WASHINGTON, D.C.–The DowntownDC Foundation on Thursday released its Fiscal Year 2023 Impact Report, showcasing a year of growth, new community initiatives, and transformative partnerships.
Reflecting on its fourth year of operations, Foundation leadership conceded that significant challenges remained for DowntownDC at the end of 2023.
“But today, the future is even brighter,” wrote Board Chair Gigi Murphy and Executive Director Rachel Rose Hartman. “With significant focus on DowntownDC as an economic driver for the District, there are numerous, exciting opportunities within reach. The DowntownDC Foundation and our leadership look forward to sharing more with you and working together to support DowntownDC.”
Key highlights of FY23 included the addition of distinguished individuals to the Foundation’s board of directors, including Satchel Kaplan-Allen, Chief of Staff for José Andrés, and Amir Setayesh, Managing Director of Quadrum Global. Additionally, the elevation of board member Sean Cahill of Cahill Advisors to Secretary of the executive committee contributed to strong leadership momentum for the organization in 2023.
A standout event of the year was the inaugural Women’s Wellness Day at Macy’s Downtown-Metro Center, where 20 unhoused women from the Downtown Day Services Center (DDSC) experienced a special day of empowerment at the local department store including undergarment fittings from their in-house stylist, shopping, lunch, gifts and essential provisions.
The report highlighted several important initiatives including enhancements to Franklin Park, featuring revitalized spaces and engaging programming, and upgrades in the Children’s Play Garden. The Foundation funded a variety of events such as Kid’s World and Jazz & Blossoms, which added richness to the cultural landscape of DowntownDC. Fiscal Year 2023 activities also included the launch of “Franklin Park No. 9” Saison, a beer created in collaboration with City-State Brewing, which expanded awareness of the park and the Foundation and contributed a portion of proceeds to benefit the Foundation.
The Foundation in the area of homeless services continued its successful Welcome Home Kit initiative, holiday and essential items support and also launched its corporate volunteer program, with organizations such as the Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) and the Reagan Building and International Trade Center (RRBITC) Management Corporation helping those in need. A new DDSC Facility Manager was also hired for the facility, funded in part through a grant from the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation. The DowntownDC Foundation also received recognition last year from the DC Department of Human Services (DHS), earning its 2023 Good Neighbor Award for the Foundation’s commitment to homeless services efforts at the DDSC.
The report’s revenue analysis highlighted a 47.4% increase in overall revenue from FY22 to FY23, fueled by increased support from nonprofits and NGOs in addition to corporate donations. The Foundation also secured its first institutional foundation support in FY23.
Learn more and download the FY2023 Impact Report here.
About the DowntownDC Foundation:
The DowntownDC Foundation is a registered 501c3 organization that was launched by the DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) in 2019. Our mission is to serve and celebrate our vibrant and diverse DowntownDC community by providing homeless services, revitalizing parks, and enhancing public spaces and experiences. Visit downtowndcfoundation.org to learn more and support our work.
