Member spotlight on Lori Kellogg

I joined ninety-nine girlfriends after a Girlfriend invited me when she heard me talking about my 15 years of volunteer work with unhoused individuals in the Tigard community. My work background was special education as a speech-language pathologist and administrator. I recognize that one of the factors affecting homelessness stems from different learning styles, as well as poverty, addictions, and general lack of needed support during vulnerable times of life. 

So many things are happening in our world right now that feel out of control. I stay engaged and hopeful by working locally and supporting efforts that help people who are most in need. I also enjoy being connected with like-minded women who are focused on becoming educated and examining ways in which a lasting difference can be made and then doing something about it. 

I am a parent of four adult children and a grandparent to nine amazing grandchildren, some adopted from the foster care system, biracial, and with special needs. One of my children also experiences special needs and lives with her family in a foreign country that provides a strong social services network. 

Social programs designed for the benefit of people of varying backgrounds are an essential component of civilized society. It is up to each of us to build the world we want to live in. Being a Girlfriend is an opportunity to expand the impact of my efforts. Stronger together!

Crag Law Center fighting to save Oregon’s wild spaces

Liason Cheron Calder reports that Craig Law (another 2025 Impact Partner) has filed a federal lawsuit “challenging unlawful logging in SW Oregon forests.” Crag is representing Cascadia Wildlands, Oregon Wild, and Umpqua Watersheds to challenge the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)’s “42 Divide Forest Management Plan,” which would allow aggressive logging of nearly 7,000 acres of public forest near Camas Valley in Douglas County. 

The project threatens land set aside as conservation reserves and intended to protect older forests and imperiled wildlife such as the northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, Oregon Coast coho salmon, and western pond turtles. The area also supports a vibrant ecosystem of trees such as Douglas fir, cedar, and madrone and other plant, animal, and fungal communities. In addition to decimating the living ecosystem, the proposed logging would leave behind forests more prone to extreme wildfire behavior.   

Crag filed the lawsuit to stop BLM from evading the law, protect thousands of acres of mature older forests, and prevent creation of dangerous and unnecessary wildfire conditions.  

Recognition for Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center (POIC)

Last week, Portland's mayor proclaimed March 6 as Joe McFerrin II Day in honor of the president and CEO of POIC and Rosemary Anderson High School (2025 Impact Award winner) and the organization’s impact in our city. Mayor Keith Wilson lauded McFerrin II for “demonstrating an unwavering commitment to mentoring and uplifting young people,” with “30 years of service to the organization and the broader Portland community.” Congratulations for this well-deserved recognition of POIC’s commitment to equity, workforce development, and youth empowerment in our community! 

Ninety-nine girlfriends + Westview AVID = community impact

In celebration of our 10th anniversary in 2025, we funded a group of Westview High School’s AVID students through Community 101. This program teaches kids about collective giving through a hands-on curriculum. AVID provides wraparound support to prepare potential first-generation college students for the next phase of their education.

First, they established their mission statement: “With support from our funder, ninety-nine girlfriends, we plan on teaming up with two local nonprofits and aim to take meaningful action that creates lasting, positive change. Our goal is to educate our school and community on where students can go and turn to get support when dealing with mental health, child abuse, and homelessness. We will measure our impact through pre- and post-surveys that assess community knowledge, awareness, and personal insight regarding these issues. Our mission is to educate, advocate, and inspire others to build a more informed, compassionate, and resilient community.”

Recently, they invited five organizations to apply for a grant and all five have accepted the offer. Stay tuned for more updates on this wonderful example of collaboration and our support of educational equity.

“You Can’t Learn If You Aren’t There:” Addressing Absenteeism in Oregon Schools

In concert with the Discovery Forum on educational equity, we share more about Oregon’s chronic absenteeism crisis. About 34% of Oregon students miss over 10% of school days, compared with 22% nationally. Oregon also has a shorter school year—165 days vs. 179 nationally—meaning many K-12 students lose 15 days per year, or nearly a full year of instruction. Low-income kids are hit even harder. Children from low-income families in the US are more likely to miss school for health reasons and now for safety from ICE.

Learn more about this challenge by:

• Exploring research from Oregon’s Time and Attendance Campaign
• Visiting Attendance Works for ideas to support attendance awareness
• Signing up for Stand for Children updates to help pass 2027 legislation to lengthen the school year and improve school attendance 

Reducing absenteeism and aligning Oregon’s school year with national standards would significantly improve learning, especially in math and reading.

Making retirement contributions: a smart strategy for giving and tax savings

Did you know you could designate part of your retirement funds directly to ninety-nine girlfriends? 

Individuals who are 73 or older must withdraw required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and certain retirement accounts. These withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, which can increase your tax bill and push you into a higher bracket. However, you can turn this obligation into an advantage by donating your RMDs directly to a nonprofit through a qualified charitable distribution.

A qualified charitable distribution transfers directly from your IRA to an eligible nonprofit like ninety-nine girlfriends. When done correctly, this transfer counts toward your RMD but is not included in your taxable income, helps you support causes you care about, and may prevent impacts to your Medicare premiums. If you intend to use this strategy, speak with a financial advisor or tax professional to ensure it’s executed properly and fits your broader retirement plan. 

Member spotlight on Melanie Nelson

Hello Girlfriends. I'm from Austin, Minnesota where Hormel makes Spam. YUM! My career began as a Home Economics teacher in Owatonna, Minnesota, where entrepreneurship is a community requirement. I founded Learning ZoneXpress, a mail-order poster business for schools, where our focus was school lunch nutrition education. When Michelle Obama introduced MyPlate in 2011, we sold thousands of posters to 143,000 schools nationwide and enjoyed incredible success!

Because of my team's hard work and success, I had the opportunity to attend Harvard Business School's Owner Managed Program. I graduated in 2015 with classmates from around the world. At 61 years old, I was the oldest student in my class and I had no fear of failing!

In July 2018, I accepted an offer on my business the day after I married Portland author Phillip Margolin. I was happy to start a new life in Oregon, though my heart longs to be closer to my grandchildren. Always a Minnesotan, we are tough and we are singing resistance!

My passion project has been EPES.cl, known as Actionforhealth.org in the USA. My dear friend founded this woman empowerment program in the shantytowns of Santiago, Chile, 43 years ago. I have sponsored many teams to visit and experience EPES. Shantytown women study and lead their communities in violence against women campaigns, nutrition education, Haitian immigrant education, and community gardening. 

Three years ago I also began sponsoring 20 Afghan girls now living safely in Islamabad. My friend and I have found partners in the last year acting as "grandparents" to support these beautiful girls. They do not live on social media so they are innocent and playful, never too cool. 

I am a proud 8-year member of ninety-nine girlfriends…smart and compassionate women. I feel confident giving to the juried nonprofits selected annually. I honor everyone who is a member as we together are building a better community in Portland. Together we are better!

Liaison Trina Brodsky shares these thoughts from her recent visit to Project Lemonade’s headquarters at Lloyd Center Mall.

Project Lemonade has served the foster youth community for 13 years. Their free store remains central to their mission, allowing children to shop for essential items including coats, shoes, clothing, and a special item. Ninety percent of the inventory is new!

Beyond the store, Project Lemonade offers comprehensive support through mentoring, resume writing, and interview preparation, as well as paid internships. The assistant store manager is a graduate of the internship program and a former foster youth. Furthermore, their scholarship program supports trade school and university goals, both with traditional scholarships and by offering supplementary aid for housing, transportation, and food–often not covered by traditional scholarships.

Project Lemonade is seeking support with public relations and marketing to build awareness for their new location and services at the Leftbank building at 240 N Broadway, where they will move by this June. If you have any information or connections that could assist in these areas, please let Trina know. 

Five Girlfriends had an extraordinary few days in Austin!

PowerUP! Texas was a gathering of bold, generous, forward-thinking leaders who believe deeply in the power of women’s collective giving.

We showed up with curiosity, courage, and commitment. We asked hard questions. Shared real challenges. Celebrated impact. And we were reminded, over and over, that when women give together, transformation follows.

Conferences like this are built by a community that believes in something bigger than itself and we are so proud to be a part of the Philanos community and women’s collective giving.

“I got to meet many inspiring philanthropic women from other giving circles, learn about different ways to give, and share ideas about methods and tools for managing our work. Participating in Philanos continues to be a contributing factor to our success.” Lori, Coordinating Council Co-chair and Membership Co-chair

“Learning about different approaches to collective giving, exploring new tools and methods for managing our work, and exchanging ideas with such thoughtful leaders was both affirming and motivating. Hearing how our organization is recognized as forward thinking in the broader Philanos network reinforced that we are doing meaningful, impactful work.” Katrina, Fellows Program Co-lead and Fellows Grad

“It was such a privilege to share time with other girlfriends and the many other circles represented to learn about the broad range of approaches and philosophies behind organizations. It feels validating and encouraging to experience how we're connected to a larger, diverse network of amazing people who are thoughtfully engaged in evolving community-driven philanthropy, and I'm returning with renewed energy and curiosity about our shared work in ninety-nine girlfriends.” Van, Impact Team Co-leadand Fellows Grad 

“The Philanos conference is stellar. Every time, I come back inspired and energized, ready to share with our circle new opportunities to give and learn. Women’s collective giving is making a difference and I remain thrilled to be a part of it.” Tammy, Operations Chair

Equity in Education: What Oregon can learn from Mississippi

According to a recent opinion piece by Nicholas Kristof, “A low-income fourth grader is almost twice as likely to test proficient at math in Mississippi as in Oregon.” Three states in the deep south (Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama) have made impressive gains in math and reading scores along with significant reduction in absenteeism. Learn more about their success in this piece in the New York Times, and if you are concerned about education in our region, join us at the March 11 Discovery Forum.

For 100 years, each February, the nation has recognized the achievements and contributions of Black Americans and their place in American history.

Black History Month offers us the opportunity to learn about aspects of American history that have been removed from the popular narrative. Now more than ever, it is important to ground ourselves in truth, using our past to create a more equitable future for all. The African American Museum of History and Culture provides a virtual journey over 100 years of Black History commemorations. 

How to volunteer with your Girlfriends

Interested in sharing your skills or learning new ones through volunteering? Be sure your profile in the member directory lists your interests so we know to reach out to you. Look for opportunities in the Member Updates where we ask for help. Or email us and we will schedule a call or a chat over coffee to learn more about your skills and interests. Volunteering with ninety-nine girlfriends is joyful and rewarding. You’re already making a difference with your membership contribution. Double the impact by bringing your skills to the circle!

Member Spotlight on Lori Rux

I first heard about ninety-nine girlfriends from a friend. She was a member and invited me to attend the Awards Celebration in 2018 as her guest. I was quite moved by the experience! The venue was festively decorated, refreshments were served, and music was provided by earnest youngsters playing various instruments funded by a ninety-nine girlfriends grant (reminding me of my own clarinet-playing days in grade school). The mood in the room was joyful, friendly, and engaging. I met a lot of bright and welcoming women that evening. I also witnessed the drive, dedication, and impact of Girlfriends pulling together and partnering with local nonprofit organizations to address critical needs in the community. I was drawn in by the passion and accomplishments of the nonprofits who received grants. No time to hesitate, I became a Girlfriend right away.

I soon joined the Membership Committee. My first responsibility was to go to the PO box to pick up membership contribution checks, record them in a newly implemented membership management application, and then send them to the bank for deposit. It was a simple, repetitive task and one I could easily incorporate into my regular routine. I enjoyed learning the names of members and then meeting them at events. I gradually learned more about the committee functions, took on more responsibility, and expanded my role. In 2022, I became co-chair and have enjoyed leading the committee, supporting our members, and shaping our strategies and processes.

Starting in 2026, I have another role: co-chair of the Coordinating Council. This assembly of committee chairs and at-large representatives helps ensure good coordination and communication between the different parts of the organization so we can continue to recruit and retain members, learn collaboratively about our community needs, and make impactful grants in response to those needs. Being a Girlfriend has been a meaningful and rewarding experience. I feel grateful to be a part of ninety-nine girlfriends and look forward to staying involved and contributing to this amazing organization for years to come.

POIC celebrates cohort graduation

Another 2025 Impact Partner, the Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center (POIC), celebrated the graduation of their Community Safety Worker program pilot cohort in January. The two-year program offers graduate-level coursework that transforms low-wage, frontline labor into a sustainable and respected career path.

Recognized as one of the nation’s first formal efforts to professionalize community-based violence prevention, the program is already setting a new standard. Learn about this success through the story of program graduate Zach Salu. 

Albina Vision Trust tour

Albina Vision Trust, a 2025 Impact Partner, welcomed Girlfriends and community partners for a rainy December walking tour of the Albina neighborhood. Participants learned about the area’s history and how Albina Vision Trust is advancing housing and stability after decades of urban renewal and displacement in Portland’s Black community. Working with architects and community partners, they are leading redevelopment of 94 acres of land near the Moda Center and Willamette River.

The tour included Albina One, a newly completed 94-unit affordable housing development offering culturally specific education, mentoring, workforce training, and family support for Black and other historically marginalized communities, as well as the former Portland Public Schools headquarters, now slated for a transformative restorative development. Plans call for more than 1,000 homes, mixed-use commercial space, an education hub, greenspace, and enrollment stabilization for three historically Black schools, with priority access for displaced community members. The tour concluded at the site where Albina Vision Trust plans to cap I-5, reconnecting Upper and Lower Albina and creating new housing, greenspace, and bike- and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Interested in a monthly tour? Sign up for one by emailing Beckie Lee.

Van Pham honored by Philanos!

Congratulations to Van Pham, being honored by our national network, Philanos, for her outstanding work! An early graduate of our Fellows Program, 6-year member, and leader, Van is now a Philanos Opportunity Advocate. Van is the outgoing lead of our Impact Team, where she has helped shape our work over several years. 

As an Opportunity Advocate, Van joins a national cohort of 15 younger philanthropists from nine states, selected because they are: 

  • Passionate about creating opportunities for all to thrive and succeed

  • Proximate to the communities served by their circles’ grant funding

  • Ready to share their insights and strengthen collective giving through connection and collaboration

Trust-based philanthropy: It's how we roll

We practice trust-based philanthropy in our grantmaking. That means we center the needs of nonprofits and the communities they serve, and we intentionally reduce the paperwork, reporting, and bureaucracy that often come with grants. Rather than closely monitoring our grantees, we focus on being supportive partners. This means we do not require detailed plans for exactly how funds will be used, and we keep both the application and reporting process as simple as possible.

We’ll be sharing more about trust-based philanthropy and how it guides our work throughout the year. To learn more, here’s a short three-minute video, along with an additional resource.