Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington

“Give Like a Local” Launches as the Giving Season Kicks Off in Greater Washington

Catalogue for Philanthropy Provides Guide for Washingtonians

Looking for Local Charities Vetted by Local Experts

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Nov. 3, 2014—When people look for a restaurant or want to know what a neighborhood is like, their number one choice is to ask a local person, even before they go online. The Catalogue for Philanthropy applies this thinking to the nonprofit sector; its local experts have released their latest selection of charities that have gone through a successful program review, financial assessment and site visit.

Catalogue reviewers carefully selected 78 charities to join the network of more than 330 vetted charities. All of the nonprofits are locally based and operate with budgets below $3 million; they work in the arts, education, environment, and human services sectors throughout greater Washington.

The Catalogue is launching its “Give Like a Local” campaign to raise awareness of the Catalogue, the charities and the easy way donors can support local charities that mean the most to them. TheCatalogue also offers gift cards, so families and friends can continue the giving tradition with the charities of their choice.

“You can think of the Catalogue as the GPS for the sometimes confusing set of choices when you want to help,” says Barbara Harman, president and editor, Catalogue for Philanthropy.“Especially at this time of year, when there are so many activities, people need a trusted source for navigating where and how their dollars should go.”

Since its founding 11 years ago, the Catalogue has raised more than $24 million for nonprofits in D.C. and nearby Virginia and Maryland. The charities are selected and participate without any charge; the Catalogue raises funds separately to support its efforts.

Some of the new nonprofits this year include:

• Computer CORE in Alexandria, which teaches tech and life skills for low-income adults.
• Hope House DC, which connects children and fathers during periods of incarceration.
• KEEN Greater DC, based in Bethesda, which serves children with disabilities through community sports and recreation.

Returning nonprofits also recognize the value of the initiative. “The Catalogue not only introduces to friends and supporters the work we do with vulnerable children and youth, but it also gives us invaluable, instant credibility. In a very real sense, the Catalogue does for Beacon House what it might take us years to accomplish, if ever,” says Gerry Kittner, executive director, Beacon House.

Saturday night the Catalogue brought together hundreds of supporters and its new nonprofits at the “Inspiration to Action” event at the Harman Center in order celebrate the start of the unofficial giving season (November–December).

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