CEO of Reston-Based Group Making a Difference

Earl Stafford has turned his success in business into a plan for success for the disadvantaged.

Stafford, 62, is the CEO of Reston-based The Wentworth Group, a venture capital and financial services firm. He is also the chair and CEO of The Stafford Foundation, a faith-based non-profit that has given away million since its founding in 2002.

 The Stafford Foundation collaborates with and invests in efforts that equip the underserved through programs that provide health, education, training and faith-based mission support, says Stafford.

Stafford's philanthropic projects first gained attention in early 2009, when he funded "The People's Inaugural Project," which brought more than 400 underserved people to Washington, DC, for President Barack Obama's inauguration.

Stafford reportedly spent close to $2 million to house guests at the JW Marriott, offer seats in a heated box at the parade and take part in other festivities usually only reserved for the well-heeled and well-connected.

"I am a big Obama fan." Stafford says. "But I didn't do it for Obama. I was led by my faith to do something for the people. I had no idea about the magnitude of what it would become. It was a wonderful event."

Others thought so, too. Stafford was honored by The Salvation Army and the Washington DC Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, among others, for his People's Inaugural Project. In early 2010, he and comedian Bill Cosby joined forces on a new venture: The Doing Good Campaign.

Stafford says Doing Good came out of the response he got after the inauguration, when people still wanted to get involved. The project calls for people to get involved in their communities to give back. Even just donating a little time can have an impact, says Stafford.

"We're opening people's eyes up to opportunities," says Stafford. "It doesn't take a lot to do a lot. Give an hour. Give a $1. It doesn't have to be a $1 million. Go down to the Red Cross or the Boys & Girls Club. You can make the country and the world a better place."

Cosby, who has also received much acclaim for his contributions to philanthropy and education, agrees.

“Even during this daunting time when so many people are losing jobs, homes and hope, the American people want to help others in need,” Cosby said during the launch of Doing Good.

Stafford says he say the big impact of  a small thing at Christmas. Doing Good sent 4,000 Christmas ornaments to homeless shelters. In turn, the residents of the shelters had to volunteer to take the ornaments and deliver them to hospitals.

"The residents became givers, not receivers," said Stafford. "We got back the response that it was overwhelming successful."

Last month, Stafford personally donated $100,000 to Virginia State University. The school says it will use the money to help fund a program that aids low-income students.

"Education is one of those tools that is needed to be a good citizen in life," Stafford said.  "Education without application is meaningless."