Member Spotlight on Dezarae Boyd-France

What brought you to ninety-nine girlfriends?

Initially I was going to apply for a grant for our nonprofit; however, we had not been in existence long enough yet. But once I read more about the organization, I realized I was personally interested and wanted to join. The idea that we can work together, pool our funds, and get them to partners to make huge impacts was very appealing to me.

What keeps you engaged/interested/connected?

Meeting new people who are passionate about philanthropy and the amazing work nonprofits are doing to make our community a better place every day. I also participated in the grant review team this year, and it was an incredible experience to be a part of such an intentional and thoughtful process. 

What else would you like to share?

Outside of my busy job as Executive Director of Family SkillBuilders, I love to travel, go wine tasting, and be an avid patron of the arts. Grateful to be a part of this collective giving group!

Sign up for Working Theory Farm’s CSA!

Are you looking to eat with the seasons in 2025? Do you live on the west side of Portland? Consider signing up for 2024 Impact Partner Working Theory Farm's CSA! By purchasing a CSA (community-supported agriculture) share, members commit to a weekly share of the farm's bounty between June and October. They offer a buffet-style selection of seasonal produce every Thursday afternoon onsite in Hillsboro. Their payment model is based on household size: $25 for a single person, plus $10 per additional household member over 12. They also accept SNAP benefits for shares at a reduced-rate thanks to Double Up Food Bucks. For more details, visit their website. 

Path Home featured on OPB and is accepting in-kind donations

Earlier this month, 2024 Impact Partner Path Home was featured in OPB's "At Work With" series, highlighting family housing navigator Yovana Benancio and her vital work connecting homeless families with housing and essential resources. The feature showcases the organization's hands-on approach to addressing homelessness.  

Path Home welcomes donations. Visit their in-kind page to learn more about their most-needed items.   

It’s Black History Month

Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950), the second Black man to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard (after W.E.B. DuBois), is known as “The Father of Black History.” Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915 in Chicago. The next year, he started the scholarly Journal of Negro History, which is published to this day under the name Journal of African American History. He launched Black History Week in 1926, which was expanded into Black History Month in 1976.

Can you believe that nearly 50 years later we still focus on Black history only during the month of February? And now some folks don’t even do that—but we do!

Patricia Era Bath (1942-2019)

“Patricia Bath was a groundbreaking Black doctor who invented the Laserphaco Probe, improving treatment for cataract patients. Following her childhood interest in science, she became a doctor and the first Black person to train in ophthalmology at Columbia University in 1969. Bath developed innovative ways to expand eye care access to poor communities, including co-founding the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness in 1976, which established that ‘eyesight is a basic human right.’ A decade later, she invented the Laserphaco Probe to better treat cataracts. Bath patented the device in 1988, becoming the first African American female doctor to receive a medical patent. She died in May 2019 at age 76. In 2022, she became one of the first Black women inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Learn more about her at Biography.com.

Matching funds are a bonus!

We are so grateful to the companies who provide matching funds for their employees and to those of you who direct these to ninety-nine girlfriends. We use these funds to enhance our grantmaking and more. We encourage you to ask your company about their matching policy. Please note that employer matching funds are a wonderful addition to a membership contribution which must first be paid by an individual or a sponsor. You can read more here.  

Link to past tips

Choose your contribution level and even customize it

$300, $600, $1,200, $1,800, $2,500? When you join us, you can choose a level that feels personally meaningful and aligns with your ability to give. Every contribution grows our collective pool for grants, connects our community, and amplifies our impact. If you wish to contribute an amount between the listed levels, you can make an additional donation at this link. Every dollar strengthens our mission to fund local nonprofits doing transformative work. Renew your membership today.

Member Spotlight on Cece Petrik

What brought you to ninety-nine girlfriends?

I joined ninety-nine girlfriends through an internship program at Portland State University. It ultimately stood out to me because it is an opportunity to be part of a group of strong, driven women working to make a meaningful difference in the community. I really appreciate the community and support that this collective gives, not only to the community through grants but also for the members in providing a safe space to thrive.  I’ve always admired women who come together to uplift others, and ninety-nine girlfriends embodies this in an amazing way. 

What keeps you engaged/interested/connected?

The people in this organization are what keep me engaged, interested, and connected. This organization has many moving parts, and being able to see how everything connects and people communicate with each other to support a collective goal is fascinating. I also love learning about the projects ninety-nine girlfriends supports. Seeing how collective philanthropy can transform lives keeps me excited and connected. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a group that values collaboration and uses its resources to address real community needs.

What else would you like to share?

I am currently a public health administration student at Portland State University. I love to dance, swim, and teach CPR classes on campus. For the past couple months of being a Girlfriend, I have learned so much about non-profits and have met really wonderful people. 

Listen to heartwarming lullabies this Holiday Season 

2024 Impact Partner Path Home has collaborated with the Oregon Symphony for the inspiring Lullaby Project for six years. This initiative, conceived by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, helps parents experiencing housing insecurity create personal lullabies for their children, strengthening bonds and sharing dreams for the future. These lovely songs, crafted with local singer-songwriters and symphony musicians, offer a moving soundtrack for the season. You can find the latest installment on their SoundCloud page! 

Impact Partners Make the Give Guide

Nineteen of our Impact Partners are featured in this year’s Give Guide, creating an opportunity for many of them to get more donors’ eyes on them and more donations. We share this list with you in the event that you’d like to support them further.

Adelante Mujeres

Bienestar

Black United Fund of Oregon

Bradley Angle

Bravo Youth Orchestras

Ecology in Classrooms and Outdoors

Elso, Inc.

FinAbility

Friends of Noise

North by Northeast Community Health

Open Signal

Path Home

Raphael House of Portland

Rose Haven

Street Roots

Urban Gleaners

VOZ Workers’ Rights Education

Wisdom of the Elders, Inc.

Write Around Portland


Member Spotlight on Ann Dodds

I thought I would be interested in joining based on the theory of ninety-nine girlfriends. But the first event I attended clinched it. A room full of passionate women who get “stuff” done, are eager to learn, and help support amazing organizations was more than enough to excite me. The ability to support the many amazing organizations we have worked with over the years keeps me coming back. Many of these programs are small but mighty and I like knowing we can help make a significant impact on the work they are doing and maybe even help them grow. 

Governing Board Treasurer Position Opening

This role starts January 2025

Deadline for submission of your statement of interest in this role is December 2, 2024.

We invite you to learn more about the inner workings of ninety-nine girlfriends as we recruit for a Treasurer for our Governing Board, to begin in January 2025.  We seek a member who brings to our governing structure an understanding of our mission, a shared commitment to integrating racial equity in our collective action, and experience in non-profit accounting principles and practices.   

Governing Board members attend four board meetings a year and fulfill the three primary duties of a nonprofit board member: duty of care, duty of loyalty and duty of obedience. This position is a three-year commitment with an option for an additional three-year term. We meet primarily on Zoom and aim for one in-person meeting each year, typically in the late summer.

It is important to understand our form of governance. Ninety-nine girlfriends leadership structure includes the Governing Board which is responsible for fiduciary oversight (financial, legal, compliance), mission-related strategic issues and leadership development, and a Coordinating Council charged with managing the day-to-day activities.

To better understand the difference between the Governing Board and the Coordinating Council read about our leadership team and our organizational structure on our website.

Specifically, in addition to being stewards of our mission and ensuring that the organization complies with all government and governing regulations, the Governing Board:

  • Approves the recommended annual budget as developed by the Coordinating Council

  • Approves the slate of recommended finalists presented by the Grants Steering Committee. (Our members make the final decisions on grants)

  • Accept the grant decisions voted on by members

  • Ensures that the organization submits reports to the state and federal government as needed and carries appropriate insurance

  • Works hand in hand with the Coordinating Council on strategic issues

  • Tracks and develops our leadership pipeline, including planning leadership development opportunities for active and prospective leaders.

The Coordinating Council meets monthly and works closely with the Governing Board, conducting all grant making and education programs and is tasked with member recruitment and retention programs.


2025 Board Opening - Treasurer

The Governing Board Treasurer is an elected officer of the board. The Treasurer has general charge of and responsibility for all funds and securities of the organization and performs all duties associated with the office of the Treasurer. The Treasurer works with the Finance Lead of the Coordinating Council to oversee development of an annual budget to be presented to the Governing Board for approval and ensures that all financial reports are prepared in an accurate and timely manner. The Treasurer chairs the Finance Committee and signs grant agreements and works closely with the board chair.

Essential Tasks:

  • Ensure that ninety-nine girlfriends financial practices and policies are in accordance with the standards of non-profit accounting principles

  • Ensure that all state/federal filings are timely and that the organization is properly insured

  • Participate in discussions and decisions of the governing board, including presentation of the annual budget for board approval

  • Ensure that activities reflect our mission, values, and good governance

Essential Skills:

  • Basic knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles and practices

  • Ability to track and manage development of annual budget and required IRS tax filings  

Helpful Skills:

  • Collaborative mindset

  • Commitment to racial equity

  • Familiarity with and insight into the nonprofits in our area

  • Experience working at a foundation or serving on a foundation board

Time Commitment: 

  • 4 Board meetings per year

  • 2-3 hours to review budget in the fall

  • Review monthly financials presented to the Coordinating Council and Governing Board

  • Be available, as needed to support the Coordinating Council Finance lead preparing information for the Form 990

  • Infrequent, as needed, consultation throughout the year

  • 3-year commitment to the Board

To apply for this position, please email a statement expressing your interest, skills and relevant experience to Board President, Pip Meagher pipmeagher@gmail.com by 12/2/2024. 

We will conduct interviews for these positions in December.  Thank you for your interest and willingness to serve!  For additional information, please contact Pip.


Member Spotlight on Michelle DeVaughn

What brought you to ninety-nine girlfriends?

When the universe tells me something three times, I check it out and, once again, I’m very glad I did. I moved to Portland for my husband’s job in June 2021 and within a month a new acquaintance mentioned ninety-nine girlfriends, but I was still trying to get my feet under me. After a third friend asked me to the Discovery Forum this spring, I attended and was hooked. (Sharing those ninety-nine girlfriends’ business cards really works!)

After 19 years in Minneapolis, I landed without the pulls and tugs of raising children and long-term volunteer commitments. It was a fresh slate: exciting, rudderless and a little lonely. I have enjoyed exploring and learning all the wonders of Portland, Oregon and the PNW. But I’m also ready to learn more about what can and is being done to address some of its issues, and how my donations and skills can be used along with others to help. It seems ninety-nine girlfriends is the perfect onramp for all the above.

I still do some marketing research consulting work, but I’m finding more time to hang with my grandsons, volunteer at an after-school program in St. John’s and investigate ways my church can help relieve the housing shortage. Until now, tennis has been my way to meet friends of all ages across the metro area. I look forward to meeting more through ninety-nine girlfriends!

Michelle with her grandkids

Member Spotlight on Meg Marshall

I joined ninety-nine girlfriends after years of hearing about this great organization. I've been a fundraiser for the better part of two decades and I was intrigued about being on the side of distributing money, rather than raising it. This year, I joined a grant review team and was so inspired by the work being done in our community. What a privilege to be able to support these extraordinary programs.

On a more personal and timely note, my family was recently affected by Hurricane Helene in the Southeast. I have seen how critical it is that communities have thriving, well-resourced non-profits. I have also seen how important it is that individuals know and invest in their neighbors and their communities. Being part of ninety-nine girlfriends has been a rewarding way to give back, connect with incredible people, and focus on uplifting essential organizations in our region.

I live in southeast Portland with my husband, two young daughters (ages 2 & 5), and our cat, Garlic Butters. Some of my favorite things about Portland are the food scene, the way the flowers bloom in the spring after the dark and dreary days, and the proximity to the ocean, Mount Hood, and the Gorge. 

Member Spotlight on Trina Brodsky

Emily chose to spotlight Trina Brodsky in this lovely tribute.

Dr. Trina Brodsky is an amazing member of ninety-nine girlfriends and someone who generously sponsored my membership this year! She’s my partner’s mom (I just call her my mother-in-law or my Portland mom) and a role model. She is a doctor of obstetrics & gynecology who practiced in Hawaii, Kansas, and Oregon for roughly 35 years - all while raising three boys and a house full of pets! She retired in 2019 and has been fully embracing her time without a pager. Trina loves to stay active through daily hikes, yoga, and travel, and recently she has gotten back into golf. As an avid reader, there is not a book she hasn't devoured and she is a part of a monthly book club with women from across the country. She is also an amazing cook/baker who has become known for her homemade galettes that I personally think about often; they are so delicious. During election season, she gets involved by donating her time to phone-banking for the Democratic party and is always staying up to date on politics. You can find her around town at local theater productions, exploring Portland’s many nature trails with her dog Kona, visiting family and friends, laughing at her husband Steve’s plethora of dad jokes, and, of course, staying involved with ninety-nine girlfriends!

Trina is an inspiring woman who approaches life with grace, patience, and a determination that I try to emulate. Something I cherish dearly is spending time with her and listening to her stories and life experiences. I am so fortunate to have her in my life and thankful she sponsored me this year. We will be in attendance at the Awards Celebration on October 29th; come say hi if you see us :)

Trina and Emily

Liason Report on North by Northeast Community Health Center

Recently, our Impact Partner Liaison Trina Brodsky met up with North by Northeast Community Health Center to catch up on their activities. If you are interested in learning more about being a liaison to an impact partner, please contact Van Pham.

Executive Director Suzy Jeffreys was very welcoming and appreciative of ninety-nine girlfriends’ commitment to the health center and especially grateful for our trust-based philanthropy approach. 

North by Northeast Community Health Center is a primary care clinic in Northeast Portland, caring for local, primarily Black residents, although all are welcome. They are looking for a new medical director as their founding medical director has retired. They are also seeking a clinical social worker to help with screening for social determinants of health, providing resources and referrals, and offering integrated behavioral health visits. They have noticed an increased demand for mental health services post-pandemic. 

The clinic offers blood pressure monitoring in local barber shops, although the area has fewer barber shops since the pandemic. They are hoping to obtain home blood pressure and glucose monitoring equipment and expand their clinic hours.  

The clinic offers additional services, sometimes through a partnership with Metro. For example, “Safe Homes! Healthy Homes!,” 24-hour sharps disposal, paint recycling, mold and hazard cleanup, home fire extinguishers, and monthly fresh produce boxes. They’ve also hosted a backpack with school supplies giveaway, a bike and bike helmet giveaway, and a summer safety program. Together with Portland Parks and Rec, they offer a summer water safety program.

It’s an honor to be a liaison for this wonderful impact partner and to see their wonderful work. I plan to volunteer at their annual fundraiser on April 3, 2025.  ~ Trina 

Spread the Love: Amplify the Power of Ninety-Nine Girlfriends on Social Media

Craft a social media post to share why you’re a Girlfriend!

Promoting ninety-nine girlfriends on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook isn't just about spreading the word—it's about amplifying the impact of our mission. Your shares and posts are working! Since May, we've seen increases in our social media follows by 5% (LinkedIn), Instagram (3%) and Facebook (1%).

When you like, comment and share our content, you help to build a stronger community of supporters who believe in the power of collective giving. Each interaction increases our visibility, reaching more potential members and partners. You also send a powerful message that you stand with us in creating positive change. Every like, comment, and share isn't just a click—it's a step toward making a meaningful difference.

Member Spotlight on Jane Ullman

What brought you to ninety-nine girlfriends?

One of the founders of ninety-nine girlfriends invited me several years ago, and I became a member based on my respect for her and her commitment to our region. I figured I'd try it for a year and then probably drop out. Ha! I was so impressed with the nonprofits we supported and the group's rigor and thoughtfulness that now I expect to be a member forever.

What keeps you engaged/interested/connected?

Impact – ninety-nine girlfriends makes it easy for me to donate to local organizations that have deeply positive impacts on our community. I want to contribute locally, but I couldn't possibly identify and vet all the amazing organizations we support. Ninety-nine girlfriends does the heavy lifting and I get to tag along.

Flexibility – If I want to participate in social events or educational sessions or reviewing grant applications, I can. But I don't have to. There's no pressure, but there's lots of opportunity.

Women – The women I've met through ninety-nine girlfriends are smart and engaging and have a wide range of experiences. In person or virtually, it's been delightful to meet women I would not otherwise have met through my regular professional and social channels.