January 2026
Letter from TPC’s Co-Presidents
As we begin a new year, we do so in a moment that feels both familiar and heavy. Our country remains deeply divided. Many of the challenges our communities faced last year have not eased, and for the nonprofits working closest to the issues, the need remains urgent.
It would be disingenuous to pretend otherwise.
And yet, this is where we choose optimism—not as denial, but as a decision. Optimism doesn’t ignore reality; it gives us the resolve to keep moving through it. At The Philanthropy Connection, optimism is not abstract or passive. It is expressed through action, commitment, and the belief that collective effort still matters.
TPC was built for moments like this. When safety, dignity, and basic rights are threatened, we show up—for our grantees, our communities, and one another. That steady, values-driven presence is something our grantees rely on—and something this moment demands.
That same spirit is reflected within our own community. This month, we are proud to welcome three new Board members and five new Fellows. Their perspectives, experience, and commitment are a powerful reminder that even in uncertain times, people continue to step forward—choosing leadership, responsibility, and purpose.
As we move into 2026, we invite you to stay connected, stay curious, and stay engaged—whether that’s through grantmaking, learning alongside our grantees, showing up at events, or inviting others into this community.
Thank you for choosing optimism with us—and for turning it into action. Together, we will continue to show up for our communities and for one another.
With gratitude,
Jennifer Morrison & Valerie Godhwani
Co-Presidents
The Philanthropy Connection
TPC Announcements
Our 2026 Grant Pool: Where We’re Headed and How You Can Help
Each year, TPC collectively works toward a $250,000 grant pool – an amount that makes it possible to award 10 unrestricted grants of $25,000 to local nonprofits doing critical work in our communities.
This year, our current grant pool total is currently just shy of this goal, and we’re actively working to close this gap by January 31st.
If you have not yet renewed your membership, renewing now is one of the most impactful ways to help us get there. Current members can also make an additional contribution to the grant pool if they’re able.
Importantly, anyone can donate to the grant pool, whether or not they are an active TPC member. Every contribution directly increases the funding available to our grantees and strengthens the collective impact of our giving.
Thank you for helping make our grantmaking possible and for being part of a community committed to meaningful, local change.
Welcome New Board Members!
Joining us on the board, we are excited to welcome Patty Katsaros, Jeannie McGill, and Jill Myers. These individuals bring diverse skills, experiences, and a shared commitment to our mission.
Continuing Board Members
We are grateful for the dedication and continued service of our 13 returning board members: Yasmine Anderson, Lindsey Donovan, Rosemary Driscoll, Jacqui Fishman, Meghan Higgins, Sarah Kalish, Kelsea Médard, Jessica Morris, Clare Rager, Annemieke Rice, Liz Sanchez, May Vaughn, and Penny Weeks. Their ongoing support is instrumental in shaping TPC’s future.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Outgoing Board Members
As we welcome new faces, we also express our deepest gratitude to the outgoing board members, Leslie Levenson and Sarah Rahman, who have dedicated countless hours and unwavering effort to building The Philanthropy Connection into the impactful organization it is today. Your contributions have left an indelible mark, and we are grateful for your lasting legacy.
We look forward to a year of continued collaboration, growth, and meaningful philanthropy under the leadership of Jennifer Morrison, Valerie Godhwani, and our dedicated board members.
Welcome, New Fellows!
The Philanthropy Connection remains deeply committed to fostering the next generation of women philanthropists. To help us achieve this goal, we have invested in yet another year of our Fellowship Program! TPC’s Fellowship Program creates an opportunity for young women motivated to learn about philanthropy and the non-profit landscape in Massachusetts through a structured, formative experience.
We are excited to welcome 5 new Fellows this year: Wendy Bongjoh, Fallon Burke, Maddie Codding, Betsy Hamre, and Zhiye Yang.
To further enrich our Fellowship Program, we shifted from a one year to a two year fellowship in 2023. With this change, join us in congratulating our second-year Fellows: Helena Berbano, Nicole Hicks, Kristiana Le, KT McAfee, and Julia Ryan.
Upcoming TPC Events
Virtual TPC Dialogue: Food Insecurity in Eastern MA
Thursday February 26th | 6:30 – 7:30 PM | Zoom
Featuring:
- Candace Burton from The Boston Foundation
- Usha Thakrar from Boston Area Gleaners (past TPC grantee)
- Lisa Smith from Neighbors In Need (past TPC grantee)
- Peter Ciurczak from Boston Indicators
Join us Thursday, Feb 26, 2026, 6:30 – 7:30 PM for a timely virtual conversation on food insecurity in Eastern Massachusetts. Candace Burton from The Boston Foundation will provide a regional overview and data insights, while Executive Directors from past TPC grantees, Boston Area Gleaners and Neighbors In Need, will share frontline perspectives on addressing hunger in our communities. Together, this speaker line-up offers a compelling look at the dogged issue of food insecurity in Eastern Mass. Come with your questions. TPC friends and guests are welcome.
Upcoming Grantee and Partner Events
SCIJ 4th Annual Providence Fundraiser & Community Event
High Five for Justice: Celebrating 5 years of impact
Don’t miss an inspiring evening dedicated to uplifting immigrant voices and supporting the vital work of the Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice (SCIJ) on Thursday, February 5th in Providence from 6-8PM.
The event will feature engaging speakers on our mission and vision, heartfelt stories from those impacted by our work, and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.
Together, we can stand up for justice and transform the lives of countless asylum seekers and immigrants.
And SCIJ is excited to be hiring a new Lead Community Organizer! They need your help to find the right people for this role. Here are 4 ways you can help:
- Repost their LinkedIn posting
- Share the job descriptions with people in your network who you think might be interested in applying
- Connect SCIJ with places where we can post these jobs
- Learn More & Apply
RIA is Hiring!
Help RIA connect with people who may be interested in supporting adults as they heal and thrive. Learn more and apply:
And for those passionate about human rights and eager to deepen their involvement with RIA, the organization is seeking dynamic board members with fresh ideas to fuel its growth and help define its next chapter. Learn more here.