Dear Friend,

I’m writing to share some exciting news with you that has been in the works since I first came on board at GGWash nearly four years ago: We’ve started a second nonprofit to help build civic capacity in the Washington region. 

GGWash is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, which means we’re allowed to engage in political activity and don’t face limits on lobbying. But (c)(4) status alone isn’t as flexible as we need it to be. Advancing land use, housing, and transportation policy involves more than political, lobbying, and advocacy activity – and many donors prefer to make tax-deductible gifts. That’s why the team behind GGWash incorporated a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit, GGWash Commons.

This is a big deal. I hope you’ll stick with me through this email to learn more, and learn about how you can help GGWash Commons grow.

We take GGWash’s political, lobbying, and advocacy work seriously, putting a lot of care into making sure our endorsements are useful to voters and complement our other efforts to advance our policy agenda. Our (c)(4) designation has made GGWash what we are.

At the same time, we do so much more than political work. We publish stories, we host events, we lead trainings, we undertake occasional research projects, and more. More than 90% of GGWash’s budget is spent on nonpolitical work. But most foundations won’t give grants to 501(c)(4) nonprofits, and donations that people make to 501(c)(4)s aren’t tax deductible. 

In other words, we had a mismatch between our legal designation and our ability to raise the funding needed to do important work.

So we’re launching Greater Greater Washington Commons to take the lead on several areas of work. We call it GGWash Commons for short: the name is meant to evoke concepts like the exchange of ideas and knowledge, a sense of civic responsibility, and an emphasis on community-building. Earlier this year, the IRS gave GGWash Commons official 501(c)(3) designation, opening the door to new grant opportunities – and, for the first time, tax-deductible gifts.

With the launch of GGWash Commons, the goal is to build civic capacity in the Washington region in support of land use, transportation, and housing policy reforms that advance justice. That means more educational programming, training opportunities, articles, and community-building events. GGWash Commons will help residents engage effectively in their neighborhoods; will equip officials with useful information about land use issues in the region; and will strengthen the community of people who care about making this region a place where housing is abundant and affordable and it’s safe and easy to get around without a car.

But to make that a reality, we need you. This Giving Tuesday, help us celebrate this newest chapter and start off strong with a tax-deductible gift to GGWash Commons. 

A handful of founding donors have come together to form a pool of $10,000 in matching funds: That means every dollar you donate to GGWash Commons, up to $10,000, unlocks one dollar in matching funds for the organization. Our goal is to raise $10,000, plus the $10,000 match, for GGWash Commons by Friday, December 13. Please join us.

The original GGWash isn’t going anywhere. Advocacy, lobbying, and political work will continue to happen through our 501(c)(4) entity, and that work is as important as ever: the way that most people engage on housing, transportation, and land use issues is at the ballot box.

GGWash Commons, however, will make it possible to grow other important work beyond what would otherwise be possible. I hope you’ll help us to write this newest chapter.

P.S. Donors who contribute to GGWash Commons by December 13 will be recognized on the GGWash Commons website (if they choose) as one of the organization’s founding supporters – thank you for being part of this important moment!

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Greater Greater Washington is a registered 501(c)4 organization; contributions to support our work are not tax-deductible

Greater Greater Washington
80 M St SE
Suite 100
Washington, DC 20003
United States  

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