We believe that we can create a better future through innovation and societal change. This sense of hope leads to creative approaches and new models that work. We seek to nurture the spirit of the nonprofit community by recognizing and celebrating successes, as well as learning from valuable failures.

We want to be effective in achieving our mission and accountable to all our stakeholders – community, constituents, donors, board, staff, volunteers, collaborators, the government, etc. We believe in modeling this trustworthiness and integrity that earns continuously the public’s high regard for us. This reflects an alignment between what we say, what we do, and how we do it.

We celebrate, respect, and include all of the District of Columbia's people, cultures, regions, religions, and political views.

We are committed to careful stewardship of all human, natural, and financial resources. This means we use carefully the time and talents of those working with us, we are environmentally responsible, and we spend wisely the funds invested in us.​