Partner Organizations
If you are interested in becoming a partner of Fair Chance, please review the Partner Application Guidelines.
We also continue to provide services to our Second Year Partners and our Alumni Partner Organizations.
Since 2002, Fair Chance has partnered with 65 community-based nonprofit organizations who serve more than 55,000 children, youth, and families in Washington, DC's most underserved communities, Ward 5-8 [PDF]. Fair Chance helps each of these organizations and their leaders rise to their potential. Our proven program of support empowers our partners do what they do better, do more of it, and be around for those that need them for a long, long time.
Learn more about our new partners!
Through our team of highly skilled, specially trained Capacity Building Specialists, Fair Chance provides our partner organizations with year long individually tailored services aimed at improving their capacity, and strengthening their sustainability, impact, and success. This partnership, as well as the customized services it entails, evolves over time as our partner organizations grow and their needs change.
Partners receive a comprehensive assessment process resulting in a detailed work plan, and year-long, weekly, one-on-one, technical assistance in each of our eight service areas: Board Development, Financial Management and Analysis, Fundraising, Leadership Development, Human Resources and Accountability, Outreach and Communications, Program Evaluation and Monitoring, and Strategic Planning. Our Capacity Building Specialists work directly with each of our partner organizations' Executive Directors and other organizational leadership to enhance the skills and confidence they need to effectively lead and strengthen their organizations.
Fair Chance partners are eligible to receive a second year partnership that builds upon the lessons learned and skills transferred throughout the first year. While less time intensive, second year partnerships continue the structured, deliverable-based model to help our partners become stable, sustainable organizations.
After completing a first and/or second year of partnership with Fair Chance, partners join a thriving Alumni network. Fair Chance Alumni receive regular learning and networking opportunities through: quarterly roundtable events, access to our partner e-forum, Executive Director breakfasts, pro bono services, continued staff support when needed and invitations to various other events. Fair Chance values and maintains relationships with its partners to build a stronger community of support for DC children and youth.
First Year Partner Organizations
The following is a list of our partner organizations in the first year of their partnership. Fair Chance targets its efforts in two communities: east of the Anacostia River in Wards 7 and 8, and select neighborhoods west of the river in Wards 5 and 6.
Fair Chance seeks dynamic, child and youth-focused organizations operating in Wards 5-8 who have innovative programs and inspiring leaders. We are delighted to be working alongside the following nine partners throughout 2012.
Alliance of Concerned Men - (City-wide; primarily 7 & 8) goal is to save the lives of at-risk youth residing in high crime areas of Washington, DC. Their mentoring program aims to change attitudes and value systems of children, youth, and young adults who are at-risk and/or in crisis by promoting and teaching independence, positive life skills, and beneficial survival techniques to help them re-join the mainstream of American life.
Center for Self Discovery (CSD) - (Wards 6, 7 & 8) works to support the social growth of low income, underserved DC youth and their families. “Teens Run DC” empowers at-risk youth to envision and work towards the achievement of personal goals through a youth mentoring and distance running program. “Through My Eyes” empowers at-risk youth, providing them with a safe space where they can give vision and voice to their life stories.
Chess Challenge - (City-Wide; Primarily Wards 5-8) promotes the academic, social, and leadership development of youth using the game of chess. Children learn to think strategically; develop self-discipline and positive social skills; and increase their self-esteem.
DC Diaper Bank - (Wards 5-8) works to provide a reliable and adequate supply of free diapers to families in need living in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The DC Diaper Bank raises awareness about the need for diapers as a basic necessity, collects diapers through community events and fundraisers, and distributes diapers to families in need through a network of social service agencies.
DC Lawyers for Youth - (Wards 5, 7 & 8) DCLY takes a holistic approach to improving the juvenile justice system organizing our efforts around prevention, representation, and rehabilitation. DCLY’s work and initiatives support effective juvenile justice legislation as well as educational outreach to youth and parents.
DayBreak Ministries - (Wards 7) faith-based programming supports under-resourced communities (mainly Lincoln Heights) through nurturing children and strengthening families. Daybreak's services offer youth mentoring, after-school programming, education and training.
Reach Incorporated - (Wards 5 & 6) Reach strives to improve reading skills, across ages, by hiring and training struggling adolescent readers in DCPS schools to tutor 3rd graders in DC elementary schools.
Southeast Ministry - (Wards 6, 7, & 8) develops culturally sensitive education programs that address root causes of social problems such as poverty, illiteracy, and violence. They offer GED preparation classes, job readiness programs including computer/IT training to help young adults reach their full potential.
Wilderness Leadership & Learning, Inc. - (Wards 1, 6, 7 & 8) offers challenging outdoor adventures, unique learning experiences, and team-building activities to inspire youth living within the city who often don’t have the chance to experience nature to live the best life possible, saying what they mean, doing what they say, and growing to their full potential.
