Empowering Ward 8 Nonprofits: A Strategic Partnership Between The Center and Martha’s Table

The Center for Nonprofit Advancement and Martha’s Table have joined forces to strengthen the nonprofit ecosystem in Ward 8 through a multi-phase capacity-building initiative. This partnership is designed to provide grassroots organizations with the tools, funding, and guidance they need to grow sustainably and deepen their community impact.

Round One: Laying the Foundation

In June 2024, the partnership launched its first round of support for 14 high-impact nonprofits in Ward 8. Each organization received:

  • A $15,000 Community Impact Fund grant
  • A customized organizational assessment
  • In-depth interviews and tailored capacity-building plans

This effort was part of Martha’s Table’s broader collaboration with the Greater Washington Community Foundation, aimed at uplifting grassroots leaders and fostering equity across the region.

FY23–24 Grantees:

  • A Beautiful Balance, Inc.
  • Anacostia AMP Outreach & Empowerment Center
  • BESTKids, Inc.
  • TheBookshelf Project, Inc.
  • College Tribe
  • Fihankra Akoma Ntoaso (FAN)
  • Fresh Start Project
  • It Takes A Village DC
  • Project Create
  • Recovery Café DC
  • SoulTrak Outdoors
  • TheTraRon Center
  • William Lockridge Community Foundation
  • Women Involved In Reentry Efforts (The WIRE)

“By joining together, the Center and Martha’s Table can ensure that Ward 8 nonprofits not only sustain their operations, but also have the capability to expand their impact and outcomes.”
— Glen O’Gilvie, CEO, Center for Nonprofit Advancement

Round Two: Refining the Model for Greater Impact

Building on the success of the first round, the second phase launched in March 2025 with 10 new community-driven nonprofits. This round introduced enhanced support, including:

  • A $15,000 grant for general operations and strategic growth
  • A comprehensive evaluation to identify strengths and growth areas
  • Working sessions on financial management, leadership succession, and storytelling for social media
  • A one-year membership to the Center for Nonprofit Advancement

FY24–25 Grantees:

  • Project Purpose
  • FurnishHopeDC
  • T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project
  • Urban Ed Inc
  • Children of Mine
  • Ward 8 Woods Conservancy
  • Safe Sisters Circle
  • Children’s Legacy Theater Inc
  • Changing Perceptions
  • Mint Project

“This program has been life-changing for me. I am forever grateful for the opportunity.”
— Program Participant

To ensure continuous improvement, the Center partnered with NNR Evaluation, Research & Planning LLC to assess the program’s effectiveness through focus groups, surveys, and material analysis.

“Our collaboration with Martha’s Table is designed to create lasting impact.”
— Glen O’Gilvie

Looking Ahead

This partnership exemplifies a groundbreaking model for nonprofit empowerment. It invites larger foundations and funders to invest in proven strategies that foster long-term, sustainable change in communities with the greatest need.

“This collaboration reinforces our belief in the power of community-led solutions.”
— Martha’s Table Spokesperson

Learn More

Visit the Martha’s Table Community Impact Fund Recipients page for more details on the grantees and future opportunities.