Wellness is Wealth: How the Community Impact Fund Grows with Community-Led Innovation

From Vision to Reality: How Community-Led Efforts Birthed the Community Impact Fund

We first launched this fund in 2022 in partnership with the Greater Washington Community Foundation, inspired by our amazing conversations with Ward 8 residents about their hopes for a vibrant community. By investing in our partners, we’re doing more than just funding projects; we’re creating a network of changemakers who are making a real difference in Ward 8. With 45 years of impact, Martha’s Table has been committed to empowering individuals and families through vital resources and opportunities, fostering sustainable change in our communities.

The Health of a Leader is the Heart of Success: Introducing the Wellness Benefit

To address the pressing need for sustainability in nonprofit leadership, the CIF Wellness Benefit initiative has been crafted to support a select cohort of 10 nonprofit Executive Directors through a holistic seven-month wellness program. This initiative prioritizes vital aspects like mental health, resilience, and personal well-being, helping to tackle the unfortunate prevalence of burnout often faced by leaders in our sector. 

“This program has been developed in collaboration with our partners at the Center for Nonprofit Advancement in direct response to feedback provided by members of this and previous cohorts. At Martha’s Table, we are committed to being a true and trusted neighbor, and we are proud that the continuous improvement of our programs is community-led, informed by the experiences, feedback, and insights of community members and program participants. The program will equip participants with tailored strategies to sustain their leadership while prioritizing their own health.” -Douglas Ireland, Chief Programs Officer 

Key features of the Wellness Benefit include:

• Personalized One-On-One Coaching
• $250 Monthly Stipend
• Burnout Prevention Resources
• Engaging Group Coaching and Peer Support
• In-Depth & Professional Health Assessments

We are excited to share that the initial stipend payment for this exciting initiative was released on June 15th. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to all who support this vital program.

“This couldn’t have come at a better time. We do so much with so little. I know I need help. This is potentially a game-changer.” – CIF grantee