History

The Trust was incorporated as an independent non-profit in June 1999 after a group of concerned stakeholders determined to improve the approach taken to providing services to children and youth in the District. Out of this year-long convening of young people, parents, caregivers, service providers, community leaders, school officials, corporate partners, foundations and federal and District government officials, the ideal for a new entity was born.

Since its inception in 1999, the Trust has played the important role of innovator, collaborator, convener and funder – all with the aim of creating positive lasting change for children in our city.

In fiscal year 2007, the Trust granted more than $18 million to community-based organizations so that 19,000 people could participate in programs such as parent centers, out-of-school-time programs, youth entrepreneurship and older youth programs, summer camps, adult literacy programs, lifelong learning coaches and charter school improvements.

The Trust receives generous support from Mayor Adrian Fenty and the DC City Council. In its role as intermediary, the Trust has worked to build partnerships across agencies, including both the Mayor’s office and the City Council, as well as DC Public Schools, DC Parks and Recreation, the Department of Employment Services, the DC Public Libraries, the Office of the State Superintendent for Education, the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services and the Department of Health, among others.

The Trust Corporation committed to the stakeholders who came together nearly 10 years ago. Through public hearings, partnership meetings and focus groups, we continue to reach out to the community and incorporate new ideas, respond to challenges and build new partnerships.