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.

Pip and Tammy share their journey

As Tammy Wilhoite and Pip Meagher exit their leadership roles, they share what they’ve enjoyed about their roles and how ninety-nine girlfriends has changed during their tenure.

When and why did you join ninety-nine girlfriends?

Pip: I joined the first year after being invited by my mother-in-law, Gun Denhart, and Eileen Brady…two women you don’t say no to when they have a novel and exciting idea.

Tammy: At the end of the first year, I went to an info session about grants and was so impressed that I joined as soon as membership reopened.

How did you get involved in leadership?

Pip: From the beginning, Eileen invited me to lead a grant review team with Maura Koehler-Hanlon. I loved being a part of the group building this organization, despite not being sure at all times what we were doing. I just knew I loved meeting and learning from and with the amazing women involved.

Tammy: After I check-marked my interests on the registration form, I was contacted to learn more. I jumped right in, learned so much, and had such a positive experience that I just kept offering to do more and ended up proudly leading. It has been a great experience.

What do you appreciate most about ninety-nine girlfriends?

Pip: I have met some dear friends whom I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise. My life is richer and deeper for these Girlfriends, coupled with the expanded knowledge of the remarkable nonprofits doing the type of work that inspires me daily. I have always loved our ethos of learning as we go, not being afraid to make mistakes, and changing direction if something is not working. We take what we do very seriously, and ourselves, not too seriously!

Tammy: The culture, absolutely. As a learning organization, we are always trying to improve and to learn from our mistakes (i.e., learning opportunities). I love our collaboration and how we welcome all who want to be involved. And I have made so many friends along the way that have made my life richer.

What are some of the lessons you learned about leadership during your tenure?

Pip: I’ve learned I don’t have to know everything. Asking questions and listening is the way to good leadership. I look for the quietest people in the room and make space for them to share what they are thinking. I always learn something great from the people who are least inclined to take the microphone. I love being on a team, and collaborating with smart, thoughtful people will teach you as you go.

Tammy: I’ve learned we can always learn more. Every challenging situation is an opportunity to reflect, develop, and try new things. I’ve also learned that good leadership pauses, reflects, and then is decisive and clear, driven by our shared values..

What were the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you deal with them?

Pip: I was not always sure I had enough information to make the right decision, especially when our questions about grant applications carried reputational risk for a nonprofit or its leaders. I can’t say enough about having great partners and collaborators like Michelle Hynes, Holly Cook, Deborah Edward, and Tammy Wilhoite. I leaned on each of them throughout the different leadership roles I played.

Tammy: We’ve faced some sticky situations I hadn’t experienced before. But each time, when we paused and thought it through and reached out to others to discuss, we found the path forward. Without fail, doing the right thing involves considering all parties involved and how each one can walk away feeling heard, respected, and valued.

How did the organization change during your time in leadership?

Pip: In so many ways! We originally planned to stick to the Impact 100 model (100 Girlfriends) for 3 years, then see what we wanted to change. COVID helped us realize some adjustments would help us better serve our nonprofits. Changing our membership structure was one of the best decisions we made. A lot of giving circles still use the $1,100 model or give partial votes to people who pay less. I am proud of the more equitable model we implemented. 

Tammy: Gosh, so much! Our model has changed, our focus areas, the type of grantmaking we do. But what stands out the most for me is that we have developed more leaders. When I joined the leadership team, about six of us did almost everything. As we have grown and evolved, we have expanded our leadership and diversified it. I love this for us!

What are you the proudest of?

Pip: I am proud of our evolution while staying true to core values of diversity, inclusion, generosity, and learning. We listen and we are not afraid to say when we are wrong. 

Tammy: I’m proudest of helping to maintain the culture of ninety-nine girlfriends, because that is what makes it unique and special. Giving, learning, bettering ourselves, finding joy in our work, and being mindful.

What are the benefits of taking on a leadership role with ninety-nine girlfriends?

Pip: It is essentially free, low-stakes professional development. You will be supported and encouraged by amazing women who teach you, work with you, have your back, and want you to succeed. We have a role for every skillset and time-rich or busy member. Just ask! The info email  is your entry point to get to know incredible women and learn skills you didn’t know you would enjoy!

Tammy: If a Girlfriend told me she was considering leadership, I would encourage her. I would share the benefits of collaborative leadership and learning. I would tell her about all the wonderful opportunities to learn and develop her skills—no matter how skilled she is and then I would do everything I could to help her get involved.

Additional $30,000 in Gifts have been Given!

In celebration of our tenth year of giving and learning, our Governing Board approved ten $3,000 awards to be given through a random drawing of past impact awardees. 

Each year we distribute all the funds we collect beyond a small amount we keep in reserve. With this additional $30,000 invested in our community, we are honored to have awarded $330,000 this year thanks to matching funds and gifts from Girlfriends and generous supporters.

Congratulations to Adelante Mujeres, Black Food Sovereignty Coalition, Black United Fund of Oregon, Bradley Angle, Free Clinic of SW Washington, KairosPDX, Portland State University’s King School Museum of Contemporary Art, Urban Gleaners, Voz Workers’ Rights Education, and Wisdom of the Elders!

Member Spotlight on Sarah Cleveland

I was introduced to ninety-nine girlfriends by Lisa Davidson around 2018. I was attracted to the opportunity to meet other women in Portland since most of my work was not local. I was also interested in local philanthropy.

I participated in many learning sessions my first year as well as a few socials. Through the socials, I met Barbara O’Hare, who has introduced me to many other wonderful women. In addition, Barbara and an associate led an anti-racism workshop in 2020 that connected me to a group of individuals working to make the world a better place. I have appreciated the education sessions and opportunities to engage locally.

I value how ninety-nine girlfriends has shifted over the last few years, embracing trust-based philanthropy and expanding the membership levels. Now an annual contribution of $300 yields the same “one person one vote” as a donor of $1,000 or more. I also appreciate that members can be as engaged as they’d like to be. There is no harm or shame in being a member and simply voting versus being a more engaged member who is part of a grant review team or committee. Of course, any organization needs a strong critical mass to engage and keep the organization going!

Fall learning series continues to engage and enlighten

Fall learning series continues to enlighten

On September 18, 19 Girlfriends learned about “Homelessness: Who, Why, and What Now?” after reading three articles. The discussions covered complex topics and participants spoke highly about the second event in our fall learning series and the Zoom venue.

Main themes and takeaways from the evening are:

Topic 1: Who are the homeless, and how did we get here?

  • Historical factors leading to homelessness include: 

    • Urban renewal is disrupting physical and social networks.

    • State and federal governments are halting public housing development and closing mental health institutions without substitute sources of support.

    • Increased illegal drug availability, with a lack of addiction services.

  • Primary recent impetus: 

    • Rapid population growth in the metro area, combined with zoning restrictions and construction regulations, has led to a decline in construction.

    • Increased home prices (supply/demand).

    • Limited housing for lower-income residents. 

Topic 2: Why is housing so expensive?

  • Five ways to make construction cheaper: 

    • Four floors and corner stores - legalize mixed-use projects in more locations; better transit and biking - instead of requiring parking, which adds considerable costs to construction (Portland did this in 2020).

    • Relaxing building codes - like allowing single stairways in multi-story buildings and using other methods for fire safety, and not requiring expensive amenities like yards and extra windows.

    • Tax land more than buildings to increase infill development and discourage urban sprawl.

    • Normalize "rolling homes" (small homes on wheels such as RVs…Portland legalized in 2021).

Topic 3: What’s working in other places?

  • Some other cities with large homeless populations have been more successful (e.g., Houston reduced their homeless population by more than 60%). Portland has spent more money on the issue with fewer results.

    • Houston's success is due to three elements: competent political leadership that got nonprofits working in unison; minimal regulation that decreases construction expense; strategy focused on moving people into housing rather than general help like providing tents & blankets.

    • Houston embraced a housing first philosophy - get people into housing without preconditions like sobriety or employment - then provide wrap-around services to increase sustainability.

    • Focus on Houston has been on evidence, management, and execution.

General discussion takeaways: 

  • Portland's homeless efforts have not been coordinated - need an "air traffic controller" to coordinate the work among many private agencies - could be a coalition of key parties.

  • Better cooperation is needed between city and county.

  • All is made more difficult by pullback of federal funding, including medicaid.

  • Need jobs with adequate wages.

  • Need more mental health and drug addiction services.

  • Need funding and staffing to actually provide wrap-around these when people get into housing.

  • Focus should be on affordable housing not just overnight shelters.

  • Portland is making some incremental steps - an example is Metro Supportive Housing Services tax - a regional tax on higher income taxpayers, but the numbers of homeless are increasing.

The core articles referenced:

How Homelessness in Oregon Started, Grew and Became a Statewide Crisis

Portland’s New Homes Are Too Expensive. Here Are Five Ways to Make Them Cheaper

Here’s How Houston is Fighting Homelessness and Winning


Why do we have Meet the Finalists watch parties?

Once upon a time, we held an annual in-person Meet the Finalists event. The finalists did live pitches onstage, sharing why they should receive an Impact Award. Many Girlfriends loved this event, until the finalists told us it made them feel like they were performing and it wasn’t equitable. Gulp. We took this learning and changed how we did things. We began paying for finalists to make pitch videos so they could use those videos for our event and other purposes. Once again, we didn’t have it quite right. We had chosen an amazing professional to work with them, but it wasn’t necessarily how they wanted to work or when it worked for them. Once again, we adjusted based on what we’d learned.

Fast forward to now: We ask finalists to create videos that follow certain guidelines (amount of time, a few prompts they can consider) and submit it to us by the deadline. Then we take these videos and put them together in a watch list. Girlfriends volunteer to host you in their homes to watch the videos together. This is Meet the Finalists 2025.

FAQs about the event:

Q: Can I just watch the videos on my own?

A: Absolutely. The watch parties enable you to connect with your Girlfriends but the videos are the same whether you watch them alone or together.

Q: How do I get the link?

A: The link will be emailed and texted to everyone a few days before the watch parties.

Q: Do I have to watch the videos to know how to vote?

A: No. Our voter’s guide gives you information from the organizations and grant review teams, and if you prefer that to the videos, you can vote based on the guide. We encourage you to watch the videos to hear directly from the finalists why they think you should choose them.. 

Q: Can I watch the videos more than once?

A: Definitely. They are available for you to watch as many times as you like.

Q: Can I reach out to the finalists with questions?

A: Please don’t. Use the resources we have shared with you to make your decisions. 


No Place to Call Home screening was sobering

Thirty-seven Girlfriends and guests gathered last week to watch the documentary No Place to Grow Old, which has been screened for local elected officials and  20 other groups, including the Oregon senate. It was a catalyst for House Bill 3589, signed into law in July, which helps fund senior affordable housing over the next several years.  

Michael Larson, Executive Director for Humans for Housing, produced the movie and was present at the gathering. Michael and his three siblings lived in seven different foster homes over 10 years before being adopted by a single mom. (Note: 40% of foster kids end up homeless.) 

Some facts from the film:

  • Lack of housing is the primary driver for why people become houseless. 

  • People 55+ are the fastest growing population of those experiencing homelessness.

  • We don’t have nearly enough housing to keep up with the pace of population growth.

  • Homelessness is high in places where housing is most expensive, like Portland. 

  • Rent has accelerated more than inflation. 

  • America is in the middle of a senior housing crisis, not just Portland.

  • Portland needs to build 550,000 housing units over next 5 years to significantly address the housing shortage. 

  • The best way to head off homelessness is to help people stay housed. 

  • Shallow rent subsidies can help as we build our housing inventory. A shallow rent subsidy provides long-term, fixed-percentage rental assistance to help low-income households maintain stable housing.  

Q&A with Michael Larson

Aging & Homelessness

Q: Why don’t we see many older people among the unhoused?
A: People age much faster while unhoused. Research shows 5–10 years on the streets can age someone by 20 years because of instability, stress, lack of healthcare, and constant movement.

Housing First Model & Support Services

Q: Is it true people are placed in housing but are unsupported?
A: Yes. The original “housing first” model included wraparound services, but locally, supportive services often aren’t funded at the same scale as housing. About half of high-needs individuals miss out on case management or adequate support, which creates challenges when adapting to housing after years on the street.

City Shelters & Overnight Beds

Q: Portland is creating overnight shelters where people can’t take pets or belongings and must leave at 6am. Isn’t this inadequate?
A: It’s largely a political response to visible homelessness and economic pressure downtown. The mayor’s plan is to build 1,500 shelter beds, but with ~7,000 people unsheltered in Multnomah County, it won’t be enough. It helps temporarily, but long-term, only increasing housing supply and support services will solve the crisis.

Affordable Housing Costs

Q: Why is affordable housing more expensive to build than market-rate apartments?
A: (1) Public subsidies (like Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)) come with requirements: prevailing wage, durable design, environmental standards, and often luxury-quality finishes. (2) Units can cost $400,000–$700,000 each. (3) The tradeoff: we get fewer, higher-quality units instead of more, simpler ones.

Developer Incentives & Portland’s Building Environment

Q: Why do developers avoid building in Portland while places like Washington County are building quickly?
A: (1) Portland has stricter permitting, requirements, and regulations that slow projects. (2) Well-intentioned rules (environmental, minority contractor quotas, etc.) add complexity and cost. (3) Developers find it easier to build in suburbs like Hillsboro or Beaverton, where the process is more streamlined.

Vacancy & Retrofits

Q: Why not retrofit vacant downtown office buildings into housing?
A: (1) Conversions are costly: most office buildings weren’t built for residential use (plumbing, windows, ventilation). (2) Only a small fraction of buildings “pencil out” financially.

Federal Funding

Q: Has federal funding for housing been cut?
A: Most funding streams have been reduced. The only increase: LIHTC funding rose 25%, but it’s not enough to offset cuts elsewhere.

Modular / Prefabricated Housing

Q: Can modular housing speed up construction and lower costs?
A: Yes, it’s promising for 10–30% of new housing. It’s quicker and cheaper, but faces resistance from unions (requires less labor) and entrenched building practices. Oregon has started funding pilot programs to expand modular capacity.

Seniors & Housing Access

Q: Are older adults prioritized in housing programs?
A: Yes, higher age increases vulnerability scores. Organizations like Northwest Pilot Project focus on seniors, but they’re overwhelmed — 30-40 calls daily with limited capacity. More support is urgently needed.

Shared Housing Models

Q: Why not house single adults together instead of giving everyone their own apartment?
A: Some transitional housing programs already use shared models (e.g., 14 people in a single-family home). These can work well, especially for lower-needs individuals, and provide stability for years.

Exhibition Project

Q: What’s next for Humans for Housing?
A: The team is creating a 3,000sq-ft interactive exhibition at the Stelo Art Gallery in downtown Portland (opening February 6). Visitors can hear stories on headphones, view films, and explore educational materials focused on housing policy and solutions.


Member Spotlight on Liz Klein

I have looked for ways to support those less fortunate in my community and the world my whole life, following my mother’s example. As a family physician, I started the Providence Milwaukie Family Medicine Clinic in 1999 and the Providence Oregon Family Medicine Residency in 2001. I loved putting on free sports physicals, doing free skin cancer screenings, leading “Smoking Cessation as an Alternative to Suspension” at Clackamas High School, and teaching physicians how to respond to community needs.  Dealing with some health issues, I retired in 2017. Then I studied and became a deacon in the Episcopal Church. I now serve at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church in NE Portland. In retirement, I looked for new ways to get involved and care for my community. My dear friend Linda Smith told me about ninety-nine girlfriends, and it sounded like a great way to donate my time, talent, and money to Portland nonprofits and get to know some wonderful women. I have been a member since 2018. 

Ninety-nine girlfriends has been a great way to learn about, support, and volunteer with nonprofit groups I would not normally be exposed to. I enjoyed working with a wonderful group of women on homelessness in Portland during the pandemic and then presenting our findings to the larger group. I enjoyed being a facilitator for Deconstructing Racism, one of our learning offerings. I will always remember helping with a dinner for the homeless and taking some of my roses for the tables. The children wanted to give their mom a rose, which I definitely encouraged. 

In my free time, I enjoy playing piano and Celtic harp, photography, Pilates, baking and dancing, and hiking with my husband. I have taken up weightlifting to help with my osteoporosis. Ninety-nine girlfriends provides so many opportunities to volunteer and get to know intelligent, creative, and generous women doing great work in our community. I enjoy the fun summer gatherings and the great educational presentations too. Ninety-nine girlfriends is one of my favorite organizations. 

A Liaison Update from Andrea Allison

Things are happening with Impact Partner Finability. Jolene Fuller was recently promoted from program officer to director of programs — a role through which she will oversee program growth, strengthen community ties, and continue empowering the survivors the organization serves. They have also hired a strategic partnership officer with a financial focus, based in Colorado. 

Director of Programs Jolene Fuller, Board Member David Stock, and Executive Director Stacy Sawin  (Photo courtesy of Andrea Allison)

We support our volunteers—with free Tech Training

Did you know that volunteering on one of our teams or committees means you gain access to free tech training? It’s true. We use Google Drive, Google Calendar, Zoom, and MembershipWorks in our daily work, but we don’t exclude you from volunteering if you don’t have those skills – we help you learn them! 

Contact Tammy to take advantage of this perk of being a Girlfriend.

Spolight on Amanda Coven

I moved to Portland from New Jersey in 2018 and absolutely love Oregon. I'm fortunate that through my work, I've been able to travel throughout the state and explore so many of the beautiful spaces and places. I also enjoy traveling outside of Oregon and have been to all seven continents! Since having my daughter in 2023, traveling looks more like visiting different parks and splash pads, but it's all worth it to see her smile and have fun. 

I was introduced to ninety-nine girlfriends by my management coach, Kaye O’Kearny, who shared her own positive experiences with the group and encouraged me to get involved. She saw it as a meaningful way for me to expand my network in Portland while deepening my understanding of philanthropy. Coming from a background rooted in nonprofit program work, I was drawn to the opportunity to learn more about development and gain firsthand experience from the funder perspective. 

I joined ninety-nine girlfriends this past spring, so I’m still very new to the group, but I’ve already felt a strong sense of connection. I participated on a grant review team and really enjoyed the experience—it was inspiring to meet such thoughtful women from all walks of life and to hear their diverse perspectives on the incredible organizations being considered. What keeps me connected is the opportunity to build relationships with people who care deeply about our community. The concept of collective giving is both empowering and a meaningful reminder that we don’t have to take on big challenges alone. I’m also looking forward to the Meet the Finalists watch parties and the Awards Celebration later this year!

Amanda Coven

Social Housing

Although the term does not have a single agreed-upon definition, social housing usually means mixed-income housing that is owned or financed by local governments. Portland City Council passed a resolution urging city policymakers and experts to show how the city could implement social housing. Check out these articles in Street Roots (with the Portland angle), Vox, and the New York Times to learn more.