July 2025
Letter from TPC’s Co-Presidents
At The Philanthropy Connection, we’re committed to listening, learning, and evolving—together.
This spring, more than 75 members completed our biennial survey, offering candid insights into what’s working well and where we can do better. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive:
- 91% of respondents feel connected to TPC’s mission
- 90% said they would recommend participating on a grant team
- The top reason for joining TPC was to increase the impact of their giving by pooling resources with others
We’re grateful for your thoughtful responses—and your honesty. From what drew you to TPC to what keeps you engaged (or doesn’t), every comment helps shape the future of this organization. We’re taking your feedback to heart and identifying changes we can make to deepen connection, expand accessibility, and better reflect the diverse community we aspire to be. Thank you for showing up and speaking up.
We also held a weekend strategic board session to reflect on all that’s been accomplished—and all that lies ahead. We explored bold ideas for the future in line with our mission, reaffirmed our commitment to TPC’s sustainability and trust-based philanthropy, and began shaping priorities for the year ahead. It was energizing to step back and think big. We can’t wait to share more as our plans take shape.
As always, we’re grateful to be on this journey with you. Thank you for investing your time, voice, and generosity in this community.
With gratitude,
Jennifer Morrison & Valerie Godhwani
Co-Presidents
The Philanthropy Connection
Upcoming TPC Events
TPC Playground Meet-Up: Fun for All Ages!
Join fellow TPC members for a casual summer meet-up—kids welcome!
We’ll gather at a fully fenced-in playground with climbing equipment for all ages and a splash pad to help everyone stay cool. It’s just steps from the Green Line, so it’s easy to get to.
Saturday, August 2 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Albion Street Playground, Somerville, MA
Bring water, snacks, and your favorite tiny humans
TPC Cambridgeside Meet-Up: Conversation & Connection
Join fellow TPC members for an evening of community at the Canalside Food Court! Come for casual conversation, new connections, and light bites—no agenda, just good company. Hosted by Kathy Dunigan and Edwina Nowicki. Food and drink will be available for purchase.
Thursday, August 7 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Canalside Food Court, Cambridgeside Mall (100 Cambridgeside Place)
One block from Lechmere Green Line stop | Validated parking available
Upcoming Grantee Events
Community Dialogue Series: Understanding the Nuances of the Sex Trade
RIA has launched a powerful new six-part virtual dialogue series designed for anyone curious to explore the complex realities of the sex trade. Whether you’re an advocate or someone just starting to learn, RIA invites you to an open and honest conversation. The dialogue will explore questions of power, consent, and choice, looking at the scale and impact of the sex trade and the systems that support it.
Help Youth Start the School Year Strong with Boston CASA’s Back-to-School Drive
As we head into school season, Boston CASA is launching its back-to-school drive on Amazon! These items will be provided to our CASAs to help support their youth as they start school this fall. In addition to school supplies, they are in need of gift cards so youth and families can purchase the exact materials they need, and to help support CASA visits and celebrate milestones!
When you purchase an item, select Boston CASA as the shipping address (151 Merrimac St, Boston, MA 02114). If you have any questions about shipping or purchasing through Amazon, please contact Charly at charly@bostoncasa.org.
Tee Off for a Cause: Boston CASA’s 3rd Annual Golf Outing
Boston CASA invites you to hit the greens for a great cause at their 3rd Annual Golf Outing on Monday, August 11th, from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Held at the historic William J. Devine Golf Course, this event raises vital funds to support Boston CASA’s mission: ensuring that every child in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties who has experienced abuse or neglect has a dedicated Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) by their side.
Monday, August 11, 2025 | 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Help SCIJ Upgrade Their Tech
As SCIJ continues to grow, so does the need for secure and accessible technology to support its staff and student leaders. They’re currently seeking donations of laptops, tablets, phones, or connections to discounted devices.
If you have equipment to contribute or a lead on tech resources, reach out to Ruth Mufute, SCIJ’s Development Manager, at rmufute@scijimmigration.org.
Now Accepting Applications: 2026 Social Innovator Accelerator
Know a nonprofit doing bold, innovative work in Eastern Massachusetts? The Social Innovation Forum is looking for its next cohort of Social Innovators!
Selected organizations will receive two years of in-depth support—including consulting, executive coaching, presentation advising, and access to unrestricted funding and donor networks. The accelerator culminates in a high-profile Showcase event, where Innovators present their mission and vision to local business and philanthropic leaders.
Info session on July 29, applications due by Tuesday, August 12.