Press Release

OPRAH'S ANGEL NETWORK /SPRIT OF GIVING GUIDE HIGHLIGHTS / CHRONICLE OF PHILANTHROPY ARTICLE /
WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE

Catalogue for Philanthropy

Washington, DC-based Academy of Hope
Chosen for New 2004 Catalogue for Philanthropy:
Greater Washington

Washington, DC-based Academy of Hope has been selected as a 2004 Catalogue for Philanthropy charity. This is the Catalogue's second year in the Washington region. Supported by area foundations (Harman, Meyer, Cafritz, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac) as a service to the community, the Catalogue profiles 78 outstanding environmental, cultural, educational, human services, and international organizations with budgets below $2million. Academy of Hope was chosen from an applicant pool of 250 candidates.

At Academy of Hope, they know that knowledge is power. And the path to power is pretty straightforward: help adults acquire the basic skills and high school credentials that will lead to good jobs and a living wage. The results are impressive: 16% of entering students are on public assistance, and 74% earn less than ,10,000 a year; after graduation, only 1% remain on welfare, and over 77% go on to college, certificate programs, or vocational training. Some adult students earn a general education degree known as a GED, or a DC high school diploma acquired through a rigorous External Diploma Program that offers credit for life experiences. Others focus on Adult Basic Education, which offers real world skills in math, reading and writing, and computer courses in Word, Excel, and the use of the internet. Through a partnership with Literacy Volunteers of America, the Academy also provides basic education, right in the workplace: tutors work with support staff at the US House of Representatives and within various divisions of the DC government. In the past year alone, 27 Academy students passed the eight-hour GED exam or obtained their diplomas through the EDP program. 63 found a job or received a promotion; countless others improved their basic skills. So hope is the operative word here: basic education means literacy, education, jobs, and a living wage. Your generosity brings hope to those who need it.

In 2003 the DC Catalogue helped raise over $466,000 in pledges and gifts for local charities. This year it has expanded to the Greater Washington area-adding nonprofits in Northern Virginia and nearby Maryland counties. 30,000 individuals and hundreds of foundations will receive copies of the Catalogue this year.

According to Barbara Harman, executive director of the Harman Family Foundation, "The Catalogue is designed to be a showcase for Washington-area philanthropy and an inviting way for individuals and families to participate in charitable giving." A single check sent to the Catalogue's DC office, or an online donation at its website, www.catalogueforphilanthropy.org/dc, can be allocated to as many charities as the donor pleases. Donors may also contact the charities directly. "Because the Catalogue is fully paid for by its philanthropic partners," Harman notes, "100% of every donation goes to the designated nonprofits."

Academy of Hope was selected from a competitive field of 250 candidates. Proposals were reviewed by 30 professional grant makers and leaders at 20 local foundations and nonprofit organizations. "Charities were selected for excellence, innovation, and cost-effectiveness--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 region."