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December 2024

Dear Crimsonbridge Friend,

As we approach the end of 2024, we're reflecting on the power of sharing good news. Working in the nonprofit sector, we see the incredible impact of change-makers in schools, nonprofits, and communities every day. Taking time to celebrate achievements and share good news not only spreads joy but also fosters a sense of community and encouragement. It reminds us of the progress we've made and inspires us to look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead with optimism.

At Crimsonbridge® we enthusiastically use communications to amplify the work of our community partners. By authoring News ([link removed]) and #Community ([link removed]) posts, engaging in LinkedIn ([link removed]) conversations, sharing best practices with funders, and creating online resources, our team highlights successes and reminds us of victories that can help us navigate future challenges with optimism and resilience.

In this newsletter, we embrace December as a time for celebration, gratitude, and renewal. We hope you enjoy these highlights from recent events, inspiring updates from our community, and insights into what's in store for the new year.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!

Sincerely,
Gabriela Smith
Founder & Executive Chair
Danielle M. Reyes
President & Chief Executive Officer
Pope’s Message to Catholic Philanthropists in the United States: “Keep Spreading Jesus’ Love." Founder & Executive Chair Gabriela Smith joined other philanthropists and foundation staff from across the country for the FADICA Catholic Philanthropy Network ([link removed]) ’s Rome pilgrimage and retreat. During an intimate audience with Pope Francis ([link removed]) , FADICA members were reminded by the pope that "As a 'network', FADICA is naturally 'synodal' in that it counts on the common vision, commitment and cooperation of so many individuals, families and foundations. I ask that this synodal spirit of solidarity and generous concern for others will always be nurtured by a sense of gratitude for the abundant gifts the Lord has bestowed upon us and an ever deeper experience of the transforming power of his love." Read more here.
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Crimsonbridge Co-Hosts Gathering on Nonprofit Leadership Development. Forty DMV-area funders gathered to hear from Andre Samuels of Apogee Executive Coaching, Matt Gayer of Spur Local, Adam Levner of Access Coaching Collective, and Dana Pauley of Leadership Montgomery (all pictured above from left to right) about the kind of leadership development that nonprofit leaders of color want now. Crimsonbridge Foundation and Philanthropy DMV co-developed this gathering ([link removed]) , focusing on leadership development investment in the region with ideas from Wells Fargo, the Micron Foundation, the World Bank, and LeaderBridge®.
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What Would it Look Like if Funders Brought Their Full Resources to Bear? Danielle M. Reyes, President & CEO of the Crimsonbridge Foundation, shares her insights in three episodes of the Catalytic Philanthropy Podcast ([link removed]) by Exponent Philanthropy, as part of their Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy initiative. Danielle invites philanthropic leaders to think outside the box and reminds us that money alone will not change long-term systemic issues. Listen to each 15-20 minute podcast episode here. ([link removed])

Dr. Janelle Clay, 2024 Crimsonbridge Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness (SREE) Fellow, with Program Officer Robyn Attebury Ellis

Strategic Investments in First Generation College Success. In 2024, Crimsonbridge partners mobilized $9.2 million in philanthropic funding through collaborations that will:
1. Launch a national emergency aid fund via Scholarship America ([link removed])
2. Train 300 community colleges on incorporating community data into their student success equation via Achieving the Dream ([link removed])
3. A ([link removed]) dd childcare services for parenting college students ([link removed]) on 100 college campuses via the Association of Community College Trustees

It was also an active year of partnership with Grantmakers for Education's (GFE) Postsecondary Access and Attainment Impact Group (PSA2) to identify and elevate College Success opportunities nationally. Program Officer Robyn Attebury Ellis, a Co-Chair of PSA2, co-produced a national ([link removed]) landscape scan of postsecondary funder collaboratives ([link removed]) that answers the question: "What postsecondary foundations are supporting what strategic areas and how are they collaborating?" which was debuted at a convening of 50 postsecondary funders at the GFE's annual conference. Most recently, Crimsonbridge released Fostering Student Belonging and Connectedness in College: A Scoping ​Review. The report, by Dr. Janelle Clay, is the product of a unique research ​fellowship the Society for Research on ​Educational Effectiveness. For more
College Success-related news, visit our #community ([link removed]) page.
LeaderBridge alums Rafael Woldeab of City Blossoms (L) and Rebecca Lemos Otero of Humanities DC (R) with President & CEO Danielle M. Reyes
Building More Leadership Development Experiences. Nonprofit leaders are integral to driving positive change in the Greater Washington DC region. In response to direct feedback from leaders, we formed strategic partnerships and curated leadership development experiences this fall, including executive coaching. The LeaderBridge® ([link removed]) team also enjoyed a second year of networking with over 20 LeaderBridge alums at Spur Local's Community Changemakers event. Leaders visited with fellow alums and staff, shared ideas for leadership development, and encouraged fellow nonprofit leaders to participate in LeaderBridge program offerings. LeaderBridge has upcoming opportunities including the Rising Leaders ([link removed]) Program, the Executive Preparation Institute ([link removed])
for prospective executive directors, and more. Visit the LeaderBridge calendar ([link removed]) to learn more and apply!
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Crimsonbridge Foundation launches new Bridges for Schools website ([link removed]) . Bridges for Schools supports Catholic schools in building capacity for welcoming and embracing the Latino community, through funding, tools, and resources for schools to invest in Spanish and bilingual communications, family engagement strategies, cultural competency, and more. The new website ([link removed]) features resources ([link removed]) for school and diocesan leaders interested in implementing best practices and strategies used by our 50+ partner schools, including bilingual video and website, student and family engagement, and incorporating representative imagery to create welcoming environments that foster belonging and representation. We invite schools, (Arch)dioceses, funders, and other stakeholders interested in learning more to visit the website and complete our interest form. ([link removed])
Introducing Caitlin Banez as the Crimsonbridge Foundation's Program Associate! Caitlin joined the Crimsonbridge Foundation team in July, supporting the continued growth and national expansion of the Bridges for Schools ([link removed]) and Education Imperative ([link removed]) ® programs. Before joining the Crimsonbridge Foundation, she gained experience working in graduate admissions, primary and secondary education, and legal, nonprofit, and public sectors. As a Montgomery County native, Caitlin received her bachelor’s of arts degree from the University of Maryland and her master’s of science from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. Read more about Caitlin here. ([link removed]) Welcome Caitlin!
#Community ([link removed])
Our commitment to participate, engage, listen, and learn with the communities we support.
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Explore #community ([link removed])


** Top News
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* Founder Gabriela Smith Awarded FADICA Medal of Service ([link removed])
* CEO ([link removed]) Danielle M. Reyes Featured on Exponent Podcast ([link removed])
* Cardinal Gregory Highlights Impact ([link removed]) of Investing in Communications ([link removed])
* Robyn Attebury Ellis: ([link removed]) 5 Ways to Add Value as a Program Officer ([link removed])
* Leadership Roundtable features Crimsonbridge Foundation ([link removed])
* Students Receive Scholarships to Attend DC Catholic Schools ([link removed])
* Philanthropy Fellow Spotlight: ([link removed]) Beatriz Huerta ([link removed])
* Philanthropy Fellow Spotlight: ([link removed]) Emily Fairbanks ([link removed])
* Second Year of ([link removed]) Executive Coaching Begins ([link removed])

Read More ([link removed])

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