The Arlington Community Foundation “Holiday Wish Catalog” needs a final push to break last year’s giving total.
Just over $170,000 had been donated in support of safety-net providers through today (Tuesday). In 2024, the effort raised $176,000, “so there is a real chance to top that,” foundation officials said.
More than 70 nonprofit organizations are seeking funding up to $5,000 each for specific projects or programs. As of Dec. 20, three dozen groups had seen their requests fully funded, while some others “are close to the finish line,” the foundation said.
Among the participating organizations are 22 that have become part of the effort for the first time, many of them nonprofits with smaller budgets.
“It has been an especially tough year for many nonprofits, so this kind of targeted, local giving is needed now more than ever,” foundation officials said.
The website has been redesigned for 2025, with a running total of all donations listed at the top. Prospective donors can browse all wishes at once, or select from eight broader categories to narrow their search.
Categories include basic needs; education; child and youth development; the environment; arts, culture and community engagement; legal services and justice; housing and transportation; and health and wellness.
Among some of the requests not yet fully funded:
- The Shirlington Employment and Education Center is asking for support for its emergency fund assisting day laborers during the winter months, when work is scarce
- Latinas Leading Tomorrow is requesting support for a supply drive
- Friends of Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium has asked for support for programming initiatives
- Reading Is Fundamental of Northern Virginia would like community funding for its “Authors in Our Schools” effort
- Arlington Little League requests backing to support tournament travel expenses for special-needs athletes
- EcoAction Arlington’s request would support stewardship programs targeting local students
- The Arlington Artists Alliance has sought funding to promote a mentorship program for students at the Arlington Career Center
- Challenging Racism is asking for contributions to support its community conversation “Seeing Our Humanity in a Polarized World”
The initiative will remain open through Thursday, Jan. 1.
