THE DC WISE partnership program
Each year, DC WISE makes a 3 year commitment to a new partner organization to provide unrestricted funds to support women and children who are at-risk or disadvantaged. These three-year grants enable our partners to make nimble financial decisions – whether to add a staff member, fund a new program, or fill in the gaps where city budgets fall short.
DC WISE Partners are organizations that are providing critical services and opportunities to women and children in Washington, D.C. who are homeless, low-income or otherwise at-risk. Our dollars help to provide essential support services and supplies, create opportunities for education and employment, create healthy environments and challenge systemic injustice by advocating for policies and practices.
YEAR ONE
Our newest Partner will receive a large seed-money grant. Past grants have been between $100,000 and $150,000.
YEAR TWO
In the second year, the partner organization receives a smaller sustaining grant. This amount is 10% of the total raised by DC WISE in that fiscal year. This can range from $10,000 to $15,000.
YEAR Three
In the third year,the partner organization receives a smaller sustaining grant. This amount is 10% of the total raised by DC WISE in that fiscal year. This can range from $10,000 to $15,000.
OUR CURRENT PARTNER
DC WISE (Women In Solidarity for Empowerment ) has selected A Wider Circle as its 2020 charitable partner. Our partnership program with DC Region nonprofits provides general operating funds to mission-critical organizations that provide essential services and opportunities to women and children in Washington, D.C. who are homeless, low-income or otherwise at-risk.
DC WISE has raised over $500,000 for regional charities.
A Wider Circle, whose efforts focus on the provision of basic need items, workforce development, wraparound support, and neighborhood revitalization, leads the way for DC nonprofits. “Each year, DC WISE makes a 3-year commitment to a new partner organization to provide unrestricted funds to support their operations and programming,” explains co-president Valerie Cline. “By supporting our partners through unrestricted funds we enable our partners to make nimble financial decisions – whether to add a staff member, fund a new program, or fill in the gaps where the city’s budget falls short.” Adds co-president Melanie Hayes, “We have found that providing these unrestricted funds is the best possible way to support these essential services organizations.”
A Wider Circle
The mission of A Wider Circle is to end poverty through on-the-ground programs and services, as well as through the development of large-scale solutions to its root causes. Our holistic approach focuses on the creation of stable homes; workforce development programming to move families to economic self-sufficiency; neighborhood revitalization; and the creation of greater awareness and engagement by the community, as a whole.
“A Wider Circle is proud to partner with DC WISE as we create lasting change for women and children living in poverty,” says Mark Bergel, Founder, President & CEO of A Wider Circle. “The support of DC WISE means that we will not only be able to provide more on-the-ground programs and services; we will also be able to develop large-scale, systemic solutions to end poverty in our nation’s capital and beyond. We know that eradicating poverty will require commitment and partnership across every sector, and we are excited to work with everyone at DC WISE to make this a reality. Our partnership brings me greater hope and inspiration.”
“A Wider Circle is proud to partner with DC WISE as we create lasting change for women and children living in poverty,” says Mark Bergel, Founder, President & CEO of A Wider Circle. “The support of DC WISE means that we will not only be able to provide more on-the-ground programs and services; we will also be able to develop large-scale, systemic solutions to end poverty in our nation’s capital and beyond. We know that eradicating poverty will require commitment and partnership across every sector, and we are excited to work with everyone at DC WISE to make this a reality. Our partnership brings me greater hope and inspiration.”
Michele Bergel
Founder, President & CEO
A Wider Circle
The DC WISE Impact
DC WISE has raised nearly $340,000 to support the work of our partners. We are using our network to build brighter futures for the disadvantaged women and children in Washington, DC.
N STREET VILLAGE
$36,000
FAIR GIRLS
$69,002
Playtime Project
$106,847
Crittenton Services
$126,905
Safe Shores
Still counting…
The DC WISE Impact
DC WISE has raised nearly $340,000 to support the work of our partners. We are using our network to build brighter futures for the disadvantaged women and children in Washington, DC.
N Street Village
$36,000
FAIR Girls
$69,002
Playtime Project
$106,847
Crittenton Services
$126,095
Safe Shores
Still counting…
BECOME A PARTNER
DC WISE has an annual application process.
If you are interested in being considered for a partnership, please fill out our online application. Applications are accepted in August and September.
STEP 1: APPLY
DC WISE Partnership applications are accepted in August and September. Applications must be made through the online process (link below). If you have questions before submitting your application, please email info@dcwise.org.
The deadline for applications is September 30.
STEP 2: Review and Approval
DC WISE Partnership applications are evaluated by the DC WISE board based on merit and demonstration of need.
Applicants will be notified by the end of October.
STEP 3: partnership & funding
DC WISE holds a series of events to raise awareness and money for our partners throughout the fiscal year. Our partners are always invited to attend these events. The annual DC WISE Gala is held in June of each year. Funds will be dispersed after this event.
DC WISE is a non-profit organization committed to investing in and enhancing organizations that positively impact the lives of women and children in the District of Columbia.