Harman is president and editor of the Greater Washington Catalogue for Philanthropy. The 2012-13 list is out of what the publication considers to be the 70 top nonprofits and philanthropies in the area.
What criteria do you look for in a philanthropy/nonprofit that will go into the catalogue?
Our review team numbers over 100 — all people directly involved in the nonprofit sector. They want to make sure that a real need is being met, that the programs and services are meaningful, well designed, and properly staffed. They want to know how the organization measures its impact. We make sure that organizations featured in the catalogue are fiscally sound, cost-effective and sustainable.
What is the mission of the Catalogue for Philanthropy? Our mission is to create a strong and vibrant community by connecting caring citizens with worthy community causes. We want to mobilize this community to join forces with us, and with the great nonprofits doing incredibly important but often unsung work in the arts, environment, education and human services. In our annual catalogue, we invite people to join with us in supporting the great work of our featured nonprofits — to donate, volunteer, get engaged.
How much money has the Catalogue for Philanthropy raised so far, and what do you hope to raise this year?
We just surpassed the $18 million mark last month. Right now we are raising about $2.5 million a year — in a down economy. I’d like to see us raise at least $3 million this year; it’s our 10th anniversary.
– Roxanne Turnbull
