Catalogue for Philanthropy and D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development Team Up
Washingtonians are urged to take part in both supporting local businesses and local nonprofits during upcoming special days that celebrate each. The local coordinators are the D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) for Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30 and the Catalogue for Philanthropy for #GivingTuesday on Dec. 3.
The Catalogue serves as the community leader for #GivingTuesday in D.C.; over 200 participating nonprofits can be found at www.givelikealocal.org. The global day of giving encourages people to help others through the gift of time, donations, goods or voice.
Under Mayor Muriel Bowser, DSLBD is tasked with supporting the growth and retention of District-based businesses as well as aspiring entrepreneurs and DC makers with its Made in DC Program. The agency is encouraging local residents to remember to #ShopSmallDC this Small Business Saturday and all holiday season long, including when it comes to donating to local organizations.
"Local charities and small businesses are the heartbeat of D.C.," says Matthew Gayer, co-executive director of the Catalogue for Philanthropy. "Both of these designated events demonstrate how much we appreciate the special owners and organizers who make our community better each day of the year."
To build interest and encourage donors to support their favorite charity on #GivingTuesday, the Catalogue will feature four giving power hours on Dec. 3; the power hours will be 9–10 a.m., Noon–1 p.m., 3–4 p.m., and 8–9 p.m. The nonprofit with the most donors in each hour at www.givelikealocal.org will receive $1,000. The overall nonprofit with the most donations throughout the day at www.givelikealocal.org will receive $2,000.
There also will be a celebration of local giving and local nonprofits on Dec. 3 at Wunder Garten at 1101 First St., NE in Washington, D.C., from 4:30–7:00 p.m. Further details are available at www.givelikealocal.org.
The Catalogue has raised well over $40 million for community-based nonprofits in the D.C. metro region at no cost to those organizations. It vets local charities annually through a process that involves a program review, financial review and site visit. This ensures individuals can feel confident that they are supporting organizations that have earned the Catalogue's seal of approval.
The Washington Post editorialized that the Catalogue is "… required reading for residents interested in making a difference in their communities."