The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region is celebrating its 40th and has three big things to tackle in the next decade. (If one of those things is read Game of Thrones, don't count on George RR Martin finishing the series by then.)
1) Tackle poverty as it moves to the 'burbs
Community Foundation president Terri Lee Freeman, who’s worked for the organization 17 years, tells us it used to be that the region’s population living in poverty was concentrated in DC. But the cost of living is forcing them to the suburbs. Despite the DC area being a place where people want to live for its assets, it’s still home to a large population of severely impoverished people, many of whom work multiple jobs. The organization, a public charity made up of charitable giving funds, will focus on the trend as the shift continues over the next decade.
2) Find the future philanthropists
Young, working professionals will also start hearing more from the Community Foundation. Terri says people in their 20s and 30s come from a culture of giving back, and there’s an opportunity to reach them for donations and volunteerism. The foundation has partnered with groups that have younger members, but it’s also looking at ways to meet young people where they’re most comfortable. That could be using more technology or holding events that don’t have big-ticket prices of a gala. The organization’s upcoming anniversary celebration on March 17, for example, is selling tickets to “emerging philanthropists” for $100 less than the normal ticket.
3. Get the young educated and all people in housing
Terri says the community foundation will also continue promoting post-secondary education and other types of training for young people. Post secondary credentials increase the likelihood of getting a job that pays more, she adds. And the high school diploma or GED isn’t cutting it anymore. Terri says another concern is homelessness and the increase of working poor who don’t have a place to call home. She’s hoping to make it a collective effort in the region.
