Arlington Among Top Cities for Online Donations
(Updated at 11:05 a.m.) When it comes to online activity, apparently local residents aren’t just shopping and checking Facebook all day. Arlington has been ranked as one of the top cities in America for online donations.
Blackbaud, a company that provides software and services to nonprofits, put together the list after examining 265 cities’ online donations. Arlington came in fourth, just behind third place Washington, D.C. and second place Alexandria. Seattle took the number one spot. The top ten list is:
- Seattle, WA
- Alexandria, VA
- Washington, D.C.
- Arlington, VA
- Ann Arbor, MI
- Cambridge, MA
- Berkeley, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- St. Louis, MO
- Minneapolis, MN
The analysis ranked 265 cities with a population of 100,000 or greater based on per capita online giving. The rankings cover the time period from January 1-December 31, 2012. The full list of cities and where they stand can be found online.
“Online giving continues to be an important part of a nonprofit’s overall fundraising strategy,” Steve MacLaughlin, director of Blacbkbaud’s Idea Lab, said in a press release. “While overall giving remains relatively flat, we continue to see double-digit growth in online giving and expect the trend to continue throughout the year.”
In total, the cities included in the analysis donated more than $509 million online, which is a 15 percent increase from 2011.
Photos: Leadership Arlington’s Monte Carlo Fundraiser
Leadership Arlington, a local nonprofit that works “to develop trained leaders who are committed to building and strengthening our community,” held its annual Monte Carlo fundraiser at Reagan National Airport over the weekend.
The event drew some 450 people, the group said. Among those pictured above are Leadership Arlington graduates Megan Lake (of Bean Creative), Bobby Wright (of Virginia Heritage Bank), Mary Johnson (of ESI International), Lee Anne McLarty (of the Rosslyn Business Improvement District), Omar Sider (of SuperStar Tickets — and an avid poker player), and respective spouses.
Additional photos can be found on the Leadership Arlington Facebook page. From the group’s press release:
With more than 450 Washington metropolitan community stakeholders in attendance, Leadership Arlington’s eighth annual Monte Carlo Night exceeded expectations. The event was held Saturday, March 9, 2013 at Ronald Reagan National Airport, Historic Terminal “A.” Proceeds from this event support Leadership Arlington’s mission and Youth Program.
The theme of the evening was “Monte Carlo Night Goes to Paris.” Guests were transported to an elegant Parisian soirée without having to leave the DC area. Patrons were treated to an exciting array of activities from a silent auction benefiting the Leadership Arlington Youth Program to Monte Carlo casino-style gaming tables. Mark Ingrao, President of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, graduate of the inaugural Leadership Arlington Signature Program Class of 1999 and member of the Leadership Arlington Board of Regents, led guests through an exciting live auction as the evening neared its end.
“We were thrilled to receive such amazing support from the community for this year’s Monte Carlo Night,” said Betsy Frantz, President & CEO of Leadership Arlington. “This event is critical to the success of the Youth Program and mission of the organization. We appreciate the collaboration of leaders from the area validating our organization.”
Each year, the “who’s who” in the business, nonprofit and public sectors enjoy the opportunity to connect with other key leaders in our community in a fun and elegant environment at Monte Carlo Night, and this year was no exception.
Photos courtesy Leadership Arlington
Eighteen Local Nonprofits Receive Grants
Eighteen Arlington nonprofits will receive part of the more than $200,000 in grants the United Way of the National Capital Area presented to the county on Tuesday (January 29).
The 20 grants total $202,000 and come from designations to the Arlington Community Impact Fund during the annual workplace giving campaign.
Each year, United Way NCA solicits funding proposals from its member nonprofit organizations for specific programs and work in the community. This year, organizations from Arlington submitted 51 proposals totaling $895,500. A citizen-led task force made up of volunteers determined the grant recipients by examining where there may be gaps in services and where the funds would do the most good.
“One of the reasons why I continue to make donations to the Community Impact Fund and now also participate in the grant selection process myself is that there are certain areas I want to impact and I don’t necessarily know all the charities involved in that pursuit,” said Afua Bruce, a member of the grant selection committee. “I’m confident that the money I and so many others entrust to United Way NCA is going to organizations that will have the most impact creating the changes I want to see in our community.”
The following 18 organizations will share the grant money:
- Arlington Food Assistance Center
- Arlington Free Clinic
- Arlington Pediatric Center
- Arlingtonians Meeting Emergency Needs
- A-SPAN (Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network, Inc.)
- Ayuda
- Borromeo Housing
- CrisisLink
- Doorways for Women and Families
- Friends of Guest House
- Goodwill of Greater Washington
- Just Neighbors
- Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry (NOVAM)
- Northern Virginia Family Service
- ReSET
- SCAN of Northern Virginia
- The Child and Family Network Centers
- The Reading Connection
Low-Income Students to Receive Donated Bikes
More than two dozen children from low-income Arlington households will get something special for the holidays on Saturday afternoon.
The children, elementary students at Patrick Henry, Barcroft and Randolph schools, were chosen to receive a refurbished bike from the Arlington-based nonprofit Phoenix Bikes shop. The presentation will be made at Arlington Presbyterian Church (3507 Columbia Pike).
From Phoenix Bikes:
Working with the three South Arlington elementary schools — Patrick Henry, Barcroft and Randolph — approximately 25 children from low-income families have been selected to choose a refurbished bike to keep. Each has been repaired and inspected by the staff at Phoenix Bikes. The children will also be given new helmets.
This inaugural event is an effort to spread the wealth of bikes donated to Phoenix Bikes to the communities that need them most. “We get many children’s bikes donated that often need just a little work,” said Henry Dunbar, Phoenix Bikes Executive Director. “This holiday season we felt we would see how many we could repair quickly and put back into the community with children who might not have one otherwise.”
The cost of the new helmets has been generously sponsored by Nick Kuhn and McEnearney Associates, Inc.; and the Arlington Presbyterian Church.
(Courtesy photo)
Local Nonprofits Make ‘Top-Rated’ List
Nearly a dozen Arlington-based organizations have been recognized as “2012 Top-Rated Nonprofits” by the review website GreatNonprofits.
The nonprofits made the list by accumulating positive reviews from volunteers, donors and clients. A total of 1,386 U.S. nonprofits were listed this year. Among those based in Arlington:
- ProInspire
- The Nature Conservancy
- Amazon Conservation Team
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
- Arlington Free Clinic
- Organization for Autism Research
- Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation
- The Nature Generation
- Partnership for Food Safety Education
- Rare
- Encore Stage & Studio
Encore State & Studio Executive Director Sara Duke said the organization is “excited to be named a Top-Rated 2012 Nonprofit.”
“We are proud of our many accomplishments this year, a successful first season of our Encore Presents series, new programs including the Encore Show Choir, and over 10,000 audience members for our 2011/2012 season,” she said.
Local Students To Take On Global Issues At ‘Earth 2100′
Arlington nonprofit Our Task will host an “intergenerational” conference to discuss environmental and global development issues on Saturday, Aug. 11 at the Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy St.).
Our Task Executive Director Jerry Barney said the conference is aimed at local high school and college students who want to share ideas and discuss what the world will look like in 2100, and what should be done to deal with ongoing deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, population increases and a host of other issues.
“It comes from a growing unease and a growing sense of fear among thoughtful young people that the planet they’re going to inherit is not at all the planet they hope to inherit,” Barney said.
The all-day conference is open to participants of all ages, but for the past six years has attracted mainly local students. They are organized in focus groups and presented with an issue “from the 10,000-foot level,” said Our Task Chair Angeline Cione. They then develop and present solutions.
This year’s opening speaker will be conservation biologist and George Mason University professor Dr. Thomas Lovejoy. Registration is free and will run until the day before the event.
Photo courtesy Jerry Barney
Morning Notes
General Assembly Votes to Lift Gun Purchase Limit — The Virginia General Assembly has voted to lift the state’s limit of one gun purchase per month. The limit, which has been in place since 1993, was intended to reduce gun trafficking and gun-related crimes. Sen. Janet Howell (D), who represents part of Arlington, said lifting the limit could turn Virginia into a “gun-runners’ paradise.” [Washington Post]
Arlington’s Triple-AAA Rating Reaffirmed — Arlington has once again received a top AAA rating from each of the three major bond rating agencies. “With these ratings, the County will be able to continue making critical capital investments at the lowest possible cost to residents and businesses,” said County Manager Barbara Donnellan. [Arlington County]
Library Launches New Web Site — Arlington’s library system revealed a newly-designed web site over the weekend. The new library site includes “fresher-looking pages… richer graphics… catalog browsing that might remind you of strolling the shelves… a friendlier study room reservation system… [and] a customized events calendar with more options to find what you want.” [Arlington Public Library]
New Leadership for BRAVO — The nonprofit Buyers and Renters Arlington Voice (BRAVO) has appointed a new Executive Director. Dennis Jaffe, a longtime community activist, says he’s looking forward to advocating for the rights and needs of tenants in Arlington County. “I have a personal mission… and that is to increase tenants’ connectedness to each other and to the Arlington community,” Jaffe said in a statement. Tenants make up about 57 percent of the Arlington County population, according to BRAVO.
Morning Notes
Linden Resources Profiled — Linden Resources, based on 23rd Street in Aurora Highlands, provides jobs to more than 250 people with disabilities, including disabled veterans. The company was recently profiled on WUSA9′s Hero Central segment. [WUSA9]
GOP Still Looking for County Board Candidate — A special election may be the GOP’s best chance to capture a seat on the Arlington County Board, but so far no Republican has stepped up to run in the upcoming special election to fill state Senator-elect Barbara Favola’s seat. [Sun Gazette]
Obama Leading in Va. Poll — Virginia’s state legislature may be dominated by Republicans, but a new poll shows that voters are leaning toward President Obama in theoretical match-ups against GOP presidential frontrunners Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich. [Washington Examiner]
Pike Streetcar… A Bargain? — Miles Grant argues that the estimated $250 million cost of the planned Columbia Pike streetcar is actually a bargain compared to some other major transportation project. [Greater Greater Washington]
‘Arlington Fun Ride’ Planned for Saturday
Dozens of bicyclists will hit the trails around Arlington this weekend for the second-annual “Arlington Fun Ride.”
The family-friendly event, which will take place from 8:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday, is a fundraiser for the non-profit, Barcroft Park-based Phoenix Bikes shop. Registration is $5 for individuals and $10 for families. The first 280 registrants will receive a t-shirt, free food from Chick-Fil-A and refreshments.
The ride begins at 8:00 a.m. at Barcroft Park (4200 S. Four Mile Run Drive), and takes riders on a 17-mile loop around Arlington via the W&OD, Custis, Mt. Vernon and Four Mile Run Trails. Children’s activities, including a bike rodeo, kids dance fitness class, cycling safety instructions and a health fair, begin at 10:00 a.m.
“The Fun Ride promotes family fitness and provides support for Phoenix Bikes, a community bike shop empowering at-risk youth,” organizers say. “Our environmentally and fiscally sustainable bike shop helps Arlington teens become successful social entrepreneurs and benefits the entire community.”
The ride’s 25+ sponsors include Arlington County and Arlington Public Schools. County Board member Walter Tejada will serve as the ride’s Grand Marshall.
Leadership Arlington Seeks “Rising Stars”
Leadership Arlington, a nonprofit organization devoted to community-oriented leadership training, is seeking “rising stars” to join its Young Professionals Program. The application deadline is August 1.
The organization issued the following press release this morning.
Leadership Arlington is seeking rising stars with potential to apply for its Young Professionals Program. Do you know of a promising up-and-comer within your company?
This selective program provides affordable leadership skills training to your brightest employees in an interactive and experiential setting. Meeting twice monthly from September until January, the sessions focus on philanthropy, civic engagement, and leadership skills development.
“I really enjoyed the Leadership Arlington Young Professionals program. It helped me expand my horizons and grow as a person and member of my community,” said James Bierbower, E Group, Inc.
Benefits to local organizations include employee loyalty, retention, and workforce stability. As a program of the Leadership Arlington, participants have opportunities to connect with over 700 members in 500 organizations in the area. Additionally, members of the inaugural Class of 2011 expressed a renewed appreciation for Arlington, and the intention to plant roots in the community.
“I learned how to be a more active citizen in the Arlington Community by giving my time and talent to the community to make Arlington a better place for the people who live here,” said Brandon Jenkins, Marymount University.
Application deadline is August 1, 2011. Contact Liz Nohra, Chief Operating Officer, lnohra@leadershiparlington.org to receive additional information. Please visit Leadership Arlington’s website at www.leadershiparlington.org to apply. Limited scholarships are available.
