1. What is the Neighbors in Need Fund?

   The Neighbors in Need Fund is an emergency response fund to support the urgent needs of nonprofits in the Washington region that provide "safety net" services—food, clothing, shelter, financial assistance and foreclosure prevention. It includes a special fund focused specifically on Montgomery County, MD and established by donors of The Community Foundation for Montgomery County.

2. Why was this fund created?

   The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region launched this fund in late 2008 in response to the economic crisis that gripped the region and the nation. The recession caused skyrocketing demand for critical services and a shrinking pool of dollars to support those services.

3. How big is the Neighbors in Need Fund?

   To date the Fund has raised $3.7 million from individuals, families, corporations and institutions across the region.

4. How much has the Fund distributed in grants?

   As of January 2010, the Neighbors in Need Fund has distributed some $1.9 million to 70 nonprofit organizations.

5. Who receives the funding?

   Nonprofit organizations providing "safety net" services such as food, clothing, shelter, financial assistance and foreclosure prevention can apply for grants from the fund. Grants are be awarded on a competitive basis.

6. How does an organization apply?

   Application information for the next round of grants is available at www.cfncr.org/NIN.

7. How will the Fund determine which organizations to support?

   The Fund has a steering committee made up of a diverse group of funders, Community Foundation donors, Trustees and staff, community leaders and others. The Committee will conduct thorough due diligence on the organizations to ensure that they meet all of the criteria and recommends grants to The Foundation’s Board of Trustees. 

8. How can I give to the Neighbors in Need Fund?

   There are several options. You can donate online HERE. 
   Or you can mail a check to:
   Neighbors in Need Fund
   C/o The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region
   1201 15th Street, NW
   Suite 420
   Washington, DC 2005

9. Does all the money go to nonprofits or does some go to administration?

   Administration is a critical aspect of effective philanthropy. The Community Foundation is donating all administrative costs associated with the Neighbors in Need Fund so that all donor gifts go directly to safety net nonprofits.

10. Can I designate my gift for a specific organization?

    No. If you wish to support a specific organization, send your gift directly to that organization. If you aren’t sure how best you can help organizations in this economic crisis, a gift to the Neighbors in Need Fund will enable you to direct your dollars where it is needed most.

11. Why The Community Foundation?

            For more than 35 years, The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region has
            been helping its neighbors in need by promoting and supporting effective giving. The Foundation
            works with thousands of individuals, families and companies in the Washington region, managing
            their charitable funds and connecting them with strong nonprofits. As a community of givers, The
            Foundation is the largest funder of nonprofits in the region and one of the largest community
            foundations (in terms of giving) in the country.

            Whenever our region has faced a time of crisis in the past 36 years, The Community Foundation
            has been there. As the community’s permanent source of giving, The Foundation connects people
            and resources together to tackle the toughest issues, from drug violence in the 1980s to the
            terrorist attacks of September 11 to the current economic recession.

            Learn more about achieving your charitable-giving goals by becoming a Community Foundation
            donor HERE.