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.”