The Mayor's Office of Partnerships and Grants Development (OPGD) has selected 30 organizations for its 2004-2005 Strengthening Partners Initiative (SPI) program.

SPI is a capacity building program that provides an opportunity for emerging nonprofit and faith-based organizations to attend customized training sessions, learn from experienced coaches, and develop new peer networks. The free one-year program is available to executive directors from organizations located and providing direct services in the District of Columbia.

"This initiative supports Mayor Williams' goal to expand opportunities for all by strengthening the organizational and leadership capacity of these participating service providers," said OPGD director Lafayette Barnes. SPI alumna Lillian Cash, executive director of Goodwin Douglas CDC in Ward 4, indicated that her organization received two grant awards in FY04 thanks to the SPI training. Furthermore, Ms. Cash stated, "Goodwin Douglas continues to be mentored by the SPI-assigned mentor on strengthening our fiscal management system."