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A version of this story originally appeared in the Washington Informer. Eight Black female leaders of nonprofits located in Wards 7 and 8 received $350,000 collectively from JPMorgan Chase Bank in concert with the Center for Nonprofit Advancement on March 9.
April 14, 2023
The recipients lead organizations such as the Children's Legacy Theatre, Congress Heights Arts and Cultural Center, Fihankra Akoma Ntoaso, Guns Down Friday, Momma's Safe Haven, The Safe Sisters Circle, Women Involved in Reentry Efforts and WANDA (Women Advancing Nutritional Dietetics and Agriculture).
The awarding of the grants occurred at the bank's branch location in the Skyland Town Center in Ward 7 in Southeast. The nonprofits won the grants based on each organization's commitment and proven track record within neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River. Shae Harris, JPMorgan Chase Mid-Atlantic Region director of corporate responsibility, said the bank has a commitment to serve females of color.
“Since JPMorgan Chase began its significant philanthropic commitment to Washington, D.C. it found that women of color are the key drivers of household economic mobility in the region," Harris said. “Through our support to the center, we are able to drill down and provide the necessary support to Black women-led organizations east of the river. It's through these women that we can intentionally drive impact in Wards 7 and 8."
The center is one of the nation's oldest state associations for nonprofit organizations. Its chief executive officer, Glen O'Gilvie, said his organization has made the commitment to help close the racial wealth gap and drive economic inclusion. O'Gilvie said his organization looks forward to partnering with the bank in this endeavor.
“The center has been addressing the most pressing community needs by strengthening nonprofit organizations for over 43 years," he said. “Research confirms that corporations and foundations have historically underfunded, Black-led organizations. I am delighted by the opportunity to partner with JPMorgan Chase, engaging Black women leaders and demonstrating the equity in a trust-based philanthropic and capacity-building model, as well as the lasting community impact we can create."
O'Gilvie said the center created the Center for Race, Equity, Justice and Inclusion to focus on those issues and has spearheaded initiatives to address them.
“Partnering with JPMorgan Chase on this innovative, comprehensive program is another significant step in the center's efforts to advance real change," he said.
The funded organizations are set to receive technical assistance, health and wellness support, leadership development and executive coaching by the center's staff. Classes and resources include social media and marketing training, business plan guidance to improve organizational resilience and financial management.
The grantees will be enrolled in a customized 12-month capacity-building program. The program received 23 applicants. O'Gilvie said the unsuccessful applicants will receive a year-long membership to the center in addition to full access to offerings such as courses, board matching and ongoing technical assistance.
Keyonna Jones, 35, serves as the executive director of the Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center. Jones, a resident of the Hillcrest neighborhood in Ward 7, said she is pleased to get the grant.
“This will help me with my general operating budget, hire staff and keep the venue up," she said.
Juwanna Hardy, 35, is the founder of Guns Down Friday. She said the grant will help continue programming to fight gun violence in the District, specifically Wards 7 and 8.
“We have four programs designed to stop the violence and homicides in our community," said Hardy, who resides in Prince George's County. “With this grant, we can help people change their lives."
