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#COMMUNITY
2018-2019
#Community is Crimsonbridge Foundation’s commitment to participate, engage, listen, and learn with the communities we support.
It is a team driven initiative designed to develop relationships with community partners that go beyond grant proposals.
Through #community we engage directly with grantee community partners to better understand challenges, identify solutions, leverage new resources, celebrate success, and build community. It is our approach to philanthropy and community partnership.
When Women Give
December 1, 2019
At Crimsonbridge, being entrepreneurial and partnering with others is how we practice philanthropy. This month, our executive director, Danielle M. Reyes, attended When Women Give, a conversation about the power and promise of women’s philanthropy hosted by our community partner, the Washington Area Women’s Foundation. The event not only provided an opportunity to learn and engage with community members and women of all ages, but encouraged women to recognize their many contributions and join the #iamaphilanthropist movement!
Emerging Leaders Get the Inside Scoop on Leadership
December 1, 2019
Program officer Robyn Attebury Ellis jumped at the invitation to join four nonprofit leaders, all Crimsonbridge Leadership Fund recipients, as they learned about leadership in Montgomery County. As a part of Leadership Montgomery’s Emerging Leaders program, the group meets monthly to discuss the inner-workings of key leaders’ visions, how they make decisions, who they rely on, and how they work through challenges. The day commenced included insights a coffee producer, financial expert, event space innovator, local elected official, and a brewery tour from its owner!
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Fall Meeting of the College Completion Colleagues Initiative
November 1, 2019
The College Completion Colleagues (C3) Initiative held its fall meeting in the community conference room of Potter’s House in Adams Morgan. The eight organizations have met as a cohort three times a year since 2018, to learn, share, and strengthen a regional network focused on college success. Participants broke off into small groups based on topics of their choosing. Our executive director, Danielle M. Reyes joined a robust discussion that shared each organization’s plans and funding needed to scale up.
Learning with Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools
November 1, 2019
Through the Hispanic Enrollment Initiative, the Archdiocese of Washington is committed to increasing Latino enrollment in Catholic schools and improving education outcomes for Latino children. Aligned with this, the Elementary Schools Principals Association of the Archdiocese of Washington is hosting a four-part professional development series focused on cultural competency and culturally responsive teaching practices during the 2019-20 school year. Program Officer Caitlin Mayo had the privilege of attending the first of these sessions as a guest, where she joined more than 50 principals and staff of the Catholic Schools Offices committed to this work.
Girls on the Run of Montgomery County Fall 5K
November 1, 2019
It was a chilly November morning, but Program Officer Caitlin Mayo joined her fellow members of the Young Professionals Board of Girls on the Run of Montgomery County to volunteer at the Fall 5K. More than 2,000 girls crossed the finish line, joined by their family members, teachers, and coaches. The GOTR MoCo 5K is always a joyful and positive morning, made possible by hundreds of volunteers who believe in the value of this program. Congratulations to all of the girls who participated in the fall season!
MCAEL Launches Toolkit for ESOL Programs
October 1, 2019
Community partner MCAEL developed an exciting new resource for ESOL programs, a Program Administrator Toolkit. Our program officer, Caitlin Mayo, attended the launch party to celebrate the publication of the practical guidebook for community-based adult ESOL programs. The launch party was also an opportunity to connect with staff and teachers from other language programs, including fellow Crimsonbridge community partners such as Literacy Council of Frederick County and Spanish Catholic Center!
Creating New Futures Through College Success
October 1, 2019
Crimsonbridge board member Adri Smith has been working closely with the Foundation to engage with Washington, DC area nonprofits, universities, and others as we seek to increase the number of first-generation students graduating from college. For her, connecting with College Completion Colleagues (C3) Initiative participant New Futures, at their Bright Futures event, was an opportunity to learn more about their work and celebrate their success in supporting students with big dreams.
Elevating Evidence-Based Programs that Accelerate Latino Student Success
October 1, 2019
Excelencia in Education’s Accelerating Latino Student Success (ALASS) Institute is the meeting place for professionals leading effective strategies for Latino student success in higher education. Participants, including Crimsonbridge’s Danielle M. Reyes and Adri Smith, learned about and shared evidence-based practices, strategies and resources that increase Latino degree completion at the community, associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels. Also celebrated were recipients of the Seal of Excelencia – designed to facilitate institutional change to close equity gaps and increase Latino student completion.
Making College Success a Reality for DC Students
October 1, 2019
The College Completion Colleagues (C3) Initiative has eight members – six nonprofit and two foundation partners, including Crimsonbridge. Together we are on a journey to learn from, inform, and strengthen a network of providers, advocates, and students committed to #CollegeSuccess. Board member, Adri Smith, is deeply engaged in our college success work and came out to support and learn about C3 partner, the College Success Foundation, at their Annual Breakfast.
Community Briefing on Immigrant Justice
October 1, 2019
The foundation’s investments in improving outcomes for immigrants has always been informed by hearing and learning from community partners. This month, Program Officer Caitlin Furey had the opportunity to do just that, by attending a community briefing hosted by Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers. At the event, five impressive five nonprofit leaders, working to achieve justice for immigrants in the Greater Washington region, challenged funders to consider the intersection of racial equity movements with movements for justice for immigrants, and called for philanthropy to leverage connections to build networks and elevate these issues.
Community Changemakers
October 1, 2019
The Catalogue for Philanthropy brought together over 70 of their nonprofit partners at Arena Stage for an opportunity to showcase and celebrate their impact on our community. Program Officer Caitlin Mayo attended in support of this effort and for the opportunity to connect with Crimsonbridge partners, such as the Literacy Council of Frederick County, the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia, Girls on the Run, and Rock Creek Conservancy, as well as meet other nonprofits for the first time! Congratulations to the Catalogue for bringing our community together for an energizing night that encouraged guests to #BeAChangemaker.
Bringing English Language Learning to the Workplace
September 1, 2019
The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia and La Cocina VA, both Crimsonbridge partners, were invited by the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association to participate in a panel discussing the importance of employers helping their employees to grow their skills through English language training designed for the workplace. Program Officer Caitlin Mayo attended the panel to support and hear from LCNV Executive Director Roopal Mehta Saran and La Cocina Board Chair Nick Freshman. Both leaders spoke about the positive impact they have achieved through innovative partnerships with hotel, hospitality and restaurant groups.
Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital Camp CEO
December 1, 2018
Each fall, Camp CEO brings together more than 20 women executives and 40 high school girl scouts from the Greater Washington region for an action-packed weekend of fun and inspiration at Camp Potomac Woods. Our Executive Director, Danielle M. Reyes loved spending the weekend with these women and girls… and had fun learning how to use a sling shot and a tomahawk too!
Committee for Montgomery’s Annual Legislative Breakfast
December 1, 2018
At the invitation of community partner, Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy (MCAEL), our Program Officer, Caitlin Furey, joined MCAEL’s Executive Director, Kathy Stevens, and Communications and Outreach Coordinator, Monica Casañas, as well as representatives from the Literacy Council of Montgomery County, Identity, Linkages for Learning, College Tracks, and Nonprofit Montgomery for an opportunity to listen and learn at “Be in The Room Where It Happens,” the Committee for Montgomery’s Annual Legislative Breakfast. One resonating message from Senator Chris Van Hollen’s keynote address – the importance of inclusivity in our community!
Racial Equity Roundtable
December 1, 2018
This month, the Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership at Georgetown University held its second Racial Equity Roundtable. Nonprofit leaders explored how to promote and ensure racial equity within their organizations. Program Officer Reyna Sharp participated in the discussion on meaningfully and intentionally assessing an organization’s racial equity efforts.
The Family Place Gift Giveaway
December 1, 2018
Each year during the holiday season, the Family Place organizes a gift giveaway for their students, many of whom are recent immigrants to the United States. The gifts are generously donated by local businesses, churches, and foundation partners. Our Program Officer, Caitlin Furey, volunteered to join the wonderful Family Place staff to help students pick out the perfect gifts for their children. It was a cheery way to spend a December morning!
College Completion Colleagues (C3) Initiative Hosts Second Convening
November 1, 2018
In partnership with the Scheidel Foundation, Crimsonbridge hosted the second of three convenings of the College Completion Colleagues (C3) Initiative earlier this month. The C3’s nonprofit members, six local organizations that provide essential support on the journey to and through college for those who are first-generation college students or have financial need, explored best practices in the critical transition to college. Panelists included Program Director of the Georgetown Scholarship Program Melissa Foy and Director of College and Career Transition at Prince George’s Community College Cecelia A. Knox. Crimsonbridge Executive Director Danielle M. Reyes moderated the panel discussion and Program Officer Reyna Sharp facilitated discussion.
Girls on the Run of Montgomery County Fall 5K
November 1, 2018
More than 2,000 girls gathered with their families and coaches for the Fall 5K Celebration on a chilly Sunday morning in Bethesda. As volunteers, our Executive Director, Danielle M. Reyes, served as a course marshal, while Program Officer, Caitlin Furey, oversaw the volunteer booth. Both cheered the girls on as they completed the goal they have been working towards over the ten-week season. It was a morning filled with positivity, encouragement, and empowerment for young girls in our community!
The Promise of Latino Youth Forum
November 1, 2018
Identity, Inc kicked off their 20th Anniversary year with the release of a report by University of Maryland researchers on how Latino youth living in Montgomery County, MD are faring and concrete ways in which to support their successful transition to adulthood. Our Program Officer, Caitlin Furey, encouraged Crimsonbridge grantees serving Montgomery County to join her at this community learning opportunity. Congratulations to Identity on 20 years of empowering Latino youth and their families!
DC SCORES’ Westside Poetry Slam
November 1, 2018
At DC SCORES’ Westside Poetry Slam, students from more than 15 elementary schools gathered for an energized evening of poetry, dancing, and good sportsmanship at Roosevelt High School. Many bilingual poet-athletes took the stage, performing poems in English and Spanish! Our Program Officer, Caitlin Furey, loved hearing all of the poems, which ranged widely in topic and sentiment – from favorite school lunch (funny!), to choosing love over hate (moving and inspiring!).
Catalogue for Philanthropy “Inspiration to Action”
October 1, 2018
At the Shakespeare Theatre, The Catalogue for Philanthropy hosted its annual “Inspiration to Action.” This unique event showcases several nonprofit members of the Catalogue through live, illuminating, and entertaining stage performances. Executive Director Danielle M. Reyes and Program Officer Reyna Sharp enjoyed the dynamic performances, as well as the opportunity to meet several nonprofit leaders and representatives.
Generation Hope’s Pancake Battle
October 1, 2018
At Generation Hope’s Pancake Battle, celebrity chefs competed for the honor of best pancake while supporters cheered on (and enjoyed the judging process) with all proceeds going to help D.C. area teen parents become college graduates and help their children enter kindergarten at higher levels of school readiness. As volunteers, our Executive Director, Danielle M. Reyes and board member, Adrianna Smith, had the opportunity to help out while connecting with staff, participants, and their children.
Racial Equity Roundtable
October 1, 2018
Georgetown University’s Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership (CPNL) held its first Racial Equity Roundtable this month. Alumni of the CPNL’s graduate programs gathered to explore racial equity in the nonprofit sector. Program Officer Reyna Sharp participated in the discussion about how to support and increase diverse staff at all levels of nonprofit organizations.
Collegiate Directions Professional Development Series
October 1, 2018
Collegiate Directions, a community partner that helps students succeed in college, hosted Dr. Tiffany Jones from the Education Trust to discuss A PROMISE FULFILLED: A Framework for Equitable Free College Programs. More and more states are pursuing Free College, yet Dr. Jones notes these programs do not always help those who need it most. Our Program Officer, Reyna Sharp, was grateful to attend and learn along with staff about the key elements of equitable Free College programs.
Catalogue for Philanthropy’s Community Conversation on Adult Education
September 1, 2018
As part of their Community Conversation series, The Catalogue for Philanthropy hosted a panel on adult literacy in the 21st century. Panelists included leaders from the Washington English Center, the Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School, and Byte Back. Our Program Officer, Reyna Sharp, attended and participated in the discussion about challenges organizations face, trends in adult education, and shared goals for the future.
Leadership Greater Washington Rising Leaders Graduation
July 1, 2018
The Rising Leaders Class of 2018 graduated after months of interactive professional development workshops, with topics ranging from managing up to presenting with confidence. Our Executive Director and Program Officer, Danielle M. Reyes and Caitlin Furey, were thrilled to connect with the 9 Rising Leaders who received scholarships from the Crimsonbridge Leadership Fund. Each of these Rising Leaders serve the DC community at local nonprofits.
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Prince George’s Community College Culinary Arts Center Grand Opening
April 1, 2018
Members of the community gathered to celebrate the Grand Opening of Prince George’s Community College state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Center. Our Program Officer, Caitlin Furey, was excited to tour the new building, and learn more about the classes that PGCC will offer in the space. Course offerings will include an option for adults to learn English while developing the skills necessary for a career in the culinary arts.
Catalogue for Philanthropy’s Panel on Women and Girls
March 1, 2018
Catalogue for Philanthropy brought together four phenomenal nonprofit leaders to discuss the state of women and girls in the DC region. Danielle M. Reyes, our Executive Director, and Caitlin Furey, our Program Officer, attended to listen, learn, and meet other nonprofit professionals with diverse perspectives. Thank you to Catalogue for Philanthropy for playing the role of convener and host!
Crimsonbridge Volunteers at the Serving Our Children’s Winter Carnival
January 1, 2018
Serving Our Children welcomed hundreds of families to their Winter Carnival at THEARC in Ward 8. Staff assisted parents with the application process for the Opportunity Scholarship Program, as children enjoyed the carnival games. Our program officer, Caitlin Furey, volunteered at the community event, and spent the afternoon working at the prize table, where children selected which book they would take home after a fun day at the carnival!
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