Program areas at Downtowndc Foundation
Homeless services:the Downtowndc Foundation distributed $500 welcome home kits to individuals transitioning from homelessness to housing, catered, hot thanksgiving and christmas meal celebrations, and distributed 756 overnight kits that included hygiene items, winter clothing and blankets and nutritious snacks and water. In partnership with macy's metro center, the Downtowndc Foundation piloted a women's wellness day which included personal bra and underwear fittings, essential hygiene item kits, and a catered lunch. The Downtowndc Foundation additionally funded a crucial homelessness survey in downtown that identified urgent needs and challenges for individuals experiencing homelessness. The Foundation also helped fund a new facility manager position at the downtown day services center.
Parks and public spaces:the Foundation supports the operations, maintenance and programming of the world-class green space, franklin park. In 2023, the Downtowndc Foundation supported the addition of stepping stones and landscaping around the slide in the children's garden. The Foundation also purchased tables, chairs, and umbrellas to provide shade and seating in chinatown park.
Cultural and social impact: the Downtowndc Foundation funded and secured sponsorships to support a variety of free programming for the community including "rock the park" a weekend concert in franklin park; summer in the square, a celebration of the art, history and culture of dc held in the reopened mcpherson park, made possible through a grant from humanities dc; frosted at franklin park's winter light displays and programming; jazz & blossoms (a premier event of the national cherry blossom festival); and the inaugural kids world event, a weekend full of fun programming for families and kids of all ages.