Loudoun County-based Solar Light for Africa Chosen for New 2006 Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington

Loudoun County-based Solar Light for Africa has been selected as a featured charity in the 2006-07 Catalogue for Philanthropy which will be issued in mid-November. This is the Catalogue's fourth year in the Washington, DC region. Supported by local foundations (Harman, Meyer, Cafritz, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Marriott and Fowler) as a service to the community, the Catalogue profiles environmental, cultural, educational, human services, and international organizations.  Seventy-one new nonprofits will be featured this year, and those from previous years will be re-listed as well. Organizations from 2003 through 2005 are live at the website, www.catalogueforphilanthropy.org/dc.  Newly selected 2006-07 nonprofits will be added in November.

After an inaugural year in the District of Columbia, the Catalogue expanded to the Greater Washington region—adding nonprofits in Northern Virginia and nearby Maryland counties. Over 30,000 individuals and hundreds of foundations will receive copies of the Catalogue this year. To date, the Catalogue has helped to raise over $2 million in pledges and gifts for local nonprofits.

According to Barbara Harman, Executive Director of the Harman Family Foundation, "The Catalogue is designed to be a showcase for DC-region philanthropy and an inviting way for individuals and families to participate in charitable giving." A single check sent to the Catalogue's DC office, or an online donation at its website, www.catalogueforphilanthropy.org/dc, may be allocated to as many charities as the donor pleases. Donors may also contact the charities directly. "Because the Catalogue is fully paid for by its philanthropic partners," Harman notes, "100% of every donation goes to the designated nonprofits."

Solar Light for Africa was selected from a competitive field of approximately 200 candidates.  Proposals were reviewed by 50 professional grantmakers and leaders at 30 local foundations and nonprofit organizations.  "Charities were selected for excellence, innovation, and cost-effectiveness--and for what they can teach us about the extraordinary ways that philanthropy works,” Harman said. “These are certainly among the best small charities in the Washington, DC region.”