Grantee Partner

The Women's Foundation and Catalogue for Philanthropy leverage collective wisdom.

Posted on by Lisa Kays

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of attending the 2008 Catalogue for Philanthropy awards ceremony, where we got a chance to hear from a number of past awardees about what recognition in the Catalogue has meant for them.

The wisdom of the Catalogue is based on the same wisdom that governs grantmaking at The Women’s Foundation.  The Catalogue brings together a diverse committee of volunteers–all experts in philanthropy at some level–to vet and evaluate potential candidates for the Catalogue, so that once in hand, philanthropists know that every nonprofit featured is doing excellent work and having an impact.

Similarly, The Women’s Foundation uses the power of collective wisdom in its grantmaking, placing the responsibility for decisions about funding in the hands of community members–whether through the Leadership Awards, grantmaking committee or a giving circle–and asking them to pool not only their resources, but their experience, perspective and wisdom to choose the most effective organizations in which to invest.

So it was no surprise to me today when I saw so many of our former Leadership Awardees and other Grantee Partners featured in this year’s Catalogue, or being honored as those who had best leveraged their appearance in the past. 

Among them, Fair Fund and A Wider Circle–2007 Leadership Awardees of The Women’s Foundation–are featured in this year’s Catalogue.

The Washington Middle School for Girls, a Grantee Partner of The Women’s Foundation and former Catalogue charity, was featured via film.

In addition, Ascensions Community Services and Friends of Guest House were honored for having taken full advantage of being featured in the 2007 Catalogue by leveraging various marketing, media and outreach strategies to increase their fundraising and build important partnerships throughout the community.

Looking through the Catalogue of the 2008 honorees and those of the past, there is a great deal more overlap between The Women’s Foundation’s Grantee Partner list and the Catalogue‘s selected nonprofits than I can list here.

All, I think, testimony to the value and power of investing in mechanisms that vet and evaluate the organizations working in our community through the common wisdom and involvement of our community.

In tough economic times like we’re facing now, when the needs are greater than ever before and resources are decreasing, there has never been a more important time not only to give to our community, but to invest wisely in it.

As Sidney Harman said during his remarks today, now is the time to give even more, not less, than we ever have before.   

Lisa Kays is Director of Communications at The Women’s Foundation and was a reviewer for the 2008 Catalogue for Philanthropy.

It's up to all of us to learn to identify, report and assist victims of domestic violence.

Posted on by Debbie Billet-Roumell

In a crowded room at the Catholic Charities, more than 60 people gathered to hear Kathy Zeisel, Domestic Violence Staff Attorney at The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, and Robin Runge, Director of the Commission on Domestic Violence at the American Bar Association and Commissioner at The DC Commission on Women, spoke on learning to recognize red flags for indications of domestic violence and what to do if you suspect someone is a victim.

The event was organized by The DC Women’s Agenda to honor the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The event served as an opportunity to reach out to the broader community serving clients and educate them about recognizing and creating a safe comfort environment for victims of domestic violence.

Ms. Runge addressed the prevalence of domestic violence and the need for the public to help victims. Domestic violence effects one out of four individuals in heterosexual and homosexual relationships.  More than 80 percent of domestic violence victims in families become homeless; and 20 percent of women victims become homeless. 

The insidious nature of domestic violence causes individuals to withdraw from society, friends and family, isolating them from potential sources of support. This is why it is imperative that in our professional and personal lives, we look for signs of domestic violence.

Ms. Runge spoke about her work with lawyers who are legally mandated to report domestic violence. When victims gather the courage to speak about their abuse, they are often referred to seek relief through legal channels. Many lawyers are not adequately trained to work with survivors and often seek a protective order, which can cause additional trouble for the victim.  When individuals disclose that they are victims, they should be referred to experts in domestic violence who have the knowledge, updated information and skills in understanding how to navigate the system for victims.

Ms. Zeisel addressed red flags that are often seen with survivors of domestic violence.  If a survivor is with their spouse and is meeting with a third party, the survivor often stays quiet and looks uncomfortable, the spouse controls the conversation and will not allow the survivor to be without him. Another classic sign is that a spouse will become violent toward the victim’s property; for example, they may run over their cat.

The speaker addressed the need to create a safe environment for individuals to disclose that they are victims. When a professional is screening for any type of service, they should always screen partners separately and ask about domestic violence. The screening should be standard policy to ensure that victims don’t get nervous as to why they are being asked. The victim often feels that they are the one to blame in the situation; other times, victims are in denial and will make excuses for the partner. 

Individuals working with clients should always have material available on domestic violence.  Restrooms are an excellent place to put material on domestic violence because the victim is alone.

When screening for domestic violence, it is imperative that you know the limits of your confidentiality. If you are required to report instances of domestic violence, you need to tell the victim before they disclose. Once reported, the victims’ life can be turned upside down. They may lose their job because they have to go to court and their perpetrator may come after them for disclosing.

In conclusion the speakers explained that there are resources available. In addition, the DC Coalition against Domestic Violence can come to organizations and train staff.

Additional information on screening for domestic violence.

Debbie Billet-Roumell is the coordinator of the DC Women’s Agenda, a Grantee Partner of The Women’s Foundation that is a coalition of advocacy organizations, service providers, and individuals working to promote the advancement of equality, safety and well-being for women and girls in the District. It is chaired by the DC Employment Justice Center and Wider Opportunities for Women.

Low-income residents are hit by cuts to D.C.'s budget.

Posted on by Debbie Billet-Roumell

Monday was a set-back for low-income residents in Washington, D.C.  For those of you that have not followed the events of this past week, here is a brief re-cap:

On Friday November 7th, the DC Council announced a proposal to cut $16 million from the FY 2009 budget to address the $131 million budget short fall as well as to anticipate worsening economic times. The Council is also creating a $50 million reserve if the economy continues to decline. The Council’s proposal passed.

Mayor Fenty had already proposed a budget to close the budget gap by not filling vacancies as well as looking for other cost saving measures. The Council’s budget includes the proposed changes in the Mayor’s budget as well as many additional cuts noted below.

Many advocates made calls and met with Council members and their staff.  We were successful in restoring some of the funds for Housing First as well as new housing/programs for domestic violence victims.

The DC Women’s Agenda continues to work with other advocacy groups to have the money restored. The DC Council will meet in legislative session on Tuesday, November 18th and all persons concerned about the cuts should attend.

Current cuts:

  • $2 million for the rent supplement program that would have provided 150 units of affordable housing at a time when there are over 26,000 DC residents on the housing assistance waitlist;
  • $1.3 million for a Temporary Assistance to Needy Families cash assistance increase for some of the District’s most vulnerable families at a time when energy costs are increasing by 29 percent and prices for basic food items are increasing by 11 percent. TANF recipients have already begun to receive the 2009 increase of $9.00 per month;
  • $12.4 million from the Housing First Fund which will result in nearly 400 individuals already placed in permanent supportive housing to lose their homes within 6 months. In addition, no homeless families will be able to be served under the program. A PORTION OF THIS FUNDING HAS BEEN RESTORED; and, 
  • $19 million for the Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP), which will reduce the amount of funding for low- and no-interest loans that help low-income first-time homebuyers purchase homes in the District.

The following measures will not be cut:  

  • $20 million business tax break enacted in FY 2009;
  • $141 million in tax cuts provided to DC’s wealthiest residents several years ago.

To learn how you can take action or learn more about these issues, contact me at DBRoumell@wowonline.org.

Debbie Billet-Roumell is the coordinator of the DC Women’s Agenda, a Grantee Partner of The Women’s Foundation that is a coalition of advocacy organizations, service providers, and individuals working to promote the advancement of equality, safety and well-being for women and girls in the District. It is chaired by the DC Employment Justice Center and Wider Opportunities for Women.

From Afghanistan to Bank of America, thanks to a Goodwill training program.

Posted on by Gwen Rubinstein

Goodwill of Greater Washington offers numerous programs in addition to the Women in Construction program that The Women’s Foundation supports.

Last Friday, I had the privilege of attending a graduation ceremony for the most recent learners in Goodwill’s Bank Skills Training Program.  I left so inspired by all of the graduates and how far they had come. 

Especially moving were remarks by one student in particular, Susan Jelanizada, who told the story of her path to Goodwill and a new job in banking, which began in Afghanistan.

I share her remarks here because I think they can also inspire other women and girls and demonstrate the power of the programs that support their journeys to financial independence and economic security–whether those journeys begin in Arlington or Afghanistan.

Susan says:
 
“… Only a few years ago, women in my homeland of Afghanistan were denied any access to education or a meaningful role in society. Women and, to some extent, men, were barred from any meaningful education or professional pursuits. Girls were not allowed to continue any form of formal education beyond age 13.  Boys could only study at the ultra-conservative and extremist madrasas. My family and I were fortunate enough to have left Afghanistan and avoided the brutal realities of daily life under the extremist regime. Nonetheless, living in Pakistan was no picnic, either.

We faced many challenges living in Pakistan, including a language and some cultural barriers. However, life there offered us something that we could not get back home: access to basic education. We worked hard, and we took advantage of whatever opportunities were available.

While I count myself as one of the lucky few who has had the privilege of migrating to the United States, starting life anew has not been easy.

First, there is the culture shock.  America is a place where people enjoy freedoms unheard of in my homeland.  It is also a much different environment as far as the culture and norms are concerned. It was especially difficult for me as the oldest child in the family to leave my family and live all by myself for the first time. And this was not just a few miles away from home, but thousands of miles away. We value our family greatly in my culture and visit one another pretty often. Social life in Afghanistan tends to be more intimate and families tend to have close relations with one another.  Furthermore, it is quite untraditional for an Afghan woman to live by herself and away from her family in Afghanistan. 

However, I believe living away from my family has made me stronger and given me opportunities as well as challenges to grow and succeed in ways impossible back home.

My experiences have helped me develop a certain level of interest and appreciation for education and yearn for a brighter future; however, it was very hard for me to find the way how to do it.  I was not sure how to start the new life in the United States, how to pursue my career and my goals.  I didn’t know anything about the culture and environment.

I tried to apply for jobs online, but somehow I did not get a positive response. Maybe it is because I did not have work experience in the U.S., or maybe I didn’t know how to make my resume according to the job opening.

Finally, feeling disappointed and exhausted, I asked my employee specialist at the Department of Social Services of Fairfax County to let me know if there were training programs to prepare me for a job.

I had never thought about banking before coming to Goodwill, but after sharing my work experience with David, the Bank Skills Trainer, I found out that I had done all the jobs and had the skills that are needed in a bank for a teller.

I was so impressed by the service and training I received from Goodwill.

It has helped me to achieve my goals and start my new career in banking.  At Goodwill, we have learned about banking terminology and jargon.

Besides this, David helped us in making our resumes and prepared us for interviews.

I personally really liked the practice interview part where we really received constructive feedback from the recruiters. The practice prepared me to pass the real interview at the job fair and, luckily, I received an offer to work with Bank of America on the day of the job fair.

I count myself a successful person because I have never given up in life, despite all the ups and downs. I always believed in myself and knew that ‘I can do it.’  I am happy and proud to have been part of this class where I got to know all the wonderful people who are graduating today, as well as the volunteers from so many banks.

In closing, I would like to thank Goodwill for providing such training programs that help people start their careers. Thank you to David for being so nice and helpful with all of us and thanks to Valerie for helping us and providing us extra support.

Thanks to all of the Goodwill team for giving us a chance to achieve our career goals.

Gwen Rubinstein is a program officer at The Women’s Foundation. 

Leadership Awards Program is looking for a few good nonprofits, and volunteers. Join us!

Posted on by WAWF

It seems like only yesterday I was attending my very first event at The Women’s Foundation: The Leadership Awards reception.

The Leadership Awards Program is a signature program of The Women’s Foundation that identifies and recognizes local – but largely undiscovered – nonprofits demonstrating innovation and measurable success in the service of women and girls.

The event started out as so many others, with snacks and drinks, friendly chit chatting, and meeting new friends and old.  It was lovely, but also very reminiscent of a number of other receptions I had attended before.

That was about to change.

As the program began and the awards committee co-chairs began to introduce the recipient organizations, I could feel the whole tenor of the room change. I was immediately enthralled with the work of these organizations and the individuals working within them.  All of these incredible organizations were doing work right here in my own back yard! 

More amazingly, I had never heard of most of them! I realized then that though I had lived in the area of the last 10 years, I did not really know my own community.

By the end of the awards presentations, this ordinary reception had become an extraordinarily inspirational event – and not just for me. As I looked around the room, I could see that many other attendees had been as amazed and inspired as I was.   (See event photos!)

Today, I am part of the great process that brought these wonderful organizations to the attention of so many others that evening back in March 2008.  I am working with at least 45 volunteers eager to get to work on what will no doubt be a challenging, but engaging selection process.

As was the case last year, the Leadership Awards are focused on organizations working to improve the health and safety of women and girls.

I can’t wait to see what hidden gems we uncover!

But we all know that we can’t do this alone. To uncover gems like these, we need the involvement of many people.

We have officially opened nominations for organizations to be considered for the 2008 Leadership Awards.

Additionally, I encourage all of you to get involved in identifying innovative and emerging organizations – many of them operating below the radar – working to improve the health and safety of Washington-area women and girls.  Visit TheWomensFoundation.org to learn more about how YOU can help the Leadership Awards committee by either joining a regional team or nominating an area nonprofit.

We will continue to welcome new members to the committee through October 24, 2008.

If you are interested in joining, please complete and return the volunteer commitment form and be prepared to attend the kick-off meeting on Tuesday October 28th from 6-9 p.m.

Or, to nominate an organization for a Leadership Award, click here.

Nicole Cozier is The Women’s Foundation’s philanthropic education officer.

Prince George's Gazette covers child care strategy that's smart for businesses and families.

Posted on by Gwen Rubinstein

New economic development initiatives can present outstanding opportunities for new partnerships – including partnerships that support employers and low-income single working women and their children.

That kind of thinking led Prince George’s Child Resource Center (PGCRC), with support from The Women’s Foundation, to reach out to Gaylord Hotels as it developed the National Harbor project on the Potomac River in Oxon Hill.

The goal: to connect low-income single mothers working at National Harbor to early care and education providers nearby.

The outcome: PGCRC is providing brochures and other information to National Harbor for its workers, and National Harbor is promoting PGCRC’s services through its human resources office and its internal communications with employees.

The work has also recently drawn the attention of the Prince George’s County Gazette.

No wonder. This is a smart strategy.

Gaining access to more affordable, reliable and convenient services for their children means the women working at National Harbor can become highly dependable workers, which has significant benefits for their employer and the community.

Gwen Rubinstein is a program officer at The Women’s Foundation.

Phyllis Caldwell and Grantee Partners on the potential impact on nonprofits of the Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae takeover.

Posted on by Lisa Kays

On Sunday, The Women’s Foundation’s president, Phyllis Caldwell, was quoted in Philip Rucker’s Washington Post article, "Mortgage Giants’ Fall May Hurt Nonprofits."  Grantee Partners Doorways for Women and Families and Northern Virginia Family Services were also quoted. 

"There’s tremendous anxiety," Phyllis said.  "The uncertainty around what will happen will just cause things to stand still, and that creates more anxiety."

To read the rest of the article on how the takeover of mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could impact the nonprofit community in the Washington metropolitan area, visit WashingtonPost.com or view the PDF.

Quality pre-school for low-income families: A story 25 years in the making.

Posted on by Ryan Patrick Smith

In their September issue, Real Simple magazine highlights the story of Barbara Mason’s 25 year journey helping thousands of children living in poverty and the one board member, Dagobert Soergel, who has been with her from the start.

In fact, Soergel, a University of Maryland professor, not only has been a board member from day one, he also wrote the newspaper ad that Mason answered nearly 25 years ago that offered a chance to make a difference in the life of a child.

The piece features a conversation between Mason and Soergel that illuminates the pivotal role Soergel played behind the scenes in helping The Child and Family Network Centers (CFNC), a Grantee Partner of The Women’s Foundation, develop into a nationally accredited organization that now provides nearly 200 children from low-income families with free preschool every year.

At one point during the interview, Soergel reveals a secret: “In CFNC’s second year, there was a workshop through High/Scope, an educational research foundation renowned for its preschool approach. I knew Barbara wanted to go, but CFNC didn’t have the money. I found an organization to pay for half. And Barbara doesn’t know this, but I contributed the other half.”

The article appears on page 90 of the September issue of Real Simple, which just hit newsstands.  Or you can see it online here.

Ryan Patrick Smith is manager of grants and major gifts at The Child and Family Network Centers, a Grantee Partner of The Women’s Foundation.

DCWA: DC Council candidates respond to issues important to local women.

Posted on by Debbie Billet-Roumell

In an election guide released this week by the DC Women’s Agenda, DC Council candidates were challenged to find solutions to staggering issues confronting women and girls in DC, including the facts that 12% of DC women lack health insurance; 25,000 individuals, primarily women, are on the DC Housing Authority wait list for affordable housing; and, 9% of babies born with HIV/AIDS nationwide come from DC.

In response to a proposed policy that would support the adjustment to inflation each year for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) (currently at 19% of the federal poverty line), the At-Large candidates offered different point of views. Councilmember Kwame Brown said he would “consider supporting this option but would like to have more information…to ensure that this is the best option to improve the quality of life for our local parents and children,” and Candidate Patrick Mara said he “would need to assess the implications of such a policy change in light of the present budget situation.” Councilmember Carol Schwartz said she “favored adjusting the amounts of TANF benefits to account for inflation” and Candidate David Schwartzman said “a cost of living adjustment every year for TANF benefits is absolutely necessary.”

This issue is especially important when you consider that for a family of three, to meet their basic living expenses, they must pay $4,386 per month, according to Wider Opportunities for Women. Even with a variety of public benefits, including food stamps in the amount of $426 per month, Child Care and Development Fund Subsidy and Medicaid, families’ expenses are more than they can afford with the TANF benefit of only $427 a month.

The 2008 Election Guide/ Issues Affecting Women and Girls details candidates’ responses to questions related to women’s issues in the upcoming election and is designed to help voters understand candidates’ positions on issues related to health care, housing/homelessness, wages, benefits and economic self-sufficiency, teens and child care. The D.C. Women’s Agenda calls for candidates to focus on the issues facing women and girls and encourages D.C. residents to expect the same of the candidates – both now and after the elections in the fall.

Debbie Billet-Roumell is the coordinator of the DC Women’s Agenda, a Grantee Partner of The Women’s Foundation that is a coalition of advocacy organizations, service providers, and individuals working to promote the advancement of equality, safety and well-being for women and girls in the District. It is chaired by the DC Employment Justice Center and Wider Opportunities for Women.

The Election Guide is available online or by requesting a hard copy at DBRoumell@wowonline.org.

First round on grantmaking committee highlights rigor, hard work that goes into investing wisely.

Posted on by Cathy Isaacson

I always knew the Women’s Foundation’s grantmaking process was rigorous, but it wasn’t until I joined the Open Door Capacity Fund Committee that learned why it is so successful in identifying the most deserving organizations and in holding each of them accountable for the greatest possible impact in their community.

My first round on the Open Door Capacity Fund Committee was this past spring, and I’ve been reflecting on it lately since we’re about to head into another round in a few weeks–what will be my second as a committee member. 

The committee makes relatively small grants to existing Grantee Partners for capacity building.  Because the applicants have already been vetted by The Women’s Foundation, I figured the process would be somewhat relaxed.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Each organization that applied for a grant was asked to provide detailed information about the history and operation of the organization, its governance, financials and the project for which the money would be used.  Each member of the committee was then assigned to do a detailed evaluation of the information provided and present that analysis at a committee meeting in which all members assessed and questioned the organization, the information provided and the merit of the project proposed.

Next, site visits were set up and two members of the Open Door Committee met with members of senior management at the applicant organization’s headquarters to see the operation first-hand and discuss the committee’s findings, any reservations and questions.  Detailed site visit evaluations were then completed and the committee mets one last time to make final decisions on the grants.

It was so inspiring to me how hard this committee works to ensure that each donor dollar is devoted to the worthiest, most vibrant organizations and the projects that would make the greatest difference.

Cathy Isaacson is a member of The Women’s Foundation’s board of directors and serves on the Open Door Capacity Fund Committee.  She is also a member of Washington 100.

The Open Door Capacity Fund is now accepting proposals from eligible Grantee Partners.