PRESS RELEASE                                                                                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 31, 2023
Contact:
Ellie Shippey
The Center for Nonprofit Advancement
202-457-0548
eleanors@nonprofitadvancement.org

CENTER FOR NONPROFIT ADVANCEMENT STRENGTHENS GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION EFFORTS IN WASHINGTON, DC

Washington, DC – July 31, 2023  – In collaboration with the Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships (Serve DC), the Center for Nonprofit Advancement is proud to announce its support in providing capacity-building trainings to four distinguished nonprofit organizations. Under the 2023-2024 AmeriCorps Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) cycle, these organizations have been granted $130,000. Their primary focus lies in implementing effective gun violence prevention strategies and interventions within communities of color across the District.

Strategically partnering with the Mayor’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP), Serve DC has actively sought to protect and enhance the lives of men and boys of color through meaningful relationships and impactful interventions. The Center for Nonprofit Advancement, renowned for its expertise in empowering nonprofits, will facilitate capacity-building trainings for the selected grantees. Through these trainings, the organizations will gain best practices for recruiting, training and retaining a diverse community of volunteers, elevating their ability to make a lasting impact in their respective communities.

The following esteemed nonprofit organizations, selected through a rigorous competitive process, will be recipients of funding and capacity-building resources through Serve DC’s 2023-2024 Volunteer Generation Fund program:

  • Alliance of Concerned Men
  • East of the River Clergy Police Community Partnership
  • NAMC, Jobs Not Guns
  • Opportunities for Deserving Children, Inc.

“The Center for Nonprofit Advancement is proud to engage the Volunteer Generation Fund grantees with resources and capacity building to increase their outcomes, combating gun violence and promoting safety in communities,” expressed Glen O’Gilvie, CEO at the Center for Nonprofit Advancement. “We are empowering nonprofit organizations to expand their reach and enhance their volunteer management practices. Together with Serve DC, we are working towards creating a safer and stronger DC.”

The Volunteer Generation Fund, an AmeriCorps funded grant program, empowers organizations to broaden their reach by implementing successful recruitment, retention, and utilization of volunteers. In 2023, AmeriCorps made over $8 million available for organizations across the nation to strengthen volunteer management practices.

For more information about Serve DC’s Volunteer Generation Fund, please visit HERE.

About The Center for Nonprofit Advancement:

The Center for Nonprofit Advancement is a leading capacity-building organization dedicated to strengthening the nonprofit community in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. With a focus on professional development, networking, and advocacy, the Center equips nonprofit leaders and organizations with the tools and resources they need to achieve their missions and drive positive change in the community.

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The Center recognizes and commemorates Disability Pride Month— a significant occasion to not only acknowledge, but also celebrate the rich tapestry of human diversity, as disability is an integral part of the human experience that nearly all of us will encounter at some point in our lives. It’s a fundamental identity that profoundly shapes how individuals perceive and interact with the world.

During this special month, we take the time to remember and reflect upon the immense strength and determination exhibited by disability activists, who have often been part of a less visible minority group. One such inspiring figure is Eunice Kennedy Shriver who founded the Special Olympics, an organization that provides sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympics has grown to become a global movement, promoting inclusion, acceptance, and dignity for individuals with disabilities. Similarly, the legacy of Judith Heumann, a lifelong disability rights activist, stands as a testament to the power of advocacy in creating a more inclusive world. With key roles in various disability advocacy organizations and as the first Special Advisor for International Disability Rights at the U.S. Department of State, Heumann has been instrumental in driving positive change.

Disability Pride Month originated as an annual celebration to honor the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. This landmark legislation has been pivotal in advancing the rights and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. In July 2023, the Center for Accessibility at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library hosted a series of enlightening events to commemorate the ADA and promote inclusivity. These events included “From Dr. Strange to Bridgerton: Unexpected Disability Narratives in Popular Culture,” where Tolonda Henderson, a PhD student specializing in disability, race, and young adult literature, discussed representations of disability in modern media. Additionally, the “Smart Home Exhibit” showcased cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance accessibility in daily home activities, fostering independence and inclusivity.  We hope our members were able to support the work of institutions like the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library who share the resources and education required to expand our perspectives on intersectional issues like ability.

As we approach the conclusion of Disability Pride Month, it is essential to reaffirm our commitment to promoting true allyship. The journey to create a fully accessible and equitable world for individuals with both visible and invisible disabilities is ongoing. Organizations play a crucial role in ensuring that those who are differently-abled are given equal opportunities and the necessary tools to thrive, just like their able-bodied counterparts. Through fostering inclusive environments, we can empower individuals with disabilities and celebrate the richness of diversity within our communities.

For parties interested in finding out if their website is accessible to people with disabilities, you can attend this upcoming training!  

 

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PRESS RELEASE                                                                                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 30, 2023
Contact:
Ellie Shippey
The Center for Nonprofit Advancement
202-457-0548
eleanors@nonprofitadvancement.org

OUT TEACH WINS BOARD LEADERSHIP AWARD; NVRDC
RECOGNIZED AS HONORABLE MENTION

Washington, DC – June 30, 2023  – The Center for Nonprofit Advancement is pleased to announce the recipients of the Board Leadership Award. Out Teach has been honored as the Winner of this esteemed award, while NVRDC has been recognized as the Honorable Mention.

Out Teach is a national education non-profit built to inspire and prepare today’s elementary students to become the next generation of fearless innovators. Designed by teachers, for teachers, the organization delivers personalized hands-on training, collaborative partnerships, and easily accessible resources that equip thousands of teachers in schools across the US to transform the outdoors into active learning labs. They are creating a world where every student–regardless of learning ability, race, zip code, gender, or access to resources– can step into the wonder of science.

NVRDC, established in 2012, is an organization dedicated to providing essential support and services to individuals affected by crimes in Washington, DC. Their mission is to empower victims through advocacy, case management and legal assistance.

The Board Leadership Award, initiated in 2011, aims to acknowledge exceptional board leadership within the Greater Washington area. It celebrates boards that go above and beyond recommended standards, bringing new levels of leadership that result in positive changes and notable successes.

The selection process for this award is thorough, including nominations, interviews and site visits, ensuring the recognition of exemplary nonprofit board leadership.

“We extend our congratulations to Out Teach for their exceptional achievement in winning the Board Leadership Award and for their impactful work in empowering educators and students,” said Sean Sweeney, Director of Education and Special Programs at the Center. “We also commend NVRDC for their significant contributions and recognize them as the Honorable Mention this year, providing crucial support to individuals affected by crimes within our Community.”

The Center for Nonprofit Advancement will share the 4th Annual Board Best Practices Video Shorts in the near future.

For more information, please visit nonprofitadvancement.org

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On January 20th, the Center’s Professional Development Book Club met via Zoom to discuss our third book, Deep Work by Cal Newport. We started with an enlightening conversation about the variety of distractions the modern world presents. In line with our reading, we shared thoughts, tips, and examples of how to cut the distractions from our lives and focus on work.

We are looking forward to starting our fourth book! If you are interested in joining our next discussing, please email Patrick Rabiecki.

 

 

Deep Work by Cal Newport

Deep Work dives in to how to revolutionize work habits in a world where distractions are prevalent and attention spans are short. Newport presents a rigorous training regimen for readers to follow, as a series of four “rules” for transforming your mind and habits.

Cal Newport is a computer science professor at Georgetown University and a New York Times bestselling author of seven books. Newport is also a regular contributor to the New Yorker, the New York Times, and WIRED.

“The Center’s book club is excited to dive into Cal Newport’s book about staying focused in a world where distractions are around every corner.” Patrick Rabiecki, Member Associate and co-planner of the Book Club.

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Hispanic Heritage month is an annual celebration of the history and culture of U.S. Hispanic communities.

The anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua is on the 15th of September, which is why the month of celebration spans from September 15th to October 15th.

This month, the Center commemorates the diverse experience of Hispanic leaders through the I am the Change series.

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The Davis Center presents its annual Community Service Award to The Parks Main Street because of its dedication to the arts and small businesses in the community. TPMS is part of DC’s Department of Small and Local Business Development, which partners with the Center.

The Davis Center, founded in 1969, provides dance instruction and related arts education to Washington, DC metropolitan area residents of all ages and varied backgrounds. Each year the Davis Center holds an Annual Awards Program for its students to teach them how to receive an award and to give them recognition for their hard work. The awards program was held on Friday, June 18, 2021 at the Bridges Academy.

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Assessing the situation in the Greater Washington area

The Center commissioned research from Brighter Strategies as part of a regional study to determine how to structure support that best serves area needs. The data collected is important to the proprieties and action agendas for all sectors.

The Center’s Sector Rebuilding Campaign was launched in response to the pandemic to support nonprofits in rebuilding the capacity and systems needed to thrive throughout the health and economic crisis and over the next three years. The murder of George Floyd and countless others amplified critical cross sector dialogue, uncovered various race equity deficits and is motivating action from leaders. In response to the need for change, we launched a new Center for Race, Equity, Justice and Inclusion. This critical research will help guide our efforts in both areas.

Hear the results in our debrief and discussion

Join the dialogue! Review, interpret and reflect on the results with our discussion leaders:

 

Glen O’Gilvie, CAE
CEO
Center for Nonprofit Advancement

 

 

Elizabeth Scott, PhD
President /CEO
Brighter Strategies

 

 

Survey data preview:
  • Nonprofits in the greater Washington region have felt a loss of funding, volunteers and client relations.
  • Over 60% of nonprofits expect to see continued increases in demand for services.
  • 80% see a significant gap in services available to their communities.
  • The impact of Covid-19 is not being felt evenly among nonprofits. Long standing African American/Black led nonprofits were significantly more likely to have to furlough staff than their white led counterparts. This alarming statistic is just one of the disturbing differences found.

Make plans to join us virtually and discuss what the future holds for Greater Washington nonprofits.

Covid-19 and Racial Inequity
in the Greater Washington nonprofit sector
Wednesday, October 21, 9:30am – 10:30am

REGISTER

There is no charge, but registration is required.

Special thanks to the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation
for funding this critical effort.

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To implement informative, relevant, forward-focused training, the Center relies on skilled professionals who specialize in and are committed to supporting the nonprofit sector. During these past few weeks, our faculty has gone above and beyond enabling us to implement a rapid, real-time response to the unprecedented challenges of this crisis. Classes already scheduled were transitioned to webinar format and modified to address current issues, and we presented eight new COVID-19 related programs providing much needed information, tools and guidance.

 

We’re proud of and very grateful to these outstanding individuals:

Swafia Ames, Brighter Strategies

Sharon Anderson, The Anderson Difference

Flannery Berg, FMA

Sarah Bowman Ratjik, Human Resources, Inc.

Octavia Caldwell, Caldwell Group

Maria Carrasquillo, MJH Consulting

Alfreda Edwards, Edwards Consulting Services

Amir B. Eyal, Mylestone Plans

Lewis Flax, Flax Associates

Javier Goldin, Goldin Group

Mike Gellman, Fiscal Strategies 4 Nonprofits

Carol Hamilton, Grace Social Sector

Britt Hogue, The Collective Good

Barbra Kavanaugh, Brighter Strategies

Sergei Khadjiev, Goldin Group

Emma Kieran, Pilot Peak Consulting

Debbi Lindenberg, Cafritz Foundation

Stefanie Lomax, HR Pro 4 You

Payal Martin, Brighter Strategies

Daniel Mushala, Training Works

Fiona Oliphant, Healing Equity United

Barbara O’Reilly, Windmill Hill Consulting

Larry Robertson, Consultant

Mark Sachs, Mark Sachs & Associates

Will Schermerhorn, AtomStream Communications

Elizabeth Scott, Brighter Strategies

Alex Suchman, Brighter Strategies

Kathlyn Taylor Gaubatz, Consultant

Don Tebbe, Strategic Planning and Succession Planning Consultant

Gretchen Upholt, FMA

Rachel Werner, RBW Strategy

Meico Whitlock, Mindful Techie

Peter Wolk, National Center for Nonprofit Law

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Paul W. Ruppert is an innovative entrepreneur who builds diverse teams that collaborate to create noteworthy projects. As president and founder of Warehouse Industries, Paul oversees the day-to-day operation of a restaurant and retail development company that conceives, builds and operates restaurants, art centers and retail outlets in Washington, DC. Recent projects include Slim’s Diner, Cappy’s Crabs, Crane & Turtle, Upshur Street Books, Petworth Citizen & Reading Room, Hogo and Room 11.

 

Paul grew up and currently lives in Ward 4. He is a former nonprofit executive and founding Treasurer of the Shaw Main Streets board. Through opening small businesses, he has connected with city agencies since the early 1990’s and is currently the Co-Chair of Councilmember Brandon Todd’s Ward 4 Business Advisory Committee. Recently, he was named a Distinguished Fellow at the Catholic University’s Busch School of Business, and advises students in the area of business development and entrepreneurial projects.

“This section of Georgia Avenue is one of the heartbeats of our city—a city where I have spent several decades working to build community through private enterprise. To be sure, the challenges for small businesses on Georgia Avenue are real. With Walmart at one end of the corridor, Target at the other and the Walter Reed project in the middle, our local independent businesses have to operate at their highest level in order to be successful,” observes Paul. “By supporting existing businesses through the proven Main Street framework, we can do our part to strengthen the business community. This increased vitality will in turn help attract new businesses and contribute to a thriving neighborhood. As the executive director of the UGA Main Street, I am excited to be a part of this challenge.”

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The Center has been awarded a grant from DSLBD to help create the new Upper Georgia Avenue Main Street, as well as provide fiscal and organizational management, leadership and technical assistance. The Center is currently conducting a leadership search to fill the position of Main Street Executive Director for the UGA Main Street. We encourage all who are interested to review the job description and apply by the deadline—5:00pm on Wednesday, January 22, 2020.

For more information, please email Carla Trussell, Interim Executive Director, Upper Georgia Avenue Main Street, or call 202.247.1521.

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