May 2026
TPC Co-Presidents’ Message
Even in uncertain times, our community has a way of showing up.
Each year, TPC members come together to build something bigger than any one of us could accomplish alone—and this year was no exception.
This has been a challenging year for nonprofits and fundraising efforts across the sector. Fortunately, due to the strength, generosity, and commitment of our TPC community, we are proud to share that we will distribute ten unrestricted grants of $25,000 each.
Each grant finalist is selected through a thoughtful, rigorous, multi-phase process driven by our members—ensuring that every organization reaching the ballot has been carefully reviewed and deeply understood. We know that getting to that stage requires a significant investment of time and effort from nonprofit leaders, so this year, we are taking an additional step to recognize that commitment by recognizing the five additional ballot finalists with a $1,000 Finalist Award to honor their dedication and hard work throughout the process.
What continues to set TPC apart is that our impact extends beyond the check. We build relationships. We show up as volunteers, advocates, connectors, and champions for our grantees and the communities they serve. Thank you to every TPC member for making this work possible and for continuing to invest in the power of community and collective impact.
Warmly,
Jenny Morrison and Valerie Godhwani
TPC’s Commitment to Systems Change
In our March newsletter, the letter from our co-presidents focused on how TPC thinks about systems change. We want to continue that conversation by reviewing how TPC has incorporated systems change considerations into our grant review process.
Last year, as part of our grants review process, we asked applicants to self-identify their core focus as either direct service or systems change. One-third of this year’s applicants identified as systems change organizations, and of those, two-thirds had budgets under $1 million, challenging the assumption that larger organizations are more likely to do systems change work.
This year’s applications reflected a similar pattern. Of the 95 applications received, 42% self-identified as systems change organizations and 58% as direct service organizations. As organizations moved through the process to the site visit stage, the split was closer to 50/50. Ultimately, the final ballot reflected 40% systems change and 60% direct services as reported by the organizations.
As part of TPC’s ongoing commitment to learning, we expanded our application this year to better understand the different strategies nonprofits use to create impact.
Do they focus more on individual or community outcomes? What is the degree of community involvement in their work? And is their focus more on immediate needs or long-term change? With this insight from the people doing the work, we will develop a deeper understanding of what systems change work looks like in the organizations we review and fund.
Grant teams reviewed applications grouped by these two focus areas to support more comparable evaluations, while also creating space for meaningful discussion and reflection. The process raised important new questions and challenged assumptions, reinforcing that our learning continues to evolve alongside the work of the organizations we review and fund.
Sharing the Voices of TPC
TPC recently embarked on an exciting project to capture the stories of TPC members and grantees in a new video that illustrates who and what TPC is.
The creation of Voices of TPC became a powerful reminder that TPC is more than a grantmaker — it is a community that shows up for one another. This video was truly made possible by the generosity, talent, and commitment of so many people coming together around a shared purpose.
TPC member Nicole O’Connor generously donated the time and talent of her production company, SevenPair Studios, to bring this project to life from start to finish. Our grantee, Young Man with a Plan, graciously opened their doors and welcomed us into its entire space for two full days of filming. And perhaps most meaningful of all, 15 individuals — including six current and former grantees — took time out of their busy lives to sit down, share their experiences, and tell their stories.
The final video captures the impact of TPC, but the process of creating it captured something equally important: the power of community. It was a reminder that the relationships built through TPC extend far beyond a grant check — creating connections, generosity, and a shared commitment to making a difference together.
Check out our video on YouTube: The Philanthropy Connection: The Power of Collective Giving
TPC is Launching a New Program for Young Philanthropists!
Application Deadline: Sunday, June 21, 2026
The Philanthropy Connection is excited to announce its newest pathway for Young Philanthropists to gain opportunities for mentorship, exclusive channels for connection with fellow YPs and seasoned members, and skill development that drives progress toward their long-term professional success.
Aptly termed the “YP Accelerator Program,” this one-year program is designed for women who appreciate structured support while developing or expanding their careers. To learn more about how this program differs from TPC’s Fellowship program, check out this page here.
To access the Accelerator Application, click here. Application Deadline: Sunday, June 21, 2026.
If not already a TPC member, selected participants can complete their enrollment by activating a TPC membership here. For prospective applicants who desire flexible options, TPC offers quarterly payments, and also allows for employers or donors to sponsor membership!
If you know someone who may be a good candidate, please share this information.
Upcoming TPC Events
2026 Grant Awards Celebration
Tuesday, June 9th | 6:00 – 9:00 PM
The Row Hotel at Assembly Row, 360 Foley Street, Somerville
Our biggest event of the year is fast approaching!
Join us for an evening of connection, community, and impact as we announce this year’s grantees and hear directly from nonprofit leaders about the work they’re driving across Greater Boston. It’s a chance to come together, celebrate successes, and see the power of collective giving in action.
And be sure to bring a friend to multiply your impact! Many of our members first experienced TPC at this event, and it continues to be one of the best ways to share what this community is all about.
Every new member strengthens our collective impact and expands what we can do together.
Reserve your spot today!
Upcoming Grantee and Partner Events
Girls’ LEAP Annual Women’s Leadership Brunch
Sunday, June 14th | 1-4pm
Thelma D. Burns Building, 575 Warren Street, Boston, MA, 02121
Join Girls’ LEAP for their Annual Women’s Leadership Brunch, an afternoon of authentic connection, courageous conversations, and shared purpose with women leaders from across Boston. This year’s event will honor Denella J Clark, President and CEO of the Boston Arts Academy Foundation, for her decades of leadership advancing equity, opportunity, and arts education in Boston communities.
Each ticket includes a copy of Philanthropic Kitchen, a new book focused on purposeful leadership and community impact.
Wash + Set – a Dance Performance at Edgewater Food Forest
Sunday, June 21st | 11am, 1pm, 4pm, 6pm
Edgewater Food Forest, 640 River Street, Boston MA, 02136
Boston Food Forest Coalition invites the community to Edgewater Food Forest on Sunday, June 21 for “wash + set,” a new outdoor dance performance by local artist Arielle Colella. This unique performance weaves together the stories and voices of Black mothers from across Greater Boston through movement, sound, and immersive salon-inspired installations. Performances will take place throughout the day with limited seating available. Register here, or visit their events page to learn more about upcoming volunteer workdays, workshops, and other ways to get involved with BFFC’s community food forest work across Boston.
Boston CASA Golf Outing
Monday Aug 10th | 7am – 2PM
William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park 1 Circuit Dr. Boston MA, 02121
The Boston CASA Annual Golf Outing serves as an opportunity to increase awareness of the organization’s essential work while raising funds so more foster children and youth of Suffolk and Middlesex Counties have the support of a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).
Our Mission: Boston CASA promotes and protects the best interest of children and youth who have experienced abuse and neglect. We train and support community-based volunteers who provide a voice to children in the court system so they may thrive in a stable environment.
For information regarding event sponsorships or donations, please contact Michael Esten at michael@bostoncasa.org.
Learn more and register.