Leveraging the Technology Industry to Pursue Economic Justice in Prince George's County

On April 15, leaders from across Prince George's County converged to share a vision towards economic justice: establishing the county as the East Coast's premier hub for artificial intelligence and cybersecurity innovation.

Click here to watch a complete recording of the convening

"Prince George's County can be a place where industry leaders and partners look here first when they think about AI or Cyber," Mike Echols, Founder & CEO of Max Cybersecurity and Chair of the Advisory Board for Prince George’s County at the Greater Washington Community Foundation stated.

The convening was part of a larger series "Building the Future in the Time of Crisis: Pursuit of Economic Justice in Prince George's County," which brought together government officials, education leaders, technology experts, and community advocates to map out a transformative vision for the county through the Partnership for Prince George’s County.

Over the course of the series, AI innovation quickly emerged as a leading opportunity for growth and prosperity in the county.

Currently, California’s Silicon Valley acts as the hub for investments in AI and technology innovation. However, with ever-growing presence of AI in daily life and in public policy and its proximity to key government agencies utilizing AI and cybersecurity technology, many believe that the Greater Washington Region - and Prince George’s County, in particular - holds the potential to become a second hub for innovation and investment on the East Coast.

This vision goes beyond simply attracting tech companies to the region—it aims to create an integrated ecosystem where innovation, education, and community development work together to generate economic opportunities for all county residents while establishing Prince George's County as the East Coast's premier destination for AI and cybersecurity advancement.

From Education to Career – Building a Pipeline to Innovation

Echols and other panelists outlined a future where AI and cybersecurity research labs establish headquarters in the county, educational institutions create direct career pipelines from Prince George's Community College to other Higher Education Institutions like Bowie State University to Fortune 500 companies, and where barriers to education and business creation are systematically dismantled.

"Bowie State University is poised to play a pivotal role as a strategic partner in this vision as the oldest and only HBCU in Prince George's County,” Gail Bassette, Director of Economic Development/Strategic Engagement at Bowie State University shared. "We can create a center of excellence to drive change and have the continuous learning that we need to upscale and retool our community that so desperately needs this training and skillsets."

"What we tend to see is those who are able to play around with and get familiar with AI and Cyber are better off; they have access to resources that many families don't," shared Eugene Powell, President of the Prince George’s County Tech Council. "As part of this initiative, we need to find ways to level the playing field and expand AI access to everyone who wants it."

A New Collaborative Model

Meeting participants acknowledged the challenge of distinguishing Prince George's County in a competitive regional landscape. Rather than competing directly with established tech hubs, the strategy focuses on creating a distinctive model that leverages the county's unique strengths.

“We have to adopt an asset-based mentality for our county,” shared Peter Shapiro, Chair of the Prince George’s County Planning Board. “Instead of adopting a competitive, deficit-based mentality, let’s look for ways to build something new by leveraging our strengths.”

Bassette agreed: "We need a collaborative approach that highlights each other's strengths and helps us understand where we all fit in the puzzle – a governance structure or platform that allows businesses, entrepreneurs, county leaders, and residents to feed into that system. Once that’s established, and folks see we work well together, more will come and participate."

Next Steps and Implementation

The tech hub initiative will be advanced through the Partnership for Prince George's and the Prince George’s County 100 Group – a group of community members dedicated to advancing technological innovation and development in Prince George’s County.

Based on ideas generated at the April 15 meeting and subsequent individual consultations, the group will present and open letter  outlining next steps for establishing Prince George's County as an inclusive AI and cybersecurity hub.

As Echols powerfully concluded: "I believe that Prince George's County can be the place where the next industrial revolution meets social mobility; this is our moment to build a model county for AI and Cyber—let's not just participate in the future; let's define it."

For more information on how to get involved with Prince George’s County 100, fill out this form or contact Eliza Tolbert-Howard at etolbert-howard@thecommunityfoundation.org

Defending the Right to Expression Through Philanthropy

During a time when so many anchor institutions in our country are coming under attack and increased scrutiny, The Community Foundation has joined a coalition of philanthropic organizations to stand in solidarity and support of our constitutionally protected freedom to express ourselves through charitable giving that aligns with our values and strengthens our communities.

For over 50 years, The Community Foundation has partnered with thousands of philanthropically-minded individuals and families, corporations, and community partners as they’ve exercised their right to support causes across the Greater Washington region and beyond.

Together, as a community, we have provided food access for families living in food deserts, affordable housing for people experiencing homelessness, support and empowerment for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, and economic opportunity for community members of all races, genders, faiths, and nationalities who call this region home.

We have mobilized community resources during times of plenty and times of crisis – including disasters, both natural and manmade – to meet urgent community needs, support our neighbors, and strengthen communities throughout this region. Together, our efforts have shored up gaps in the social safety net to help low-income families move from crisis to stability.

As our community faces the steep impact of federal funding cuts and mass layoffs of federal employees and contractors, the work of our region’s critical philanthropic and nonprofit sector is more important now than ever.

In this time of great need for communities across Greater Washington, our philanthropic and nonprofit sector must have the freedom to direct charitable resources where they are needed most to improve lives today and build a stronger future for all who call this region home.  

We are proud to join with over 400 organizations in signing on to the following statement:

Everyone—wherever we're from or whatever our point of view—wants to live in a nation that upholds the fundamental rights and liberties we all deserve and need to thrive. 

As charitable giving organizations – private and family foundations, community foundations, corporate foundations, and more – we contribute to communities in every corner of America. Together, we support new parents and elders, veterans and school children, hospitals and libraries, churches and food kitchens, artists and researchers, throughout rural, suburban, and urban communities in every state and territory. Yet in this moment, we face the threat of governmental attacks on our ability to carry out this vital mission, when the communities, organizations, and individuals we support need it most.  

We don’t all share the same beliefs or priorities. Neither do our donors or the communities we serve. But as charitable giving institutions, we are united behind our First Amendment right to give as an expression of our own distinct values. Especially in this time of great need, we must have the freedom to direct our resources to a wide variety of important services, issues, and places, to improve lives today and build a stronger future for our country.  The health and safety of the American people, our nation’s economic stability, and the vibrancy of our democracy depend on it. 

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

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.

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stronger Together - Our Commitment To Greater Washington

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

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

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

Unlocking the Power of Guaranteed Income in the DMV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Partnership to End Homelessness Welcomes New Members to Partnership Leadership Council

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

The Leadership Council has three primary objectives: 1) Engage private-sector stakeholders and networks in work to end homelessness and increase housing stability in DC; 2) Provide financial investment and other resources to support the strategic priorities of the Partnership to End Homelessness; and 3) Participate in budget advocacy, policy advocacy, and public narrative change efforts using personal and professional networks.

Since the Partnership launched, the Leadership Council has been instrumental in our work to align $18.5 million in private sector resources and joined our nonprofit partners in advocating for historic public sector investments in homeless services and affordable and supportive housing.

The new members of the Partnership Leadership Council include - Anand Dholakia, The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation; Kimberly Harris, CareFirst BlueCross Blueshield; Alecia Hill, FCP; Dr. Yavar Moghimi, AmeriHealth Caritas; and Andrew Vincent, Horning Brothers.

Shaping the Future for the Partnership to End Homelessness

Together with new and existing members, the Leadership Council gathered to reflect on the Partnership’s progress to date and determine where the Partnership should prioritize our efforts over the next two years.

Through this process, members reaffirmed their commitment to the Partnership’s overall goals and guiding principles, including racial equity and deeply affordable housing.

Leaders also committed to continuing to provide a table for the private sector to share knowledge with and learn from our public sector partners, nonprofit service providers, and advocates about homelessness and affordable housing issues in DC and best practices and innovations to address them.

In order to have the greatest impact, the Leadership Council made the decision to focus on a limited set of strategic priorities.  Based on a needs analysis, community feedback, and potential for future impact, the following priorities were identified:

1. Expedite housing placement for people experiencing chronic homelessness. The Leadership Council expressed an urgent need to expedite the process for people experiencing chronic homelessness to move into housing. Currently, delays in the process lead to units sitting empty for many months, creating financial challenges for landlords and housing providers while people continue to live on the street or in shelters.

   The Leadership Council and the Partnership will continue to advance this priority through advocacy, grant funding, and convening.

2. Improve care coordination between healthcare and homeless service systems. Housing insecurity is a public health issue that impacts health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness and drives up healthcare costs for the broader system. Healthcare and housing systems are complex, and significant coordination is needed to address the unique challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness - many of whom have significant mental health and physical health needs.

   The Leadership Council and Partnership will support existing efforts to improve collaboration that are being led by our partners at the DC Interagency Council to End Homelessness. The Council has also identified a specific interest in expanding medical respite in the city.

Are you a private sector leader, individual donor, or institutional funder interested in joining this work? The Partnership Leadership Council is always seeking for new ways to partner and build relationships to help end homelessness in DC. Reach out to Jennifer Olney at jolney@thecommunityfoundation.org to learn more.

Introducing our 2024 VoicesDMV Fellows

A Note from Darius Graham, Managing Director of Community Investment

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

With the release of the VoicesDMV Community Insights Report earlier this year, we created the VoicesDMV Fellowship to identify and support individuals who are deeply rooted in the foundation’s priority neighborhoods. Fellows will facilitate deeper engagement between the foundation and residents in the priority neighborhoods with the ultimate goal of ensuring authentic community voice is at the center of our work.

VoicesDMV Fellows are taking on self-directed projects and will also have the opportunity to participate in the review of grant applications and advise the foundation as we develop, implement, and refine programs and initiatives. Fellows will receive a stipend and serve for at least eight months.

Following an open application process, we selected the following inaugural VoicesDMV Fellows who we’re now delighted to introduce you to.

• Katie Wilson

  Which community (or communities) will you be working with, as a VoicesDMV Fellow?

  Bailey's Crossroads & Culmore

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly share with us about your experience living in/working with the community.

  Currently, I work as the full-time Program Manager for a resident-centered Place-Based Initiative (PBI) in the Bailey’s Crossroads & Culmore community led by Kaiser Permanente and George Mason University's College of Public Health. In this role, I engage hundreds of low-income residents and organizations in the community to amplify marginalized voices and accomplish local systems change through a collective impact model. I regularly organize and facilitate convenings of residents and local organizations to create and maintain transformational, rather than transactional, relationships.

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly describe what you hope to accomplish as a VoicesDMV Fellow. What are you most looking forward to?

  I am most looking forward to strengthening the Greater Washington Community Foundation's ties with service providers and residents alike. It is incredibly important to not only build trusting relationships with community stakeholders, but also to foster those relationships in a way that promotes greater equity for all. Through my work as a VoicesDMV Fellow, I hope to move the needle forward on addressing the racial wealth gap within the Bailey's Crossroads and Culmore area.

  What was your reaction to the 2024 VoicesDMV Community Insights Report? Did it's findings resonate with you and your work? If so, how?

  The data collected in the 2024 VoicesDMV Community Insights Report highlights a hard truth: historically disenfranchised communities like Bailey's Crossroads & Culmore have experienced worsening conditions due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. I have seen firsthand the ways that local families have been negatively impacted as they face barriers in accessing essential services and resources. It is more important now than ever before that we amplify and center community voices in our mission of advancing economic mobility in these islands of disadvantage in the DMV.

  What excites you about the future for your community?

  The residents of Bailey's Crossroads & Culmore are some of the most resilient people I know. I am excited that their voices will direct the economic strategy of the Greater Washington Community Foundation going forward. The residents are the experts on how we can improve quality of life in this community and I am thankful that they are being recognized as such.

• David Schultz

  Which community (or communities) will you be working with, as a VoicesDMV Fellow?

  Ward 7 & 8

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly share with us about your experience living in/working with the community.

  Living and working in Washington, DC, has allowed me to immerse myself in the diverse and resilient community here. Through my role as the Director of Reentry Services at Changing Perceptions, I’ve witnessed firsthand the strength of individuals who are rebuilding their lives after incarceration and other challenges. This experience has deepened my commitment to supporting personal transformation and community healing.

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly describe what you hope to accomplish as a VoicesDMV Fellow. What are you most looking forward to?

  As a VoicesDMV Fellow, I hope to amplify the voices of individuals in the community and advocate for more equitable opportunities in reentry services. I’m looking forward to working with others who care about finding real solutions for these neighborhoods and creating better opportunities for residents to rebuild their lives.

  What was your reaction to the 2024 VoicesDMV Community Insights Report? Did it's findings resonate with you and your work? If so, how?

  The 2024 VoicesDMV Community Insights Report highlighted many challenges that resonate with my work in reentry services, particularly in Wards 7 and 8. The findings on economic precarity, such as barriers to employment and struggles with housing and basic necessities, strongly reflect the experiences of those I work with daily. It reinforced the importance of addressing systemic barriers that continue to impact marginalized communities. Additionally, the report’s focus on racial disparities and the need for increased collaboration aligns with my efforts to promote equity and create opportunities for those most affected.

  What excites you about the future for your community?

  I’m excited about the push to tackle long-standing inequalities in Wards 7 and 8. This fellowship allows for a chance to make meaningful changes that help people get back on their feet, find opportunities, and build better futures for themselves and their families.

• Nia Smart

  Which community (or communities) will you be working with, as a VoicesDMV Fellow?

  Bailey's Crossroads and Route 1 corridor in Northern Virginia

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly share with us about your experience living in/working with the community.

  Living in Northern Virginia has given me the opportunity to be part of a vibrant and resourceful community. It has allowed me to experience both the unique challenges and valuable resources within our area. I’ve personally benefited from many local services and programs, and I’m passionate about raising awareness and helping more residents connect with these valuable resources to enhance our community's well-being.

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly describe what you hope to accomplish as a VoicesDMV Fellow. What are you most looking forward to?

  As a VoicesDMV Fellow, I hope to deepen my understanding of the unique community health needs and increase relationships with local health resources to effectively communicate and build knowledge of the various services I may not yet be aware of. I am particularly looking forward to collaborating with diverse stakeholders, gaining insights from fellow advocates, and leveraging this experience to implement impactful health initiatives that empower the Bailey's Crossroads and Route 1 corridor in Northern Virginia.

  What was your reaction to the 2024 VoicesDMV Community Insights Report? Did it's findings resonate with you and your work? If so, how?

  My reaction to the 2024 VoicesDMV Community Insights Report was one of affirmation and clarity. The findings resonated deeply with my experiences in Bailey's Crossroads and the Route 1 corridor, as they highlighted the unique challenges that our community faces. The report provided valuable data and perspectives that helped to qualify my thoughts about the needs in my neighborhood, guiding me on where to focus my efforts. It has reinforced my commitment to enhancing awareness of local health resources and informed my approach to community engagement, ensuring that my initiatives align with the needs of residents. This resource will be instrumental in shaping my work as a VoicesDMV Fellow.

  What excites you about the future for your community?

  What excites me about the future of my community in Bailey's Crossroads and the Route 1 corridor is the growing commitment to health equity and the collaborative efforts to address long-standing disparities. With more organizations and stakeholders coming together to leverage resources and share knowledge, there is tremendous potential for impactful initiatives that will enhance health literacy and improve access to care. The community’s resilience and openness to engage in meaningful dialogue about its needs inspire hope for lasting change. I am particularly excited about the potential of grassroots movements to empower residents and foster a culture of wellness and support across the area.

• Tiffany Turner-Allen

  Which community (or communities) will you be working with, as a VoicesDMV Fellow?

  Prince George's County, MD

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly share with us about your experience living in/working with the community.

  I recognize my privilege because I work in and support the very community that I live in. My purpose of making a difference starts at home. My work is embedded in my DNA, so I use every opportunity to be cognizant about what the changing needs are of my community. This allows me to be connected to community, while confidently advocating for the ever changing needs of my community.

  In 2-3 sentences, please briefly describe what you hope to accomplish as a VoicesDMV Fellow. What are you most looking forward to?

  I hope to contribute to the established infrastructure that has been created by the Greater Washington Community Foundation. I hope to be a voice that communicates in a clear, authentic and uncompromising way for my community.

  What was your reaction to the 2024 VoicesDMV Community Insights Report? Did it's findings resonate with you and your work? If so, how?

  I was not surprised. The findings are on par with what I see and hear daily.

  What excites you about the future for your community?

  The possibilities... We are in a space where people are starting to imagine and reimagine what a racially equitable and just world can look like. I am excited that I work in a majority melanated community, where the potential to achieve this is not just an idea but is a possibility.

Announcing the 2024 David Bradt Nonprofit Leadership Award Winners

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

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

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

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

Read on to meet these inspiring local leaders.  

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

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

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

Accelerating DC's Community Safety Ecosystem

Kirby Gaherty, Senior Fellow of Community Safety & Harm Reduction outlines the impact of Community Violence Intervention (CVI) intiatives.

On September 18, philanthropic partners, business leaders, city government representatives and advocates for community safety from across the region convened at the True Reformer Building to discuss ways to promote and sustain community safety. Co-hosted by The Community Foundation and Public Welfare Foundation, the event explored the need for increased coordination and planning around violence prevention and intervention. 

“DC is known to be resource rich and infrastructure poor,” The Community Foundation’s President & CEO, Tonia Wellons shared. “We are here today to reimagine what that infrastructure of violence prevention looks like.” 

Participants first heard from Kirby Gaherty, Senior Fellow of Community Safety & Harm Reduction, as she outlined the four phases in the Public Health Approach to Violence Prevention, which include: 1) Define & Monitor the Problem, 2) Identify Risk & Protective Focus, 3) Develop & Test Protective Strategies, and 4) Assure Widespread Adoption. 

She also shared outcomes from other Community Violence Intervention (CVI) initiatives that have been implemented nationally as a way to increase coordination between governmental and nonprofit partners toward safety.  

Candice Jones, President & CEO of Public Welfare Foundation

“For too long, nonprofit organizations have been in the trenches; doing the hard work and putting their lives on the frontlines of this battle to keep our communities safe,” Candice Jones, President & CEO of Public Welfare Foundation shared.  

“As funders and business leaders, we have a responsibility to step up and invest in the well-being and public safety of the neighborhoods we live and do business in.” 

After Jones, participants heard from Kristy Love, Executive Director of the DC Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC). Love is responsible for www.dcjsat.net – a public database which tracks safety data in the District. –  This data is key in addressing both national and local media attention on crime, violence and safety in DC. 

Love shared a number of insightful statistics that helped participants better understand the state of public safety, as well as the risk factors and trends that researchers have noticed amongst those most likely to be impacted by violence. 

Income Statistics about CVI Participants with Peace for DC (Image: Peace for DC)

Neighborhood Statistics about CVI Participants with Peace for DC (Image: Peace for DC)

Participants also heard from Marcus Ellis, Executive Director of Peace For DC, the organization behind the DC Peace Academy and other efforts to train violence interrupters in the region. 

“As we talk about what’s working and not working in DC – we need a plan to ensure that CVI efforts can continue to do the good work that they’re doing in our community,” Ellis shared.  

Referencing decades past when funding for CVI efforts was discontinued in the District, he added, “The work must go on – we’ve already seen the impacts of not  having CVI as part of our ecosystem.” 

Dr. Joseph Richardson stresses the need for CVI coordination across jurisdictions.

Invited attendees – such as Dr. Joseph Richardson, who leads PROGRESS, the multidisciplinary gun violence research initiative at the University of Maryland – were quick to point out the need for CVI to be inclusive and coordinated both within DC and across the region.  

“40% of gun violence fatalities in DC last year weren’t from DC,” Dr. Richardson pointed out. “They were from Prince George’s County.”  

“Death does not have boundaries; violence does not have boundaries. We need new approaches that go beyond jurisdictions and provide more holistic solutions.” 

“I’d like to see this work be built into the code that transcends not only political administrations, but philanthropic leadership,” shared David Bowers, Vice President and Senior Advisor for Enterprise Community Partners. “We need CVI work to be codified so that it’s no longer a question of whether or not this work gets funded – it’ll just be a part of how we do business in this city.” 

“Until we are able to make sure the funding is consistent, this work will always be at risk.” 

David Bowers, VP and Senior Advisor for Enterprise Community Partners

 Tonia Wellons concluded the discussion by sharing  opportunities to be a part of  the “Core Team” – a group of philanthropic, government, and community partners who will come together around a strategy to advance DC’s Community Safety ecosystem. Like the Partnership to End Homelessness, this group will allow stakeholders to come together to influence local action, fund the infrastructure and drive strategy around this critical issue.  

The Community Foundation, Public Welfare Foundation, Peace For DC and  Federal City Council are committed members of the Core Team.  

“We invite you to join with us in expanding the tent – bringing voices to the table and crafting a plan for a region where everyone can not only live safe but can thrive.” 

Over the next few months, The Community Foundation, alongside members of the Core Team, will engage with one another (as well as with broader stakeholder groups) and build the  collaborative table around community safety in DC. Our immediate next steps include analyzing components of local and national violence reduction plans, aligning around a strategy tailored for this region, and through collective action and accountability, move toward the implementation.   

If you or your organization would like to be a part of this important initiative, please contact Kirby Gaherty, Senior Fellow of Community Safety and Harm Reduction at kgaherty@thecommunityfoundation.org  

The Community Foundation Announces 2024 VoicesDMV Community Action Awards

The Community Foundation is excited to announce the 2024 VoicesDMV Community Action Awards. The awards are part of The Community Foundation’s VoicesDMV community engagement initiative, which unveiled its most recent Community Insights Report earlier this year.

“VoicesDMV is about more than just gathering and sharing information,” Darius Graham, The Community Foundation’s Managing Director of Community Investment shared. “It’s about turning information into action and making sure our work and that of our partners is directly informed by residents.”

“That’s why we’re excited to announce these Community Action Awards to support nonprofits in our community that are doing the work to address the issues and challenges outlined in the VoicesDMV report.”

First introduced in 2020, the VoicesDMV Community Action Awards provide grants of $5,000 to nonprofits who are working on projects to make our region more equitable and inclusive.

Projects ranged from initiatives addressing civic engagement and job readiness to others focused on rental assistance and housing security. All of the projects address one or more issues highlighted in the 2024 VoicesDMV Community Insights Report.

This year’s Community Action Award Recipients include:

• Anti-Racist DC will train and engage DC residents about housing insecurity and the inequitable distribution of wealth through the lens of equity and racial justice.

• Guerilla Gardeners of DC will provide a 4-week groundskeeping training program for young people facing housing insecurity.

• Beloved Community Incubator will partner with local organizations to engage with residents to promote workplace democracy and worker ownership.

• Centers for Opportunity will address barriers to employment for those living in the Richmond Highway corridor – with a special focus on those who have not worked for an extended period of time (ex. those experiencing homelessness, formerly incarcerated, and those without a high school diploma).

• Living Classrooms Foundation will train Ward 7 residents in how to operate and maintain “green infrastructure” through their Kingman Rangers program.

• Story Tapestries will hold trainings for early childhood educators in Montgomery County so they can earn higher wages and teach more effectively.

• Child Care Counts will provide emergency funds for families in Ward 7 & 8

• Bethesda Cares will provide rent relief to low-income individuals in Montgomery County

• Youth Activism Project will focus on youth civic empowerment and get-out-the-vote efforts in DC Wards 7 & 8 and East County, Montgomery County to help residents become more involved and aware of their role in local government.

• Many Languages, One Voice will hold four listening sessions with immigrants and refugee residents of Washington, DC to gather additional insights and reactions to the VoicesDMV Report. Data from these sessions will be used to create deeper awareness of the needs and situation of immigrants of color in DC.

Click here to learn more about our 2024 Community Action Award Recipients!

Brilliant Futures Principal Recognized as 2024 Bethesda Magazine Women Who Inspire

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

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

Authorship Credit - Amy Halpern, Bethesda Magazine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to read the full article.

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

The Black-Led Project: A Guide to Understand the Opportunities and Challenges for Black-led organizations

The Community Foundation is proud to support Service Never Sleeps (SNS) as they release their Black-Led Project Report. The report engaged 117 Black leaders directly about their unique needs and challenges, as well as their approaches to serving the community based upon their lived experiences. 

Whitney Parnell and Samson Girma, co-founders of SNS, sat down with our Chief Program Officer, Dawnn Leary, to share some of their major takeaways, ahead of the report’s release.

What can you tell us about the Black-Led Project research process?

We originally started the Black-Led Project after being told by multiple foundations that we didn’t qualify as “Black-led” when we applied for their funding in response to the 2020 Black Lives Matter uprising. Knowing that Black people are best equipped to define ourselves, we launched a pilot in the Spring of 2022 by interviewing 27 Black leaders–Executive Directors, Deputy Directors, Race Equity Officers, and Race Equity Consultants–about the question, What does it mean to be Black-led?

Gratefully, the Greater Washington Community Foundation funded our continued research, and we engaged a total of 117 participants by the end of 2023 through interviews, cohort discussions, and surveys. Through the process, we were encouraged by the affirmation of our original findings and were enlightened by additional takeaways from the larger participant pool.

What were some of the main themes from the Black-Led Project research that stood out to SNS?

There were dozens of takeaways from the research, but there were several major themes that clearly stood out:

1. Black leaders are uniquely positioned to lead in transformative and liberatory ways because of their experiences and perspectives.
   Black leaders’ proximity to the community issues and experiences in the workplace allow for effective and innovative approaches to their missions – thus expanding the traditional notion of “good leadership.”

   One participant said: “Black folks tend to have a specific sort of lived experience that allows them to have an expansive view on solutions to particular social issues. Bringing that lived experience to the table actually helps produce better outcomes for all people…particularly in the nonprofits and social sector space because there’s a much better understanding of what’s actually happening in communities, and what we’re trying to support.”
   

2. Black led organizations can benefit people of all identities, due to their tendency to create “people-first” cultures that guide internal and external priorities.
   Black led organizations prioritize cultures of community, joy, and wellness in order to ensure that they support employees as full people, which in turn allows staff to show up effectively to their important missions.

   “Everyone gains when you can breathe, when you are in community, when you care about how people show up with their whole selves,” one participant shared. “When it’s pro-Black and Black-led, those things are centered, and everyone benefits in an organization.”
   

3. Black leaders face many unique challenges, including disrespect, insufficient funding, and unreasonable expectations amidst barriers.

   As part of taking on difficult leadership situations – which often come with unfair and unrealistically high standards, many Black leaders face challenges that impact their health and ability to successfully lead their organizations.

   “Many Black leaders are put in impossible situations where no leader would be expected to succeed,” one Black leader shared. “When they fail, this reinforces stereotypes.”
   

4. Black leaders need support from all directions to lead their organizations.
   There are so many ways that Black leaders and their organizations can be invested in to ensure that their powerful work can continue. Some specific needs that were mentioned included Black leaders’ needs for community with other Black leaders and operational funding to sustain the organizations and themselves. A thriving leader is best positioned to lead a thriving organization and drive community impact; so it should be everybody’s responsibility within and proximate to the organizations to ensure that Black leaders thrive.
   
   “[With funding] you are telling Black people that you trust us enough to lead,” one participant remarked. “You trust us enough with the grants, with the budgets, with the money. But you also trust our experiences and our perspectives.”

What will SNS be offering as a result of what it heard and learned from Black leaders?

Service Never Sleeps Whitney Parnell, Founder & CEO and Samson Girma, COO

The two years of research equipped us to write a robust report, and to create a supplemental training to accompany it.

Beyond a descriptive outline of the definition of Black led organizations, both resources provide a detailed spotlight on Black leaders’ experiences and insights, an extensive guide of equitable practices and effective leadership by centering Black leaders, and a charge to fund and support the sustainability and thriving of Black leaders and Black-led organizations.

The report is free to access on our website  – where you can also sign up to participate in the supplemental training course.  The training is meant to dive deeper into the report’s content, including providing opportunities to reflect in community, and develop next steps relative to participants’ individual identities and roles within institutions.

What do you hope for how the space will evolve to better recognize and support Black leaders based on what you heard and learned?

First and foremost, we hope that Black leaders will be trusted for the fantastic visionaries and deliverers that we are. Anti-Blackness is pervasive, and Black leaders face numerous barriers that prevent us from leading effectively and driving our important missions. We hope that Black leaders will be supported more.

If we say we care about Black led organizations, then we must care about Black leaders; and if we want to sustain Black organizations, then we must sustain Black leaders. It’s all intertwined, and sustainability is key.

Black led organizations should not only be championed during particular political climates or in response to egregious headlines; rather, the support should be consistent. Black led organizations have so much to offer communities and their people, and they can only live into that full potential with the adequate backing and resources to do so.

As The Community Foundation seeks to implement ways to center and operationalize equity within its grantmaking, this research will inspire ways The Community Foundation can transform its grantmaking practices to better center and support BIPOC leaders while reducing unintended barriers these leaders are experiencing.    

We are so excited to dig into this report, participate in the SNS offerings and learn how The Community Foundation can become a better philanthropic partner to Black led organizations in our community. We invite our philanthropic peers and donors to read this research, learn from these visionary leaders, and identify opportunities for you and your organizations to better center and support the work of BIPOC leaders.

Meet Our Prince George's County Small Business Partners

In April 2024, The Community Foundation, with funding from the PNC Foundation, announced the Small Business Support Program - an initiative to support small businesses located along the Purple Line and Blue Line corridors.

In support of our Small Business Partners, The Community Foundation is excited to highlight the work and mission of these incredible organizations and the impact that they've had in empowering and uplifting their respective communities.

• MMC Consulting

  Tell us briefly about your business (where is it located, how long have you been in operation, what services do you provide)

  MMC Consulting is headquartered in Mitchellville, MD, and has been fully operational since October 2019. We provide professional services in federal acquisition, program management, organizational change management, and staff augmentation. Our goal is to deliver tech-enabled solutions that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our clients.
  
  In 2-3 sentences, please share with us the ways your business works with and contributes to your community

  MMC Consulting actively engages with our community through partnerships with local organizations, providing training and career development opportunities. In March of 2024, we founded and launched a local chapter of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Metro Maryland Chapter. We further contribute to the community by offering resources and leadership to foster growth and development in the federal contracting community supporting small businesses by offering consulting services to help them navigate federal contracting processes and secure government contracts.

  How has construction in the Blue/Purple Line Corridor Impacted your Business?

  The construction in the Blue/Purple Line Corridor has provided MMC Consulting with new avenues and opportunities for collaboration with local businesses and community projects.

  What excites you about receiving the Small Business Grant?

  Receiving the Small Business Grant is exciting because it enables us to further our mission of empowering small businesses and delivering innovative solutions. It provides us with the resources to expand our services, invest in technology, and create more job opportunities within our community.

  What are your dreams for the future of your business?

  We want to become a leading provider in the federal acquisition sector and achieve annual revenues of $100 million by 2030. We will continue innovating and expanding our service offerings to meet the evolving needs of our clients and to continue contributing to our local community.

  What are your dreams for the future of your community?

  We envision a future where our community thrives with robust support for small businesses, equitable opportunities for all, and a strong network of partnerships that drive economic growth and development. We aim to contribute to a community where businesses and individuals are empowered to reach their full potential.

• Xcelent Meals

  Tell us briefly about your business (where is it located, how long have you been in operation, what services do you provide)

  We are located in Hyattsville, MD. We have been in business for 2 years as a meal prep delivery service. We provide catering, drop off service, meal prep, and cooking classes and travel to our clients to meet their needs.

  In 2-3 sentences, please share with us the ways your business works with and contributes to your community

  We cater to seniors who are unable to cook for themselves. We deliver food to them and also cater special holiday meals for them. We also have done free events for the homeless in Washington, DC. We also support college students through our half price Sunday brunch, for those who may not have somewhere to go for a nice Sunday meal.

  How has construction in the Blue/Purple Line Corridor Impacted your Business?

  The construction and road closures have caused a lot of traffic, making it harder to receive deliveries from our suppliers. It also makes it hard to get clients to come out to our location, which has impacted our business.

  What excites you about receiving the Small Business Grant?

  I’m excited about the chance to purchase better quality supplies and products for my business. It will also allow me to do the things I needed to get done far as advertising, and purchasing equipment and small wares for my kitchen.

  What are your dreams for the future of your business?

  To open multiple locations thought out PC County.

  What are your dreams for the future of your community?

  My dream for is to use my business and reputation in PG County to continue to teach others and help our community grow.

• irok consulting

  Tell us briefly about your business (where is it located, how long have you been in operation, what services do you provide)

  We are based in Prince George's County and were formally established in April 2020. We help people without computer or corporate experience build careers in business and IT.

  In 2-3 sentences, please share with us the ways your business works with and contributes to your community

  We help citizens of Prince George's County qualify for better opportunities in the business and IT sector. We work with community colleges and other community organizations to deliver training programs that teach the career development process and strategy. Through our services, we are able to increase the pool of qualified candidates for local businesses.

  How has construction in the Blue/Purple Line Corridor Impacted your Business?

  Construction has limited the number people who can attend our in-person events on the campus of Prince George's Community College.

  What excites you about receiving the Small Business Grant?

  I’m excited about the marketing opportunities that allow my business to reach and impact more people.

  What are your dreams for the future of your business?

  To expand into prisons, half-way houses, and re-entry programs.

  What are your dreams for the future of your community?

  To see marginalized communities no longer shut out of the business/IT world due to a lack of education, knowledge, and resources.

• Cynthia Cephas Photography

  Tell us briefly about your business (where is it located, how long have you been in operation, what services do you provide)

  Based out of Bowie/Mitchellville, Cynthia Cephas Photography was established in 2016 to provide high volume, professional headshots on-location for corporate/organization executives, teams & groups. We specialize in Headshot Booth Activations for attendees at conferences, conventions, trade shows, sales meetings, job fairs & networking events. Cynthia Cephas is an Executive Headshot & Commercial Brand photographer & Corporate Event photographer. I serve as the photographer for the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) Prince George's County Advisory Board & as the MBCC Photographer.

  In 2-3 sentences, please share with us the ways your business works with and contributes to your community

  In the past, we have provided headshots for small business owners at networking events and partnered with other small business owners. For the past 5 years, we’ve also provided affordable photos with a Black Santa at a local town center.

  What excites you about receiving the Small Business Grant?

  I am excited about receiving the Small Business Grant to provide resources to level up my business, to grow and to scale.

  What are your dreams for the future of your business?

  My dream is to be the go-to headshot photographer in Prince George's County, the state of Maryland, and the DMV.

  What are your dreams for the future of your community?

  To see the community continue to thrive and grow with small businesses being an integral part.

• Brighter Beginnings 4 Kids, Inc

  Tell us briefly about your business (where is it located, how long have you been in operation, what services do you provide)

  Founded by Makalay Turay in 2004, Brighter Beginnings 4 Kids Inc. began as a small center located in Laurel, Maryland. The company recently acquired property and will soon be moving to a new location in District Heights, Maryland. The center is licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) as a childcare center for children 2 to 12 years of age and will have a capacity of 50 children.

  Our mission is to create success, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning for young children. Our programs will provide full-time and part-time childcare services for Maryland families – in addition to before and after-school services for school age children. We utilize Creative Curriculum -- a research based pre-school curricula and assessment system that supports teaching through creativity and project-based learning. The center will operate from 6:30am to 6:00pm, Monday through Friday - with observance of all major holidays.

  In 2-3 sentences, please share with us the ways your business works with and contributes to your community

  The goal of Brighter Beginnings 4 Kids, Inc is to challenge achievement gaps in education; an issue that plagues our public school system and leads to generational poverty and lack of opportunity -- especially for students of color. Brighter Beginnings 4 Kids Inc. strives to create better opportunities for minority students by providing high-quality child-care programs. By doing this, the program helps to decrease the number of children below level in literacy and math entering the school system.

  How has construction in the Blue/Purple Line Corridor Impacted your Business?

  Brighter Beginnings 4 Kids Inc. has been hit hard due to the ongoing construction of the Blue/Purple Line Corridor project. The areas of construction have created congestion, leading to new traffic patterns in the surrounding area. People are cramped onto major routes; specifically, those within a 2–3-mile radius of the construction sites, creating congestion and traffic problems.

  Our business is taking longer to generate revenue due to the loss of visibility from the new traffic patterns being created. The construction traffic causes parking issues and makes it difficult for people to see the business storefront from the main road. Accessibility to the childcare center has become harder due to the traffic from the main road, especially during busy times of the day.

  What excites you about receiving the Small Business Grant?

  With the help of the Small Business Grant, Brighter Beginnings 4 Kids is creating a blueprint for high quality affordable childcare for working class Maryland families. Thanks to our new location, Brighter Beginnings 4 Kids will be able to provide 50 new daycare slots.

  Maryland families are in dire need of affordable high-quality daycare programs. Many childcare centers were forced to shut down due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Brighter Beginnings 4 Kids Inc. nearly shut down after multiple years of lost revenue from the global COVID-19 pandemic.

  The new program in District Heights, Maryland will help to provide much needed daycare services. The financial support provided by this grant will give us the necessary tools to keep staff employed, utilities and rent paid, and undergo much-needed renovations to expand the program into the new location.

  Not only that, but this grant will help to build and sustain a vibrant community in the Prince George's County, District Heights area, by allowing us to offer products and services which are vitally important and necessary for working families and growing communities in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

  What are your dreams for the future of your business?

  Brighter Beginnings 4 Kids Inc. believes that the first years of a child’s life are critical to the development of positive self-esteem, confidence, happiness, independence, and creativity. We are here to establish, build, and maintain long lasting partnerships with parents of the children enrolled in the center and families in the surrounding communities.

  Systemic and progressive achievement is best acquired by implementing early learning programs that provide students with the requisite tools and skills needed to become successful competent adults in society. The dreams for the future of the business will be to continue the legacy of uplifting Maryland's young learners, knowing that all children can succeed.

  What are your dreams for the future of your community?

  Brighter Beginnings 4 Kids Inc. is committed to supporting and providing before and after school care for Title 1 Schools and schools with high FARMS Rates (40% or higher) located in the District Heights area. Students in the program will improve scores and have a renewed and deeper confidence in their academic abilities. We are committed to helping Maryland children and youth excel in pre-school, elementary school and beyond.

  Through this grant, we are expanding access to high quality early childhood education which will generate a significant future return on investment for our society and for children and families across the state of Maryland.

• flavors

  Tell us briefly about your business (where is it located, how long have you been in operation, what services do you provide)

  Our venture, Flavors®, is centered around our maker and artisan workspace, the Culinary Hub®, which launched in 2021, a 3,000 square foot cutting-edge facility located in Hyattsville, MD.

  Flavors Culinary Hub acts as a crucial resource for culinary professionals, offering them a platform to start, develop, and scale their food and beverage businesses within a certified commercial kitchen facility. We also serve corporate and government clients who come to us to spearhead hospitality training, including food, beverage, safety, and customer service, as well as concept management within their commercial spaces, venues, and their public and private events.

  In 2-3 sentences, please share with us the ways your business works with and contributes to your community

  Flavors® is a catalyst for culinary growth in our community, offering under-resourced food entrepreneurs access to state-of-the-art commercial kitchens, health department licensing, and specialized training programs. Our unique membership model removes the financial barriers to launching and scaling a business, fostering a vibrant ecosystem that benefits local professionals, corporate clients, and government agencies alike.

  How has construction in the Blue/Purple Line Corridor Impacted your Business?

  The Purple Line construction has created challenges such as reduced foot traffic, business closures, and decreased accessibility, all of which have impacted our food and beverage members' ability to connect with potential customers.

  To counteract this, we’re investing in new programming at our facility, including a business café offering breakfast, lunch, dessert, and mocktail beverages, promoting responsible socialization without alcohol. We're also launching a private dining club that will not only host various events for the community to learn about our offerings and local culinary artisans but also provide our artisans with a dedicated space to host their private events. These initiatives are designed to foster community engagement and support local talent despite the construction disruptions.

  What excites you about receiving the Small Business Grant?

  We are thrilled about receiving the Small Business Grant because it will provide essential support for managing the upcoming increase in our commercial kitchen facility's rent. This grant will allow us to effectively allocate funds towards our rent expenses, ensuring we can maintain our operations and continue supporting our culinary community. It’s an exciting opportunity to strengthen our financial stability and invest in the growth and development of our programs and services.

  What are your dreams for the future of your business?

  My dreams for the future of Flavors® involve expanding our culinary hubs nationally and internationally to fill gaps in business and leadership training often overlooked by traditional culinary schools. These facilities will include small to mid-size manufacturing capabilities, logistics management, local procurement initiatives with farmers and growers, and centralized retail spaces where local food, beverage, and agricultural artisans can sell directly to their communities.

  Strategically located in suburban regions, where major cities may be saturated or inconveniently distant, our hubs will provide accessible, safe, and diverse spaces for engaging with the local community. This expansion aims to support culinary professionals, enhance Business-to-Government (B2G) and Business-to-Business (B2B) opportunities, foster community connections, and offer showcasing opportunities in areas that are underserved and often overlooked, with fewer barriers to entry.

  What are your dreams for the future of your community?

  My dreams for the future of our community center around creating a vibrant, inclusive hub where culinary innovation thrives and where local food and beverage entrepreneurs have the resources and support to succeed. I envision a space that not only fosters diverse, scalable brands with regional, national, and international potential but also provides a dedicated learning environment specifically tailored to adult professionals. This space would offer affordable, high-quality education focused on business and leadership skills for those who are heads of households and balancing family responsibilities. It would include amenities similar to those found in traditional colleges but designed for adult learners who can't commit to full-time, on-campus programs.

  By addressing the gap of being underfunded but over-mentored, we aim to drive economic growth, create lasting legacy brands, and enhance the quality of life for those that have chosen the hospitality sector to be of service.

• TANTV

  Tell us briefly about your business (where is it located, how long have you been in operation, what services do you provide)

  Founded in 2019, TANTV is a news media publishing and technology company based in Maryland dedicated to serving the underserved African and Black multicultural diaspora communities in the DMV area. Our mission is to elevate the inclusion of these communities in American society by providing informative, inspiring, and educational content that reflects their daily lives.

  Recognizing the rich cultural heritage and the growing importance of the African diaspora in various sectors such as culture, politics, and entrepreneurship, TANTV was created to offer a platform where Africa and its descendants can interact, engage, and stay informed. We identified a significant gap in the representation and coverage of these communities in U.S. media, particularly in accessing local information that empowers them economically. Our focus is on addressing this gap, supporting the diverse cultures within the Black experience, and ensuring that our community is heard and represented.

  In 2-3 sentences, please share with us the ways your business works with and contributes to your community

  TANTV serves a multi-generational audience, including first-generation immigrants, African-Americans, and allies of African culture, by filling the media void that reflects their lived experiences. We chronicle and document stories that impact our audience through journalism, storytelling, and commentary on current events, local news, business, politics, lifestyle, entertainment, and technology. Our local newsrooms produce high-quality, equitable journalism and need-to-know information that directly addresses community needs, such as affordable housing, applying for benefits, and voting. We collaborate with organizations across tech, media, entertainment, consumer goods, and the nonprofit sector to enhance connections with the diaspora community, equipping people with skills and resources, and fostering critical public conversations.

  How has construction in the Blue/Purple Line Corridor Impacted your Business?

  The construction in the Blue/Purple Line Corridor has led to a decline in income, particularly from reduced advertising revenues from businesses in the corridor. We’ve faced challenges in accessing local clients and businesses, especially as some have shut down or become difficult to reach, making it harder to connect with underserved communities most affected by the construction.

  What excites you about receiving the Small Business Grant?

  This grant empowers us to continue shining a light on our local community and businesses, addressing the persistent underrepresentation of Black communities in mainstream media while promoting authentic, community-driven journalism. It strengthens our mission of elevating the inclusion of underserved communities through impactful local journalism, sharing resources and information they might not otherwise have access to. It also enables TANTV to engage in workforce development partnerships and build a sustainable future for local journalism that reflects underserved communities.

  What are your dreams for the future of your business?

  At TANTV, we have long advocated for the inclusion of multicultural audiences in American mainstream media. The Greater Washington Center Foundation recognizes the importance of representation and supports our mission of connecting multicultural companies with funding.

  Our vision is to create a media and television network dedicated to serving these underserved communities, ensuring they see themselves represented in media. We aim to expand the reach and sustainability of media outlets serving communities of color through partnerships and support from foundations and donors alike.

  What are your dreams for the future of your community?

  Our dream is for our community to have a seat at the table in matters of policy, economy, and beyond. We strive to advance inclusion and social justice for the underserved and underrepresented Black diaspora, particularly African migrant and immigrant communities.

  Our goal is to close longstanding inequalities, strengthen the broader African immigrant diaspora, and prioritize community listening and engagement to produce news and content that directly addresses their needs.

• Sidnae Global Research (SGR)

  Tell us briefly about your business (where is it located, how long have you been in operation, what services do you provide)

  Sidnae Global Research (SGR), located in Upper Marlboro/Springdale, Maryland, champions healthier communities by securing strategic funding and enabling impactful collaborations. We guide U.S. health centers in obtaining corporate, foundation, and government grants, with a focus on federal agencies like SAMHSA, CDC, Department of Justice, HRSA, and ACF. Since 2017, our expertise has helped nonprofits raise over $13 million and secure more than 80 awards, enhancing their community impact.

  In 2-3 sentences, please share with us the ways your business works with and contributes to your community

  SGR is committed to serving the community in Prince George's County, Maryland. To assist nonprofits in enhancing their grant-writing skills, we offer grant-writing training, nearly 100 learning resources on our website, and free training sessions at local libraries. Furthermore, we collaborate with local churches and business organizations to provide support to small businesses and the community.

  How has construction in the Blue/Purple Line Corridor Impacted your Business?

  Due to being a primarily remote business, Purple Line Construction has had somewhat limited impacts on our company. However, it has affected our ability to travel to community spaces and visit with clients quickly. We also have had to carefully consider where we can host events so that they are accessible to customers.

  What excites you about receiving the Small Business Grant?

  We are excited to announce that we will be using the Small Business grant funds to hire a Grant Team Leader and expand our team's leadership. The grant funds will help us grow our company, make a positive impact on more communities, and provide deeper mentorship, support, and communication to our dedicated team of healthcare writers. We are looking forward to hiring locally and to increasing our presence in the community through county events. We are also eager to take advantage of the business support offered to the grantees and to foster community connections.

  What are your dreams for the future of your business?

  We aspire to grow into a seven-figure organization renowned as the top 'Grant Writers for Health Centers.' We aim to establish our company as a leader in securing funding for important public health community projects within the County and beyond. As an employer, we are committed to providing a welcoming space where all are valued and can make meaningful contributions, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

  What are your dreams for the future of your community?

  As lifelong residents of Prince George's County, we want our county to be the ideal place for everyone to live and aspire to. Our vision includes better air quality, more green spaces, and access to top-notch healthcare, shopping, and education within our community. We dream of Prince George's County becoming a hub for businesses, work, and leisure activities. Securing grants to fund these initiatives is our small way of working towards making these dreams come true.

• WEFIX, LLC

  Tell us briefly about your business (where is it located, how long have you been in operation, what services do you provide)

  WEFIX, LLC provides repair services for phones and computers. We also provide tech support to those who need it – providing quality service, guaranteed. We are located at 1401 University Blvd, Suite G27, Hyattsville MD 20783

  In 2-3 sentences, please share with us the ways your business works with and contributes to your community

  We offer tech support, repair telephones and computers, and help people to get the most out of their technology.

  How has construction in the Blue/Purple Line Corridor Impacted your Business?

  The construction has caused us to lose a lot of our clients. We have lost more than 50% of our clients due to backups and the constant traffic caused by road closures. Many clients decided to leave us and look for other places that were more accessible to get the services they need.

  What excites you about receiving the Small Business Grant?

  This is such a huge help, that we feel so grateful for. This will help us lessen the impact of our losses so we can continue our operations. We look forward to using these funds to settle with our creditors, as well as getting access to more merchandise, machines, and material to continue to grow and create more job opportunities for the community.

  What are your dreams for the future of your business?

  My dream is to expand and create more job opportunities. We have been trying to do so for several years, but had to make cuts because of the economic downturn. This grant gives us the faith that we continue to expand and help our community by providing more jobs.

  What are your dreams for the future of your community?

  My dream is to help my community; that as my business grows, I’ll have more opportunities to create new jobs for my neighbors and support my local economy.

Introducing Kirby Gaherty, Senior Fellow, Community Safety & Harm Reduction

In June, The Community Foundation shared our continued commitment to building an ecosystem for community safety in the District of Columbia through ongoing investments in youth violence prevention and new strategic partnerships to develop long-term strategies for community safety.

As part of that commitment, we’re excited to introduce our new Senior Fellow of Community Safety & Harm Reduction, Kirby Gaherty, an experienced convener in the realm of community safety who will be spearheading The Community Foundation’s efforts around this important initiative. In this post, Kirby shares her insights and perspectives on how philanthropy can help build a stronger and safer community.

Q: Welcome to The Community Foundation, Kirby! We’re so excited to have you on the team. Can you share with us a bit about your background? Where are you coming from and what inspired you to join The Community Foundation?

Thank you, I am excited to join the team at The Community Foundation. While I am originally from Massachusetts (Go Celtics!), for over fifteen years, I have been working in the safety and justice space in a variety of capacities and in both local and national contexts. Most recently, I led the Justice Initiatives team at the National League of Cities, where I was lucky enough to work with city leaders from across the country in their efforts to reduce jail populations, interrupt violence, and reimagine community safety. Additionally, I built an incredible network of truly remarkable people doing the hard work to create safe communities nationwide.

Prior to that, I was involved in local efforts in both Philadelphia, PA and Camden, NJ in the reentry and young adult justice space. As a part of the team leading the reentry efforts under Mayor Michael Nutter, I was able to work alongside returning citizens and community partners to support those returning from jail and prison in their transition home. That work included supporting the replication of a successful AmeriCorps program for young adults (PowerCorpsPHL) in the City of Camden, NJ.

After spending almost five years working on national issues, I’m excited to dig deeper into the community safety space here in DC. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to accelerate the efforts in Washington, DC to build a collaborative table through the philanthropic lens. The Greater Washington Community Foundation’s commitment to a safer DC is inspiring and I’m excited for the challenge and opportunity ahead.

Q: What does it mean to you to reimagine community safety? What does a community-centered approach to safety look like?

In reimagining community safety and centering people -- particularly those most impacted by systemic harm and violence- we have an opportunity to create what Cities United calls ‘Safe, Healthy & Hopeful’ communities.

Traditionally, when we talk about safety and justice – nationally – the conversation focuses on policing, courts, and carceral systems. However, these narratives often overlook decades of work by Black and Brown community leaders – Black women in particular-- who have tirelessly been advancing community safety solutions without proper investment or support. The impact of the work of these incredible leaders is immeasurable and too often understated, under resourced, and undervalued.

However, over the last several years, increased awareness, investment, and support of alternatives to traditional safety efforts has allowed for a reimagined vision of the safety ecosystem to emerge – one that is truly community-led and community-focused—and emphasizes appropriate response models and community violence intervention initiatives. This approach is imperative to reimagining safety and building effective city safety ecosystems-- a collective effort to build, support, and sustain relationship-based prevention and intervention models that is led by trusted and credible professionals from the communities that they serve. This recent realization of the longstanding work of community leaders is promising as we look to the future of safety and justice.

Q: How does racial justice factor into a community-centered approach to community safety? How can a more conscientious approach address past obstacles/barriers, while capitalizing on future opportunities for growth?

Racial justice factors into just about everything. In this case, areas where gun violence is more prevalent, are also often areas of historical and systemic divestment, increased police violence, mass incarceration, and redlining. These areas are also disproportionately communities of color. As I mentioned, leaders in these communities have been working tirelessly to address safety in their neighborhoods, but with little support. By adopting a more community-centered approach to safety, the voices and work of these leaders becomes integral to a city’s approach.

Amplification of community-based prevention and intervention efforts is an important step towards a more equitable system of safety. The pervasive distrust of government – formed after years of ongoing harm and trauma -- requires repair and recovery to heal. As we collectively pursue an opportunity for forward movement, it is important to do so intentionally and with great care so we can right past wrongs and build a stronger, more racially equitable community.

Q: In your opinion/experience, what role can philanthropic organizations play in this work? How can this role be more effective and community-centered?

Philanthropy often steps in to support where public dollars fall short. Through investments in research, violence prevention, and more recently, violence intervention, philanthropy has provided the opportunity for community-based safety work to both exist and expand

That being said, the movement toward community safety requires buy-in and support from everyone. If philanthropy in the DC region comes together around a strategy that lives beyond political administrations and creates safer spaces for people to thrive, it will not only be more community centered, but also more sustainable and more effective in the long run.

Q: You’ve spent a lot of your career focusing on returning citizens and engaging justice-impacted young adults. Why do you feel it’s important that community safety initiatives make a concerted effort to invest in and empower these groups?

A big part of embracing new visions of safety requires the ability to know when to listen and uplift others as opposed to leading with your own voice and ideas.

Traditionally, we consider ‘expertise’ as something built by education or professional experiences. While that type of expertise is important, the real subject matter experts on safety and gun violence, are the people that have been directly impacted.

There is no way to advance safety without youth, young adults, returning citizens, and directly impacted people at the table. They need to be leading and driving the work to reimagine community safety. Investing in and empowering these leaders has the ability to shape a more inclusive and impactful ecosystem of safety.

Q: What excites you about the future of this work? What are you most looking forward to?

I am excited to be working on an initiative that is focused on the city I live in. Since moving to DC in 2019, I have wanted to be part of something that impacts my neighbors and community directly. I know that there are incredible local leaders that tirelessly work to reduce violence and uplift community that I cannot wait to see flourish with adequate support and investment.  

Like many cities, DC has a very small percentage of people driving most of the gun violence. But, the impacts and trauma are felt by entire communities. By bringing together leaders from philanthropy, nonprofits, communities, businesses and city entities, we have an opportunity to impact the lives of those most likely to be on either side of a gun and beyond that, the entire city - and that gives me hope for community safety and harm reduction in the region.

Building an Ecosystem for Community Safety in the District of Columbia

How we’re combining grants, strategic planning, and the power of collaboration to address gun violence

By Melen Hagos & Tonia Wellons

Earlier this week, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a declaration that many in the Greater Washington region have known and recognized for decades – gun violence is a national public health crisis.

“It is up to us to take on this generational challenge with the urgency and clarity the moment demands,” the Surgeon General wrote in the 40-page report. “The safety and well-being of our children and future generations are at stake.”

FROM THE NATIONAL NEWS TO THE LOCAL STREETS

In our region, the Greater Washington Community Foundation has long been committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our local residents – particularly those most at risk – and has been at the forefront of efforts to prevent and respond to gun violence.

We acknowledge that while the issue of gun violence and public safety impacts everyone, there are those in our region who unjustly bear its impact more profoundly than others. Our most recent VoicesDMV report revealed that while everyone in our region deserves to feel safe and welcome in their communities, not everyone does.

Our work to achieve community safety and harm reduction – both across our region and in those areas most impacted – is one of the many ways we honor our commitment and work to create a just, equitable, and thriving community. With strong partnerships and expert guidance from national organizations like the Public Welfare Foundation, we have made a substantial impact over the years. Here are some key examples of our accomplishments:

In partnership with the District government, in 2013, we established a relief fund to aid victims and families affected by the Navy Yard shooting and to address long-term gun violence and mental health issues.

From 2013-2018, the Greater Washington Community Foundation partnered with the District Government and served as administrator of The City Fund, investing $15 million over five years as part of the District’s overall public safety and violence prevention agenda. This effort successfully spanned two political administrations—initially under Mayor Vincent Gray’s One City Action Plan and later repositioned under Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Safer Stronger Initiative.

In 2018, The Community Foundation mobilized local funders to support the implementation of Cure the Streets – a pilot program based on the Cure Violence methodology that worked to better understand the causes of gun violence in specific DC neighborhoods and empower local community organizations to be part of the solution.

More recently, we partnered with the Federal City Council and Peace for DC to host Stopping the Cycle of Violence, a community forum that explored proven solutions from across the country and the roles business and philanthropy leaders play in public safety.

LEADING WITH INTENTIONALITY & COLLABORATION

At The Community Foundation, we acknowledge it’s not enough to merely respond to community violence. Rather, it requires intentional coordination and strategic collaboration with community, local government, and philanthropic partners to proactively address the root causes and build stronger, safer communities.

As a result, we have made strategic decisions to support the development and funding of a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing harm reduction efforts in DC. Including:

HIRING A SENIOR FELLOW, COMMUNITY SAFETY & HARM REDUCTION

In partnership with the Public Welfare Foundation, we have hired a Senior Fellow for Community Safety and Harm Reduction. This full-time role is designed to provide leadership for the strategy and coordination of a cohesive and coordinated approach to community safety and harm reduction in the District of Columbia. We look forward to introducing the Fellow to you next month.

PARTICIPATING IN CF LEADS GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION NETWORK

The Community Foundation was selected from community foundations nationwide to participate in the CF Leads Gun Violence Prevention Network. Through this year-long initiative, we will get to learn from leading experts and other foundations to help us catalyze and expand local gun violence prevention efforts by learning and adapting best practices from across the country. We are excited to collaborate with Peace for DC and the DC Office of the Attorney General as we take the opportunity to listen to and learn from each other and all the organizations involved in this important work.

MAKING INVESTMENTS IN HEALTH AND SAFETY

Months before the Surgeon General’s announcement, our Health Equity Fund recognized the connection between the increase in crime and violence in the District and the Fund’s objective to address the social and structural determinants of health.

In March 2024, the Fund committed to making $1 million in matching grants in partnership with the DC Office of the Attorney General and the Office of Neighborhood Engagement and Safety to address youth violence prevention through trauma-informed services, conflict and dispute resolution, mental health and wellbeing, and by assisting families dealing with the grief and trauma caused by these occurrences of violence.

BUILDING NEW STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

In the coming months, we look forward to sharing more about a new strategic partnership that will seek to establish a coordinated body which spans political administrations to develop a long-term strategy for community safety, create a plan for implementation with accountability measures throughout, and establish best practices to align investments across philanthropy, government, and business for maximum impact.

Stay tuned for more details!

We are convinced that philanthropy, especially through community foundations, is ideally positioned to lead a unified response initiative, collaborating with local government, philanthropic entities, and community leaders.

We would love you to join us in this work to promote the overall safety and well-being of residents of the District of Columbia. Please contact us to learn more or get involved in this work.

Welcoming New Faces to The Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is excited to welcome a number of new Board and Team members to The Community Foundation family.

THe community Foundation Board of Trustees

Jill Landefeld, Principal & Portfolio Manager, Brown Advisory

Jill Landefeld specializes in investment management, asset allocation and portfolio construction for a client base that includes foundations, endowments, cultural institutions, trusts, families and private individuals. She has more than 15 years of financial industry expertise, with work experience in four cities and two continents.

Prior to Brown Advisory, Jill was a Vice President at Stifel providing broad investment management services to a selection of institutional and private clients. She joined Stifel in 2015 following its acquisition of Barclays Wealth and Investment Management in the Americas. Prior to her roles in wealth management, Jill provided balance sheet advisory and public sector bond origination services for national treasuries and government agencies with Barclays Investment Bank in London. She also assisted supranational organizations with structuring debut bond transactions in local currencies in frontier markets.

Jill earned a bilingual (English/ Spanish) Masters of Business Administration from IESE Business school in Barcelona, Spain in 2012. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia in 2004.

Jill has lived in Washington DC for many years. She is a current Ambassador and former Board Member for an international charity that works to increase the quality and availability of education for girls in developing countries. She also serves on the Board of Trustees for the DC History Center, which is an educational non-profit that seeks to deepen awareness of our city’s past to connect, empower and inspire.

Montgomery County Advisory Board

Angela Graham, Quality Biological, Inc.

Angela Graham assumed strategic leadership of the Quality Biological, Inc. in 2012, following 15 years of experience in various commercial leadership roles at Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma. Returning to her family business, she spearheaded the company’s transformation from a prominent supplier to government and academia into one that also supports the diverse R&D needs of the highly regulated bio-pharmaceutical sector.

As the founder’s daughter, Angela is deeply committed to upholding the core values that have shaped the company into the niche manufacturer it is today in the life sciences. Her expertise lies in business development, leadership, and change management.  Angela is a graduate of the University of Virginia.

Quality Biological, situated within the BioHealth Capital Region in Montgomery County, Maryland, has earned acclaim not only for producing top-quality products but also for fostering a strong commitment to community engagement. Guided by unwavering principles of ethics and integrity, Angela and her team prioritize giving back to the community. They actively support local charities and nurture close industry partnerships.

Angela currently serves on the board of PIC-MC at Montgomery College as well as Montgomery and Prince George’s Hospice. Previous board experience includes the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation and industry group Diversity Alliance for Science.

Carolyn Leonard

Carolyn Leonard, Ph.D, has worked in the field of early childhood mental health and education for over 40 years. She is retired from Montgomery County Public Schools where she worked primarily with the Head Start Program and state funded PreK for under-resourced children and families. As a school psychologist she designed, implemented and evaluated interventions to address factors interfering with students’ learning and school success.  While working as a community psychologist, she was involved with community needs assessment and program planning.  She also had responsibility for assessing the impact of interventions which targeted young children’s development and learning, parenting, and family stability.

In Carolyn’s work with a variety of nonprofit organizations, she has focused on improving the mental health, education and well -being of under-resourced children and families. Addressing needs and access to resources have been goals guiding her work at the individual, program and policy levels.

During her career, Carolyn has served on numerous boards and advisory councils. These have included The Montgomery County Commission for Children and Youth, Early Head Start, Starting Early Starting Smart, Community Kids, the Early Childhood Mental Health Consortium, the National Advisory Council for the School of Education at Johns Hopkins University, Apple Tree Institute for Education and Innovation and The Strathmore Music Center.  While on the board of Strathmore, she chaired the Education Committee, which focused on expanding programs for low-income children and families. Her philanthropy has focused on “giving where you are living” and supporting organizations committed to serving those typically not able to access educational and cultural opportunities.

Carolyn has a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Rutgers University, an MS in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University, and a BS in Child Development and Family Relations from the University of Connecticut. She is also a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.

Dusty Rood, Rodgers Consulting

Dusty Rood is the President and CEO of Rodgers Consulting, Inc., headquartered in Montgomery County, MD. Founded in 1957, Rodgers Consulting’s mission is to provide industry-leading land use and real estate development consulting services for clients who demonstrate integrity and who recognize the importance of community responsibility, with a commitment to excellence in planning and design.

 In addition to serving as the CEO of Rodgers Consulting, Dusty is engaged in other community affairs. He currently serves on the Leadership Group of Montgomery Moving Forward and the Advisory Board of the Universities at Shady Grove. He is a member and past participant of Leadership Maryland, and he previously served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce.

Joan Schaffer

Joan Schaffer  is a proud third-generation native of the DC area, and she has called Montgomery County home for most of her life. After earning her MBA at Georgetown, she held progressively significant roles at Price Waterhouse and Freddie Mac, ultimately serving as Managing Vice President and Business Information Officer at Capital One.

Following an early retirement, Joan turned her focus to providing enhanced opportunities for Montgomery County’s underserved residents. Her efforts included consulting for various local nonprofits, board service, and active participation in the County Council’s Grants Advisory Group. Evolving from this involvement, she accepted the role of Council Grants Manager overseeing the entire grants process and collaborating with the Advisory Group to evaluate up to 400 grant applications each year and recommend appropriate Council funding.

Joan's commitment to our nonprofit sector continues as she provides pro bono consulting and serves on multiple boards within the community. Presently, she lends her expertise to organizations such as the Food Council, MCAEL, the Children’s Opportunity Alliance, and the Imagination Library, underscoring her dedication to serving the diverse needs of Montgomery County's residents. She is especially passionate about providing equitable support and opportunities for all of our county’s children.

Prince George’s County Advisory Board

Keisha Hawkins, MBA, PMP

Keisha Hawkins is a dynamic leader in operations and project management, with a proven track record of over a decade. As the Director of Operations at Wayne Enterprises, she not only leads operational policy implementation and growth directives but also spearheads client support services, showcasing her ability to manage diverse responsibilities and teams.

In addition to her role at Wayne Enterprises, Keisha is the owner-operator of Rita's Water Ice of Oxon Hill. She has previously served as a Program Manager at Cambio Consulting, where she effectively planned, organized, and managed various projects for the USDA’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, enhancing quality control and communications support.

Her extensive background includes significant achievements such as overhauling administrative and operations management at Federal Advisory Partners, leading to increased oversight and efficiency. At Highlight Technologies LLC, she excelled as a Program Analyst III, implementing quality control measures and improving program deliverables' timeliness.

With a strong focus on strategic planning, risk mitigation, and data management, Keisha has consistently demonstrated her ability to handle complex operational overhauls and refine administrative systems. Her expertise spans operational efficiency improvement, resource allocation, and event coordination, making her a valuable asset to any organization.

Keisha holds an MBA from the University of Massachusetts and multiple certifications, including a PMP from the Project Management Institute and a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University. She is married and has three children who excel academically and are talented in sports.

Keisha's commitment to community development is a cornerstone of her professional values. Her robust problem-solving capabilities and dedication to enhancing organizational performance align perfectly with the mission of the Greater Washington Community Foundation Prince George’s Board. She eagerly looks forward to contributing to nonprofit initiatives and positively impacting the community.

Aimee Griffin, Esq, Principal Attorney, Life & Legacy Counselors of The Griffin Firm PLLC

Aimee is the principal attorney of Life & Legacy Counselors of The Griffin Firm PLLC, an estate and business succession firm committed to the creation, protection and transfer of wealth serving District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Florida.

Aimee is the Board President and Founder of the Association of Black Estate Planning Professionals, Inc., a collaborative economic empowerment organization with a mission to bridge the racial wealth gap. With a commitment to strategic community economic development for Black people, Aimee serves as Corporate Counsel for the US Black Chambers, National African American Insurance Association, (NAAIA) and the BOW Collective.

Aimee is committed to supporting community growth through education and speaks regularly at national, regional, and local forums to educate other attorneys and the community. Aimee is an adjunct professor at the Western New England University, School of Law, and a monthly contributor to the Washington Informer newspaper. She strongly believes “when we know better, we can do better.”

Aimee has been recognized and received awards by local and regional associations including the Small Business Administration as a Minority Business Champion. Aimee was just awarded the 2024 Women in Business Champion of the Year Award by the DC Chamber of Commerce.

Aimee steadfastly believes we are better together!

The Community Foundation Staff

Mandi Koba, Program Officer, Economic Mobility

Mandi Koba joined the Greater Washington Community Foundation in February 2024 as the Program Officer, Economic Mobility. In her role, Mandi provides management and guidance to programs such as Thrive Prince George’s and Brilliant Futures.

Mandi joins us from Fairfax County, VA where she helped launch their guaranteed income pilot program. Prior to that, she worked at Bread for the City supporting two cash transfer programs: THRIVE East of the River and DC Cares. She also previously worked as a case manager and advocate serving youth and adults across a range of vulnerable circumstances.

Mandi holds a bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies and a Master of Social Work from George Mason University. As lived experience professional, her work is centered in equity, community voice and individual self-determination.

Bridget Hanagan, Senior Manager, Development Operations

Bridget joined The Community Foundation (for the second time) as Senior Manager, Development Operations in May 2024. Bridget’s career in philanthropy started in 2012 when she joined The Community Foundation for the first time as Donor Services Officer supporting the local Mongomery County office in donor support and development, communications, and event planning. For the past 12 years, she has worked closely with families and individuals to develop and execute their charitable giving goals, managed impactful philanthropic partnerships, and built development systems to drive organizational success.

Prior to returning to The Community Foundation, Bridget managed Philanthropic Partnerships for PSI, a global health NGO that makes it easier for all people to lead healthier lives and plan the families they desire. At PSI, Bridget supported Maverick Collective members to engage deeply in the work of PSI through an experiential philanthropy approach that gave members hands-on learning experiences with the projects they funded. She also managed PSI’s relationships and communications with wealth and philanthropic advisors.

Bridget holds a BA from Simmons University in International Relations and Economics with a French minor. A New Englander at heart, she resides in Washington, DC with her fiancé and their rescue dog, Rue. Outside of work, you can find Bridget hiking with Rue, planning her next ski trip, checking off a bucket list travel destination, trying out new recipes, or searching for the best dumpling in the DMV.

Emani Brooks, Summer Intern, Development Team

Emani Brooks is currently a Junior attending Bowie State University majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Upon graduating with her Bachelor's degree, Emani plans to attend Graduate School and get her Master's degree in either Communications or Public Relations and pursue a career in Social Media Management/Marketing. Emani is a previous employee at Bank of America as a Financial Center Intern and also has experience in Social Media Marketing and Journalism. In her pastime, Emani enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.