Washington DC based ASHA Inc (Asian Womens Self Help Association) Chosen for New 2004 Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington

Washington DC based ASHA Inc has been selected as a 2004 Catalogue for Philanthropy charity. This is the Catalogues second year in the Washington region. Supported by area foundations (Harman, Meyer, Cafritz, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac) as a service to the community, the Catalogue profiles 78 outstanding environmental, cultural, educational, human services, and international organizations with budgets below $2 million. ASHA Inc was chosen from an applicant pool of 250 candidates.

(PRWEB) February 19, 2005 -- Washington DC based ASHA Inc has been selected as a 2004 Catalogue for Philanthropy charity. This is the Catalogues second year in the Washington region. Supported by area foundations (Harman, Meyer, Cafritz, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac) as a service to the community, the Catalogue profiles 78 outstanding environmental, cultural, educational, human services, and international organizations with budgets below $2 million. ASHA Inc was chosen from an applicant pool of 250 candidates.

ASHA, which means Hope" in several South Asian languages, is a non-profit womens organization committed to ending all forms of violence against women and enhancing the status of South Asian women living in the metropolitan Washington, DC area. (South Asia includes Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan.) ASHA, founded in 1989, is the only organization in the Washington, DC area dedicated to providing culturally specific, multi-lingual support and referral services to women of South Asian descent. ASHAS mission is To provide the support that enables South Asian women to become self-reliant and live in an abuse-free future." ASHAs biggest strength is in its client work. A team of dedicated volunteers and ardent supporters provide the backbone of this organization, and help carry its mission forward", says Nalini Rajguru, Board Member for ASHA Inc.

In 2003 the DC Catalogue helped raise over $466,000 in pledges and gifts for local charities. This year it has expanded to the Greater Washington area-adding nonprofits in Northern Virginia and nearby Maryland counties. 30,000 individuals and hundreds of foundations will receive copies of the Catalogue this year.

According to Barbara Harman, executive director of the Harman Family Foundation, "The Catalogue is designed to be a showcase for Washington-area philanthropy and an inviting way for individuals and families to participate in charitable giving." A single check sent to the Catalogue's DC office, or an online donation at its website, www.catalogueforphilanthropy.org/dc, can be allocated to as many charities as the donor pleases. Donors may also contact the charities directly. "Because the Catalogue is fully paid for by its philanthropic partners," Harman notes, "100% of every donation goes to the designated nonprofits."

Proposals were reviewed by 30 professional grant makers and leaders at 20 local foundations and nonprofit organizations. "Charities were selected for excellence, innovation, and cost-effectiveness-and for what they can teach us about the extraordinary ways that philanthropy works," Harman said. These are certainly among the best small charities in the Washington region."

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