The National Capital Region is getting a boost in non-profit funding. Venture Philanthropy Partners is a non-profit organization that aims to help children from low-income families using the principles of venture capital investment. Recently, the organization gave $5.5 million to fund the expansion of the Knowledge is Power Program or KIPP DC, a network of high-standard college preparatory charter schools in the Washington area. With this amount, the two organizations aim to double the number of students enrolled by 2015.

Before releasing funds, Venture Philanthropy Partners applies tough evaluation standards and focuses on philanthropic investment endeavors that have the greatest potential to contribute to the improvement of children’s lives, their core developmental and educational needs. Since the late 1990s, KIPP DC has raised the level of public education in underserved communities across the country. Emphasizing extra learning time and support for children, the efforts of KIPP DC have had a huge impact not only on the students that enrolled into its program, but also on the rest of the state’s youth sector.

Charter schools differ from traditional public schools in that they are independently operated and are open to all residents of the District of Columbia, regardless of their neighborhood, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or educational level. There are no admission tests or tuition fees. Many parents opt to send their children to these educational institutions because they promise high quality education at little cost.

Large-sum donations from charitable entities such as Venture Philanthropy Partners are what keep the school operations running smoothly and at par with educational standards. They also take some of the pressure off of public schools that are filled to capacity or experiencing budget cuts. A good education is the foundation for better character and a brighter future. It is projects and partnerships like these that can give today’s children a better shot at success, no matter who they are or where they come from.