Greater DC Cares is a nonprofit that makes it their business to address the needs of our capital city with a vast network of volunteers and the idea that skills are assets as valuable as money. And they are teaching nonprofits how to fish.

What They Do
Siobhan Canty, president & chief executive of Greater DC Cares (GDCC), ought to add the titles of matchmaker and broker as well. Under her direction, GDCC has expanded the idea of philanthropy to include long-term partnerships and a network of community investments and investors.

GDCC is essentially a clearinghouse of assistance, designed with maximization of resources in mind. They have not only financial resources, but human resources. There are pro-bono lawyers, board members and consultants to help smaller-scale nonprofits maximize their efficiency and efficacy, stretching fundraised dollars. GDCC offers nonprofits working toolkits (pre-assembled packages of best practices and information). “Greater DC Cares develops the capacity of all our partners – building powerful nonprofits, strengthening businesses and increasing volunteer activism and leadership. We are driven – above all – to solve the key social needs of the Washington, DC, region and its people.”

GDCC organizes sweeps of volunteers; two such annual events include the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday of Service and the Servathon, which on May 3 will focus on improving DC public schools. “Servathon is a one-day snapshot of the work we do year-round. It is a social opportunity but also one that has a huge impact on the community,” said Canty. “There are hands-on projects like painting and landscaping, but also skilled projects where pro-bono consultants will teach workshops to students on resume writing, to teachers on financial literacy, and to parents on building a stronger PTA. It is fun and high impact, just like Greater DC Cares!”

GDCC offers Citizen Academy, an every-other-month workshop to learn about important issues that affect our area, including affordable housing and HIV in DC – a great information resource for nonprofits as well as concerned citizens. Take advantage of leadership training through their Emergency Preparedness and Response Program.

Who They Do It For
GDCC works to beautify schools on the Hill, including Brent Elementary, Maury Elementary, Stuart-Hobson Middle, Payne Elementary, Watkins Elementary, Tyler Elementary, Hine Junior High and Ludlow-Taylor Elementary (adopted by Fannie Mae through Greater DC Cares’ Adopt-a-School Program). What a boost in morale for students, staff and neighbors of schools that receive special attention.

Nonprofits that have benefited from GDCC’s help and guidance include Our Place, Capitol Hill Computer Corner, Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Chance Academy, Horton's Kids, Metro TeenAIDS, Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund, City Lights PCS, National Maritime Heritage Foundation, Healthy Babies Project, McKinley Technology High School Fund, Little Lights Urban Ministry, Catholic Charities/Harriet Tubman Women's Shelter and the National Alliance on Mental Illness – DC Chapter. The ripple effects from cultivating nonprofits are incalculable.

How You Can Help
No matter what your cause – AIDS prevention, easing homelessness, protecting the environment – or how skilled you are, there is a place for you under the GDCC umbrella. “Greater DC Cares offers something for everyone. From painting a school to designing a website to serving on a board, we offer our volunteers opportunities based on their skills and interests,” Canty explained. Volunteer activities can be ongoing, one-time, solo or with the entire family. This welcoming, inclusive approach is the nucleus of GDCC. You can help by yourself, you can get your friends and family involved, you can urge your place of business to join in, or encourage your favorite local nonprofit to connect with Greater DC Cares. Their thorough website offers tips for taking the first steps to volunteering. For more information, visit www.dc-cares.org or call 202-777-4447.