Washington, DC – DC-based The Family Place has been selected to be featured in the 2009/10 Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington. Sixty-eight exceptional nonprofits were chosen this year from a field of over 250 applicants. A committee of ninety professionals from area foundations, corporate giving programs, family foundations, nonprofit organizations, and the DC government participated in the review process -- leveraging the region's knowledge about philanthropy for the benefit of the entire community.

“To be recognized by The Catalogue for Philanthropy as one of the best small charities in DC is a tremendous honor,” said Haley Wiggins, Executive Director. “More than 400 families a year count on us, and during these difficult economic times, more families than ever need our support. Our goal is to give local families the tools they need to be self-sufficient. That’s why we are committed to healthy childhood development, promoting adult literacy and serving victims of domestic violence.”

This is the Catalogue's seventh year in the Washington, DC region. Supported by individuals, foundations (Harman, Meyer, Cafritz, Marriott, Graham, Fowler), and corporations (CGI, Booz Allen Hamilton, TTR Sotheby's International Realty) as a service to the community, the Catalogue profiles environmental, cultural, educational, human services, and international organizations with budgets below $3 million. This year's Catalogue includes 36 nonprofits that were first featured in earlier Catalogues; they were chosen both for their intrinsic excellence and because they are examples of the impact that the Catalogue has had on area nonprofits.

"Charities were selected for excellence, innovation, cost-effectiveness, and financial transparency--and for what they can teach us about the extraordinary ways that philanthropy works,” Harman said. “These are certainly among the best small charities in the Washington, DC region.”

For 30 years, The Family Place has provided D.C. families in need with resources and support to ensure the healthy development of young children and their parents. Parents receive individualized services and participate in group activities designed to increase their knowledge of child health and development, promote peer support, build confidence in their own abilities, and enhance long-term family stability.
 
After an inaugural year in the District of Columbia, the Catalogue expanded to the Greater Washington region adding nonprofits in Northern Virginia and nearby Maryland counties. 20-30,000 individuals and hundreds of foundations will receive copies of the Catalogue in mid-November. To date, the Catalogue has helped to raise over $8.5 million in donations for local nonprofits.

 
According to Barbara Harman, Executive Director of the Harman Family Foundation and President of the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington, "The Catalogue is designed to be a showcase for high impact, DC-region non-profits, and an inviting way for individuals and families to participate in charitable giving. In the midst of the worst economic downturn we have seen in decades, supporting these organizations -- which make a big difference in the lives of people throughout our community -- is more important than ever. And the Catalogue makes informed, targeted giving truly possible."

The Family Place was founded in 1980 in Washington D.C. Today, The Family Place provides education and support for families including; healthy childhood development, adult literacy programs and a resource for victims of domestic violence. All programs empower parents to provide their children with a healthy environment. With over 400 families served each year, the organization is committed to making a better life for those living in the local community.