ACT for Alexandria has just announced the recipients of its 2011 Capacity Building Grant Awards. Totaling $60,000, the grants will strengthen five local nonprofit organizations serving children, youth and families in Alexandria. These grants invest in infrastructure-based programs and organizational needs to increase nonprofit effectiveness and sustainability. Recipients include: ALIVE!, Center for Alexandria’s Children, Computer C.O.R.E., Rebuilding Together Alexandria, and SCAN of Northern Virginia. Grant funding from ACT will allow these organizations to strengthen their operations and better serve their clients and the community.
The Capacity Building Grants are made possible through ACT’s Community Fund. Donations made to the Fund make it possible for ACT to strengthen the capacity of nonprofits, build initiatives to engage more citizens in philanthropy and create community collaborations that address vital issues in our city. Since the program started in 2005, capacity building investments in strategic planning and operations, technology, personnel, training and equipment have increased the effectiveness and sustainability of over 25 nonprofits serving Alexandria.
Friends of Guest House received a 2010 Capacity Building Grant from ACT to develop a strategic plan for the organization. Kari Galloway, executive director, said, “We now have an actual blueprint for moving the organization forward and establishing ourselves as a model program for possible replication. Having a plan in place helped us attract two new board members, multiple volunteers and additional resources.”
“Helping great Alexandria nonprofits to become even better has proven to benefit our entire community, particularly those most in need,” said John Porter, ACT executive director.
Launched in 2004, ACT for Alexandria (ACT) is a community foundation that seeks to raise the level and effectiveness of community engagement and giving for the benefit of all Alexandria. For more information about ACT and how you can support the pressing needs of the nonprofit community in Alexandria, contact ACT at 703-739-7778 or visit www.actforalexandria.org.