***PRESS RELEASE*** Protect Our Defenders Named ‘One of the Best’ Nonprofits by the Catalogue for Philanthropy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2018

***PRESS RELEASE***

Protect Our Defenders Named ‘One of the Best’ Nonprofits by the Catalogue for Philanthropy

As it Celebrates its 16th Anniversary Serving the Greater Washington Region, the Catalogue for Philanthropy is Proud to Honor Protect Our Defenders

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, after a careful vetting process, the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington has selected Protect Our Defenders (POD) to be part of the Class of 2018-19. After going through a rigorous review process conducted by more than 120 experts in the local philanthropic field, Protect Our Defenders has met the Catalogue’s high standards. POD is the only national organization solely dedicated to ending the epidemic of rape and sexual assault in the military and to combating a culture of pervasive misogyny, sexual harassment, and retribution against victims.

“Protect Our Defenders is thrilled to have our hard work and achievements recognized by the Catalogue for Philanthropy,” said Col. Scott Jensen, USMC (Ret.), POD’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our ultimate goal is to eliminate misogyny, sexual assault, sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliatory behavior in our nation’s military. We protect the rights and support the lives of veterans, service members, their families and affected civilians. The culture and legal system in the military has got to be reformed. It’s going to take pressure from the public and good laws from Congress to make those changes happen. Protect Our Defenders is leading that charge.”

This year, the Catalogue celebrates its 16th anniversary and, since its inception, has raised $40 million for nonprofits in the region. It also offers trainings, neighborhood-based opportunities for collaboration, and a speaker series for individuals who want to engage and learn about the needs, challenges, and accomplishments of their shared community.

“People want to know where to give and they need trusted information. Based on our in-depth review, we believe that Protect Our Defenders is one of the best community-based nonprofits in the region,” said Bob Wittig, Executive Director of the Catalogue for Philanthropy.

This year, reviewers helped select 77 charities to feature in the Catalogue’s print edition, 38 of which are new to the Catalogue this year. It also selected an additional 49 nonprofits to be re-featured on its website. The network now includes more than 40 vetted nonprofits working in the arts, education, environment, and human services sectors throughout Greater Washington.

The Catalogue believes in the power of small nonprofits to spark big change. As the only locally-focused guide to giving, its goal is to create visibility for the best community-based charities, fuel their growth with philanthropic dollars, and create a movement for social good in the greater Washington region. The Catalogue charges no fees; it raises funds separately to support its work.

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