Budgeting in Accordance with Our Values - A Letter to DC Mayor Bowser

Dear Mayor Bowser,

I am writing on behalf of the Greater Washington Community Foundation and its Partnership to End Homelessness Leadership Council to offer our recommendations on DC’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

As you know, the Partnership to End Homelessness brings together a diverse coalition of leaders from the private, public, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors. Together, we work to ensure everyone has housing they can afford because we know that when our city is welcoming, our businesses do better, and that solving homelessness makes business sense. We are grateful for your administration’s long-standing commitment to investing in solutions to end homelessness and look forward to partnering to increase housing stability in our city.

Your leadership is needed now more than ever. Despite several years of progress toward our shared goal to end homelessness in DC, we are facing new challenges. Post-pandemic economic pressures have led to increased homelessness in our city. More residents are at risk of becoming newly homeless; according to the Community Foundation’s 2024 Voices of the Community Survey conducted in partnership with Gallup, 17% of DC residents have experienced times in the past twelve months when they did not have enough money for adequate housing. New Federal administration priorities further threaten investments in housing and supportive services and put even more of our neighbors at risk of becoming homeless.

We know that the city has financial challenges and that the District must make tough choices this year. But we also know that a budget tells a story about what we value most. In DC, we value our resilience, strength, and unity during hard times. We care about creating a thriving city that works for every resident. We have the solutions to prevent and end homelessness – and under your leadership, the District has shown that it can make progress by putting resources behind these solutions. We urge you to invest the necessary resources to continue making progress.

Our FY 2026 budget recommendations align with the recommendations of our community partners:

• Fund 1,260 new Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) vouchers for individuals annually for three years and 764 new PSH vouchers for families.

• Allocate $6.5 million to the Coordinated Street Outreach Network to help unsheltered residents meet their basic needs and move into housing, if housing is available.

• Allocate $17.3 million to the Local Rent Supplement Program to improve housing affordability for residents and families with extremely low incomes. This would create 800 new housing vouchers, improving housing affordability for those with extremely low incomes.

• Allocate $100 million to the Housing Production Trust Fund (HPTF) and allocate $5 million for flexible capital. To ensure that preservation projects have a path to becoming safe, affordable, high-quality housing, the District should set aside 25 percent of the HPTF for preservation. Flexible capital would support carrying costs, gap financing, and other up-front costs required for preserving affordable housing.

• Ensure there are at least 100 medical respite beds for individuals experiencing homelessness. This would be a critical step in expanding to meet the need for medical respite beds, which offer a safe place for people who are unhoused to recover from surgery and illness or to learn to manage a chronic condition.

• Create a flexible funding program at the Department of Human Services to cover one-time move-in expenses for residents receiving a voucher or RRH.

• Restore $540,000 to DC Flex to create an additional 75 slots for individuals and improve rent affordability for working households. This would restore FY 2025 funding cuts so that 100 individuals, up from 25 individuals, can participate in DC Flex, as originally planned.

• Increase the Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) to improve living standards for residents who were chronically unhoused and now call DC’s first assisted living facility home. Improve the facility’s Medicaid tenants’ ability to purchase essentials like hygiene products and clothing by increasing the monthly PNA floor, which is capped at $130, and indexing it to inflation. This would likely boost participation in the program, which is currently undersubscribed.

We must not let the District’s finances this year result in long-term harm to our neighbors and our community. Stable and affordable housing is the key to creating healthy communities, which in turn supports businesses, school success, reduces crime, and ensures economic mobility for all.

Thank you again for your leadership and commitment to our city. We look forward to continuing to partner with your administration on lasting solutions to end homelessness and create stable and affordable housing for all.

Sincerely,

Tonia Wellons
President & CEO
Greater Washington Community Foundation

Partnership to End Homelessness Awards $350,000 to Nonprofits Through Waldon Adams Housing Justice Fund

The Partnership to End Homelessness (The Partnership) is pleased to announce $350,000 in Waldon Adams Housing Justice grants awarded to 8 organizations and 2 coalitions leading housing justice efforts in DC.

These nonprofits partners, together with tenants and people with lived experience of homelessness, educate the public about policies and legislation, advocate with public officials to influence how DC tax dollars are spent, and steer our community toward meaningful solutions to help end homelessness in DC.

In DC, homelessness has decreased by 12 percent since 2020 – in no small part due to the tireless work of these advocates.

These grants will support work to advance housing justice using multiple strategies, including public will building, organizing, policy advocacy, and budget advocacy. They will also help nonprofits secure critical public sector resources and fight back against policies that harm our neighbors.

As we enter DC’s budget season, many of our nonprofit partners will be focused on protecting the progress that our community has made since 2020 and advocating to improve existing housing and homelessness programs to ensure that our city’s resources are used efficiently.

Here’s what some of our grantees have shared about their work and their plans for the coming year:

New Housing Coalition

“Partnership funding is supporting the creation of a new coalition of individuals and organizations who are building real, comprehensive, community-led solutions. As a group, we plan to use our deep expertise in power building, community leadership, research and analysis, policy development, and narrative change to create a joint roadmap and a long-term advocacy strategy to ensure stable affordable housing is available for all low-income and extremely low-income households in our city.”

People for Fairness Coalition

“We will use our Partnership grant to continue to empower and uplift individuals with lived experience to become their own best advocates and to continue our mission to bring about a public policy to make housing a universal right in the District of Columbia. With this funding, we are excited to add two new women advocates to the Rhonda Whitaker Street to Life DC Women’s Initiative, ensuring that underrepresented women who have experienced homelessness receive training and support so they can influence policies that impact them.”

Empower DC

“Empower DC will conduct targeted outreach to residents at risk of eviction with a focus on residents living in subsidized affordable housing. We will work with housing providers to boost eviction diversion through payment plans, rent forgiveness, streamlined DC Housing Authority subsidy recertifications, and by creating easy entry points for tenants into eviction diversion such as weekend clinics. We will also work with tenants to increase their ability to advocate for themselves in landlord-tenant court, and with the DC Council to seek systemic solutions to the eviction crisis.”

DC Jobs With Justice

“Our organization sustains the work of a coalition of labor, community, faith and youth groups by providing coordination, trainings, and campaign support to fight the displacement of communities in DC. Partnership funding will support our coalition’s budget and legislative advocacy campaigns to support programs that prevent the eviction of low-income tenants and that improve their living conditions and housing quality.”

Miriam’s Kitchen

“With our Partnership grant, we intend to 1) advocate to speed up and simplify the city’s housing processes so that people can exit homelessness more quickly, 2) shift the way people think and talk about homelessness, its causes, and its consequences, 3) help limit the inflow into homelessness by advocating for prevention programs, and 4) elevate the leadership of individuals with lived experience in influencing and advocating for change.”

The following grants were made possible thanks to generous partners and donors to the Partnership’s Grantmaking Fund.

HOUSING JUSTICE GRANTEES

• New Housing Coalition ($100k)

• DC Jobs with Justice ($30K)

• DC Fiscal Policy Institute ($30K)

• Empower DC ($30K)

• Fair Budget Coalition ($30K)

• Miriam's Kitchen ($30K)

• ONE DC: Organizing Neighborhood Equity ($30K)

• People for Fairness Coalition ($30K)

• The Washington Legal Clinic for The Homeless Inc. ($30K)

• LGBTQ Budget Advocacy Coalition ($15K)

A Call to Action: Join the Fight to End Homelessness

As an initiative, The Partnership to End Homelessness has invested in advocacy, systems change, and housing justice organizations in DC since its launch in 2019. This year marks our sixth round of investments through the Waldon Adams Housing Justice Grants - made possible by the generous support of The Community Foundation’s fundholders and donors.

In today’s uncertain political and economic environment, and with new threats to DC’s autonomy emerging, support for the critical work of our nonprofit advocacy partners is needed now more than ever.

As we head into a year of economic and political uncertainty where our partners face potential funding cuts from both local and federal government – The Partnership and our nonprofit partners need your voice, your leadership, and your support!

Here are some ways you can get involved:

1. Learn More and Be Informed! Join us May 20th at noon for a virtual opportunity, to network, ask questions, and hear from a panel of experts in the housing justice space. Register now!

2. Let your voice be heard! Contact your local representative and join our nonprofit partners in advocating for critical funding for Emergency Rent Assistance (ERAP), Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), and other critical investments in affordable housing.

3. Make an Investment in Affordable Housing through The Enterprise Community Impact Note! While earning a fixed return, your investment dollars can be used to help create and preserve affordable housing.

4. Donate to the Partnership to End Homelessness Grantmaking Fund! The Waldon Adams Housing Justice Fund and other Partnership initiatives are made possible by generous support from our partners and individual donors. Together, we can work together to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring in DC.

Partnership to End Homelessness Announces Critical Investments in PSH Innovation Pilots

The Partnership to End Homelessness (The Partnership) is pleased to announce two 12-month pilots intended to support innovations in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). These grants are made possible through the generous support of The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, a member of the Partnership’s Leadership Council.

Across our region – and the country - PSH programs have a proven track record as the solution to end chronic homelessness for individuals and families. In 2024, over 500 people in DC moved into housing thanks to vouchers provided through the PSH program.

However, navigating the PSH system can be complex and time-consuming – for many, taking over a year before they move into permanent housing. The Partnership is committed to strengthening the PSH system through the DC PSH Innovation Lab Pilot and other critical investments.

DC PSH Innovation Lab Pilot grants are intended to address key challenges identified by front line case managers and clients with the ultimate goal to improve program quality.

The Partnership is excited to announce the first DC PSH Innovation Pilot grants to Edgewood/Brookland Family Support Collaborative and Woodley House/Pathways to Housing DC.

Edgewood/Brookland Family Support Collaborative (E/BFSC) - Stable Steps Program ($130,000)

Launched in 1996, Edgewood/Brookland Family Support Collaborative (E/BFSC) strengthens families and communities in DC’s Ward 5 & 6 through a wide range of services including workforce development, school-based programs and housing stabilization (including PSH).

The organization’s new Stable Steps program will use structured incentives and client-centered engagement techniques to help increase housing retention among PSH clients. Participants will receive welcome kits including essential household items and grocery vouchers, as well as incentives encouraging them to expedite the housing voucher application process, regularly attend case management sessions, and maintain lease compliance. PSH clients will also develop leadership skills as they support new participants through structured peer mentorship sessions.

"E/BFSC is excited to partner with the Greater Washington Community Foundation to enhance our service provision and positively impact the lives of the PSH participants in our program. This investment will support our efforts to ensure all of our participants have a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home."

-      Ronald E. Smith, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Edgewood/Brookland Family Support Collaborative

E/BFSC hopes that Stable Steps will lead to an increase in lease compliance rates and a decrease in eviction rates. As part of the pilot, E/BFSC will create a toolkit with implementation guidelines, training materials for case managers, and data collection tools so the program can be scaled and adapted by other PSH programs.

Woodley House and Pathways to Housing ($150,000)

Woodley House and Pathways to Housing DC will use the grants funds to pilot A.I. technology to dramatically reduce the administrative workload for its PSH case managers and clinical teams.

Founded in 1958, Woodley House provides personalized mental health supportive services and housing for DC residents across four Wards – and recently became a certified provider for PSH in 2023. They have partnered with Pathways to Housing DC – a longtime champion of PSH and wraparound service provider – to tackle one of the most daunting parts of the PSH system – paperwork.

For every individual entering the PSH system, case workers are required to spend countless hours documenting, notetaking, and coordinating across systems and organizations – just so that those they serve can get the resources they need. The mountain of administrative burden combined with the dire conditions that clients face on a daily basis can quickly lead to burnout and in some cases organizational turnover – which can cause serious delays for those trying to navigate the PSH system.

To combat this, Woodley House and Pathways to Housing DC will leverage the power of A.I. through the Eleos Health Platform- one of the most widely adopted AI platforms in behavioral health.

Eleos uses artificial intelligence to reduce time spent on documentation by up to 70 percent, allowing staff to spend more time working with clients. This outcome benefits both the organization’s mission and its fiscal stability and longevity – since PSH providers can receive reimbursement through Medicaid for services provided to those experiencing homelessness.

“Since our founding 67 years ago, Woodley House has been innovating to better address the needs of Washingtonians facing behavioral health challenges and the risk of homelessness. With this generous grant, we’re thrilled to continue our legacy of innovation, using cutting-edge A.I. technology to benefit Woodley House’s PSH clients, staff and community.”

-      Ann Chauvin, Executive Director, Woodley House

Woodley House and Pathways to Housing DC hope to see workforce recruitment, job satisfaction, and retention increase over the course of the pilot program. They also hope to see revenue from client services reimbursement increase as case managers are able to spend more time working with clients and less time doing paperwork. The goal is that this additional revenue could be used to fund the technology after the grant has ended. 

Woodley House, Pathways to Housing DC, and E/BFSC will all provide quarterly updates on their progress to the Partnership. They will also receive technical assistance and evaluation support from the Corporation for Supportive Housing throughout the year.

Advocate Rachelle Ellison, a member of the review committee speaks at a Partnership Event in October 2023.

Grantmaking Grounded in the Community
Advocate Rachelle Ellison, a member of the review committee, said, “I am really excited about the innovative proposal that Woodley House and Pathways to Housing put forth, and I am praying for their success. And Edgewood’s Stable Steps program is so client-centered – I really think it will empower and uplift clients.”

The DC PSH Innovation Lab Pilot was designed based on community feedback, including a series of focus groups with PSH leaders, case managers, and clients. Nonprofit partners were selected by a review committee consisting of Partnership staff, advocates with lived experience of homelessness, and representatives from the DC Interagency Council on Homelessness and the Corporation for Supportive Housing.

Proposals were evaluated based on their level of innovation, client-centeredness, and collaboration – with preference given to pilots that could be launched quickly, had outcomes that could be measured at the end of the pilot year, and could be scaled and replicated by other organizations.

The DC PSH Innovation Lab Pilot continues the Partnership’s long-standing commitment to strengthening PSH in the District. Since its launch in 2019, the Partnership has made investments in flex fund grants to help expedite housing placements for PSH clients and assisted nonprofit providers in their transition to billing Medicaid to fund PSH services. You can support grants like these by making a contribution to the Partnership’s Grantmaking Fund.

For more information on this and other important investments in the fight to end homelessness, join our Partnership email list to get the latest news, highlights, quarterly updates!

DCA Together Relief Fund Latest Updates and Impact

Our hearts continue to go out to the families impacted by the tragic midair collision on January 29 that claimed the lives of all 67 passengers, service members, and crew.

We are deeply grateful for the incredible support shown by our community in response to this tragedy. The DCA Together Relief Fund has mobilized over $100,000 in generous contributions to aid impacted families, first responders, and foster community recovery and healing. This effort has been strengthened by the generosity of corporate partners including Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Truist, Forvis Mazars, and Legum & Norman/Associa Cares, Inc.

Grantmaking Efforts

Thanks to this incredible outpouring of support, we made two immediate emergency response grants. The first supported Food on the Stove to provide hot meals and hydration to first responders involved in the recovery effort. The second supported the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing to provide no-cost trauma and grief counseling services for impacted individuals and organizations in our community.

Providing Relief for Affected Families

Working in partnership with the Wichita Foundation and its ICT Together Fund, we are currently distributing $200,000 in direct financial assistance to immediate family members, ensuring those affected receive the care, resources, and support they need during this difficult time. These resources will help families meet their immediate and long-term needs – including to cover basic necessities and/or grief counseling or other mental health supports.

We will also distribute additional funds to the families raised by the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Legacy on Ice program – following the live event on March 2, the national broadcast on March 30, and an online benefit auction running through April 3.

All proceeds and donations from the event will benefit and be split equally among the U.S. Figure Skating Foundation, our DCA Together Relief Fund, and DC Fire & EMS Foundation.

We remain committed to fostering resilience and well-being to help heal from this tragic loss, and we are profoundly grateful for the ongoing support from community members that makes this effort possible. Together, we are making a meaningful impact, and we cannot thank you enough for supporting the families during this challenging time.

About the DCA Together Relief Fund

The DCA Together Relief Fund is a community-supported crisis response fund providing aid to impacted families, first responders, and nonprofit organizations supporting recovery and healing. The goal is to offer immediate and long-term assistance to help provide hope and healing to those directly impacted by the tragic midair collision on January 29.

The fund was established by the Capital Region Community Foundations, a partnership 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.

Apply Today for the 2025 LEARN Foundation Scholarship

The Landover Educational Athletic Recreational Nonprofit (LEARN) was established in 1996 to support education programs for Prince George's County youth residing in the vicinity of Northwest Stadium (formerly known as FedEx Field). Since its inception, the LEARN Foundation has awarded close to $1 million in scholarships and grants to Prince George’s County students and community organizations.  Embedded in the foundation’s mission is the belief that the future is now, and that through partnerships and collaboration young people residing in the targeted areas can benefit through post-secondary education opportunities. 

In 2002, the LEARN Foundation became a component fund of the Greater Washington Community Foundation. Since that time, hundreds of students have benefited from scholarship awards toward college and other career preparation opportunities.

The fund is now accepting applications for the 2025 awards, which will be awarded in July 2025. The minimum scholarship amount is $1,000. Applicants must be high school seniors residing in the immediate vicinity of Northwest Stadium (formerly known as FedEx Field) with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA or better. The applications must include a short personal essay, an official transcript, a school letter, and two letters of recommendation.

Completed applications must be submitted by Sunday, May 11, 2025.

For more information please contact The LEARN Foundation at [email protected].

Madi Ford, Alice & Eugene Ford Foundation - Building Homes and Career Pipelines to End Homelessness

Madi Ford's journey in affordable housing began long before her professional career. As the granddaughter of Eugene "Gene" Ford, Sr., founder of Mid-City Development—a major provider of affordable housing nationwide—Ford was immersed in the world of housing and community development from an early age.

"My family's business has been predominantly the ownership and operation of affordable multifamily housing," Ford explained. "I've been associated with it my whole life."

During her grandparents' lifetime, Mid-City Development funded a wide range of affordable housing programs at their properties with a focus on economic empowerment—creating after-school programs, resume building workshops, and job training opportunities for residents. This holistic approach to housing—seeing it not just as physical shelter but as a platform for community growth and individual advancement—would become a cornerstone of Ford's own philosophy.

Today, Ford is the co-founder and managing partner of Audeo Partners, a real estate development and investment firm based in Virginia.

 Hammers & Heart: Building A Legacy Through Community Engagement

Madi Ford speaks at a Habitat for Humanity Women Build Event

Ford's commitment to housing extends well beyond her professional obligations. Seeing the importance of housing first-hand Ford has dedicated her time to several local organizations.

Since 2017, she has been deeply involved with Habitat for Humanity of Washington DC & Northern Virginia – most notably the organization’s Women Build Campaign – an annual fundraiser that provides women (and men) opportunities to support affordable housing ownership in their communities. Ford currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Board and the co-chair of Habitat DC-NOVA’s 35th Anniversary fundraising campaign.

With Ford's involvement, Habitat DC-NOVA has continued to expand its impact in the region. Since its inception, the organization has built homes for 300 families, with the goal of doubling their impact by 2030.

In 2019, Madi joined the newly formed Leadership Council of the Partnership to End Homelessness – where she had the chance to convene regularly with developers, housing advocates and people with lived experience from across DC.

“What’s great about the Partnership is the array of voices of opinions they have at the table,” Ford shared. “I’ve learned a tremendous amount listening to the very real conversations about the problems that we need to address to end homelessness in our community.”

“The Partnership has done a great job of making these conversations value-driven and focused on our shared goals across the various housing constituencies represented.”

A large part of that work included engaging in advocacy work advocating for increased funding for crucial programs like the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), vouchers, and emergency services for those experiencing homelessness.

“I don’t believe we’ve done a good job in providing and maintaining affordable housing in this country,” Ford explained. “We can and must do better – and the private sector plays a critical role in that.

Building Career Pipelines to End Homelessness

One of the exciting ways that Ford is stepping up is through the work of her family’s foundation, the Alice & Eugene Ford Foundation, where Ford serves as President.  

Established by Ford’s grandparents to further their mission of encouraging economic empowerment for those residing in affordable housing communities,, this past year, the organization made a significant investment in one of DC most urgent – and frequently overlooked -systemic needs – increasing the number of social workers working with the unsheltered

For years, housing providers in DC have struggled to hire enough social workers to serve the city’s homeless population. In 2023, 800 people who qualified for a housing voucher remained homeless because there weren’t enough workers to process their cases.

Ford and her family’s Foundation partnered with the National Catholic School of Social Service to launch the Ford Scholars program – a $1.76 million initiative to support graduate scholarships for students willing to provide clinical services to the unsheltered in the District.

Created in honor of Madi’s grandmother, Alice Ford -- an alumna of the National Catholic School of Social Service-and her daughter, Louise Ford, the Ford scholarship provides students with opportunities and the resources to work in a field that they otherwise may not have had.

A family at Friendship Place - one of the five service providers participating in the Ford Scholars program.

“As part of the program, Ford scholars are connected with homeless service providers across the District,” Ford explained. “This gives them first-hand clinical experience in case management, community outreach, and other important skill sets while providing much-needed services to the homeless population.”

Just one year into the scholarship program, Ford scholars have already logged more than 1,700 hours of service at five different housing service providers across DC.

The Ford Scholarship is also open to both new and existing graduate students. This allows individuals currently working in the homeless services field – especially those with lived experience –to pursue an advanced degree and subsequent career advancement opportunities.

“These case workers – and the providers they work with -- are the future,” Ford shared. “The more we can invest in them and provide capacity-building support for the work that they do, the more success we will see in the long-term fight to end homelessness.”

As Ford concludes her service on the Partnership to End Homelessness Leadership Council, she remains confident that homelessness is fundamentally solvable.

"We know how to solve this problem—it's just hard and expensive," Ford states candidly. "We need to be willing to do the work while respecting the dignity of our unsheltered neighbors by providing the care and support they need through the rehousing process. "

“I’m grateful for the continued leadership of the Partnership, as we continue to unite around common goals and work towards a community where everyone has a place they can call home.”

The Community Foundation is grateful for Madi Ford’s leadership as a founding member of the Partnership to End Homelessness Leadership Council.

If you would like to support the work of the Partnership to End Homelessness, visit https://donate.thecommunityfoundation.org/give/588288/#!/donation/checkout

For more information on the Partnership to End Homelessness, visit https://www.thecommunityfoundation.org/partnership-to-end-homelessness

Spotlight - Maiava - Reaching New Milestones with Guaranteed Income

Next month marks the one-year anniversary of Thrive Prince George’s  - a 2-year $4 million guaranteed income pilot that seeks to provide greater economic stability and increase upward mobility for foster youth and seniors in Prince George’s County.

As we celebrate this milestone, we’re excited to spotlight Maiava, a Thrive Prince George’s participant who shared with us her journey and dreams as an aspiring homeowner and advocate for seniors in underserved communities. In the interest of protecting her privacy, Maiava’s last name has been withheld from this piece.

My name is Maiava. I am a 64-year-old Black woman and have worked since I was 14 years old.  I have two sons and five grandsons.  I am semi-retired and as a life-time learner have earned degrees in the following: Associate’s in Accounting and Management, Bachelors in Communications and Leadership, and a Master of Science in Communications Studies.  

During the 1990’s, I found myself a single mother with two sons.  I had always been an honor student with diverse talents and abilities. With those attributes, I successfully built over twenty years of experience in office operations.

It’s Never Too Late to Pursue Your Passion

By 2007, my sons had grown up, and my husband, their Dad, and I reconciled.  As fate would have it, I thought it to be the perfect opportunity to get my secondary education.  I was forty-seven years old and thought I could become a successful CPA.  I completed my dual Associates in Accounting and Management in 2011.

This coincided with death of my husband in April 2011. With the promise that I would get a Doctorate by the time I turned 60, I dealt with my grief by going back to school.  In 2012, I joined a women’s empowerment group for support and was hired as a Community Liaison for the SC HIV Task Force, a contractual position that allowed me to become a paid advocate.

However, I was unaware that civic engagement would become my passion.  I enrolled in Columbia College in South Carolina in 2012, and during an elective communication course, I learned about the women’s Suffrage movement. I was moved to tears.

At that very moment, I had an epiphany, and I became an advocate and a Communications major.  My overall attitude changed from survival mode to someone determined to make a difference for my family and community. I went on to acquire a Master’s of Science in Communication in 2017 at Walden University of Social Change.

How Thrive Prince George’s Has Impacted My Life

Being a part of Thrive Prince George’s has helped me lower my debt and help my mother get rid of credit card debt. I’ve been able to work part-time and receive therapy because of burn-out.  I’ve also saved enough to use the NACA and Section 8 Homebuyer programs to purchase a Townhome or Condo. Becoming a homeowner was a dream that my husband and I shared until he passed away in 2011.

The money I’m able to save from Thrive Prince George’s will help provide first generation homeownership for my family and assist me in starting a non-profit for Senior Advocacy and Resources that will serve PG County communities.  This is important to me because seniors in underserved communities are often unable to leave legacies for their families.  I am currently completing a Grant Writing certification toward this mission.

The Community Foundation is proud to partner with United Communities Against Poverty (UCAP) to help seniors like Maiava through Thrive Prince George’s. Together, we are building a brighter future for seniors in our community.

For more information about Thrive Prince George’s and how to get involved, visit our website at https://www.togetherweprosperdmv.org/thrive-prince-georges  

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.

Leaders of the Future Spotlight - Gabby Mulnick Majewski, DC Affordable Law Firm - Lowering the Bar to Accessible Legal Services

In honor of International Women’s Day, The Community Foundation is proud to highlight incredible female leaders in our community who accelerate action by inspiring increased momentum and urgency in addressing systemic barriers.

This month, we’re pleased to feature Gabby Mulnick Majewski, Executive Director of DC Affordable Law Firm. The Community Foundation is proud to partner with DC Affordable Law Firm through our Health Equity Fund.

From the time she was nine years old, Gabby Mulnick Majewski knew that one day she was going to be lawyer.

What she didn’t know was how many people she would help along her journey – especially those who wouldn’t otherwise have access to one.

“At least one in five Washingtonians fall into the ‘forgotten middle’ when it comes to civil legal services,” Majewski explained. “These are people who earn too much to qualify for traditional forms of free legal aid but are unable to afford private counsel – and often end up representing themselves in court.”

“When you are at risk of losing custody of your child, being deported, or losing an intergenerational family home – having access to a lawyer can be literally life-changing.”

Majewski with her mother, a lifelong social worker who inspired Majewski to pursue a career in Public Interest Law.

Building Relationships Through Public Interest Law

Majewski’s passion for the forgotten middle comes in part from personal experience from her childhood, when her parents filed for a divorce. During the months that followed, Majewski watched as her mother – a lifelong social worker and, at the time of their separation, a stay-at-home parent – struggled to navigate the complex legal system with limited resources at her disposal.

Majewski – who was just starting to learn about the legal system as part of her fourth-grade curriculum – decided she wanted to work with children and families to make a difference and amplify their voices within the legal system.

She went on to graduate from American University Washington College of Law and found her way to the Children’s Law Center (CLC) – a public interest firm serving families in DC.

“There’s nothing more fundamental than families and the relationships between children, their siblings and their parents,” Majewski reflected. “It was a humbling experience to work with families in their most difficult moments to make sure their best interests were represented and that they could get what they needed.”

Majewski with one of her former clients from her time as a GAL.

Majewski spent the bulk of her time at CLC as a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) – advocating for the best interests of children in DC’s Abuse & Neglect System, and thereafter supervising those cases. Over her eleven years at CLC, Majewski directly represented and supervised the cases of hundreds of children and spent countless hours visiting with families in their homes, engaging in deep and vulnerable conversations about their challenges, dreams and aspirations, and building lifelong friendships with her young clients– some of whom she’s still in regular contact with, more than a decade later. Her day-to-day interactions gave her a first-hand view of the real-life challenges facing children and their families.

“Families often come under the scrutiny of the child welfare system because of collateral issues related to poverty – whether it’s a lack of stable employment or affordable childcare,” Majewski shared. “Oftentimes the parents involved are not bad actors so much as products of an environment where they are simply fighting to survive.”

Learning to Lead During a Global Pandemic

In 2019, Majewski learned about an opportunity that would allow her to serve even more families – as the first hired Executive Director of DC Affordable Law Firm (DCALF).

Founded in 2015, DCALF began as a partnership between local law schools (Georgetown University Law School and, later, the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law) and two major law firms in DC. The partnership served as a way for the institutions to give back to the community while also providing hands-on experience for law graduates seeking careers in the public interest arena such as immigration, estate planning, or family law.

DCALF Board members and staff at the organization's annual celebration.

Majewski joined the organization in late January of 2020 – less than three months before COVID-19 changed the landscape for nonprofits and the communities they served.

“All of my plans went out the window when the pandemic hit,” Majewski reflected. “I had a sticky note that I still keep on my desk that said “Review, Revamp, Recreate” – it was my mantra that reminded me to look at all aspects of DCALF’s operations and find new ways to innovate.”

For DCALF, that meant moving away from their traditional low-cost fee for service model. An early DCALF survey found that 50 percent of clients fully or partially lost income as a result of the pandemic, leaving them in the difficult position of having to choose between meeting their basic needs and paying for critical legal services.

At the same time, DCALF also saw a dramatic increase in the need for legal services –a 236% increase in the number of family law cases – as the socio-economic pressures of the pandemic began to take a heavy toll on low-income families.

“We recognized that people weren’t coming to us because they want a lawyer,” Majewski shared. “They’re coming to us because they have an essential need – an immigration case, a divorce, a child custody dispute, or an estate claim – areas where having access to a lawyer can make a drastic impact on a person’s physical, economic, and emotional wellbeing and the outcomes they’re able to achieve.”

“We knew we had to change our business model to one that worked better for our clients.”

Overnight, Majewski became a grant writer and began reaching out to the philanthropic community to secure support for the organization’s new direction – including through The Community Foundation’s Health Equity Fund – which allowed DCALF to bring on their first Development Director and continue to provide critical services to the community.

Today, DCALF provides pro bono services for 99% of its clients – including 500 served in 2024, alone.

Majewski and DCALF team members volunteer at DC Central Kitchen.

Adapting to Critical Community Needs

Under Majewski’s leadership and that of her all-women Leadership Team, DCALF has also mobilized to respond to critical needs in the community. Most recently, the organization has partnered with other local legal services organizations and a prominent law firm to launch Families United DC Metro – a comprehensive guide to help immigrant families understand their rights and prepare for immigration emergencies.

Initially launched in 2017, the revamped guide is now online, available in multiple languages and covers a wide range from topics that are becoming increasingly critical for the immigrant community.

“Knowledge is power,” Majewski shared. “We know we won’t be able to sit down 1-on-1 with everyone who needs support; but by making the information readily available, we can help them prepare for the future.”

In addition to their family law and immigration legal services work, DCALF also provides free probate and estate planning services to help heirs of deceased homeowners ensure they don’t lose their family homes to sales tax or foreclosures and first-generation homeowners safeguard their legacies through estate planning.

“There is a huge need for probate and estate planning services in DC – especially within the communities we serve,” Majewski added. A recent Gallup poll found that less than 30% of low-income families in the US have a current will. “We know that these things can have a big long-term impact on multi-generational health and wealth.”

The organization recently entered into a partnership with Howard University’s School of Law and Open Horizon to create a new Fellowship designed to provide more estate planning and probate resources to modest- and low-income communities. The Fellowship is part of a larger effort to promote probate and estate planning as a post-graduate legal career for Howard Law graduates. DCALF has also partnered with sister legal services organizations and organized large-scale community events across DC to raise awareness and connect residents with the information and legal resources they need to plan for their future.

Building Towards a Stronger Future – Together

While DCALF has touched thousands of lives during its ten years working as a service provider – perhaps its greatest impact has been the influence it has had on the lives of emerging lawyers.

“We are incredibly fortunate to work with so many incredible public-interested minded law fellows from Georgetown, UDC, and – starting this fall - Howard University,” Majewski shared. “Year after year, they bring so much talent and enthusiasm for the work. It’s such a privilege to be a part of launching their careers in this space.”

Seventy-two percent of DCALF’s Public Interest Fellows have gone on to pursue careers in public interest legal professions – a field that is becoming increasingly important in today’s climate.

“We are living in such dynamic times, where things are constantly changing and evolving,” Majewski reflected. “What is important is that we continue to push forward and build partnerships to amplify impact for the communities that need it the most.”

“We know that there are incredible vulnerabilities on the horizon – especially for community-based basic needs. While legal services may not have always been considered one of those basic needs –for many DC residents they are becoming more and more essential.”

When asked about the future for DCALF – which celebrates its 10th anniversary this month – Majewski says she’s excited for the organization to be part of a larger initiative to build a stronger community.

“We have a tremendous opportunity to be part of a ‘collective we’ moment – when we think about the collective power that we have as a group – as donors, funders, service providers, and community leaders -  and come together to build trust, eliminate barriers, and build a stronger future for everyone that calls this region home.”

The Community Foundation is proud to support the work of DC Affordable Law Firm through our Health Equity Fund. For more information, visit https://www.dcaffordablelaw.org/

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 [email protected]

Spotlight: Julia - Strengthening Family Foundations Through Guaranteed Income

April 2025 marks the one-year anniversary of Thrive Prince George’s  - a 2-year $4 million guaranteed income pilot that seeks to provide greater economic stability and increase upward mobility for foster youth and seniors in Prince George’s County.

As we celebrate this milestone, we’re excited to spotlight Julia, a Thrive Prince George’s participant who shared with us her journey as a single mother. In the interest of protecting her privacy, Julia’s last name has been withheld from this piece.

As a young single mother and daughter of immigrants, Julia knows what it’s like to fight for her dreams.

“I learned independence and hard work from a young age, thanks to my dad,” Julia shared. “He sacrificed a lot for our family; now I am doing the same for my daughter – trying to be the best person and mother I can be.”

Julia was just nine years old when she entered the foster care system, due to family challenges – including the deportation of her father, who she was very close to.

“My time in foster care was really difficult,” Julia explained. “My dad is my best friend – having him torn away like that was a really traumatic experience.”

“I felt like I had been mistreated; like no one really heard me or understood what I was going through.”

Navigating the Foster Care System with CASA Prince George’s

Julia spent the next eight years in various living situations, moving from home to home – at one point even running away from foster care – before she finally found a loving foster home where she felt seen and heard.

“CASA was with me from the beginning,” Julia shared. “They treated me as if I were part of their family – they are amazing people that came into my life at the perfect time. I don’t know where I’d be, if I didn’t have them.”

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Prince George’s County, is a volunteer-based organization that works to improve the lives of children and youth living in foster care, by supporting and advocating for their best interest.

The organization connected Julia with a case supervisor and court appointed volunteers that worked with her one-on-one, to gain confidence in advocating for herself and her needs. Over time, they connected her with community resources to empower her with the means and information to set goals for the future.

Starting a Family & Transitioning Out of Foster Care

Then as Julia was entering her senior year of high school, her life was altered yet again – this time for the better – when she became pregnant with a beautiful baby girl.

“Becoming a single mother is one of the best things that ever happened to me,” Julia shared. “My daughter tells me every day that she’s proud of me and that I’m her superhero.”

“She inspires me to be the best mom, the best person, the best provider – I don’t want to be in the same spot, because I don’t want her to be in the same spot. I want to be better for her.”

Of course, that journey has been far from easy, as Julia has fought to balance motherhood and childcare with providing for her family’s future – all while trying to achieve her own personal goals.

“There have been a lot of bumps in the road,” Julia shared. “I’m so grateful for the Thrive Prince George’s program for giving me that extra breathing space each month – it really has made a big difference.”

Looking Forward with Thrive Prince George’s

In April 2024, Julia became one of 50 youth selected to participate in Thrive Prince George’s – a guaranteed income pilot program that provides financial support to seniors and youth who aged out of the Prince George’s County foster care system. The program, which is funded through public and private philanthropic resources, provides participants with monthly payments of $800 for a 24-month period.

With the help of Thrive Prince George’s, Julia has able to spend more time with her daughter – while still meeting the family’s basic needs. The monthly payments from Thrive Prince George’s helped cover a wide range of needs including doctor’s visits, medications, food, clothing, phone bills – and most significantly – rent payments.

Thanks to Thrive Prince George’s, the family was recently able to move into a new apartment building to provide a safer and healthier environment for Julia’s daughter - who turns six this year.

“This new apartment has been such a blessing for me and my daughter,” Julia added. “It’s opened up a lot of opportunities for growth that just weren’t available in our old place.”

Looking forward to the next year, Julia hopes to attend classes at Prince George’s Community College -with the goal of obtaining her GED and one day becoming a pediatric nurse. She also plans to build up her savings so she can afford to travel with her daughter to places outside of the DMV. Eventually, Julia hopes to save enough money to visit her father, so that he can finally meet his granddaughter, in person.

“My daughter and I understand about sacrifice,” Julia concluded. “We know that $800 a month can only go so far.”

“But thanks to Thrive Prince George’s we can see what’s possible.”

The Community Foundation is proud to partner with Court Appointed Special Advocates Prince George’s to help families like Julia’s through Thrive Prince George’s. Together, we are building a brighter future for youth navigating the foster care system.

For more information about Thrive Prince George’s and how to get involved, visit our website at https://www.togetherweprosperdmv.org/thrive-prince-georges  

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.

DCA Together Relief Fund: Latest Updates and Impact

In the aftermath of the tragic midair collision on January 29 that claimed the lives of all 67 passengers, service members, and crew, the Capital Region Community Foundations quickly mobilized to launch the DCA Together Relief Fund. This community-supported crisis response fund aims to aid impacted families, first responders, and nonprofit organizations supporting community recovery and healing. In close coordination with the Wichita Foundation and its ICT Together Fund, this effort will ensure that those affected receive the care, resources, and support they need during this difficult time.

Community members interested in learning more or to support this effort can visit https://donate.thecommunityfoundation.org/dcatogether.

Community Support and Generosity

In response to this tragedy, there has been an incredible outpouring of support from more than 500 generous individuals, families, and businesses from across 32 states and the District plus several different countries. Together, we have mobilized over $100,000 in critical support to help provide hope and healing to those impacted by this heartbreaking loss.

Your support and generosity continue to make a profound impact on our community. Thank you for standing with us during this challenging time.

Grantmaking Efforts

Your contributions truly make a difference. Thanks to your acts of kindness and generosity, we have made two initial emergency response grants:

• A grant to Food on the Stove helped provide over 1,000 hot meals and hydration to first responders involved in the recovery efforts. Food on the Stove will also continue its efforts to support first responders with the launch of Food for Thought—an initiative designed to foster mental health awareness for first responders through weekly events offering food, mental health resources, counseling, and prayer services.

• A grant to Wendt Center for Loss and Healing helped provide no-cost trauma and grief services for impacted individuals and organizations in our community. Wendt's immediate response included emotional support sessions, psychoeducation sessions, and coaching—all tailored to ensure that recovery and healing efforts are responsive, accessible, and help to begin processing the losses.

Ongoing Support for Families

With the recovery operation complete, the families will face additional challenges that require ongoing financial and emotional support. We are coordinating with local authorities, community partners, and other relief funds to ensure your generosity will provide a second wave of support to help meet their immediate and long-term needs.

We remain committed to fostering resilience and well-being, and we're grateful for the ongoing support that makes this possible. Together, we are making a meaningful impact.

Corporate Partners

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed corporate partners—including Truist and Monumental Sports & Entertainment—for their generous contributions to the DCA Together Relief Fund. Their unwavering support and commitment will play an instrumental role in our efforts to provide relief and assistance to families, first responders, and impacted communities. Thank you for being an integral part of this vital initiative.

Legacy on Ice

We are honored to be one of three designated charity partners selected by Monumental Sports & Entertainment as it pays tribute to the victims and their families on March 2. The “Legacy on Ice" benefit event at Capital One Arena in DC will feature a star-studded figure skating tribute to raise funds to support the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy, as well as the first responders who participated in the recovery efforts.

All proceeds and donations will go to the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation’s Legacy on Ice Program, which will directly benefit the U.S. Figure Skating Foundation, our DCA Together Relief Fund, and DC Fire & EMS Foundation.

Tickets are on sale now here.

About the Capital Region Community Foundations

The Capital Region 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.

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 [email protected].

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

Learn24 OST Summer Scholarship Application Portal Now Open!

Over the past 3 years, The Community Foundation has been proud to partner with Learn 24 to offer the Learn 24 Out of School Time Youth Scholarship Program. Together we have supported the distribution of nearly $2.1 million in scholarship funding to more than 300 youth for summer and after school programs ranging from tutoring and mentoring to music lessons, dance, and sports.

We are thrilled to announce that additional funds for youth Scholarships for DC Students are now available through Learn24’s OST Youth Scholarship Program.

Learn24 is a network that supports equitable access to high-quality, Out-of-School-Time (“OST”) programs for the District’s students. Managed by the Greater Washington Community Foundation, Learn24’s OST Youth Scholarship Program provides funding to help students and their families – especially those with specific needs – access the programs they need to strengthen their education, health, and well-being outside of school.

Examples of programs that the scholarship may support include, but are not limited to, programs designed specifically for students with disabilities, advanced learners, and English Language Learners. The scholarship allows families to access summer programming or after-school programming during the school year – opportunities that are often inaccessible for students with specific needs and their families.

“The Community Foundation has done an OUTSTANDING job with this grant for my advanced son,” one parent shared. “I cannot emphasize enough why things of this sort are truly needed.”

“Thanks to this grant, my son has not missed a beat with any of his enrichment activities outside of school. This grant took a huge financial burden off of my pockets as a parent. Many will not understand the magnitude of why grants of this sort, processed by such a professional organization is needed. I hope that this will be a continuous thing for our beloved city.”

“I can’t begin to explain the impact this grant will have on my son’s future and on his confidence,” another parent shared. “The past 3 years have been strenuous and the amount of assistance he needs is not easily found and funded.”

“This funding will make sure his transition into middle school will be a little less difficult and more importantly, give him the foundation he needs in order to succeed in life.”

“My son, has received the OST scholarship for the past few years, starting from Pre-K4. He is currently a first grader at Lee Montessori East End Campus and is healthy, happy, and thriving! Thanks to these scholarship funds, my son has been given a safe space to explore and utilize his talents in cooking, building structures, dancing, and more!”

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If you are interested in applying, even if you’ve applied previously, please read this post in full as there are several program changes since the prior cycle.

This year, The Community Foundation and Learn 24 are excited to share the 2024/2025 Scholarship application will include two cycles—Year-Round Programs and Summer Programs. The application cycle for Year-Round Programs closed in November 2024. The application form for Summer Programs application is now open, starting March 17th, 2025.

Applicants who are seeking to apply for summer programs that start no earlier than May 1 and end no later than August 30 can apply for the Summer Programs scholarships in the spring.

This year, students will be able to apply for support for ONE program up to $5,000 in scholarships for Year-Round Programs and up to $3,000 for Summer Programs. Applicants who are living with a disability can access up to $10,000 for Year-Round Programs and $5,000 for Summer Programs. The minimum scholarship award is $1,000.

Scholarships are awarded based on individual need and availability of funding. Scholarship funds can be used for any OST activities that have a cost association up to the total scholarship amount.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and must be submitted online, using the link provided in the RFP. No hard copy, email or faxed proposals will be accepted. Applications are reviewed periodically by The Community Foundation and approved by Learn24.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to sign a FERPA release to allow The Community Foundation to share data on the scholarship award with DC Government. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions within 4 weeks of application submission.

Applicants are also required to submit a Vendor Information Form as an attachment to their application. This form is intended to provide information to The Community Foundation about the program that the applicant intends to apply for scholarship funds to attend. Once Scholarship Applicants identify a program they'd like to receive scholarship funding to attend, they should contact the program to fill out this form. Once completed, please scan or print out this form and attach to your Scholarship Application.

Click here for the link to the Vendor Information Form!

Applicants are responsible for collecting the required documentation from the vendor listed in the RFP and at the end of the Vendor Information Form, and are encouraged to start gathering this information now to be ready when the application portal opens.

If you have questions or are encountering technical difficulties please contact Alex Cahill-Sanidas for support at [email protected].

For those seeking additional information, click here to read the full RFP or watch this orientation video if you are interested in applying. La guía de solicitacíon y vídeo de orientacíon tambíen están disponíbles en Español.

If you have questions, please contact Yorman De La Rosa at [email protected]

Kwesi & Swafia Ames - Building a Lasting Legacy by Giving Back and Looking Forward

The Community Foundation is excited to continue our Leaders of the Future series, highlighting the work and experiences of incredible individuals and organizations from across our community of philanthropic, community, professional advisor, corporate, and nonprofit partners.

Kwesi and Swafia Ames are long-time residents of Prince George’s County and fundholders at The Community Foundation since 2021. Swafia is the Managing Director at Brighter Strategies, LLC, while Kwesi is the Vice President of Software Engineering at Salesforce Inc. They are the proud parents of two teenage boys.

For Kwesi and Swafia Ames, philanthropy is more than just a dollar amount- it’s a way of caring for others.

“Philanthropy is not just about giving money,” Kwesi explained. “It’s more about giving yourself.   It’s about making an authentic connection with those you mean to serve. Your time, expertise, and compassion are often enough to make a long-term, meaningful impact.  ”

“When you see the joy on other people’s faces – the smiles and appreciation, as you witness the transformation in their lives – that’s philanthropy in action. And it’s priceless.”

Much of Kwesi’s philosophy on philanthropy comes from his upbringing. Born on the island of Trinidad, Kwesi saw first-hand the impact that human kindness has on everyday life.

“My family did not have a lot of resources,” Kwesi explained. “A lot of the extracurricular activities that had a big impact on my childhood – Boy Scouts, Track and Field, Soccer, Cricket, Swimming – were made possible by the kindness and generosity of strangers.”

“I always thought that when I had the opportunity, I would help other people – the same way strangers helped me.”

Kwesi Ames and his father, Samuel Ames.

He was also inspired by his late father, a Civil Engineering Technician who went out of his way to help those around him in small and simple ways.

“Education was so important to my father,” Kwesi recalled. “He taught me that the best way to better your life was to give yourself choices – and the best way to do that was to pursue an education.”

With his father’s coaching and support Kwesi excelled in his Common Entrance exams and qualified to enroll in Queen’s Royal College – one of the oldest and most prestigious secondary  schools in Trinidad & Tobago. He would later go on to Howard University to pursue a bachelor’s in Systems & Computer Science.

It was during this time in DC that Kwesi met Tonia Wellons – future President & CEO of The Community Foundation – and (more importantly), his wife, Swafia.

Growing up in California, Swafia is a first-generation American of Caribbean descent who relocated to MD  to attend the University of Maryland as a psycholgy major. As the first member of her family to graduate from college or attend University on the East Coast, Swafia quickly fell in love with the vibrancy and diversity of the Greater Washington region. 

“The part of California I grew up in wasn’t particularly diverse,” Swafia remembered. “Moving to the DC area was so inspiring to be around so many people of color and to see them in so many unique and influential roles and positions.”

Swafia made her home in Prince George’s County, where she married Kwesi and began her career in Human Resources and Recruiting. As part of her professional journey, she also became involved with Cavalry Women’s Services—a nonprofit serving women in Southeast DC—and served on the Organization’s Board of Directors and Governance Chair for several years.

"It was an honor to support the women of Calvary and make a positive impact on their lives," Swafia said. "I see my time with Calvary as my first formal volunteer experience, and it taught me that every effort, no matter how small, is vital and personally meaningful to both the organization and its mission."

For Kwesi, making an impact has spanned multiple countries – both in the country where he grew up and the community where he currently lives.

“I learned early on that I needed concentrate my time and treasure on my strengths,” Kwesi shared about his journey in philanthropy. “For me, that means investing in education and making a difference for the rising generation.”

Kwesi is a long-time supporter of his Trinidadian alma mater, Queen’s Royal College (QRC). Even decades after graduating, Kwesi has maintained strong relationships with current and former faculty during his frequent visits to the island. These relationships have enabled Kwesi to give back in simple, yet meaningful ways including leading the US based QRC alumni association, supporting the high school track team and – more recently – supporting a two-week long tour of DC for their  steel pan orchestra, a joint venture with Providence Girls’ Catholic School.

Meanwhile, in Prince George’s County, Kwesi and Swafia have enjoyed giving back to their community in new and innovative ways. In 2019, Kwesi recruited two of his computer science classmates from Howard University to create and sponsor a Robotics team to build opportunity and representation for Black youth interested in STEM. More recently, the couple made a significant investment in The Community Foundation’s Brilliant Futures program.

Kwesi and the robotics team he helped create for Black Youth interested in STEM

“We really want to focus on investing in the next generation,” Swafia shared. “Brilliant Futures is great because it allows kids to know that they have that support; that investment – so they can be empowered with the agency, ownership, and discipline to stay the course and accomplish their dreams.”

Kwesi and Swafia say they’ve learned a lot through The Community Foundation – specifically through their friend and neighbor, Tonia Wellons. The Ames family has enjoyed a close relationship with the Wellons family, long before Tonia joined the organization.

“I don’t think we would have thought of ourselves as philanthropists if Tonia hadn’t helped teach us what philanthropy is,” Kwesi shared. “Her example and leadership has helped us realize that philanthropy is meant to be an inclusive, safe space where we can learn as we go and be empowered to give back to the communities we care about.”

“The resources that The Community Foundation provides are incredible,” Swafia added. “They make it so easy for us.”

“We love partnering with an organization that truly knows the community and the importance of investing with equity and impact.”

The Community Foundation is proud to partner with incredible fundholders like Kwesi & Swafia Ames to connect philanthropy to impact. For more information on how you can become a fundholder, contact [email protected]

DCA Together Relief Fund Grant to Food on the Stove Provides Hot Meals to First Responders on the Frontlines of Recovery Efforts

In the wake of the tragedy that occurred on January 29th, the Capital Region Community Foundations came together to launch the DCA Together Relief Fund as a community-supported crisis response fund to ensure the families, first responders, and impacted communities receive the care, resources, and support they need during this difficult time. The outpouring of support in response to this effort has been inspiring – the Fund has received donations from more than 470 generous individuals and businesses from 27 states and several different countries.

These acts of kindness and generosity enabled us to make an emergency response grant to help Food on the Stove provide over 1,000 hot meals and hydration to first responders involved in the recovery efforts. With matching funds provided by the Wichita Foundation’s ICT Together Fund, Food on the Stove will continue its efforts to support first responders with the launch of Food for Thought—an initiative designed to foster mental health awareness for first responders through weekly events offering food, mental health resources, counseling, and prayer services.

Food on the Stove Founder Jonathan Tate shared with us:

“Over the past week, I’ve had the honor—though it comes with deep sadness—of serving alongside my fellow first responders. While we mourn the lives lost in this tragic incident, we also honor the heroes who rise to the occasion—no matter how dangerous, traumatic, or overwhelming the circumstances may be. It is their courage and resilience that allow us to face these crises head-on.”

Image Courtesy of Jonathan Tate from Food on the Stove

With the recovery operation now complete, we know the families are returning home and will face additional challenges that require ongoing financial and emotional support. We are coordinating with local authorities, community partners, and other relief funds to ensure your generosity can provide a second wave of support to help meet their immediate and long-term needs, as well as foster community recovery and healing. We will provide updates as the relief effort continues to unfold.

Our hope is that this incredible outpouring of support can help provide some comfort and healing for the families, loved ones, and communities impacted by this crisis.

Community members interested in learning more or to support this effort can visit https://donate.thecommunityfoundation.org/dcatogether.

 About the Capital Region Community Foundations

The Capital Region 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.

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

[email protected]

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 [email protected]