Challenging Racism

EIN: 81-2305195

Mission Statement

To empower and inspire people to disrupt racism one compassionate conversation at a time.

Program Summary

Challenging Racism (CR) is an Arlington-based 501(c)3 and our mission is to empower and inspire people to disrupt racism one compassionate conversation at a time. For more than 20 years, we have trained organizations and individuals using professionally designed and facilitated programs to build awareness and skills to courageously talk about race and equity. We offer introductory programs, topic-specific workshops, book/podcast/movie discussions, and facilitator training.  We also provide DEIBA (diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and accessibility) advisory services for organizations to effectively disrupt all “-isms” in the workplace.

Our approach is based on conversations and storytelling, rooted in facts and local history, to create a shared experience that dispels dangerous myths and assumptions. We invest the time and self-reflection needed to build deep knowledge, skills, and practice to normalize conversations on race and othering, and to hold the difficult conversations necessary to advance systems-level change. 

We serve diverse participants from a wide range of local partners including government, schools, non-profits, faith groups, theatre companies, and the private sector.  We build the capacity of the organizations we engage with so that they can assess and lead their own social and racial equity programs, and our alumni go on to act as change agents in the community.

Challenging Racism is a ”small but mighty” non-profit organization, dedicated to advancing intersectional anti-biased and anti-racist work in our diverse but segregated communities across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV).  We are Black-led, staffed majority by women, and benefit from the guidance and wisdom of our talented and diverse Board.

Impact Statement

We center race because racial inequities exist in every system: health, education, criminal justice, employment, and more. We center intersectionality because racial disparities persist across all identities: gender, sexuality, education, ability, age, socioeconomic, citizenship, and more. 

Most Americans lack racial literacy and conversational practice to effectively impact these inequities and disparities. Our workshops move participants from a misconception that discrimination, bias, and racism is simply the work of “bad individuals” to an understanding that racism is systemic. Moreover, it is a system of advantage that all of us participate in whether we intend to or not, and we can work to eliminate their consequences by working for equity.

Our participant surveys reveal behavior change in our participants after they learn about the root causes of inequities and types of bias. Our participants report a greater likelihood of recognizing and interrupting harmful microaggressions which results in a safer, more inclusive community for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) populations. In the workplace, we have observed organizations adopt an equity lens necessary to identify and challenge discriminatory practices, attract increased staff diversity, and successfully foster authentic relationships with BIPOC colleagues and beneficiaries.  These impacts are measurable and necessary for systems-level change.

What ways can the public get involved?

Challenging Racism enthusiastically welcomes the public to join our programs as participants or serve as hosts of a Challenging Racism program in your community or workplace. Every program we facilitate helps build awareness and community power where advocacy and action for racial and economic justice are most needed today.

We also welcome volunteers to join us as we design and implement a range of outreach activities to support racial equity and anti-racism. Our volunteers help plan events, build partnerships, outreach via social media, apply for grants, raise funds, and design programs for organizations needing our conversations. All skills are needed and volunteers can choose to help with discrete activities or lead on racial equity initiatives. Interested volunteers can fill out our Volunteer Form on our website or contact us for more information at info@challengingracism.org.

How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

Interest in our racial equity and DEIBA workshops has never been stronger. However, members of our larger community are left out because of tuition costs, which are required to sustain our organization, pay our professionally-trained racial equity facilitators, and fund the highest quality curriculum writing. 

Contributions make our conversations and workshops more available to every member of our community and more affordable to passionate, committed, and diverse participants.  Your donation enables local leaders and community members from diverse backgrounds to strengthen their facilitation and advocacy skills for racial equity and to go on to teach others and disrupt and dismantle systemic racism across our community.

Information provided March 2025

Wesley Housing

EIN: 51-0155779

Mission Statement

Wesley Housing’s mission is to build up communities with quality affordable housing and resident services. 

Program Summary

Beyond building/preserving permanent housing options for persons with low- and moderate-incomes across Virginia and Washington, DC, we strive for our housing to be a foundation to thrive. We do this by offering free support services/education to every to guide residents on their paths to self-sufficiency. As such, our core lines of business are real estate development, asset management, and resident services.  

Through our Housing Stability Initiative (HSI), the basis of our award-winning resident services programming, Wesley Housing provides supportive services residents on-site in their communities, including 380 households in Arlington. The Initiative operates on the basis that housing is the foundation families need to thrive, and once stabilized, families can build up other aspects of their lives. As such, in addition to eviction prevention support, the HSI also provides workforce development opportunities, health/wellness offerings, and household assistance.

Impact Statement

For more than 50 years, Wesley Housing has provided permanent, affordable housing to generations of people experiencing financial insecurity.

Today, we own 43 communities home to 5,300 residents, including multi-family apartments and communities for older adults/individuals with disabilities/chronic disease. Five of these communities are located in Arlington County and are home to 816 residents, 87% of which are BIPOC and earn $37,458/year on average.

At the same time, we are still rapidly expanding. Our Real Estate team has 1,000+ affordable units in its development pipeline, including new construction and renovations, such as the Melwood-Wesley Inclusive Community in Arlington.

The impact we make each year is measured by the success of our residents. In 2025, 395 residents accessed linkage and referral services. Through the work of our resident services team, 66 evictions were prevented, 20 residents received new/more gainful employment, 294 residents participated in health/wellness offerings, and 1,453 residents received household assistance (i.e. food/hygiene items). This summer, we served 258 youth through Quest summer camp, and launched Odyssey for older adults, engaging 149 participants. In addition, 606 K-12 students received new backpacks and supplies through Supplies for Success, and 789 residents received holiday assistance through Holiday Help.

What ways can the public get involved?

Wesley Housing welcomes support of our major giving campaigns throughout the year including the Housing Stability Initiative (year-round), QUEST Summer Youth Enrichment Program (April/May), Back-to-School (July/Aug), and Holiday Help (Nov-Dec).

In addition, volunteers serve in many capacities including youth and adult education assistants and tutors; translators; holiday helpers (gift wrappers, sorters) and delivery drivers; food pantry assistants; youth summer camp chaperones; and more. 

How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

Donations help strengthen our award-winning Housing Stability Initiative (HSI) by allowing us to adequately scale our resident services to our growing portfolio. Following a recent merger with Virginia United Methodist Development Corporation, Wesley is poised to serve even more residents across its new footprint in central and southern Virginia. Funding will help ensure each of these community members have access to the support they need to thrive.

Information provided March 2026

Capital Caring Health

EIN: 54-1920770

Mission Statement

Capital Caring Health’s mission is to provide compassionate end-of-life support for individuals with life-limiting illnesses, offering high-quality care to patients of all ages and their families, regardless of one’s ability to pay. 

Program Summary

At Capital Caring Health (CCH) we provide comprehensive hospice care, including a dedicated bereavement program to support families. 

Through our Capital Caring Kids (CCK) program, we offer specialized pediatric care that addresses the social, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of children facing serious illness. CCH and CCK provide compassionate care for the entire family, understanding the impact of long-term illness on loved ones. We provide support through the challenges of illness and help families navigate each step along the way. 

Impact Statement

In 2024, Capital Caring Health provided care to 6,545 patients and offered bereavement support to 4,752 individuals. Capital Caring Health is projected to provide $1,463,000 in charity care to cover services and supplies. 

What ways can the public get involved?

Capital Caring Health provides a variety of volunteer opportunities. For more details, please visit this link: https://www.capitalcaring.org/get-involved/become-a-volunteer/

How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

At Capital Caring Health

• A gift of $30 will provide one day of three Nutrional meals delivered to a patient’s home. 
• A gift of $110 can provide in-home telehealth equipment to keep our patients connected to expert medical care. 

At Capital Caring Kids 

• A gift of $25 can provide therapeutic play supplies for a child. 
• A gift of $100 can provide a pediatric patient without insurance specialty medical equipment.

Information provided March 2025

MoCA Arlington

EIN: 23-7382322

Mission Statement

The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington enriches community life by connecting the public with contemporary art and artists through exhibitions, education programs, and artist residencies.

Program Summary

Exhibitions

MoCA Arlington presents work by emerging and mid-career professional contemporary artists, ranging from painting and sculpture to installation, performance art, video, and new media. The exhibitions range from group thematic shows to solo presentations, showcasing artwork from local, regional, national, and international artists. 

The museum offers free admission for its exhibitions and hosts free programs such as artist talks and panel discussions, offering opportunities for enrichment and dialogue. MoCA Arlington also boasts an expansive front lawn that regularly hosts large-scale installations and sculptures. 

Education

MoCA Arlington offers exciting, creative art classes year-round for diverse audiences of children, teens, and adults. Classes range from single-session workshops to courses that meet weekly for up to 8 weeks. MoCA Arlington also organizes a popular summer camp, as well as educational outreach programs, in partnership with local schools and non-profit organizations.

MoCA Arlington’s classes are taught by professional artists and seasoned art educators who are adept at working with varying skill levels. 

Public Programs

MoCA Arlington presents hundreds of free to low-cost public programs each year, designed to inspire new audiences, bring together communities, and encourage creativity. Programming includes the museum’s annual Día de los Muertos celebration, family PRIDE day, Made in Arlington pop-ups, wellness programs like yoga in the galleries, and MoCA on the Move, the museum’s signature outreach program that offers free art-making at Met Park.

Additionally, the museum operates an Innovation Studio + Store at Amazon’s HQ2 in National Landing. The Innovation Studio + Store offers free drop-in art-making activities for all ages, special programs, and a 6-week artist residency where the public can interact directly with an artist working in the studio, and the museum’s retail store featuring books, artwork, and other museum-themed merchandise.

Resident Artist Program

MoCA Arlington’s Resident Artist Program offers subsidized studio space for twelve professional artists, providing affordable space in an environment that encourages interaction, dialogue, and exploration. Residents enjoy private studios with 24-hour access to the building, the opportunity for solo exhibitions, professional development support via group critiques, guest visitors, and a museum curator. Resident artists open their studio doors to the public during select events throughout the year. Residencies are competitive and selection criteria include artistic merit, potential for collaborative outreach to the community, and diversity of artist representation.

How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

We need support to create more partnerships and programs that connect artists and communities, to showcase more artists and exhibitions, and to inspire audiences of all ages by providing engaging, memorable experiences in Arlington’s only art museum.

Information provided March 2025

Restorative Arlington

EIN: 87-3950513

Mission Statement

We create connection, belonging, and safety for all community members. We:

• Build capacity to implement and use restorative practices by providing knowledge, space, and tools;
• Strengthen our community through practices that build mutual understanding among people;
• Empower people who have been harmed to exercise their voice and choice;
• Promote healing, accountability, repair and restoration;
• Create space for all people to meet their needs with dignity, compassion, and courage

Program Summary

The Heart of Safety Restorative Justice Conferencing Program (HOS) is our primary programmatic offering. Through HOS, we partner with community members to respond to wrongdoing using a people-centered and trauma-responsive approach. The HOS conferencing process enables everyone affected by an incident of harm to understand what happened and why, and to collaboratively determine a path forward. Our HOS facilitators support people who have been harmed as they exercise their voice and determine how best to meet their needs for healing and repair. Likewise, facilitators support people who have been responsible for harm in taking meaningful accountability. HOS takes cases by referral from court system partners, such as the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and community members. Court referrals to HOS are designed to serve as a diversion for youth and transition-age adults, with a focus on ending criminalization of Black, Indigenous and other people of color.

In collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including victim services providers, Restorative Arlington is honored to partner in creating the Restorative Pathways Restorative Justice Program. Over the next two years, this partnership will design a Restorative Justice Option for victims/survivors of intimate partner violence, dating violence, sexual harm, and gender-based violence. Instead of relying on legal system referrals, Restorative Pathways will be directly accessible to community members and integrated into the services provided by our partner organizations. Restorative Pathways will also accept referrals from other local organizations through a community referral process. Restorative Pathways is funded by a pilot program from the US Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women. 

We also offer opportunities to learn about and experience restorative justice practices that increase belonging, share experiences, and engage on difficult topics with dignity, compassion and courage. These include community building circles, basic circle training in partnership with George Mason’s Carter School, and resources and events shared in our newsletter.

Impact Statement

Our Heart of Safety Restorative Justice Conferencing Program makes justice, healing, and safety accessible for people and communities who want to choose a supportive, culturally sensitive option to address harm outside of the current court system. The restorative justice conferencing process centers the needs and voices of people who have been harmed and creates opportunities for repair and healing that the legal system simply cannot provide. The process also enables people who have been responsible for harm to understand the impact of their actions and to take responsibility for making amends in ways that honor the needs of the person(s) they harmed. We treat all participants as valued members of the community and have found that as the restorative conferencing process repairs individual relationships, its ripple effects extend to families and the community as a whole. Extensive research reflects what we have experienced: restorative justice conferencing leads to meaningful accountability, more victim satisfaction and greater reductions in recidivism than adversarial court processes.       

Evaluations of our community-building circles consistently show that participants experience a strong sense of connection, and that they feel deeply heard. Our circles have also provided safe spaces for brave conversations about issues such as racial justice.

What ways can the public get involved?

• Sign up for our email newsletter to learn about opportunities and resources on our home page: https://www.restorativearlington.org/   
• Add your voice to our Community Advisory Team! Nominate yourself or someone else using this form: https://forms.gle/YqKpehYH8jHidS4cA   
• Invite your friends, family, and community to be part of the solution by hosting a Salon Fundraiser! This is an exciting opportunity to learn more about Heart of Safety in a small group and invest in creating a better sense of justice, healing, and safety for our community. Email invest@restorativearlington.org 

How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

Your investment shows solidarity and support for our work and our community. Donations support access to justice and safety for community members who choose Restorative Justice Conferencing in lieu of traditional court prosecution, program innovation, and the systemic peace-building work required for a paradigm shift from punishment to healing. For example, $6,000 supports one Heart of Safety Restorative Justice Conferencing case.    

In alignment with our commitment to centering community voice, we only accept unrestricted donations. This ensures that we can be responsive to emerging needs of our community partners.

Information provided March 2026

NAMI Northern Virginia

EIN: 51-0241920

Mission Statement

Our mission is to serve Northern Virginia individuals, family members, and friends affected by mental health challenges through awareness, education, support, advocacy, and collaboration with community partners.

Program Summary

NAMI Northern Virginia educates, advocates, and provides support to those impacted by mental health concerns. All our programs are free to the public, and we like to get people, the public, knowledgeable about mental health so that they don’t face a crisis. We don’t focus only on the peers, those living with mental illness. We are also concerned about helping and advocating for the families and loved ones that support them.

Supporting mental health is about more than just connecting to treatment. NAMI Northern Virginia provides the services needed to support wellness in our community, from lending a listening ear to a concerned family member, to working with individuals long-term connecting to resources for legal and housing assistance. Finding support in groups provides those in need a sense of community, a place where they know they are not alone, a place to share their experiences and gain support from others who understand. 

Some of our no cost programs include:

Education

NAMI Northern Virginia’s training and education team work to give best-in-class information on de-escalation, mental health signs and symptoms, and mental wellness – in the home, the workplace, and with loved ones. Our training is trusted to provide honest and open conversations that not only educate but shift perspective around mental health support and community, breaking stigmas associated with mental illness.  These training sessions leave participants feeling empowered to invest in mental wellness and supported on their mental health journey. 

Support Groups

NAMI Northern Virginia holds support groups for people with mental health conditions, and for family members, and loved ones of people with mental health conditions . Led by trained leaders who’ve been there and faced similar experiences, participants gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others.

Classes

Our classes provide information and strategies for taking care of yourself and the person you love, while understanding that you’re not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope. The group setting of NAMI’s SAMSHA evidence-based classes provide mutual support and shared positive impact—experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. Our classes are safe, confidential spaces. Courses provide an opportunity for mutual support and growth. 

Impact Statement

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI provides free advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. NAMI Northern Virginia is a NAMI affiliate serving the over 2.4 million people of Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties, and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church. NAMI’s programs can help you to better understand your or a loved one’s mental health condition. You will learn from connecting with others who have similar experiences. All of our support programs are free, confidential, and peer-led. Simply put, NAMI Northern Virginia is an organization of peers and families. They understand because they’ve been there too.

In 2023, NAMI Northern Virginia provided over 10,000 touchpoints of service to people in the Northern Virginia area. They include individuals living with mental health conditions, their family members and friends, mental health professionals, law enforcement and first responders, and our neighbors.

What ways can the public get involved?

• If you want to support the mission and work of NAMI Northern Virginia, please consider donating.
• If you are interested in volunteering, we have many ways you can be involved.
• If you are interested in learning more about our support groups, classes, or presentations, please learn more on our website HERE, or see our upcoming calendar of programs HERE.

How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

• $25 – Provides mental health resource materials to be distributed at community health event.
• $35 – Allows one person to find hope, connection, and community in a support group.
• $75 – Allows one person to hear open and honest mental health stories that dispel misconceptions.
• $300 ($25 p/month) – Allows one family member to learn how to communicate effectively and handle a crisis.
• $600 ($50 p/month) – Allows one peer to learn how to set a vision for their future and improve their communication skills.
• $1000 – Provides refresher training for all support group leaders.
• $1200 ($100 p/month) – Allows a group of people to hear real-life mental health stories that help break stigma.
• $2500 – Allows one group of people to meet in a safe space to discuss challenges and success and foster community.

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities available

Information provided March 2026

Girls on the Run of NOVA

EIN: 54-2026885

Mission Statement

Girls on the Run of NOVA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing our 3rd-8th grade participants’ social, emotional and physical skills to navigate life’s challenges. Our fun, interactive lessons meet the unique needs of participants of all abilities and backgrounds. We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

Program Summary

Though the name “Girls on the Run” invokes images of girls running around a track, that’s not us – our program is foremost about addressing the social + emotional health of our participants with interactive lessons.

Our youth development programming has two tiers of enrichment: Girls on the Run for 3rd-5th grade girls and Heart & Sole for 6th-8th grade girls. Each age-specific program creates a positive, structured space for participants to learn about themselves, explore new ideas, cultivate empathy, strengthen connections and develop life skills that will help them as they move through adolescence and beyond. The curriculum is rich with themes they can relate to, addressing the whole girl—body, brain, heart, spirit and social connection—and important life skills such as team building, developing a support system, boundary setting, decision making, asking for/ providing help, being a good friend, and more.

This program is accessible to all girls regardless of athletic ability or fitness level and considers the range of ages and varied experiences of the participants. Physical activity includes strength and conditioning appropriate for each age group. Each season culminates with the Girls on the Run 5K, which is the celebratory event that underscores the confidence, competence, connection, character and caring they’ve been developing in the program and gives them a tangible sense of goal-setting and achievement.Girls on the Run of NOVA proudly serves Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William Counties, as well as Alexandria City, Falls Church City, Manassas City and Manassas Park. Since our council’s inception, we have unlocked the power and potential of more than 85,000 participants and made a lasting impact on our community through participant-led service projects. 

Impact Statement

When asked in a recent survey, “what is the most important thing you learned about yourself at Girls on the Run?” our participants responded:

• “I can do anything.”
• “People can help me get through strong emotions.”
• “That I can be proud of myself.”
• “I can overcome a challenge.”
• “How to cope with my stress and share my opinion.”
• “To trust myself more.”

Caregivers of the participants supported these statements:

• “My daughter was very shy at the beginning of the practices but now she’s empowered, optimistic, active, loves to share and help everyone and I love to see her bloom every day!!”
• “I was very pleased with the lessons. The girls learned to encourage each other. Helped to build each other up instead of down which is so important.”

A 2016 study of GOTR found that the program makes a stronger impact than organized sports and physical education programs in teaching life skills such as managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others, and making intentional decisions. GOTR is also recognized by Harvard University & Wallace Foundation as a top research-based program and only one of three SEL programs with an integral emphasis on equitable and inclusive education.

What ways can the public get involved?

Girls on the Run of NOVA welcomes volunteers from all walks of life and backgrounds!

Becoming a GOTR NOVA Coach

Coaches are truly asset builders for our participants. GOTR NOVA coaches may be of all physical abilities, gender identities, and backgrounds and do not need to be runners. All that is needed to be a GOTR NOVA coach is the desire to invest in the future of our local youth. Coaches must be over the age of 18 years old. The time commitment to be a coach for one 10-week season is approximately 50 hours. This includes around 6-8 hours of training (a mix of in-person and online), 40 hours of coaching (around 4 hours per week), and attendance at GOTR NOVA’s end-of-season 5K celebration for participants. The timing of practices will vary depending on the host site, but typically, practices take place between 2:30-5:30pm.

Junior Coaches support the work of GOTR NOVA coaches and may be between 16-18 years old. Becoming a junior coach is a great opportunity for high school-aged youth to practice being a role model for younger kids and to strengthen their leadership skills. Junior coaches complete approximately 5-6 hours of training and commit to attending at least one practice per week. For a 10-week season, this overall time commitment will range from 20-45 hours.

Substitute Coaches also complete approximately 5-6 hours of training. Time commitment will vary based on the need for substitute coaches and the coach’s availability.

Interested coaches may visit: www.gotrnova.org/coach 

Volunteering at GOTR NOVA Site Visits (Team Adelaide)

Acting as eyes and ears out in the field, our Team Adelaide volunteers visit teams during their practice times. During your time with the team you’ll gather feedback from the coaches on how we can improve the program and better support our teams. You will then submit this feedback in a survey to GOTR NOVA. This is a great opportunity if you would like to see our program in action, but are unable to commit to coaching at this time.

Supporting the End-of-Season 5K Celebration

Our end-of-season 5K provides a tangible sense of accomplishment to participants. To celebrate and make the experience one to remember, there are many opportunities to get involved on a one-time basis. Roles include:

• Registration
• Medal Station
• Water Station
• Cheer Station
• Celebration Village
• Running Buddy opportunities, where we invite family members and/or trusted friends to run alongside participants.

How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

Donations to Girls on the Run of NOVA support core costs so that participants who do not have the means to pay a registration fee can still access this positive, structured, afterschool program and build the strength, health, and confidence they need to succeed.

Examples of these expenses include curriculum books, journals for participants, volunteer recruitment, coach training, CPR/first aid training, coach background checks, program shirts and water bottles, 5K shirts, 5K event materials (medals, bibs, etc.), costs associated with establishing new GOTR sites at schools and community centers, and more. These costs all play a critical role in delivering a season and end-of-season event that instill confidence and accomplishment in local girls!

• $2.50 supports one journal, one given to each participant and used to log their progress and reinforce the lessons learned at practice!
• $10 helps cover the cost of one program t-shirt (bringing a sense of belonging to each participant).
• $30 supports one curriculum book (one needed per 8 girls)
• $50 supports 5K registration fees for parents/caregivers in need of aid.
• $100 fuels one whole team with healthy snacks to keep them going all season.
• $200 provides one girl a scholarship to participate in Girls on the Run for one full season. 
• $500 is a transformational gift that helps us establish more sites across NOVA and reach more participants in need of the program.
• $1,000 supports one full season of coach CPR/First Aid training, keeping everyone safe!

Information provided March 2026

Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia (MGNV)

EIN: 54-1345818

Mission Statement

To promote horticultural volunteerism and community improvement through trained volunteers, by fostering communication, education, and fellowship among those involved in the Arlington/Alexandria Extension Master Gardeners Program and supporting and promoting the program and its volunteer educational activities.

Program Summary

Through Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), Extension Master Gardener volunteers contribute thousands of hours annually to community education programs in Arlington County and the city of Alexandria. We maintain eight demonstration gardens that illustrate the wide variety of plants that grow well in our area as well as overall garden care. We operate plant clinics in farmers’ markets and a public library as well as at special events. We field a wide range of gardening questions through the Extension Master Gardener Help Desk at the Arlington County VCE office. We conduct public workshops in such areas as container gardening, composting, removing invasive plants and insects (such as spotted lanternfly and porcelain berry), and lawn care.  We provide free online classes, including weekly programs with original content focusing on best management gardening practices, sustainable landscaping, and urban agriculture.  We support horticulture therapy and school gardening projects, and we respond to other community needs as they arise.

Impact Statement

• Number of hours volunteered: 22,563 and Total dollar value of hours volunteered in 2023: $717, 504.
• We expanded the public education and outreach presence of our social media to Extension Master Gardeners and the public. As of December 5, 2023, the MGNV Facebook page had 12,134 followers (a 28% increase over the December 2022 total of 9,518). The annual “reach” tripled to 2,992,955 in December 2023 (compared with a December 2022 annual reach of 999,241). Our YouTube channel subscribers increased to 4,120 (from 2,392 in 2022), with an average of 150 new subscribers joining every month. The channel now includes 199 recorded public education classes, short educational videos, and nature videos which are viewed an average of 13,700 times per month.
• The National Association of County Agricultural Agents awarded our Extension Master Gardener volunteer outreach programming team first place “Communications Award: Web Site/Online Content.” The submission was declared a State Winner—Virginia.
• The Small Trees Maker Big Canopies program has given away 990 trees. In 2023, we gave away 280 native trees through several tree giveaways in the spring and fall. 

What ways can the public get involved?

If you want to be a volunteer educator, love gardening, and want to protect our environment by sharing what you learn with our community, consider becoming an Extension Master Gardener (EMG). Once certified, EMGs teach the community about our best management practices for urban agriculture and sustainable landscaping. EMGs retain their certifications by annually completing 20 volunteer hours and 8 hours of continuing education. For more information about training or becoming an EMG, please contact our Volunteer Training Program Coordinator, Leslie Fillmore, by email at LeslieF7@vt.edu.

How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

Donations to MGNV support the following that benefit the public:

• Eight demonstration gardens in Arlington and Alexandria
• Five plant clinics at libraries and farmers’ markets in Arlington and Alexandria
• Help Desk (for in person, phone, and email inquiries)
• MGNV website and social media 

Information provided March 2025

Edu-Futuro

EIN: 54-1914671

Mission Statement

The mission of Edu-Futuro is to empower underserved youth and families through mentorship, education, leadership development, parent engagement, individual case management, and workforce development. Our vision is to realize the potential of underserved youth and their families.

Program Summary

Edu-Futuro’s work is focused on breaking the cycle of poverty through the power of education. We serve nearly 5,000 students and parents annually through our range of free, bilingual, Two-Generation programs:

1. The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP): Our flagship youth-serving program offers a  “Classroom-to-Career” continuum of support that helps students graduate from high school, enroll in college, and achieve professional success. Each year, hundreds of students participate in ELP’s five core initiatives: ELP STEM Robotics clubs and Pre-ELP high school preparation workshops for youth in grades 6-8; ELP-I college readiness and leadership development workshops for students in grades 9-12; ELP-II college access and financial aid guidance for high school seniors; and ELP-III college life guidance and mentorship for students attending local postsecondary institutions.
2. Parent Empowerment Services (PES): Because family involvement is vital for young people’s success, we offer a range of workshops to help parents and caregivers navigate our local school systems, become more involved in their children’s education, and improve family communication. In addition, our Case Management Services (CMS) provide emergency assistance to any family in need: connecting them to rental support, food distribution, health services, and other aid programs offered by government agencies or local nonprofit organizations.
3. Workforce Development Services (WDS): To ensure parents can navigate an increasingly virtual employment landscape, we provide practical training and individualized support including computer and smartphone skills, resume and cover letter preparation, and GED certification to earn the equivalent of a high school diploma.
4. Chronic Absenteeism Prevention (CAP): Our newest initiative, developed in response to the nationwide chronic absenteeism crisis in 2021, works directly with local school systems to conduct intensive outreach to hundreds of chronically absent students — returning youth to their classrooms and reducing dropout rates for some of our region’s most vulnerable populations.

In addition to these program pillars, since 2019 Edu-Futuro has been the proud home of Línea Directa, one of the nation’s longest-running weekly Spanish-language television programs dedicated to public service. For over 35 years, Línea Directa has operated as a crucial link between Latino families and trusted information on public health, education, and a multitude of social service issues. A unique media partnership with NBC4-Washington allows Edu-Futuro to air Línea Directa on Saturday mornings, at 11:00 a.m., on the region’s leading Spanish-language station, Telemundo 44.

Impact Summary

Each year, Edu-Futuro changes the lives of thousands of students and parents across Northern Virginia: In our most recently completed Fiscal Year 2024-2025, we provided a record-breaking 5,366 services to 4,915 unduplicated children, youth, and adults. Some of our most significant recent accomplishments include:

• In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Edu-Futuro mobilized to become one of the largest providers of direct financial aid to vulnerable families in the region: stabilizing more than 1,840 households and distributing over $2.8 million to date for rent, food, medicine, and other basic necessities.
• Since 2021, the 334 outstanding graduates of our Emerging Leaders Program have collectively secured more than $42 million in life-changing scholarships and financial aid.
• In its first five years, our Chronic Absenteeism Prevention partnerships with Fairfax County and Arlington Public Schools have prevented more than 1,250 students from dropping out, preserving over $26.7 million in public educational investment.
• Last year, our public service television program Línea Directa won two Emmy Awards from the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in the categories of Best Public Affairs Program and Best Societal Concerns Program (Long Form).

What ways can the public get involved?

Led by our full-time Volunteer Coordinator, each year Edu-Futuro engages over 250 volunteers who provide invaluable support for our programs as workshop co-facilitators, career panelists, and mentors. Volunteers play a central role in guiding program participants along their professional journeys, particularly as mentors for the Emerging Leaders Program. We also use volunteers for one-time opportunities to serve as panelists for career exploration workshops, committee members to review applications and select recipients for college scholarships, and judges for our annual speech and essay competitions. For more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Mariana Balgurevich, at volunteer@edu-futuro.org, or consult our volunteer registration form. 

How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

Generous donations made to Edu-Futuro are what allow us to provide our services to nearly 5,000 students and parents each year. It is important to note that about 75% of the funds we receive through grants and contracts each year are earmarked for specific programs, and do not cover critical operating and administrative expenses. Unrestricted funds like those we raise from individual donors help give us the capacity and flexibility we will need to meet our ambitious goal of serving more than 5,400 unduplicated individuals in Fiscal Year 2025-2026 — and to strengthen our organization to face new challenges in the years to come.

More than anything, your support can help change the lives of young people like Eric Pleitez, an Emerging Leaders Program graduate who went on to earn his both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Finance from the George Washington University. Eric recently shared a testimonial with us that can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/MvGkh4PLCMY

Information provided March 2026