April 2024 Newsletter

Monthly Welcome to Colonial Beach Meetup

Thursday, April 18

6 until 8 PM

Willey's BBQ

(117 Washington Ave)

Our guest speakers will be Stephanie Trivett and Michael Fitzpatrick, who will talk about Community Heart and Soul.

Good Changes Are Coming

Our Website Is Getting An Update

We are happy to inform you that our website will be moving to a more robust platform and getting a new, and more user-friendly and engaging look thanks to local web designer, Deborah Newman, of Petite Taway. Consequently, our newsletters will eventually have a new look too. As always, we promise we will not inundate your inbox with emails ... just the monthly newsletter and a rare special notice.

NGOs vs. Nonprofits

What Are NGOs?

We often hear the terms NGO and nonprofit talked about, yet few seem to really know what the terms mean, and what NGOs and nonprofit organizations do. The abbreviation, NGO, stands for non-governmental organization. According to ngosource.org, there is no definitive definition of NGO. Typically though, an NGO is a "voluntary group or institution with a social mission, which operates independently from the government."

The terms NGOs and nonprofits often are used interchangeably. According to Carnegie Mellon University, NGOs and nonprofits "... work for the benefit of human welfare and to better society." However, the university notes that NGOs often have a broad and international scope; while nonprofits are often more narrowly focused in mission and/or geography.

Basic Facts About Nonprofits

Nonprofits exist for purposes other than making a profit and, here in the U. S, are defined by the Internal Revenue Service and must operate within certain parameters. While nonprofits usually have management personnel and raise funds to achieve their missions, they do not distribute income to members, directors, or officers. The Colonial Beach Community Foundation accomplishes its work with an all-volunteer board and various committee members. There are no paid employees.

Nonprofits & Communities

Nonprofits are important to their communities ... they fill in gaps and address societal issues that are not covered by the public and private sectors. In addition to providing services or assistance, nonprofits help build a sense of community by bringing people together with a common purpose. Giving to and volunteering for local nonprofits are good ways to participate in your community, give back, and help out.

We Hope to See You at the Virginia Osprey Festival

Saturday, April 13, 9 AM until 4 PM, on Town Hill

We'll have a tent staffed with volunteers ready to greet you and answer any questions you might have about the Foundation. We'll also have for sale ornaments ($25 each) and Building Community raffle tickets ($50 each) -- proceeds from both go to our Community Crisis Fund. A limited number of raffle tickets will be sold between now and the Annual Northern Neck Beach Music Festival in September. The winner will be announced at the Beach Music Festival and receive $5,000.

Ornaments

We have received a new shipment of LOVE Golf Cart ornaments! Both they and the Town Pier ornaments are available at Colonial Buzz Espresso and Wine Bar (234 Colonial Ave) and Beach Paws Boutique (116 Hawthorne St). Ornaments are $25 each.