Monday, November 17, 2008
Contact:
Alice Grabowski (202) 244-4408 ext. 128
Stewart Schwartz (202) 244-4408 ext. 121
COALITION FOR SMARTER GROWTH SELECTED FOR THE SECOND TIME AS ONE OF THE BEST SMALL CHARITIES IN THE REGION
Award Event Today (2 PM) at the Shakespeare Theater Harman Center at Gallery Place
The Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington is proud to announce that the Coalition for Smarter Growth (CSG) has been selected to be featured in the 2008-09 Catalogue. A panel of 60 expert reviewers from area foundations, corporate giving programs, larger non-profit organizations, and the DC government evaluated nearly 200 applications; Coalition for Smarter Growth is one of 68 outstanding nonprofits to be featured this year. CSG was also featured in the 2004 Catalogue.
CSG, founded in 1997, is the preeminent advocate for a better way to grow in the Washington, D.C. region. It works to ensure that transportation and development decisions in Loudoun, Prince William, Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Montgomery, Prince George’s counties and the District of Columbia accommodate growth while revitalizing communities, providing better housing and travel choices, and conserving our natural and historic areas.
Never before have CSG’s smart growth solutions been so important. High energy costs, climate change, and limited infrastructure funds require that we build wisely where we already have infrastructure. Smart growth offers comprehensive solutions that integrate transportation, community design, affordable housing, energy efficiency and conservation.
“We are thrilled to be recognized by the region’s philanthropic leaders. The Coalition for Smarter Growth is committed to making a big impact with a small budget. We work with community members throughout the region to ensure growth and transportation decisions are made with genuine community participation and with a goal of creating positive benefits for the community as a whole,” said Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth. “Protection of the environment, economic equity, and the creation of more walkable communities with less traffic and a stronger sense of place are among our goals.”
According to Barbara Harman, President of the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington, “Non-profits face a tough challenge this year in a struggling economy and volatile stock market environment. Making wise end-of-year contributions that will have significant impact is more important than ever– to donors and charities alike.”
The Catalogue provides charities with a stamp of approval that tells donors they can invest with confidence. “Charities were selected for excellence, cost-effectiveness, and impact” Harman said. “These are certainly among the best small charities in the Washington region.”
Charities recognized in the 2008-9 Catalogue will be highlighted at an event launching the book on November 17th, 2008, at 2 pm at the Shakespeare Theater Harman Center in Washington, DC. Media is welcome to attend the event. CSG will celebrate with its supporters at a party at the Saloon on U St from 6-8pm on the 17th.