathways to economic and personal advancement.

  As a nonprofit leader in our community, what are your dreams or aspirations for the future?

  As a nonprofit leader, my dream is to build a thriving, resilient community where everyone, regardless of background, has access to essential resources, support, and opportunities to grow. I aspire to expand our impact by developing a holistic community wellness center that integrates mental health services, healthy living education, youth empowerment programs, and faith-based support under one roof. I envision a future where our volunteers, partners, and supporters work together to break cycles of poverty, uplift families, and inspire the next generation of community leaders.

• Hardemon Dynasty, Inc

  Which Communities/Neighborhoods do you serve?

  Richmond Highway Community

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly describe the mission of your organization

  Our mission is to provide affordable housing for young adults aging out of foster care and offer sufficient support during their transition to independence.

  How has funding from a Sharing Community Initiative impacted the work you do? Feel free to share any brief examples of projects or outcomes you've seen over the past year.

  The Capacity Building Funding has allotted our organization to receive training which provided the tools and resources to assist us in better team collaboration and drafting a more beneficial strategic plan for our organization.

  How has capacity building funding impacted the work that you do? Feel free to share 1-2 examples of projects or outcomes you hope to accomplish this next year.

  We've gained knowledge on being more strategic in our efforts when funding, marketing, and involvement with the community. For 2025 we're excited about connecting with other organizations to garner more exposure through marketing opportunities and public awareness.

  How would additional capacity building funding further the impact that has already been generated through this engagement with Sharing NoVA?

  The additional funding would greatly help us train our volunteers and raise awareness about homelessness among young adults aging out of foster care.

  As a nonprofit leader, how has your community or organization been impacted in recent months (financially or operationally)?

  Lately, we've observed a drop in website traffic and a decrease in donations, which has us concerned. It's crucial for us to reconnect with our supporters and spread awareness about our mission.

  As a nonprofit leader in our community, what are your dreams or aspirations for the future?

  My heartfelt dream is to acquire the old Sunrise Building in Lorton, Va, and transform it into a nurturing and safe haven for young adults transitioning out of foster care.I hope to staff it with compassionate individuals who can provide guidance, support, and a sense of community for those who need if most.

• Joyful Hands

  Which Communities/Neighborhoods do you serve?

  Communities served by Joyful Hands programs are Murraygate Village Apartments, Stony Brook Apartments, Creekside Village Apartments, Audubon Estates & more.

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly describe the mission of your organization

  Our mission is rooted in the belief that education, literacy, and community resources form the bedrock of vibrant societies.

  How has funding from a Sharing Community Initiative impacted the work you do? Feel free to share any brief examples of projects or outcomes you've seen over the past year.

  Funding from the Sharing Community Initiative has played a critical role in the success of our programs and initiatives over the past year. One notable example is our 2024 Back to School Drive, where the generous support allowed us to expand our outreach and impact. With the additional resources, we were able to pack and distribute backpacks filled with essential school supplies to children in underserved communities. This funding not only ensured that students had the tools they needed for a successful school year but also helped foster a sense of community and support among families who might otherwise have struggled to afford these necessary items. In addition, we showed appreciation for our volunteers by providing meals and small monetary gifts to acknowledge their countless hours spent on distribution and programming. The impact has been significant, as it has empowered local families, encouraged academic success, and demonstrated the value of volunteerism in supporting our mission.

  How has capacity building funding impacted the work that you do? Feel free to share 1-2 examples of projects or outcomes you hope to accomplish this next year.

  Capacity-building funding has significantly enhanced our ability to improve and expand our programs. One key area where it has had a direct impact is in strengthening our volunteer base and infrastructure. For instance, thanks to capacity-building resources, we were able to develop a robust volunteer committee to support the coordination and execution of events like our Back to School Supply Drive. This funding not only allowed us to organize and manage the drive more efficiently but also helped to increase community engagement and volunteer retention. Looking ahead, we aim to build on this success by further expanding our volunteer network and providing additional training and support to ensure sustainability and growth. In the coming year, we hope to implement more strategic volunteer recruitment and engagement initiatives, ensuring a well-supported and active committee for future community-driven projects.

  How would additional capacity building funding further the impact that has already been generated through this engagement with Sharing NoVA?

  Additional capacity-building funding would greatly enhance the positive impact we’ve already seen through our engagement with Sharing NoVA. With this support, we would be able to further strengthen our volunteer committee, provide more comprehensive training opportunities, and invest in the tools necessary for more efficient program management. This would allow us to scale our efforts, ensuring that initiatives like our Back to School Supply Drive continue to grow and reach even more families in need. Additionally, this funding would help us expand our monthly food drive and extend our literacy program into various Fairfax County schools, allowing us to support more children and families in need. Furthermore, we would be able to develop long-term strategies for volunteer retention and program sustainability, ensuring that our community outreach continues to grow in both reach and impact. Ultimately, this funding would help us build a stronger, more resilient infrastructure to better serve our community and continue creating lasting change.

  As a nonprofit leader, how has your community or organization been impacted in recent months (financially or operationally)?

  With the contribution of the Sharing NoVA grant, we’ve been fortunate to accomplish great things. However, as we near the end of this funding period and face limited nonprofit funding, our organization has been impacted. Financially, we’ve seen a decrease in available resources, which has created uncertainty and forced us to prioritize key programs. Operationally, this has led to a reassessment of our services and a push to find alternative funding sources to continue supporting our community. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to adapting and exploring new opportunities to ensure the continued success of our initiatives.

  As a nonprofit leader in our community, what are your dreams or aspirations for the future?

  As a nonprofit leader in our community, our aspirations for the future include developing one of the strongest literacy programs in the region, promoting the enjoyment of reading from the early stages of students’ lives. One of our key goals is to purchase and build a mobile reading van that will travel throughout the community, providing students with access to books and reading experiences outside of traditional settings through our mentorship program. Additionally, we aim to strengthen our food distribution efforts to address the nutritional needs of local residents, expanding our reach further down Richmond Highway and into other communities and provide educational resources and support, we hope to empower individuals and families to thrive in all areas of life.

New Faces & Exciting Changes at The Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is excited to welcome a number of new faces and exciting changes within our Community Foundation family these past few months!

The Community Foundation Board of Trustees

The Community Foundation is excited to announce that Quanda Allen will serve as Treasurer for the Board of Trustees.

Quanda Allen is the Market Managing Director of PNC’s Institutional Asset Management Group in Greater Washington, where she leads a team of experienced investment, client service and sales professionals responsible for delivering PNC’s outsourced investment solutions, retirement plan services and proprietary fixed income capabilities.  Through a comprehensive, disciplined process, PNC’s IAM Group provides investment services to a wide array of corporations, charities, associations, healthcare organizations, and municipalities.

The Community Foundation would also like to thank Lia Dean, who concluded her service as a member of The Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees in December 2024.

Lia is the President of Banking & Premium Products at Capital One. We are grateful for her dedicated service to The Community Foundation and the broader region!

Montgomery County Advisory Board

The Community Foundation is excited to welcome Robin Meisner Cameron, Managing Director at CBIZ, as the new Chair of the Montgomery County Advisory Board. Robin has served on the Advisory Board since Spring 2020, including most recently as Vice Chair of the Advisory Board.

We also welcome Stew Edelstein, Executive Director Emeritus of The Universities at Shady Grove as the new Vice Chair of the Montgomery County Advisory Board.

We’d like to thank outgoing Chair, Catherine Leggett for her service and leadership as Chair of the Montgomery County Advisory Board. We look forward to continuing to collaborate, as she continues her service on the Advisory Board.

The Community Foundation would also like to thank Stacy Murchison who concluded her service as a member of The Community Foundation’s Montgomery County Advisory Board in March 2025.

Stacy is the Senior Managing Director and Chief Marketing Officer at Chevy Chase Trust.  We are grateful for her thoughtful leadership on numerous efforts including chairing the Sharing Montgomery Grants Committee.

Prince George’s County Advisory Board

Belinda Cook, Private Client Relationship Advisor

Belinda Cook is a private client relationship advisor at Brown Advisory. She is responsible for servicing multiple relationships including institutional and high net worth clients. Prior to joining the firm, Belinda was a Vice President, Trust Officer at Bank of America Private Bank (formerly U.S. Trust).

Belinda is a proud first-generation college graduate, having earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, NC.

In addition to her role on the Advisory Board, Belinda volunteers at Children’s National Hospital and is the Chair of the Community Volunteer Committee (CVC) for Girls on the Run - DC.

The Community Foundation Staff

Nathan McMullen, Strategic Initiatives Associate

Nathan is a recent graduate with a proven track record of leadership and teamwork in multiple areas. He studied at the University of Maryland, College Park, earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Resource Economics. Graduates from UMD's College of Ag & Natural Resources are prepared to take on some of our most significant challenges such as access to nutrition, clean water, and the impacts of global climate change.

Nathan also brings a unique perspective on innovation and economic mobility, thanks to the Southern Management Leadership Program (SMLP). Students at SMLP complete a minor in Entrepreneurship, which focuses on topics like social entrepreneurship, design thinking, and network building.

Since graduating in 2023, Nathan has served as a mentor for Roots Africa, a non-profit organization dedicated to investing in transformative change in rural communities in Uganda and Liberia. Nathan also has experience studying the impacts of pro-active cash assistance programs for the International Food Policy Research Institute.

Nathan is grateful and humbled by the opportunity to contribute to the foundation's work of addressing inequality in the DMV. Growing up in Washington, D.C., he has witnessed the impacts of suppressed economic mobility and limited opportunities for wealth building in the District’s marginalized communities.

Nathan is committed to working alongside the community investment team and the whole foundation to face and address the most pressing challenges in our community.

Olivia Hsu, Development Officer, Planned Giving

We’re excited to share that Olivia Hsu CFP®, CAP® will be taking on a new role at The Community Foundation as our Development Officer, Planned Giving.

Olivia joined The Community Foundation in May 2022, as a Development Associate working with donors in Montgomery County. In this new role, Olivia will work closely with our Senior Philanthropic Advisor to help donors from across the region organize and reach their planned giving goals. We’re excited to see her grow into this new role at The Community Foundation!

Yorman De La Rosa, Donor Services Officer

We’re also excited to share that Yorman De La Rosa is being promoted to Donor Services Officer.

Yorman joined The Community Foundation in April 2022, as a Donor Services Associate, serving as a Customer Relations Manager (CRM) for fundholders and initiatives based in DC. He has been an invaluable member of our donor services team, providing critical support for the Learn24 OST Scholarship program and other important initiatives. Thank you for all that you do!

Silvana Straw, Senior Community Investment Officer & Philanthropic Advisor

The Community Foundation is announcing that Silvana Straw will be leaving the organization in May, after more than 35 years as an integral and invaluable member of our team.

Over the past three and a half decades, Silvana has made countless contributions in her roles as Senior Program Officer, Senior Donor Services Officer, and Philanthropic Advisor. Her major accomplishments include contributions to help build The Community Foundation’s assets, fundraising, and donor services by cultivating and establishing new funds; as well as conceptualizing, developing, and leading strategic program initiatives and cross-sector partnerships – including The Circle of Hope (our very first initiative in 1994), Greater Washington Youth Philanthropy Initiative, Neighbors in Need Fund (during the great recession), and The Partnership to End Homelessness in 2019. 

She has brought innovative approaches to our work and to the field of philanthropy which have had a major impact on The Community Foundation and the community we serve. You can read more about what drives her passion for this work in this profile article published as part of our 50th anniversary celebration.

Over the next few months, Silvana will work closely with her colleagues and with The Community Foundation leadership to ensure a smooth transition of her duties and fund management. Any questions about the Foundation’s work during this transition can be directed to Darius Graham, Managing Director, Community Investment and/or Chris Howie, Managing Director of Development. 

Work Anniversary - Celebrating Five Years of Leadership at The Community Foundation!

Finally, we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge an exciting work anniversary for our incredible CEO Tonia Wellons - who in April will commemorate five years of leadership as President & CEO of The Community Foundation.

Under her leadership, The Community Foundation developed a bold 10-year strategic vision, lead the region’s largest coordinated COVID-19 philanthropic response fund, and launched key initiatives including the Partnership to End Homelessness and VoicesDMV.

She has been recognized across the region and the nation as one of the most powerful leaders in community philanthropy, and continues to represent our organization, our region, and our sector with purpose, grace, and intentionality.

We are so thankful for her thoughtful and inspiring leadership, as together we work to create a region where every person prospers and thrives.

Harnessing the Power of Community Wealth Building

Our March 4 Community Impact Forum in Montgomery County brought together our donors, partners, and friends to hear from local and national experts about community wealth building strategies and the transformative potential to build more inclusive, thriving local economies.

“If we want to see real growth in our communities, we have to think outside the box when it comes to how and where we invest,” shared Anna Hargrave, Executive Director for Montgomery County at the Greater Washington Community Foundation. “Community wealth building is a holistic, forward-thinking model that challenges us to look beyond basic needs to envision what is possible.”

“Community wealth building is a relatively new idea with a long intellectual and activist pedigree,” shared Ralph Hall, Professor of Urban Affairs and Planning in the School of Public and International Affairs at Virginia Tech. “It boils down to the idea that as we create fair employment and increase access to capital ownership for more people, we can reduce inequality and advance sustainable development in our communities.”

What is Community Wealth Building

Prof. Hall has over two decades of academic and professional experience in sustainable development. More recently, he’s been working as a Joann Boughman Innovation Fellow at the Universities at Shady Grove – helping to implement principles of community wealth building into the organization’s strategic framework.

Prof. Hall shares data about the wealth gap in Maryland - making the case for community wealth building strategies.

“In the state of Maryland, the richest 1% of families take home more than 15% of the income in the state,” Prof. Hall shared, citing data from the Economic Policy Institute. “Nationally, the poorest 50% of households own less than 3% of the wealth in the United States.”

Prof. Hall explained how this divide has slowly increased over the past fifty years, as Median Family Income has failed to keep up with the rise in Labor Productivity and Real GDP.

The result is that working families have been left behind while those with access to capital have been able to take advantage of the meteoric rise in the markets. A 2020 study found that the lack of income growth has cost workers and their families $47 trillion since 1975.

“When we talk about building thriving communities, this is the big picture we need to be looking at,” Prof. Hall added. “What are the types of systemic changes and investments we need to make to start closing that gap?”

Prof. Hall shared 5 Pillars to Community Wealth Building developed by the Democracy Collaborative and outlined how various elements of wealth building have already been implemented across the country – some dating as far back as the 1970s. Some common approaches include the emergence of Community Development Corporations (CDCs), Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and Community Land Trusts (CLTs) that help lower the barrier to capital for low-income families and business owners.

More recent and comprehensive approaches include the Evergreen Cooperatives in Cleveland, Ohio and the Preston Model in Preston, England – initiatives which prioritize creating cooperatives and other worker/community-owned businesses to grow the local economy and increase workers access to capital.

Strengthening the Economy through Grassroots Workforce Development

“Community wealth building is about solidarity rather than extraction,” shared Lanita Whitehurst, Senior Organizer with IMPACT Silver Spring. “It’s about helping build people’s power and helping them access wealth so they can truly benefit from their contributions to the system instead of merely depending on it for survival”

From left to right: Anna Hargrave, Executive Director for Montgomery County at the Greater Washington Community Foundation; Anne Khademian, Executive Director of The Universities at Shady Grove; Valerie Salazar, Co-Director of IMPACT Silver Spring; and Lanita Whitehurst, Senior Organizer at IMPACT Silver Spring.

IMPACT Silver Spring has been empowering residents in Montgomery County for over 25 years – with a specific emphasis on boosting economic power through worker cooperatives and 1-on-1 coaching support to help rising entrepreneurs.

In 2016, the organization incubated the Montgomery County Community Investment Cooperative (MCIC) – a collective community fund to help provide capital for community members and entrepreneurs who lack access to the financial system.

IMPACT Silver Spring also established the Community Trade Academy which hosts sewing classes and other workshops to strengthen what they call ‘the underground economy’ – helping community members develop marketable skills.  Graduates are using their new skills to supplement their income and generate additional wealth through microenterprises providing embroidery, piñata making, catering, and other in-demand services. The academy also offers an entrepreneurship jumpstart course to help aspiring entrepreneurs learn the basics of successfully launching a small business.

“We have to be innovative in the ways that we talk about wealth and the local economy,” shared Valerie Salazar, Co-Director of IMPACT Silver Spring. “Beginning with the work of grassroots workforce development.”

“This work is about getting out into the community and serving them in the ways that they need – rather than coming to them and dictating the services that we are willing to provide. We put our ears to the ground, hear what the needs are, break down the barriers to entry, and then provide the resources and framework so that they can accomplish their dreams.”

Harnessing Community Wealth Building to Reimagine Higher Education

“Community wealth building is about strengthening the fabric of relationships that allows the free flow of ideas and the problem-solving capacity to make our communities stronger,” added Prof. Anne Khademian, Executive Director of the Universities at Shady Grove (USG).

USG has been actively engaged in community wealth building strategies for several years now. In 2021, they launched the USG Equity Incubator – an 8-week accelerator boot camp program designed to help local entrepreneurs kick-start their businesses and scale their operations.

Lunch for the forum was catered by Trippy Tacos.  Before the presentation, guests got to hear from the founder, Chris Robles, about how he launched and grew his business thanks to the Equity Incubator at the Universities at Shady Grove plus the AMBER program of the Montgomery Black Collective.  Pictured above, Robles (right) & his team present at a Shark Tank style USG Equity Incubator event in 2022.

In addition to the boot camp, USG has been intentional about investing in the community within their geographic footprint, establishing partnerships with local food service providers and other small business vendors in the surrounding neighborhoods.

“We have a legacy in higher education institutions of being rewarded for exclusivity, for the number of publications and citations that faculty get – for being renowned and broadly recognized, academically,” Prof. Khademian explained. “All of that is great – but at the end of the day, what really matters to our students and our community are access and affordability.”

“As an institution, we have a responsibility to our students and our community – to invest in their future so that they can thrive both in and outside the classroom.”

To that end, USG has taken a more holistic approach to their academic structure, creating ‘industry sector hubs’ and partnering with local businesses across their degree programs to help facilitate students transition from degree to career.

“We are laser-focused on providing access and affordability for our students and meeting the workforce needs of our community,” Prof. Khademian added.

Together Prof. Khademian and Prof. Hall hope USG can become a case study for how higher education institutions can adopt community wealth building strategies to have a greater impact on the students and communities they serve.

How to Leverage Your Philanthropy to Support Community Wealth Building

One thing that all the presenters pointed out is that community wealth building is not simply a philanthropic investment; It is an intentional and strategic mindset that is adopted over time.

“Community wealth building isn’t about plugging a hole or filling a gap somewhere,” Prof. Khademian explained. “It’s about building a new social structure founded on shared interest, trust, and a considerable investment of time and resources.”

“The work that we’re doing takes time,” Whitehurst added. “We are undoing systems that have been in place for decades – and building a new one that we hope will be in place for decades to come.”

“To be a part of community wealth building means being consistent about how and where you show up for your community.”

Some simple practices that presenters recommended to get started included:

• Reflect on your ‘consumer footprint’ – including habits and purchasing decisions you make on a regular basis. Consider ways that you might change your consumer habits to support businesses and nonprofits strengthening your home community.

• Be intentional about supporting small local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to ensure that the dollars you spend on goods and services are invested back into our local economy.

• Recognize that the common entry points and platforms for small business owners may be different. Instead of searching at large-scale retailers, try searching Facebook Marketplace, Community Groups, Etsy, or other local platforms.

• Spread the Word! Word of Mouth is a powerful force in community building. It can be something as simple as a recommending a local business to a friend or posting a positive review on a business’ online platforms. 

• Support nonprofits testing out new ideas to create a more thriving, inclusive local economy for all. You can take your giving to the next level through flexible, multiyear funding which will empower them to pivot and innovate as new opportunities arise!

• Join with visionary leaders to advocate for public policies and funding that will build an inclusive, thriving community for all who call our region home.

In Solidarity: Creating Soft Spaces in Hard Times

From left to right: Sara Brenner, Executive Director, Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Washington, Habib Bako, Founder of Aligned Minds, LLC, and Tonia Wellons, President & CEO, Greater Washington Community Foundation

This post is written by Habib Bako, founder of Aligned Minds, LLC, a strategic community engagement firm. Habib is leading the design and implementation of a new initiative launched by The Community Foundation and our partners from the Jewish Community Foundation at The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington that aims to build a faith-inspired community through building trust, bridging difference, and strengthening democracy throughout the region.

By Habib Bako

In February, I was honored to facilitate a remarkable event to launch a new project called In Solidarity: Trust, Truth, and Transformation. In Solidarity – led by the Greater Washington Community Foundation and the Jewish Community Foundation – seeks to build the capacity and skills of people from multiple faiths, religious, racial, and ethnic groups across the DMV

The aim of this initiative is to bring faith-inspired leaders together to bridge across difference, forge deeper relationships, and come together across shared purpose and values in order to ultimately strengthen our democracy and advance equitable outcomes in the Greater Washington region. But in this February meeting, it was clear people also sought to create a space to ground in their shared humanity, to hold their anxieties about the current state of our region and country, and to get inspired by stories of hope and resilience from leaders past and present.

Having worked in community engagement spaces in cities across the country, I understand the importance of building that space to hold people’s experiences and anxieties. But what is unique and special about this time around is that this community is in the DMV, a place I’ve called home for most of my life. 

In this February In Solidarity launch event, we called on leaders to consider Martin Luther King’s question and title of his 1967 book, “Where do we go from here: chaos or community?” It’s the timeless question we could have asked at every moment of national upheaval and pain. This moment, right here in 2025, is no different. Throughout the launch event, it was clear that people needed time to be with one another. In the opening of the event, we asked participants to share the values that brought them to that event. They brought in the values of: love, community, determination, resilience, and resistance. That energy was clear throughout.

As principal leaders of the two partner organizations, Tonia Wellons and Sara Brenner really set the tone for the evening with their introduction. They talked about their relationship with one another and why that relationship models the types of trust, truth, and transformation that In Solidarity hopes to elevate and accelerate through this initiative. Their work led them to intentionally choose partnership and abundance for the two community foundations over scarcity and competition for resources. They began having difficult conversations on race, religion, and the divides that often show up in our communities, and what began to bubble up was a relational bend to the philanthropy they saw their donors practicing often anchored in their communities of origin, and their ethnic and religious ties. Sara and Tonia quickly realized that these relationships were the common ground that could move their communities forward.

We also heard from two DMV leaders who are living In Solidarity through their everyday work. Reverend William H. Lamar IV, the pastor of the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, moved the crowd by imploring them to not “shrink from the blood demand of our ancestors.” He shared the remarkable story of winning ownership of the Proud Boys trademark in court and using that power to turn evil into good. While it has brought an onslaught of threats to his congregation, he stands by the decision to pursue the lawsuit. He told the participants that it was our time to fight against the division and hate that permeates our culture. And he reminded us that the fight was not done in the name of anger, but in the name of love – the practice of love.

Our next speaker was Diana Aviv, founder and principal of ourCovenant, an organization that builds and deepens partnerships within communities of faith in support of democracy. A community leader and native of South Africa, she grew up where racism was the law of the land, acutely aware of the privilege her skin color afforded her under apartheid. Having Diana at this event was a personal delight for me as I worked for her more than a decade ago. Diana spoke about her deep faith in the goodness of people to solve their own problems. She noted it is within American civil society – the thousands of nonprofit organizations and the millions of people who are employed by and volunteer with them – where that kind of hope and determination to solve our own problems can be found. “Nothing worthwhile is ever easy,” she said. “The biggest mistake is to wait until [the threat] passes and assume things will get better. We have to take action now. Civil society is the glue that holds us all together. Progress happens when civil society is strong and democracy functions.”

The event then turned to the participants, where the most valuable interactions took place among the people in the room and in discussion about how In Solidarity can continue to be a place for choosing community over chaos. The themes that came out in the read-outs from the tables presented several opportunities to design and grow this work. The challenges to our communities right now are immense, but the opportunities are attainable and achievable.

In the end, the words that people used to check out of the In Solidarity gathering made it clear that people were ready to put in the mental, physical, and spiritual energy and time toward this goal of choosing community and being in solidarity with one another.

This is just the beginning of this initiative and I look forward to sharing more about it as we build it together over the next two year. Here’s to being In Solidarity with you all.

If you are interested in learning more or getting involved, you can reach me at alignedmindsllc@gmail.com

Celebrating Brilliant Futures at Jackson Road Elementary School

In February, friends and supporters of The Community Foundation gathered in Montgomery County’s East-County region to learn how recent investments in education are impacting families in the community.

The event took place at Jackson Road Elementary School – one of two schools in the region participating in Brilliant Futures - a children’s savings pilot program that provides students with up to $1,000 each year from kindergarten through 12th grade.

The program - which launched at the school in June 2024 - is the result of a public-private partnership between The Community Foundation and Montgomery County Public Schools.

Michelle, mother of a 1st grader participating in the Brilliant Futures program at Jackson Road Elementary

“It takes a community to be able to raise thriving children,” shared Michelle, whose daughter is a first grader participating in the Brilliant Futures program.

“Thanks to the Greater Washington Community Foundation and all of you, my daughter’s future is no longer “a maybe.” There’s a plan set in stone to make it a reality and I am less anxious about her future, thanks to this blessing.”

Stephanie, mother of a 1st grader participating in the Brilliant Futures Program at Jackson Road Elementary

 “This is such a wonderful opportunity,” added Stephanie, whose son is also a first grader participating in Brilliant Futures. “I’m so thankful for everyone here for taking the time to focus on kids and giving them hope for their futures.”

“As parents, we are so happy that our children will have resources they need to achieve their dreams and their goals,” Viky, mother of a Brilliant Futures Kindergartner. “On behalf of all the parents, thank you for supporting Brilliant Futures!”

Following the testimonials from the parents, visitors heard from two nonprofit panels about the work that partners are doing to support students and their families.

“What I love about our work here is that we’re all working towards the same goal – setting kids up for success later on in life,” shared Kathy Hedge, Executive Director of Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) – a nonprofit dedicated to supporting parents and fostering stronger relationships between children and their caregivers.

PEP has partnered with The Community Foundation to facilitate the Brilliant Futures program including onboarding new families and helping to connect with additional resources and information to set their child up for success.

From Left to Right, Colleen Reed, Program Director, PEP, Kathy Hedge, Executive Director, PEP, Clayton Evans, Executive Director, CREATE Arts Center, Arianna Ross, Executive Director, Story Tapestries

“Our primary goal is to support the parents,” shared Colleen Reed, PEP’s Program Director. “We recognize that the best way to help our students unlock their full potential – their Brilliant Futures – is to make sure we’re empowering and enabling that family both in and outside of the classroom.”

Since June, PEP has held a number of workshops with parents, ranging from how to prepare for a parent-teacher conference to tricks for the morning rush to ensure kids get to school on time– as well as answering questions from parents about the Brilliant Futures program. Workshops are made available in English, French, Spanish, and Vietnamese – a language offering that reflects the diverse make-up of the community.

“Parents have told us just how much more connected they feel to the school since the launch of Brilliant Futures,” Reed added. “They’re more excited for their kids’ futures; the possibilities that are available to them. It’s been incredible to watch.”

Clayton Evans, Executive Director, CREATE Arts Center and Arianna Ross, Executive Director, Story Tapestries

Artwork from Jackson Road Elementary students.

Visitors also heard from CREATE Arts Center and Story Tapestries – two arts-based nonprofit organizations who are partnering with Jackson Road Elementary to provide art programming geared to support mental health and wellbeing.  

“The arts create a common ground where people can come together and process emotions,” Clayton Evans, Executive Director of CREATE Arts Center and a program facilitator at Jackson Road shared. SMART Kids, a CREATE Arts Center program, challenges children to express themselves through therapeutic art such as journaling and visual arts. “For young kids, it’s especially crucial because it gives them an opportunity to be seen and heard, while processing their emotions.”

“We’re giving them the tools of positive mental health – but also the tools to dream big and imagine what’s possible,” added Arianna Ross, Executive Director of Story Tapestries, which has custom designed their program to fit the needs of Jackson Road Elementary’s families, with a special focus on supporting mental health.

“For many of these kids, they have to make do with less. The arts give them back that perspective so they can dream big and work towards their own Brilliant Future.”

The partnership between CREATE Arts Center, Story Tapestries, and Jackson Road Elementary was made possible by Donors Investing in the Visual Arts (also known as the DIVAs), a well-established giving circle for donors in Montgomery County.

Since 2005, the DIVAs have invested in a wide range of organizations helping children across the county get connected to and engaged in the arts. After learning of The Community Foundation’s partnership with Jackson Road Elementary through Brilliant Futures, the group made the decision to focus their grantmaking efforts to provide additional support for families at the school.

“It was an easy decision,” shared Francie Hester, a long-time member of the DIVAs. “We realized that we had a chance to be part of something bigger – partnering with the school and The Community Foundation to strengthen this community. It’s exciting to team up and have a hand in building these unique partnerships.

The Community Foundation is proud to support families at Jackson Road Elementary through the Brilliant Futures program. For more information on how you can support a child’s Brilliant Future, visit https://www.togetherweprosperdmv.org/brilliant-futures

Supporting Nonprofits in Uncertain Times: What You Can Do Right Now

Nonprofits across the country, but especially right here in the Greater Washington region, are facing a challenging and uncertain landscape. With the threat of federal funding cuts and shifting policies that could have major impact on our region, many of our nonprofit partners are preparing for a period of financial uncertainty.

The work of our region’s critical nonprofit sector is more important now than ever – from providing essential services to keep families housed and children fed, to organizations supporting education, mental health, marginalized communities, or offering other services that enrich our lives and ensure that our communities continue to thrive. These same nonprofits are now grappling with policy changes, budget shortfalls, inflationary pressures, and anticipating an increase in demand for their services as funding cuts and layoffs are projected to hit our region especially hard.

While private philanthropy cannot fully step in to replace the loss of public funding, The Community Foundation and our donors and partners can help play a critical role in sustaining and strengthening this region’s nonprofit sector.

Here are a few recommendations for both individual and institutional philanthropists to consider:

1. Reach Out to the Nonprofits You Support - It is important to check in with the organizations you care about to ask what they need most right now. A simple conversation can go a long way. Understanding their immediate and long-term needs can help you align your giving in the most effective way possible. Don’t be afraid to ask them how they are doing – recognizing these challenges have also been difficult for their staff and board members too.
   

2. Increase Your Support - We can all play an important role in helping nonprofits weather this crisis and minimize disruptions to their critical services. If you are in a position to give, now is the time to increase your support. This follows a similar conversation happening among many private foundations (both locally and nationally) that are increasing their annual payout rate.
   

3. Make Your Support Flexible - If you truly believe in the organization and its mission — then you should give them the flexibility to deploy those dollars where they are needed most in the community. Providing flexible, unrestricted funding allows these organizations to remain responsive, resilient, and effective in their work. You may also consider making a multiyear gift, which allows the nonprofit to plan more effectively by focusing less on fundraising and more on its mission.
   

4. Invest in advocacy and community organizing - While much of charitable giving is directed towards direct services that help individuals and families to meet basic needs, philanthropy can also support advocacy and organizing that can help shift policies and practices at both the local and national level. Investing in advocacy groups is a great way to ensure that your philanthropy aligns with your values and to ensure that the causes you care about have the support they need to continue their important work in the community.
   

5. Invest in Nonprofit Resilience & Infrastructure Nonprofits need more than just funding—they need strategic investments in organizational infrastructure that will allow them to weather economic uncertainty and adapt to ongoing challenges.
   
   If you are passionate about long-term impact, consider directing some of your giving to capacity-building efforts, such as leadership training, strategic legal counsel, or communications support. These investments can ensure that organizations are equipped to meet urgent needs, advocate effectively, and continue delivering meaningful impact across our region for the foreseeable future.
   

6. Partner with The Community Foundation - As your community foundation, we believe in the power of community and we stand in solidarity with our nonprofit partners providing critical programs and services to our neighbors who need it most. We are in constant communication with partners from across the region to understand the urgent and emerging needs they are facing.
   
   We remain committed to the values that have guided our work to build a stronger, more inclusive, and resilient region where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. You can partner with us and support our efforts to make strategic investments in response to today’s needs and tomorrow's challenges. You can also reach out to your local Community Foundation Officer to learn more about specific needs and opportunities to support the work in your local community and across the region.
   
   Together, we can make a difference.
   

7. Stay Engaged and Advocate Beyond financial support, your voice matters. Engage in conversations about the value of nonprofit work, advocate for policies that strengthen the sector, and stay informed about the challenges and opportunities facing philanthropy in our region.

   A few examples of this include:

• Stay informed and combat the spread of misinformation by attending Town Hall meetings or informational webinars about local issues impacting nonprofit partners in your community.

• Donate your time! Whether you’re a weekend volunteer or offering your professional expertise, donating your time can be a great way to support a nonprofit partner’s work and ongoing mission.

• Join us for a community event! The Community Foundation regularly hosts events around the causes and organizations most relevant to our region. Reach out to your local Community Foundation Officer to find opportunities to engage with community partners in your neighborhood.

• Join your local Sharing Community Fund. This community grantmaking initiative allows you to be in community with like-minded peer philanthropists while seeing the impact that nonprofits are having in your backyard!

Your generosity has always played a vital role in shaping strong, vibrant communities across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. As we navigate these uncertain times together, your continued support, leadership, and advocacy will be more important than ever.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to philanthropy. If you have questions about how to maximize your impact, the Greater Washington Community Foundation is here to help.

Making a Difference in Housing In Montgomery County

At the start of the new year, members of The Community Foundation’s Montgomery County Advisory Board, staff, and Sharing Montgomery donors visited with community partners to talk about the future of housing and the fight against homelessness in Montgomery County.

“The housing crisis is one of the biggest issues facing families in our community,” shared Anna Hargrave, Executive Director for Montgomery County at the Greater Washington Community Foundation. “We’re excited to learn from our partners about how we can work together to ensure everyone has a place to call home.”

As one of the most affluent and fastest growing counties in the region, housing has long been a challenge in Montgomery County. However, as housing prices and inflation have risen in recent months, many residents – particularly those on the margins – have found it increasingly difficult to keep a roof over their heads.

The 2024 Point in Time count by the Metropolitan Council on Governments found that more than 1,100 people in Montgomery County were homeless. The number represents a 20% increase from the previous year – including a 47% increase in homelessness among families.

“This isn’t a data problem – it’s a people problem,” explained Claudia Wilson Randall, when asked about the numbers. Randall is the Executive Director of the Community Development Network of Maryland – a community development advocacy group that heads the Montgomery Housing Alliance (MHA).

“We have lots of data about the housing shortages in Maryland – what we need are individuals who are committed to investing in housing solutions that break down some of the barriers in our communities.”

Jennifer Olney moderates a panel discussion with Claudia  Wilson Randall and Mary Kolar from the Community Development Network of Maryland

Randall was joined by her colleague, Mary Kolar – the Network’s organizer in Montgomery County, and The Community Foundation’s Jennifer Olney, Senior Program Officer for The Partnership to End Homelessness who moderated the discussion.

The group started off by outlining the benefits of Housing First – a nationally recognized strategy that prioritizes eliminating barriers to housing for those experiencing homelessness.

“Housing First is the anchor solution for a lot of the issues being faced in our community,” Kolar added

“Whether an individual is struggling with food insecurity, employment, or mental or physical health challenges – if we can get them housed, we can give them a foundation to build off; a safe and stable environment where they can grow and get the support they need.”

Some examples of this in Montgomery County include the Housing Initiative Program (HIP), Rapid Rehousing (RRH) and  Short Term Housing and Resolution Program (SHARP), which provide resources including rent subsidies and security deposits to lower the economic barriers to housing. The programs also connect residents with case management (based on the individual’s level of need).

“When it comes to supportive housing, not everyone needs the same level of resources,” Olney pointed out. “Some people just need help covering rent for a month or two; others may need more support.”

“Housing First is about matching the right resources with the right needs.”

Jennifer Olney, Senior Program Officer for The Partnership to End Homelessness with Claudia Wilson Randall, Executive Director of the Community Development Network of Maryland

Some programs like SHARP have been extremely successful, Kolar pointed out. According to the MHA, 79 percent of individuals who enter the SHARP program are still stably housed a year later. For families, that success rate is even higher – 97 percent.

However, as the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness continues to rise, advocates like the MHA and the Community Development Network of Maryland have raised the alarm about the need for more funding and support for those on the margins.

“Almost half of all renters in Montgomery County are one emergency away from eviction,” Kolar explained. “That rate is even higher for low-income households. We need more housing that meets the needs of these families.”

“People who need affordable housing aren’t invisible,” Randall added. “They’re all around us, every day, all day.”

“If we want to become a stronger county and grow the Maryland economy, we need to make sure we’re considering their basic needs. Our North Star needs to be higher, brighter, and pointing to a better place.”

When asked what role philanthropy should play, Randall and Kolar explained the importance of funding and supporting advocacy efforts to help connect philanthropy to impact.

“Whether we donate our time, our resources, or our expertise, we are all advocates,” Randall explained. “And as advocates, we do not have to resign ourselves to living in a world where people are homeless. We need to remind ourselves, our community members, and our elected officials, that housing needs to be a priority.”

Randall and Kolar were followed by Courtney Hall, CEO of Interfaith Works, and Abe Schuchman, CEO of Housing Unlimited, two of the leading service providers for individuals experiencing homelessness in Montgomery County.

Anna Hargrave moderates a panel with Claudia Wilson Randall and Mary Kolar (Community Development Network of Maryland), Courtney Hall (Interfaith Works) and Abe Schuchman (Housing Unlimited)

Hall began by echoing some of the unsettling trends from the latest Point in Time Count – particularly the increase in homelessness cases among seniors– many of whom have appeared at one of the four shelters that Interfaith Works operates across the county.

“Shelters are not a sustainable solution to address homelessness,” Hall shared.

Interfaith Works is one of the few service providers in the county that operates shelters and provides permanent supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness (in addition to a wide range of other services).

“We know that for every dollar that we invest in programs like permanent supportive housing and Housing First, society saves $1.44.”

“In a community like ours where the cost of living for a middle-class family is so high, we really can’t afford to not make smarter investments when it comes to our housing system,” Schuchman agreed.

Housing Unlimited provides independent housing for 253 adults in mental health recovery –including many individuals transitioning from homelessness–thanks in part to a partnership with the county that caps rent for residents at 1/3 of their income. Right now, over 200 people are on the waitlist for the program.

“There’s a big stereotype that people who are homeless aren’t working or don’t want to work,” Schuchman explained. “That is simply not the case.  The reality is that most people are working, sometimes 2-3 jobs.  It’s just not enough to get by.”

Schuchman also addressed stigmas that those experiencing homelessness often face related to mental health challenges. He encouraged listeners to acknowledge the tenacity those individuals demonstrate as they work towards stability.

“We really need to remember and respect the integrity and complexity of people’s lives when we talk about these issues.”

While recognizing the challenges ahead, the panelists concluded by sharing what brings them hope. 

“I think it’s important to highlight that Montgomery County’s elected officials are really receptive to having these conversations,” Olney said. “They have been extremely proactive and willing to invest in Housing First; we just need to remind them that it must continue to be a top priority.”

“We have an opportunity to be a shining example of inclusionary housing for the country, here in Montgomery County,” Hall shared. “With your continued support – funding advocacy, supporting critical services, meeting with local officials, and leading discussions like this one – we can work towards a community where everyone has a place to call home.”

For more information on how you can support housing efforts in Montgomery County, contact Anna Hargrave at ahargrave@thecommunityfoundation.org.

For more information about Permanent Supportive Housing, Housing First, and other initiatives to end homelessness, visit https://www.thecommunityfoundation.org/partnership-to-end-homelessness

2025 Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year Award Nominations Now Open!

Left to Right: Shirley Brandman (Former Montgomery County Advisory Board Member) and Bob Buchanan (2024 Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year) at the Celebration of Giving.

The Community Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year Award! This special honor was created to shine a light on individuals who have made a positive impact in our community through giving, and whose philanthropic leadership sets an inspiring example for us all.

The Philanthropist of the Year will be recognized at the 2025 Celebration of Giving later this fall. Read on for more information!

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.  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! 

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

DEADLINE: THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025

The nomination form, letter, and any additional attachments must be submitted via email with subject line “Philanthropist of the Year 2025 – Name of Nominee” by close of business on Thursday, March 20, 2025 to:

Anna Hargrave

Executive Director, Montgomery County

ahargrave@thecommunityfoundation.org

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

Questions: Contact Anna Hargrave at ahargrave@thecommunityfoundation.org

DCA Together Relief Fund: Crisis Support for Flight 5342 and Army Black Hawk Families

The Greater Washington community is devastated by the tragic event on January 29 that claimed the lives of all 67 passengers, service members, and crew on board American Airlines Flight 5342 and the Army Black Hawk Helicopter. We also recognize the heroic efforts of our region’s first responders working on the recovery effort to help provide some closure to grieving families.

Our Greater Washington Community is strongest when we stand together as neighbors helping neighbors. Through the generosity of our community and partners, we will stand united in remembrance and resilience.

In the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy, the Capital Region Community Foundations have partnered to launch a crisis response fund to aid impacted families, first responders, and nonprofit organizations supporting recovery and healing. In close coordination and partnership with the Wichita Foundation and its ICT Together Fund, the goal is to provide immediate and long-term assistance, ensuring that those affected receive the care, resources, and support they need during this difficult time.

We are working in close coordination with federal and local authorities, the Wichita Foundation, and community partners across our local jurisdictions to determine the best way to support impacted families.

The DCA Together Relief Fund: Crisis Support for Flight 5342 and Army Black Hawk Families will aim to provide:

• Assistance for impacted families to help meet their immediate needs.

• Resources and support for our region’s first responders and organizations aiding in recovery efforts.

• Support for nonprofits that are providing impacted families and communities with resources such as mental health services, trauma and grief counseling, and other community healing efforts.

You can make a difference in this critical time. Your contribution will help bring hope and healing to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.

The Capital Area Community Foundations is a partnership among several of our region’s leading community foundations including ACT for Alexandria, Arlington Community Foundation, Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, and Greater Washington Community Foundation. Together, the community foundations serving the region have a more than 100-year history as community connectors and conversation brokers who work tirelessly to preserve, enhance and protect the quality of life for our neighbors. This role often places us directly in the middle of our community’s most important decisions, most pressing issues, and most promising opportunities.

Looking Back, Moving Forward: A Discussion with Fundholders About Shaping Our Priorities for 2025

As the first month of 2025 comes to a close, Community Foundation fundholders and supporters joined our leadership for a discussion about the organization’s accomplishments during 2024 and the outlook for the upcoming year.

“We open this call with gratitude for all that you have enabled us to accomplish this past year,” Board Chair Seán Morris shared. “With your generosity, we have been able to coinvest more than $1.7 billion into the Greater Washington region. We are grateful to be working with you and look forward to continuing to partner with you to strengthen this beautiful region we all call home.”

2024: A Year in Review

2024 was a busy year for The Community Foundation and our community of changemakers. Together, we distributed more than $95 million to nonprofits and managed over 700 funds established by generous individuals, families, businesses, and civic groups from across the region. More than 70% of those grant funds were invested within the Greater Washington region.

“We have so much to be thankful for, as we start this new year,” shared President & CEO Tonia Wellons during a discussion moderated by Trustee Denielle Pemberton-Heard. “We know that there will be challenges – but we are determined to stay the course by leaning into the mission, vision, and values of our organization.”

Among the accomplishments Tonia shared were the launch of the Brilliant Futures program – an innovative children’s savings pilot program providing up to $1,000 per year for 2 kindergarten cohorts at Jackson Road and Bradbury Heights Elementary Schools, and exciting investments through the Health Equity Fund – which dispersed over $25 million to innovative programs supporting DC’s Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained and Employed (ALICE) population.

“Our hope is that these investments can help hundreds of families move from crisis to stability and from stability to prosperity,” Tonia explained.

An Update on Together, We Prosper – A Campaign for Economic Justice

Tonia also provided an exciting update on Together, We Prosper – The Community Foundation’s first ever capital campaign.

“Thanks to our Campaign committee and generous community of supporters, we’re excited to share that we have raised over 90% of our goal,” Tonia shared. “We’re so close! If you’re looking for a way to get involved, I invite you to join us in participating!”

Launched in 2023, the Together, We Prosper Campaign for Economic Justice is designed to jump-start The Community Foundation’s vision for economic justice by funding critical pilots across the region including guaranteed income pilots such as Thrive Prince George’s and children’s savings programs such as Brilliant Futures.

The campaign also works to build our endowment to ensure that The Community Foundation will be able to respond to today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges. Thanks to a generous matching donation from donor and former Trustee Terry Beaty, the effort has raised more than $500,000 for The Endowment for Greater Washington 

Addressing the Challenges & Opportunities for 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, Tonia next addressed The Community Foundation’s vision for the region and the philanthropic/nonprofit sector – particularly in light of recent actions that may have sweeping impact on our region.

“Our Community Foundation is nonpartisan – but we are not neutral,” Tonia reaffirmed. “We remain committed to creating a Greater Washington region where people of all races, places, and identities have the resources that they need to prosper.”

“Our work is grounded in a comprehensive strategic plan derived from data-driven analysis of the needs and opportunities present in the communities we serve,” Seán added. “As an organization, we are committed to staying the course and staying true to our mission, vision, and values.”

Over the past 51 years, The Community Foundation has continued to operate through many transitions in political leadership and has been proud to serve as a key convener and ‘community quarterback’ to help respond to critical community needs.

During the call, Tonia reiterated The Community Foundation’s commitment to actively listening to community needs and deploying our resources, voice, and efforts to build a stronger, more inclusive, and resilient region where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

“We will be a leader in listening, convening, and speaking truth to power when it comes to the impact that decisions are having on our community and on the individuals we serve.”

She also emphasized the importance of increasing private and philanthropic support for nonprofit organizations – particularly through unrestricted and multi-year funding.

“For those who wish to get involved - whether you are individual donor or a philanthropic organization — the best way to do so is to put more money into our community,” Tonia explained.

“Now more than ever, nonprofit leaders need general operating grants so they have the capacity, the resources, and the flexibility to make decisions and respond to critical needs that may arise on a daily basis.”

“By working together, we have the power and the potential to create deeper, more lasting impact toward achieving economic justice and prosperity for all who call our region home.” 

A Year in Review: Looking Back at the Top Milestones from 2024

2024 was a year full of milestones for The Community Foundation and our community of changemakers – from launching a children’s savings pilot program in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties to unveiling the 2024 VoicesDMV Community Insights Report, and celebrating new and exciting investments across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Here are some of our most meaningful milestones from 2024.

Celebrating the Spirit of Philanthropy and Alex Orfinger at the National Building Museum

On March 21, The Community Foundation honored Alex Orfinger with the 2024 Spirit of Philanthropy Award, as part of the Celebration of Philanthropy at the National Building Museum. The event raised more than $500,000 towards building a stronger community in the Greater Washington region.

Reimagine Work: Aligning Workforce Development within an Economic Justice Framework

In January, The Community Foundation introduced Reimagine (formerly known as the Greater Washington Workforce Development Collaborative) - a coalition of funders committed to co-creating solutions alongside communities and people to advance systemic economic justice rooted in reimagining, redistributing, and rebalancing work, opportunity, and sustainability.

Greater Washington Community Foundation and PNC Foundation Support Small Businesses in Prince George’s County

In April, The Community Foundation announced the launch of the Prince George’s County Small Business Support Program made possible through funding from the PNC Foundation to support small business infrastructure and development in Prince George’s County. The fund awarded over $330,000 in grants to 17 small businesses along the Purple Line and Blue Line corridors. The grants will enable businesses to harness the economic benefits of development along the transit corridors.

Thrive Prince George’s Guaranteed Income Pilot Begins Monthly Payments

In April, Thrive Prince George’s  - the county’s first-ever guaranteed income pilot program, began monthly cash distributions to 50 youth (age 18-24) who have aged out of foster care and 125 seniors (age 60+) for a 24-month period with no strings attached.

The pilot – which was announced in November 2023 - received a tremendous response with more than 5,500 applications submitted for 175 slots. All applications went through a carefully designed and impartial review process that utilized best practices in applicant selection including weighing essential eligibility criteria and randomization. This process also ensured inclusion of our two special populations - care givers and returning citizens.

In October, The Community Foundation convened guaranteed income advocates from nine different guaranteed income pilots from across the region  - including Thrive Prince George’s - to discuss how to amplify the effects of guaranteed income pilots in the Greater Washington region.

The Community Foundation Launches Brilliant Futures Children’s Savings Pilot at Jackson Road Elementary School and Bradbury Heights Elementary School

In June, The Community Foundation announced the launch of Brilliant Futures, a children’s savings pilot program that will provide kindergarten students at Jackson Road Elementary School and Bradbury Heights Elementary School with up to $1,000 each year from kindergarten through 12th grade.

The Community Foundation has committed to funding the program for two consecutive kindergarten cohorts at each school — specifically the future graduating classes of 2036 and 2037 at Jackson Road Elementary and classes of 2037 and 2038 at Bradbury Heights Elementary schools. The program is expected to enroll up to 400 students and was launched in partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools, Prince George’s County Public Schools, and community partners, Parent Encouragement Program and Reid Community Development Corporation.

In October, The Community Foundation was recognized with the Superintendent’s Award of Excellence at the Foundation for PGCPS Hall of Fame Gala in recognition of Brilliant Futures.

Building Towards Belonging: New Voices DMV Report Highlights Critical Needs & Strategic Priorities for the Greater Washington Region

In May, The Community Foundation released the 2024 Voices DMV Community Insights Report, which provided an update on the state of our region, including key regional challenges and insights from a comprehensive survey conducted by The Community Foundation in partnership with Gallup and its Center on Black Voices.

First launched in 2017, VoicesDMV is a community engagement initiative designed to help philanthropy, community leaders, policymakers, and others better understand the diverse experiences of the people who live and work in the Greater Washington region.

In December, the Washington Association of Black Journalists awarded The Community Foundation the 2024 Dr. Sheila Brooks Community Impact Award in recognition of the VoicesDMV initiative and its commitment to amplify the voices and needs of underrepresented communities across the DC metropolitan area.

Greater Washington Community Foundation Welcomes Sean Morris as New Board Chair

In September, The Community Foundation welcomed Seán Morris, Principal with Deloitte Consulting LLP, as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees. Seán succeeded Richard K. Bynum, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer for The PNC Financial Services Group, who has served as Board Chair since September 2022.

The Community Foundation also welcomed Thomas Penny, President of Donohoe Hospitality as a newest member of the Board of Trustees and welcomed Artis Hampshire-Cowan, as a member of The Community Foundation’s Board Emerita.

The Board has been extremely supportive of The Community Foundation’s President & CEO, Tonia Wellons – who has continued to receive well-deserved recognition for her outstanding leadership in the Greater Washington region. This year, Tonia was once again recognized as a member of the Washington Business Journal’s 2024 Power 100 Index. She also joined the Board of Directors for CFLeads – a national network of community foundations committed to community leadership and innovation to build stronger communities.

Celebrating Community Impact Through Partnership at the 2024 Annual Meeting

In October, The Community Foundation gathered with friends and supporters for the 2024 Annual Meeting and public kick-off for Together, We Prosper, a $75 million Campaign for Economic Justice in the Greater Washington region.

The meeting celebrated another year of exciting landmarks. In FY2024, our fundholders disbursed over $87 million to a diverse range of causes across the region.

The evening also included exciting updates on the Together, We Prosper Campaign for Economic Justice, which seeks to mobilize philanthropy to close the racial wealth gap in our region by investing in innovative economic mobility programs to boost wealth building in priority high opportunity neighborhoods.

Partnership to End Homelessness Celebrates Five Years of Impact

This past year, The Community Foundation’s Partnership to End Homelessness celebrated five years of impact.

Since 2020, The Partnership has successfully leveraged more and aligned more than $20 million in funding to support affordable housing and grantmaking to nonprofits, helped to build and preserve 924 homes for low-income families, and supported advocacy efforts that helped 3,254 individuals and 1,542 families exit homelessness.

The Partnership also welcomed five new members to its Leadership Council - a group of committed, private sector individuals representing foundations, housing developers and owners, healthcare institutions, and universities who are dedicated to ending homelessness in DC.

Investing in Community Safety and Gun Violence Prevention

In 2024, The Community Foundation announced its intentions to support the development and funding of a comprehensive strategy to enhance harm reduction efforts in DC to promote community safety and prevent gun violence. The organization awarded $1 million in investments in partnership with DC government agencies, joined the CF Leads Gun Violence Protection Network, and – in partnership with the Public Welfare Foundation - hired a Senior Fellow for Community Safety and Harm Reduction to coordinate further efforts.  

In September, The Community Foundation and Public Welfare Foundation organized the first of several convenings for philanthropic partners, business leaders, city government representatives and advocates for community safety to discuss ways to promote and sustain community safety.

Greater Washington Community Foundation Celebrates $26 million investment in innovative DC Health Equity Partnerships

In 2024, The Community Foundation’s Health Equity Fund announced $25.8 million in multiyear investments in five transformative projects focused on collaborative approaches to increasing economic mobility and wealth building.

Since 2022, the $95 million Health Equity Fund has distributed more than $58.9 million to community-based nonprofits that serve District residents.

In addition to transformative funding, the initiative has also served as a powerful convener for DC’s nonprofit community. In April, The Community Foundation brought together more than 200 changemakers from across the area for the 2024 Health Equity Summit - a day of music, speakers, and deep conversations around the pursuit of health equity, economic justice, and liberation in the Greater Washington region.

In August, in recognition of the Fund’s impact on the region, the Washington Business Journal honored Dr. Marla Dean, Senior Director of the Health Equity Fund, as part of the inaugural 2024 Innovators in Health Care Awards.

2024 Celebration of Giving – Saluting Bob Buchanan, the 2024 Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year

On November 21st, donors and community partners across Montgomery County gathered for the annual Celebration of Giving honoring Bob Buchanan, founder of Buchanan Partners, as the 2024 Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year.

The evening included a special video tribute to Bob, an update from President & CEO Tonia Wellons regarding the Together, We Prosper Campaign for Economic Justice, and a surprise $250,000 Challenge Match from the Honoree himself!

2024 Celebration of Giving - Saluting Bob Buchanan 2024 Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year

On November 21st, donors and community partners across Montgomery County gathered for the annual Celebration of Giving honoring Bob Buchanan, founder of Buchanan Partners, as the 2024 Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year.

The celebration came at a busy time for The Community Foundation and its community of givers. Over the past fiscal year, the organization has deployed more than $8 million to nonprofit organizations across Montgomery County- including $450,000 through its Sharing Montgomery initiative.

“The magic of The Community Foundation brings us together to act. We turn to them to help us craft our community impact and do the most good,” shared Robin Meisner Cameron, Vice Chair of The Community Foundation’s Advisory Board in Montgomery County. “Together we are absolutely more than the sum of our parts.”

The Community Foundation also celebrated the launch of Brilliant Futures – a children’s savings pilot program that will provide kindergarten students at two schools with up to $1,000 in savings each year from kindergarten through 12th grade. The innovative pilot launched in June 2024 in partnership with Jackson Road Elementary School and Montgomery County Public Schools.

A live painting of Brilliant Futures participants created by Hiral Joshi, an artist and instructor for VisArts.

Bob and his wife Sharon are long-time champions for VisArts, a nonprofit which acts as a hub for artistic exploration and social impact.

“Making this investment changes how these kids can dream,” shared Alisha Griffey, member of The Community Foundation’s Advisory Board in Montgomery County and advocate for the Brilliant Futures pilot program. “We have a unique opportunity to help build them a better world, to change their trajectory, and to keep them from shrinking who they are due to a lack of financial security.”

“The Community Foundation is putting our money where our ambitions are – creating a more inclusive and prosperous Montgomery County for all,” added Tonia Wellons, President & CEO of The Community Foundation. She then reported on the progress of Together, We Prosper, a $75 million campaign to jump-start The Community Foundation’s vision for economic justice in the Greater Washington Region. She noted this includes funding for initiatives like Brilliant Futures and Guaranteed Income pilots like Montgomery County’s MoCo Boost.  “We invite you to help us finish what we’ve started, by joining our Together, We Prosper Campaign to fully fund Brilliant Futures and other initiatives to ensure that all in our community can thrive.”

Following the update on the Together, We Prosper Campaign, Tonia saluted the evening’s honoree, Bob Buchanan. A third-generation developer and beloved champion of many vital nonprofits serving Montgomery County, Bob is a builder in every sense of the word. Along with his wife, Sharon, and their family, Bob has strategically advanced the arts, education, and organizations building more equitable communities. By combining his generosity, business acumen, and ability to galvanize others behind worthy causes, his philanthropic leadership has touched the lives of thousands of people across our community. 

Through a fireside chat with Shirley Brandman, former Montgomery County Advisory Board Member, Bob shared key values that have helped him along his philanthropic journey including cultivating a love of learning, always seeking to build and strengthen new relationships, setting a place at the table for the nonprofit community, and empowering those who demonstrate personal and organizational integrity to their values.

“We need to work together,” Bob shared. “We need to come together and stand together for acts of kindness and generosity and create a better and more compassionate community for all.”

Bob then surprised the audience – and The Community Foundation staff –by pledging a $250,000 Challenge Match to encourage others to give towards the Together, We Prosper Campaign. (To help us make the match, you can make a gift online today or contact us for other giving options!)

“It is so important that we continue to support our communities – now more than ever.”

On behalf of the thousands of lives touched by his leadership and generosity, we congratulate Bob on being named the 2024 Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year. We know his 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 2024 Philanthropist of the Year is available in the Bethesda Magazine Article and in our Celebration program booklet. Click here to see more photos from the 2024 Celebration of Giving!

2024 Philanthropist of the Year, Bob Buchanan with members of his family.

Planting Seeds for Prosperity: Sharing Montgomery Explores Strategies to Advance Food Security for All

As Thanksgiving approaches, many in our community continue to struggle to put food on the table. According to the USDA, 13.5 percent of households in America struggled with hunger during 2023. For households in the DMV, that same statistic is closer to 37 percent – this from the latest Hunger Report released by the Capital Area Food Bank.

To confront this issue locally, The Community Foundation recently brought together passionate donors, partners, and nonprofit leaders to explore how we can ecologically sustain our local environment while fostering healthy, thriving communities for all.

Anna Hargrave, The Community Foundation’s Executive Director for Montgomery County, kicked off the lunch by acknowledging the Montgomery County Advisory Board and donors who fueled our Food for Montgomery campaign to address the spike in food insecurity caused by the pandemic.

“COVID challenged us to stretch our imaginations about what’s possible, forge new partnerships, and find bold, creative solutions,” Hargrave noted as she praised the frontline nonprofit partners who deployed Food for Montgomery’s $2.6 million in grants to bring relief to thousands.  “Now we must ask, how do we build on that incredible work to create a truly equitable, sustainable and resilient food system for all?”

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AfriThrive: Poolsville FarmAugust 25th 2024©Rebecca Drobis All Rights Reserved

Nanya Chiejine, Executive Director, and Allison Schnitzer, Food Access Initiatives Director, at the Montgomery County Food Council provided an overview of the county’s food system and the landscape of need today.

Chiejine and Schnitzer shared how even after the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity continues to be a major concern across the region and the country. Even as COVID cases have declined and unemployment has inched towards pre-pandemic levels, food insecurity has dramatically increased in recent years – both nationally and locally -- as inflation and the rollback of COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts have left many families struggling to put food on the table.

In Montgomery County, the Hunger Report found that food insecurity increased from 27% in 2023, to 34% in 2024 -- a sobering statistic for over 300,000 residents who live just at or below the County’s self-sufficiency standard – the amount of income needed to cover the cost for basic needs. Many of these individuals earn too much to qualify for federal nutrition benefit programs, but too little to consistently make ends meet. 

Chiejine and Schnitzer were followed by two panels featuring Truphena Choti of AfriThrive and Jennifer Freeman of Community FarmShare who illuminated the connection between fresh food and health, and Lauren Goldberg of Crossroads Community Food Network and Woody Woodroof of the Red Wiggler Community Farm who discussed opportunities to leverage farms to advance economic mobility.

Here are some takeaways from the conversation:

• Fresh local produce is better for people and the planet. Our partners from AfriThrive and Community FarmShare have seen firsthand how increased access to fresh foods helps improve both mental and physical health, in addition to decreasing risks for diet-related illnesses such as hypertension and heart disease. 

• Access to land is a major barrier to expansion of these highly effective strategies.  Given that the majority of small farm owners are over the age of 65, philanthropy and government need to work together to create greater access to the next generation of farmers.

•   In order to be truly viable as a solution to food insecurity, organizations must incorporate both biodiversity for sustainability and culturally specific foods to meet the needs of our diverse populations.  

• When it comes to defining success, funders need to adapt a holistic perspective, rather than relying on limited/simplistic output numbers to determine success.  For example, there are many highly nutritious greens and herbs which are key to preparing traditional dishes from other countries.  However, funders that are only impressed by the total pounds of food distributed will overlook the importance of these vitally important veggies that do not weigh much.  Therefore, funders should consider both overall quality and the quantity of production as well as depth of community partners.

• Like agriculture itself, growth in the food industry requires time, patience, and continual cultivation – especially for young farmers and food entrepreneurs. Many of them work full-time jobs outside of their farming and lack the capital to invest in their businesses.

• Combating food insecurity strengthens the local economy as every $1 in SNAP benefits generates as much as $1.80 in local economic activity. Montgomery County has the largest "SNAP Gap" in Maryland - residents who are eligible but not enrolled due to numerous barriers and the complexity of the enrollment process. Closing the "SNAP Gap" will maximize federal dollars to support both the food security of our residents and the health of our local economy. 

“The Community Foundation is committed to working to ensure that everyone in our community has access to healthy and nutritious food,” reflected Hargrave at the end of the event. “We are grateful to all our donors and partners for your continued support and efforts as we work to ensure a future where no one goes hungry and everyone can prosper.”

To learn more about upcoming in-person and virtual visits plus other learning opportunities, contact Olivia Hsu at ohsu@thecommunityfoundation.org.

Stronger Together - Our Commitment To Greater Washington

This week, we reaffirm our commitment to the values that have guided the Greater Washington Community Foundation for over 50 years as we work to strengthen our region. Our work has endured through many changes in political leadership, and each transition brings its own impact to our community. In these times, we stay true to our purpose— to build racially equitable, just, and thriving communities so that people of all races, places, and identities can reach their full potential.

As your community foundation, we believe in the power of community and stand in solidarity with our partners working to help the most vulnerable or marginalized among us. We reaffirm our commitment to actively listening to our community to ensure their needs and experiences guide our work. We pledge to actively deploy our resources, voice, and efforts to build a stronger, more inclusive, and resilient region where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Washington, DC, is not only the capital of our democracy but also a vibrant community of individuals dedicated to strengthening our shared future. By working together, we have the power and the potential for creating deeper, more lasting impact toward achieving economic justice and prosperity for all. 

Unlocking the Power of Guaranteed Income in the DMV

Earlier this month, The Community Foundation gathered with guaranteed income advocates from across the region to discuss how to amplify the effects of guaranteed income pilots in the Greater Washington region.

“At The Community Foundation, we believe that guaranteed income is one of the best ways that we can combat poverty with dignity” The Community Foundation’s President & CEO Tonia Wellons shared. “That’s why we’re so excited to convene so many incredible changemakers in this space and discuss how we can continue this work in our region!”

The meeting brought together representatives from nine different guaranteed income pilots across DC, Maryland, and Virginia, including Bread for the City’s Cash Rx, Arlington Community Foundation’s Arlington’s Guarantee, City of Alexandria’s ARISE, iF, a Foundation for Radical Possibility’s Let’s GO DMV!, My Sister’s Place’s RISE Trust, Fairfax County Economic Mobility Pilot, Montgomery County’s MoCoBoost, Mothers Outreach Network’s MotherUp, and The Community Foundation’s Thrive Prince George’s.

A graphic captured by Belinda Jackson at Picture it Possible, showcases the various guaranteed income pilots that attended the convening.

“We’ve seen the impact that guaranteed income has had across the country,” shared Mandi Koba, Program Officer for Economic Mobility at The Community Foundation. “Now we have a chance to explore the impact that it has had – and will hopefully continue to have in the DMV!”

Nationally, there are more than 150 guaranteed income pilots that are currently active or recently concluded – including at least 12 different pilots in Greater Washington region.

Mary Bogle, Principal Research Associate at the Urban Institute provides an overview of guaranteed income pilots across the country.

During the event, representatives had the chance to network with peers from across the region and share best practices. They also heard a presentation from Mary Bogle, Principal Research Associate at the Urban Institute about guaranteed income pilot best practices and trends, nationally. Bogle and her team at Urban have provided research and evaluation for guaranteed income pilots across the country and the region.

“The socioeconomic impact of guaranteed income is clearly positive,” Bogle shared. “What we need is to continue to research and advocate for more funding so we can discover the scope and scale of that impact for our community.”

After Bogle’s presentation, representatives were divided into break-out groups to discuss various themes relative to guaranteed income work including Narrative Building, How to go from Pilot to Policy, and ‘Failing Forward: Best Practices for Project Implementation.

A graphic captured by Belinda Jackson at Picture it Possible, highlights the main takeaways discussed in each of the various break-out groups.

In the “Failing Forward” group, participants talked about the importance of working with funders to build relationships of trust in order to communicate outcomes and impact within a realistic, holistic lens – but also to be innovative in the types of outcomes they measure – outcomes like improved mental health or increased time spent with children that may fall outside traditional benchmarks for programmatic success

Meanwhile, the Narrative Building group discussed the importance of storytelling and narrative building in painting an accurate picture of the impact of guaranteed income initiatives.

“Welfare queens, ‘Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps’ – there are so many negative narratives out there that don’t accurately represent the realities faced by those we serve,” shared one representative. “As we work with our participants to empower them to share their own stories, we are able to elevate narratives of dignity and community that are the backbone of this work.”

Finally, the pilot to policy group discussed ways to leverage narrative building and evaluation findings to plan for the future – by advocating for funding and policy to continue their efforts at scale.

Across the board, partners expressed the need to continue to collaborate across jurisdictions to share information, combat false narratives, and continue to advocate for funding and support across the region.

“Collaboration and partnership is the key to bringing about lasting and sustainable change,” Wellons added. “We look forward to continuing to partner with all of you, as we work together to promote economic mobility in the Greater Washington region.”

The Community Foundation is committed to continuing to invest in, advocate for, and support the progression of guaranteed income pilot programs across the Greater Washington region. For more information, visit https://www.thecommunityfoundation.org/guaranteed-income

Announcing the 2024 David Bradt Nonprofit Leadership Award Winners

As nonprofit leaders in Greater Washington, Rachna Singal Krishnan, Hugo Mogollon, and Tiffany Williams are invested in improving and advancing their organizations—and themselves. This year, we’re excited to announce them as our fifth annual David Bradt Nonprofit Leadership Awardees. Krishnan, CEO & Executive Director of The Women’s Center, Hugo Mogollon, Executive Director of FRESHFARM, and Williams, CEO of Martha’s Table, will each receive up to $15,000 to attend an intensive executive training program of their choice.

Launched in 2017 as a salute to former trustee David Bradt and his many years of service to our community, the David Bradt Nonprofit Education Fund supports senior level nonprofit leaders in advancing their careers and leadership skills. Local business leader Alex Orfinger and Diane Tipton, David’s wife, established the Fund to surprise and honor David. 

Tonia Wellons, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Community Foundation, extends her congratulations to this year’s class:

“Congratulations to the 2024 awardees!  We are thankful for all you have done and will continue to do to strengthen our community. The Community Foundation is so pleased to support investments in exceptional nonprofit leaders and support the Fund’s impact in our region.  Our thanks to David for the inspiration, and to Diane and Alex for creating such a wonderful way in which to honor him.” 

Read on to meet these inspiring local leaders.  

Rachna Singal Krishnan, CEO and Executive Director at The Women's Center since 2020, leads a dedicated team to significantly improve the mental health and well-being of all members of the community through counselling, education and support - regardless of ability to pay. During her leadership, The Women's Center successfully developed and implemented its first strategic plan that focused on creating a diverse workforce, aligning programs to meet the specific needs in our community, building a sound financial foundation, and evolving infrastructure and operations for sustainability and growth.  Rachna received the 2021 Northern Virginia Leadership COVID19 Hero Award from Leadership Fairfax and The Women's Center received an award from the Human Services Alliance of Greater Prince William. Rachna earned her MBA and BS in Economics from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania where she graduated with honors. She plans to use the award to attend Harvard Business School's Program on Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management. 

Hugo Mogollon is the Executive Director of FRESHFARM, a nonprofit improving food access in the DC Metro Area while creating opportunities for farmers in the mid-Atlantic region. He is a results-oriented leader with 15 years of management experience in multicultural settings. Under his leadership, FRESHFARM has become the country's third-largest network of farmers markets. He also developed an innovative low-infrastructure food distribution model connecting underserved communities to locally grown food, generating significant revenue for family farms. He holds a Master’s degree in Natural Resources and Leadership for Sustainability from Virginia Tech and has completed executive programs at Stanford University Graduate School of Business and Northwestern, Kellogg. Hugo proudly serves on the FARM Policy Committee at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and has held various board leadership positions in regional and national food system organizations. Hugo plans to use the award to attend Kellogg’s executive program on Driving Organizational Change.

Tiffany Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Martha’s Table, is a visionary advocate and community champion with more than 25 years of experience as an education and nonprofit leader. A seasoned strategist, Tiffany has spent her career working to advance equitable and inclusive solutions for communities that have been historically underserved and is driven by the belief that every Washingtonian deserves the opportunity to thrive. Since 2017, Williams has held multiple leadership positions at Martha’s Table, including as Chief Program Officer, where she directed and designed the organization’s expanded offerings. Previously, Williams was Director of Healthy Start Education and Assistant Head of School at the National Child Research Center (NCRC). Originally from Harlem, NY, Tiffany has made DC her home and dedicated her career to community service. Her educational journey includes a Master’s in Organization Development from American University, a BA in Psychology from Lincoln University, PA, and a certification as a coach with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Tiffany plans to use the award to participate in Leadership Greater Washington’s Signature Program Class of 2025.

Brilliant Futures Principal Recognized as 2024 Bethesda Magazine Women Who Inspire

On August 28, Bethesda Magazine announced the 2024 Women Who Inspire Recipients - six women who are making change in Montgomery County and beyond.

The Following is an excerpt from the Bethesda Magazine profile written on Rosario ‘Paola’ Velasquez, Principal of Jackson Road Elementary School and a key figure behind The Community Foundation’s Brilliant Futures program which launched this past Summer.

Authorship Credit - Amy Halpern, Bethesda Magazine

As soon as Paola Velasquez opens the classroom door, a swarm of kindergartners drape their arms around her in a tight embrace. Little girls with box braids and pigtails, little boys with cornrows and close-cropped Afros—some with shy smiles, others with excited laughs—they quickly pile on, and the hug circle around their principal grows bigger and bigger. The same thing happens in nearly every classroom she enters.

It’s been five years since Velasquez, 44, took over the reins of Jackson Road Elementary School in Silver Spring’s White Oak neighborhood. It’s a Title 1 school with a minority population of more than 95%, where more than 75% of the students qualify for free meals. She started in the role only months before the pandemic hit. Since she’s been at the helm, the school rose from a 3-star rating to a 4-star, according to the Maryland State Department of Education, making it one of only four Title 1 elementary schools in the county (out of 40, according to Velasquez) to earn a 4-star rating for the 2022-23 school year, the most current rating year available. “Many schools throughout the state decreased a star, but we increased,” she says. 

The school now offers free evening English language classes for parents and guardians (along with free child care); a soccer program; two private-practice therapists who administer one-on-one mental health services to students at no charge; a dentist who cleans students’ teeth for free; and an optometrist who provides complimentary vision checks and eyeglasses, says Chris Callisto, Jackson Road’s Community School Liaison.

During the 2023-24 school year, Jackson Road opened a food pantry, and it began sending bags of food home on Fridays to 80 families. “When you are a child … and your basic needs aren’t being met because of poverty, you’re not thinking so much about going to college … you’re more worried about getting something to eat or clothing or making sure that you’re not going to be homeless,” Velasquez says.

Velasquez knows what it’s like to grow up poor in Montgomery County. She came here from Peru with her parents and three brothers when she was 8. All six lived in the basement of a relative’s house in Germantown while her dad worked as a janitor and painter, and her mom cleaned houses. Her parents saved enough money to move into an apartment, and eventually to buy a small home in Germantown.

When Velasquez graduated from Seneca Valley High School in Germantown in 1998, she watched as other students went off to college. She hadn’t been instructed how to sign up for SATs, fill out college applications or plan for her future. Instead, she took a job as an aide at a day care center, saved money to buy a car, then to pay for classes at Montgomery College, and then to earn her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at the University of Maryland, College Park…..

…….“Sometimes, you know, we have kids who … are having a hard time, they’re going through … a crisis, basically [and] it can take … hours out of my day for me to talk to that child,” Velasquez says. “They’re not ready to learn.”

But her goal is to keep them learning and all the while feeling confident and supported. After all, she says, “they’re going to be the ones who are going to be leading us in the future.”…..

Click here to read the full article.

To learn more about Brilliant Futures and how you can get involved, visit https://www.togetherweprosperdmv.org/brilliant-futures

Patrice Brickman – Empowering Entrepreneurs by Bridging the Investment Gap

From left to right - Tonia Wellons, Patrice Brickman, Leah Brickman, and Anna Hargrave enjoy each other’s company at a July 2024 Table Talk gathering with donors and friends in Montgomery County.

For Patrice Brickman, giving back to the community has always been about more than just signing a check – it’s about working to make a difference.

“It’s not enough for us to simply throw money at something,” Patrice shared. “We need to be intentional and purposeful about investing in initiatives that will build community and change people’s lives.” 

As a long-time resident of Montgomery County, Patrice has been involved with The Community Foundation for more than a decade. In 2012, Patrice was honored as the Montgomery County Philanthropist of the Year and joined The Community Foundation’s Montgomery County Advisory Board in 2017. Later, she was among the earliest investors in The Community Foundation’s impact investment offering through Partnership to End Homelessness. She also served on the boards of a host of local nonprofit organizations including the Washington Area Women’s Foundation, Children’s National Hospital Foundation, Halcyon, and Ascend at the Aspen Institute.

At a recent Table Talks luncheon event, part of a new series of small group conversations for Community Foundation donors to break bread while building common purpose, Patrice and her daughter Leah shared how they have shifted their philanthropic strategy in recent years to harness both their investments and grants toward achieving their goal of greater equity and opportunities. Patrice shared that arguably the family’s biggest impact has been felt not in the board room but within the world of venture capital and entrepreneurship.

Tackling the Gender & Racial Investment Gap

Patrice was first exposed to the world of venture capital in 1998, when her family business took on their first private equity partners. Over the next few years, she witnessed firsthand how fundamental venture capital is to helping any business scale and grow. 

Inspired by this experience, she decided to start her own venture capital firm and set out to learn more about the field – enrolling in prestigious Executive programs at Stanford and Harvard University. However, upon arriving for her classes, she quickly noticed something about the diversity -or lack thereof – within the classroom.

“Out of 100 participants in the program, only nine of us were women,” Patrice remembered. “I realized that if there were this few females in the classroom, there probably weren’t a lot of them getting funded either.”

The racial and gender gaps in the venture capitalist field are among the starkest in the country. Just 18% of venture capitalists are female. Less than 5% are Black or Latino.

At the same time, female entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs of color receive very little venture capital funding – less than 3% of all venture capital funding goes to female entrepreneurs – and just 1% for Black entrepreneurs – compared to their primarily white, male counterparts (76% of funding in 2023).

Recognizing the need for more equitable capital investment, in 2015, Patrice launched Inspire Capital LLC, a capital investment firm with the mission of investing in predominantly women and minority-led businesses and became a co-founder of WE Capital – which focuses exclusively investing on women-led startups.

Unlocking the Power of Donor-advised funds

Moved by the murder of George Floyd in 2020, Patrice and her team felt a strong urge to find ways take their work to the next level.

“We needed a new avenue to shift the financial meter and invest more significant resources into communities of color,” Patrice shared. “After some research, we realized that donor-advised funds represented a huge opportunity.”

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) represent a large percentage of private philanthropic capital in the United States – roughly $229 billion in 2022. In 2022, DAFs accounted for $52.16 billion in grantmaking to nonprofit organizations across the country. Patrice wanted to find a way to leverage the remaining $177 billion to help entrepreneurs.

In January 2024, Patrice and her daughter Leah launched Inspire Access, a nonprofit that invests philanthropic dollars to funds and companies led by female and diverse founders.

As a 501(c)(3), Inspire Access is eligible to receive contributions from DAF’s and invest them directly in start-ups led by women and entrepreneurs of color. After a certain period of time, any returns made on the investment are reinvested in the original DAF – allowing the fund to continue operating and generating capital to support even more entrepreneurs.

“We’re trying to get people thinking about the possibilities,” Leah shared. “Both in the philanthropic world and in the business world – we need to reimagine what is possible by making the most of the tools we already have.”

Within a few short months, the nonprofit has already gotten off to a great start – investing in exciting environmental impact projects like Everybody Water and Bold Reuse, and Black-led venture capital projects like the Black Star Fund.

In addition to providing their founders with access to DAF capital, Patrice and Leah say they also strive to be a network builder for entrepreneurs.

“We want to be more of a connector than a provider,” Patrice and Leah explained. “Whether it be financial capital, business relations, or community connections -- our goal is to connect our founders to the resources they need to succeed.”

For more information on how to make an investment through your donor-advised fund at The Community Foundation, visit Inspire Access or contact our Donor Services team at donorservices@thecommunityfoundation.org