News Releases

Oct 21, 2008

DC nonprofit organizations recognized contributions of the IDB

Inter-American Development Bank announced additional contributions in response to economic downturn

The Latino leaders of the Washington Metropolitan Area nonprofit organizations today recognized a decade of contributions of the Inter-American Development Bank (through its IDB-DC Solidarity Program) to the Latino and Caribbean communities in DC with a special tribute to IDB President, Luis A. Moreno.

Moreno took the opportunity to announce an additional contribution of $340,000 over two years to help these communities through the current economic downturn.  “We are all aware of the existing economic challenges and how they are impacting our community, and thus we need to find ways of supporting them,” said Moreno.

Leaders from the main nonprofit organizations that serve the Latino and Caribbean communities acknowledged the economic and development support provided by this international entity that seeks to be responsive to the community in which it resides and operates. 

“The presence of the Inter American Development Bank in our community is constantly demonstrated by the amazing work done by its IDB-DC Solidarity Program which not only provides us with the opportunity to extend our giving capacity, but facilitates our work with their network of volunteers and their donations of equipment,” expressed Maria Gomez, President/CEO of Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Care.

Since 1998, the IDB-DC Solidarity Program has awarded more than $2,886,000 in grants in areas such as childcare, youth development, business development, health, education, immigration, employment, and rehabilitation and violence prevention.  The Program also supports the organizations through grant making, volunteerism, special drives and initiatives and the donation of surplus equipment.   

“Everyday the IDB-DC Solidarity Program staff is creatively thinking about linking our community based organizations to the human, in-kind and financial resources that they know our community so desperately needs,” said Lori Kaplan, Executive Director of the Latin American Youth Center.

During the recognition ceremony held at the Josephine Butler Center, a special tribute was paid to IDB President Moreno.  “Through the IDB-DC Solidarity Program, we have tried to reflect our own sense of corporate social responsibility and commitment to these immigrant communities, many of which are from IDB member countries.  We must all make the commitment to enhance the capacity of nonprofit organizations targeting the disadvantage and find ways to leverage assets from within and without the Latino and Caribbean communities to promote more effective philanthropy” Moreno said.

Father Mario Dorsonville, Executive Director of the Spanish Catholic Center expressed that “President Moreno is acting in solidarity with the Latin-American and Caribbean communities and his commitment demonstrates that ‘charity begins at home.”

From its inception, the IDB-DC Solidarity Program has not only supported its more than 40 partner organizations, but has also collaborated with other multilateral organizations, the Washington, D.C. government, private sector corporations, and other key players and institutions in the community to support community development, civic engagement, and local philanthropy.

Also available in: Español