With fingers and toes crossed, we are hopeful that things will continue to improve in the pandemic and we may be able to offer some in-person events in 2022! Stay tuned to your Member Updates for more info as things develop, and let us know if YOU are interested in joining the Events Team to help us create opportunities for our members to gather in person - in case you forgot, that is part of the magic of ninety-nine girlfriends!
Volunteer Spotlight
LORI RUX & ANN DODDS
Have you ever wondered how the magic happens when you log into your directory or who processes your contribution? Well, the answer is the incredible duo of Lori and Ann. Every organization needs a strong, dependable foundation and these two Girlfriends are part of that foundation. We thought you might enjoy learning a little more about them…
Multiply Your Impact Through Matching Gifts
Does your employer have a matching gifts program? Employer matches have made such an impact in our work. They are applied to our general fund and have been used to increase the funds disbursed through our Impact Awards, help fund our Fellows Program, and more!
If your employer does have a matching gifts program (Check this list to find out), please be sure to check the box about this when renewing your membership.
Questions? Contact Tammy.
New for 2022: The Girlfriends Fund!
Ninety-nine girlfriends is piloting a new program to welcome members for whom $1,100 is a barrier to participation. Instead, the individual pays $550 and requests $550 from the Girlfriends Fund. This program is made possible by the generosity of members who are able to contribute to the fund. $550 helps one Girlfriend but donations of any amount are welcome and appreciated. And, of course, contributions are tax-deductible, as allowed by law.
RSVP for the Awards Celebration on December 5!
Get Ready for Meet the Finalists!
Register for Meet the Finalists
This is a wonderful opportunity to hear directly from the finalists being considered for this year’s funding. Voting begins at the conclusion of this virtual event held on October 24.
Read: Small Steps in the Right Direction: Making General Operating Support the Norm
Here’s an article from the Center for Effective Philanthropy (originally on the INNO blog) on funding practices: Small Steps in the Right Direction: Making General Operating Support the Norm.
2021 Discovery Forum: Shifting Power
Our 2021 Discovery Forum provided considerable food for thought, as ninety-nine girlfriends continues our journey to embed racial equity in all that we do. We heard from three philanthropic leaders about three very different approaches that their foundations or giving circles have taken to change grantmaking, investing, and organizational structure and culture. Read on for a summary the video recording.
Vote for Raphael House to Win a Grow Grant
Raphael House has been selected as one of 12 finalists for an Advantis Grow grant! If they win an award, they’ll get to outfit the 11 private rooms in their emergency shelter with new, much-needed bedding and cribs, as well as replace a broken washing machine so families can safely do laundry onsite.
Grants will be awarded based on which projects receive the most votes from the community. Voting is easy at https://www.advantiscu.org/grow-vote, and folks can vote once per day through July 7.
Grantee Partner Spotlight: Black United Fund
Join us in congratulating grantee partner Black United Fund of Oregon CEO Dr. LM Alaiyo Foster, who was recently named as a Women of Influence by the Portland Business Journal!
Attend: We Give Summit 2021
The We Give Summit 2021 is a virtual month-long event in May to celebrate everyday givers with virtual presentations, interactive sessions and online networking! Speakers share info, experiences and inspiration about many aspects of the collective giving movement. Each week has a different theme: Be Together, Learn Together, Grow Together, Dream Together. This international celebration of collective giving circles continues through May 27. A full access pass costs $50 after the first week – Register and jump in!
This Summit was organized by the new PhilanthropyTogether network of giving circles (which we’re a part of). Read about their first year here.
Engage: Become a Legacy Fellow
Senior Advocates for Generational Equity (SAGE) is recruiting for Legacy Fellows, who will spend nine months designing projects that make a lasting impact for K-12 students in Oregon or nationwide. The 2021 Program begins in May.
Shared by Deborah Edwards and Michelle Hynes.
Read: Changing grantmaking practices and honesty in grant reports articles
As we near our “grant making season”, our Grant Steering Committee co-chairs Holly and Tammy share two short reads. Each has a very different style and each has a very important message:
Building a Movement for Courageous Practice Change in Philanthropy from the Center for Effective Philanthropy
Answers on grant reports if nonprofits were brutally honest with funders from Vu Le’s blog
Read: Giving While Female article
Giving while female: Women are more likely to donate to charities than men of equal means, an article about women’s giving, submitted by Pip Denhart.
Read: Intentional Action Toward Equity in Philanthropy article
Intentional Action Toward Equity in Philanthropy, an article on giving through the pandemic, recommended by Tammy Wilhoite.