November 2025
TPC’s Co-Presidents’ Message
In our current world that is filled with disruption and unpredictability, we’ve all been reminded how fragile stability can feel. From the government shutdown disrupting SNAP benefits and leaving federal employees unpaid, to the unsettling sight of armed agents in our neighborhoods, to the growing divisions across our country—it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed.
In the midst of all this, The Philanthropy Connection stands as a steady and hopeful constant. Our mission has always been clear: to connect, educate, and inspire women to collectively invest in nonprofits that strengthen our communities. That purpose feels more vital than ever.
Every membership renewal, every hour volunteered, every conversation at a TPC event reminds us of what collective philanthropy can do. Together, we fund local organizations on the front lines of systemic challenges. We learn from leaders creating real solutions. And we hold space for connection and empathy when the world feels fractured.
As we look toward year-end, we ask you to continue standing with TPC. Renew your membership, stretch your investment if you’re able, and know that your generosity sustains both our grantmaking and the infrastructure that makes it possible.
TPC was built for moments like this—when community, courage, and shared purpose matter most.
With gratitude,
Jennifer Morrison & Valerie Godhwani
Co-Presidents
The Philanthropy Connection
TPC Announcements
Renew your TPC Membership to Grow Our Impact
Each renewal strengthens the grants we award, the nonprofits we support, and the community we build together. Your contribution, at whatever level feels right for you, directly fuels the work of organizations tackling systemic inequities across Greater Boston.
As we look ahead to 2026, we invite you to renew by December 31 so we can continue learning, giving, and creating change side by side. Your renewal also keeps you eligible to participate in a 2026 Grant Team.
If you are inspired to lead even more boldly, consider renewing at our new Luminary level ($5,000) to help light the way for TPC’s next chapter of impact.
2026 Grant Cycle: Sign Up for a Grant Team
TPC’s 2026 grant cycle is officially open, marking our thirteenth season of collective giving. Grant Teams are one of the most meaningful ways to experience our mission in action. They offer a chance to learn with fellow members, connect directly with local nonprofits, and help shape where TPC’s grants will make the greatest impact.
Members can join as grant team participants, or step into leadership or eligibility screener roles. You can review the job descriptions and learn more about our grant review process on our website.
If you’d like additional details, the Grants Committee is hosting upcoming information sessions to walk through the process and answer questions:
Monday, December 1st | 12:00 – 12:30 PM | Zoom
Tuesday, December 2nd | 6:30 – 7:30 PM | Zoom
Call for Young Philanthropists: TPC’s 2025 Fellowship Program
The Philanthropy Connection is now accepting applications for our 2026 Fellowship Program — an opportunity for women in their 20s and 30s to engage deeply in collective giving, learn from nonprofit leaders, and build meaningful connections within our community.
Fellows participate in grantmaking, committee work, and member events, gaining hands-on experience with our Give. Receive. Learn. model of philanthropy.
Learn more about the Fellowship Program here, and access the application here.
New Deadline: November 30, 2025
If you know someone who’d be a great fit, please share!
2026 Grant Applications Open on December 1st
TPC will begin welcoming Letters of Intent (LOIs) from nonprofits interested in applying for funding for the 2026 grant cycle on December 1st. If you know an organization working to advance equity in Greater Boston, please share this opportunity with them.
To help prospective applicants learn more about our funding priorities and application process, the Grants Committee is hosting a virtual Lunch & Learn:
Wednesday, December 3rd | 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Zoom
This session will walk through our process and answer questions from organizations considering applying. Attendance is encouraged but not required to be considered for funding.
Upcoming TPC Events
Our First Adopt-a-Family Holiday Giving Project
TPC is excited to participate in Mujeres Unidas Avanzando’s (MUA) Adopt-a-Family program this year, our first time joining this inspiring initiative! MUA supports immigrant women through education and opportunity, and this season we’re sponsoring four incredible families.
Each family has shared a holiday wishlist, and members are invited to “claim” items to purchase. Your generosity will help make their celebrations brighter.
How It Works
By Sunday, December 1: Claim one or more gifts from the family wish lists to ensure every item is covered.
Before Thursday, December 5: Once you’ve claimed a gift, please reach out to Valerie or Annemieke for the specific Brookline or Reading drop-off address. You can ship your gift directly or drop it off in person.
Optional: Join one of our wrap parties to prepare and tag the gifts before we deliver everything to MUA by December 10.
Meet the Families
Kazi — Claim a Gift from Wishlist
Enrolled in English Level III and balancing school, part-time work, and caring for two young sons, with another baby on the way. Gifts for Kazi will be collected by Valerie Godhwani, vgodhwani@
Emely — Claim a Gift from Wishlist
Preparing for her HiSET exam while raising two daughters, ages 2 and 5. Gifts for Emely will be collected by Valerie Godhwani, vgodhwani@
Sayra — Claim a Gift from Wishlist
Taking English classes with the goal of becoming a preschool teacher while raising three children. Gifts for Sayra will be collected by Annemieke Rice, 38 Hopkins St, Reading, MA 01867.
Ana Estela — Claim a Gift from Wishlist
In her third year of English classes and pursuing medical assistant and home health aide training while raising three children as a single mother. Gifts for her family will be collected by Annemieke Rice, 38 Hopkins St, Reading, MA 01867.
Join the Wrap Parties!
Help us wrap gifts and celebrate the generosity of our community.
Wrap Party #1
Friday, December 5 | 5:00–7:00 pm | 38 Hopkins St, Reading
Kid-friendly, pizza provided
Contact: Annemieke Rice — annemieke.rice@gmail.com, 732-330-8742
Wrap Party #2
Friday, December 5 |4:00–6:00 pm | 99 Fisher Ave, Brookline
Contact: Valerie Godhwani — vgodhwani@
Thank you for helping make the holidays brighter for these families!
Virtual Dialogue with TPC Grantees
Philanthropy Dialogue: Girls’ LEAP & Family Health Project
Thursday, December 4 | 6:30 PM | Zoom
Join us for a powerful conversation with two TPC grantees working to advance the well-being of girls, women, and gender-expansive youth in the Boston area. This virtual dialogue will feature Family Health Project and Girls’ LEAP, two organizations creating meaningful impact through direct support, financial stability, and empowerment.
You’ll hear from their Executive Directors as they share stories from the field, discuss their approaches, and explore how investing in women and girls strengthens entire families and communities. Bring your questions! Friends and guests are welcome.
Featuring:
John H. “Joe” Knowles, Jr., President, Family Health Project: Providing unconditional monthly cash support to first-time moms during the crucial first three years of a child’s life.
May Vaughn, Executive Director, Girls’ LEAP: Delivering empowerment and self-defense programs that help girls and gender-expansive youth build confidence, safety skills, and resilience.
Join TPC’s 7-Day Equity Challenge
TPC is excited to offer our 7-Day Equity Challenge again this year, running December 7–13. This self-guided learning experience helps members explore the history and impacts of racism and other structural inequities — grounding us in the values that guide our grantmaking. We especially encourage members planning to serve on a Grant Team to participate.
Each morning, you’ll receive a short email with curated articles, videos, and reflection prompts. Past participants have described the Challenge as eye-opening, clarifying, and deeply meaningful to their philanthropic work.
Whether you’re joining for the first time or returning to reconnect with the material, we’d love to have you be part of this week of learning and reflection.
Upcoming Grantee & Partner Events
Volunteer with Boston Food Forest Coalition
Looking for a way to get your hands in the soil before winter? Join TPC grantee Boston Food Forest Coalition for their final volunteer workday of the season at the Old West Church Food Forest on Saturday, November 22 from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM (131 Cambridge St, Boston).
Volunteers will help put the land to rest for winter, with gratitude and celebration for the past growing season woven throughout the morning. All are welcome — no registration required.
SCIJ’s 4th Annual Boston Fundraiser & Community Event
Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice is celebrating five years of building immigrant justice and invites the community to their annual Fundraiser & Community Event on Thursday, December 4, 6–8 pm in Boston (location to be announced).
Join for an evening of connection, storytelling, and celebration as SCIJ highlights the strength of immigrant communities, shares powerful stories from those impacted by their work, and looks ahead to the next chapter. All are welcome.
Support RIA’s SheFund This Holiday Season
This season, RIA is raising money for their SheFund, which provides gift cards for groceries and other essential needs to survivors in their community. Your contribution helps ensure women and families have the resources they need during the holidays, when support matters most.
If you’re able, we invite you to give and help brighten the season for those RIA serves.
Make Blankets for Immigrants with SCIJ
Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice (SCIJ) is hosting a recurring community meetup to make blankets for immigrants — a hands-on way to support newcomers while connecting with others who care deeply about immigrant justice. The group meets regularly in Belmont, and all skill levels are welcome.
Fall Grantee Dialogue Recaps
This fall, TPC hosted two virtual dialogues where five of our grantees shared powerful insights into their work across direct service, youth empowerment, legal advocacy, and systems change. Recordings from both sessions are now available online.
Featured Grantees – September
RIA, Inc. supports adults recovering from commercial sexual exploitation through peer mentorship, clinical therapy, and financial assistance. Most participants report reduced involvement in commercial sex and greater stability after six months.
Young Man with a Plan (YMWAP) works with 375 Black and Latino youth “in the middle,” providing mentoring, academic support, creative programming, and career exploration from 7th grade into their mid-20s. All students graduate high school, and 80% attend college. YMWAP is launching a capital campaign to establish a permanent home in Hyde Park.
Featured Grantees – October
Boston CASA trains volunteers to advocate for children in the foster system, providing consistent adult support for youth ages 0–22.
Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice (SCIJ) pairs college students with pro bono immigration lawyers to provide representation for asylum seekers and drive policy change.
Jane Doe, Inc. unites organizations across Massachusetts to end sexual assault and domestic violence through training, coalition-building, and advocacy.
Watch the full recaps on our website.