ACT for Alexandria
ACT for Alexandria is a community foundation that serves as the home for philanthropy for donors, nonprofits and members of our community. While ACT is most known for Spring2ACTion, the organization supports the community in so many other ways. In this issue, we talked to Heather Peeler, President and CEO of ACT for Alexandria, to learn more about how ACT directly impacts our community.
Q: ACT for Alexandria is best known for Spring2ACTion, but what other initiatives and projects is ACT working on?
A: You are right! Spring2ACTion is one of many high-impact events. This year, we are proud to announce that Alexandria’s Giving Day raised a record-breaking $2 million from 9,423 donors for 162 participating nonprofit organizations! It’s an amazing example of our community coming together.
In addition, starting with the IMPACT Forum in February, ACT has engaged civic leaders, donors and nonprofits in a conversation about racial equity in Alexandria. In May, we launched a Racial Equity Capacity Building Initiative which includes trainings, convenings and funding opportunities to explore racial inequities in our community and how we can all play a role in eliminating them.
We have also partnered with the City of Alexandria to raise awareness about the upcoming 2020 Census and the importance of counting every Alexandrian. ACT has always sought to bring people together to discuss and take action on important issues in our community.
Q: Racial equity is a challenging topic to discuss. How can people get started?
A: It’s important to recognize that it is a challenging conversation and that it will be uncomfortable. I encourage everyone to go beyond their comfort zones and be curious and open. There are many ways to learn more. For example, check out our suggested reading list at www.actforalexandria.org or go on an African American History walking tour with Manumission Tours.
Q: It sounds like it has been a busy year so far! What are you most proud of that ACT has accomplished in 2019?
A: We are honored to support the organizations and individuals who serve the Alexandria community. When the government shut down this winter, many members of our community faced financial challenges, struggling to keep their homes and to feed their families while they were out of work. With the support of individual donors, donor advised funds (DAF) and the City of Alexandria, we quickly dispersed more than $50,000 to eight local organizations who were addressing increasing requests for financial assistance. More than 200 individuals and families were able to put food on the table and avoid eviction because of ACT Now grants to local organizations. I am so proud of how our community quickly banded together to support each other during this difficult time.
To learn more about ACT for Alexandria, visit their website at actforalexandria.org or email Heather Peeler at heather.peeler@actforalexandria.org.
About ACT for Alexandria
ACT for Alexandria is Alexandria’s home for philanthropy and for people who want to make a difference. As a community foundation, ACT is dedicated to improving the lives of people and nurturing our vibrant community by supporting the growth and sustainability of its nonprofits, engaging the community on key issues and partnering with donors to amplify the impact of their giving. From its launch in 2004, ACT has focused on build-ing a more equitable community and helping to keep Alexandria a vibrant and welcoming place for all by:
- Providing a forum for community discussions on racial equality
- Collaborating with the City of Alexandria to ensure that all Alexandrians are counted in the 2020 Census
- Giving grants to nonprofit organizations to strengthen and improve their work in this area
- Take Action!
There are many different ways you can get involved with ACT for Alexandria and support your community:
- Open a donor advised fund: Just like having your own charitable bank account, a DAF is a tax-advantaged vehicle for philanthropic giving that lets you set resources aside to use when you want to make a charitable donation.
- Make a charitable donation: Donate directly to ACT to support programs and initiatives that support our vibrant community.
- Register for a program: Sign up for a racial equity workshop or take part in one of our upcoming Census 2020 events.
