Author: Cindy Nixon, PR/Marketing Manager, Communities In Schools National Office
Philanthropedia.
Once I could get around to pronouncing it, I took a minute to think about what being recognized as a “2011 Top Nonprofit” by this organization could mean to Communities In Schools. So I edged closer to the computer and did some research. A quick Google search allowed me to learn that Philanthropedia’s mission is to “improve nonprofit effectiveness by directing money to and facilitating discussion about expert-recommended, high-impact nonprofits.”
In layman’s terms, they’re trying to give potential donors an idea of worthy causes to which they can give money. By delving a little deeper into their site, I also learned that Philanthropedia was acquired by GuideStar earlier this year. As the industry leader in nonprofit data, GuideStar has an audience in the millions – professionals, funders, advisers and other individuals. Not too shabby if you ask me!
In the less than two years I have served as Manager of Public Relations and Marketing, I’ve seen Communities In Schools gain recognition from Charity Navigator and now Philanthropedia. That’s one new major recognition per year. If I were a baseball player, I’d be hitting .1000, once again not too bad. Not to mention, we’re also fully accredited by the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.
At Communities In Schools I am honored to work with a group of passionate individuals who truly care about giving the children we serve a better chance at life. But if we lack the proven evidence to back us up then we aren’t left with much. That’s why getting ourselves on the radar of such well-known evaluators is so crucial to helping us accomplish our mission. There are many worthy causes out there, so the challenge we are constantly tasked with is coming up with new ways to make our organization stand out. And this latest recommendation is one way we can go about doing just that. So while I may still be mispronouncing their name, at least I now understand how important Philanthropedia’s recommendation is to the future of Communities In Schools. And that’s good enough for me.
Check out our profile on Philanthropedia’s website.