news & updates

The decision led by Philanthropy DMV (PDMV) Chair Dr. Marla M. Dean and the 14-member board came after an extensive review of the 33-year-old nonprofit’s operations by transition CEO Gloria Nauden, in an exclusive WBJ interview. Philanthropy DMV, which changed its name a year ago from Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers, is primarily funded through membership dues from its network of family foundations, corporate grantmakers, government grantmakers, public foundations and activists. Approximately 75 organizations belong to Philanthropy DMV, said Nauden, and dues are calculated on a sliding scale up to $30,000 annually based on each organization’s grantmaking levels. PDMV reported $3.95 million in revenue and $5.72 million in expenses in its audited 2023 990.

More than three decades ago, we opened our doors with the belief that our region’s funders would be stronger—and more effective—if we could work in collaboration. Through that aligned strength, we knew we would be better positioned to serve the diverse needs of our community. In countless moments and milestones in the years since, that belief has been continuously and emphatically proven true.  We are deeply proud to say that Philanthropy DMV (previously known as the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers) has acted as a bold catalyst that has fundamentally transformed our region for the better. Our collective impact will resonate for generations to come.  Today, with mixed emotions, we share the news that the Board of Directors has decided to explore a new path for this work. As part of this next phase, the organization’s current operations will wind down effective December 31, 2024.  “The Philanthropy DMV Board of Directors is and has always been comprised of leaders who represent and understand the region’s vibrantly diverse network of funders. It’s because of this variety of thought and experience that we arrived at two clear conclusions,” said Dr. Marla M. Dean, Board Chair, Philanthropy DMV. “First, this is a necessary…

“We are excited to welcome Gloria Nauden as our new Interim CEO,” said Dr. Marla Dean, Chair of the Philanthropy DMV Board of Directors. “Gloria’s profound commitment to community, combined with her extensive experience and proven leadership, make her uniquely qualified to guide our organization through this pivotal period. Her track record of strategic innovation aligns perfectly with our mission to transform the philanthropic landscape in the DMV area. Gloria will serve as more than a traditional interim; she will boldly lead Philanthropy DMV into our next chapter.” In her new role, Gloria will oversee the organization's strategic direction, program development, and operations, ensuring that Philanthropy DMV continues to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves. She will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, and key stakeholders to expand the organization's reach and impact. “I am honored to join Philanthropy DMV as the Interim CEO, and look forward to working with the team and regional leaders to build upon the organization’s impressive legacy to strengthen our communities,” said Gloria Nauden. “Together, we will continue to support and amplify the incredible work of our community partners and members, driving meaningful change and making a lasting impact in…

Philanthropy DMV and Equal Measure convened a small, invite-only group of funders to explore together how organizations and their people are defining and measuring racial equity. As funders arrived, they filled in around a large conference room table inside the historic True Reformer Building in Washington, DC. There was palpable energy and laughter as longtime colleagues reconnected, as well as a tentative intrigue from those newer to the space. Genuine relationships—along with the care and empathy that stem from connections—were the grounding force, setting the stage for the authentic sharing necessary for conversations around equity and justice. After some grounding and centering, the group shared key individual learning moments from the last year. What emerged was a robust conversation that captured the challenges of individual and organizational racial equity journeys, highlighting questions such as: What risks are posed to those with deep lived experience as they engage with philanthropy? How do genuine relationships across race form and struggle through philanthropic partnerships together? Can you be your full, authentic self in philanthropy in unapologetic ways? ACKNOWLEDGING HARD TRUTHS IN PHILANTHROPY Through these discussions, participants found themselves wrestling with the origins of philanthropy and the underlying reasons foundations have accumulated wealth and…

Dear Philanthropy DMV members,    We hope your new year has renewed your energy and commitment to supporting the incredible work occurring throughout our region.  The Philanthropy DMV (PDMV) Board of Directors would like to share several important updates as we kick off 2024. These updates are effective immediately unless otherwise noted.  CEO Transition: CEO Ruth LaToison Ifill and the Board would like to announce a planned CEO transition.  Ruth will serve as Liaison to incoming board chair, Dr. Marla Dean, who, along with the rest of the Executive Committee, will support the staff with day-to-day operations. The Board is in the final stages of identifying an Interim CEO, who will then lead the organization while a search is conducted for the next CEO.   As CEO, Ruth played an important role in the growth of Philanthropy DMV. Ruth guided the organization through the tremendous challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, developed a Celeste James. Over the coming months, CA James Consulting will provide PDMV with the strategic programmatic support needed to meet the goals of our framework.  In the very near future, once an interim CEO has been identified, we will update members.  Board Transitions: Kelly Lynch and Julie Wagner have completed their Board…