September 2022 Newsletter
MANY HANDS UPDATES
RSVP Today! Join Us for the Membership Kickoff - October 13
The 2023 Grant Cycle Membership Kickoff will take place on Thursday, October 13 at Chevy Chase Village Hall. All members, as well as those considering membership, are warmly invited to help us celebrate the power of collective giving and launch the new grant cycle. Join us in person, starting at 6:30 pm, or watch the livestream, starting at 7:00 pm.

The kickoff is a great way for members to reconnect and learn about plans for the year ahead. If you're new to Many Hands, you'll also learn about how collective giving works, the impact of Many Hands funding, and how you can get involved. Bring a friend and meet like-minded donors committed to making a difference together!

We also welcome new and prospective members to attend one of our informal Meet & Greets. We are offering two dates and locations for your convenience: Tuesday, September 20 in the River Falls neighborhood of Potomac, MD (convenient to Northern Virginia) and Wednesday, October 19 in the Cleveland Park neighborhood of DC (accessible by Metro). There is no program at these events; just bring your questions and chat with members of the Board and Membership Committee. If you are thinking about joining Many Hands or joined recently and would like to connect with more members, we’d love to meet you!

For more information about these events, please visit our website or email Anna Gunnarsson Pfeiffer at events@manyhandsdc.org. To learn more about membership, contact Mary Kwak at membership@manyhandsdc.org.
Apply for a Many Hands Grant, September 30-November 18
Many Hands supports local nonprofits that serve and empower women, children, and families in socioeconomic need in the District of Columbia, Montgomery County (MD), Prince George's County (MD), Arlington County (VA), Fairfax County (VA), Alexandria City (VA), Fairfax City (VA), and Falls Church City (VA).

We make four grants each year, one each in economic empowerment, education, health, and housing. One grantee receives the $100,000 Impact Grant; three receive Partner Grants ($67,000 each in 2022). All grants offer unrestricted funding.

We will accept applications for grants to be awarded in May 2023 from Friday, September 30 through Friday, November 18. All applications must be submitted through our online portal.

Click here for more information about our eligibility criteria, application, and grant process and register for the applicant webinar on Tuesday, October 18.
Download the 2022 Impact Report
During the 2022 grant cycle, the 262 members of Many Hands granted a total of $301,000 to four outstanding nonprofits: My Sister's Place, Beacon House, Capital Area Asset Builders, and Nueva Vida. Click here to download the 2022 Impact Report and learn more about Many Hands' grantmaking and other highlights of the year.
MEMBERS' CORNER
Welcome Our New Board Members
We are delighted to welcome four new members to the Many Hands Board of Directors. Many Hands is an all-volunteer organization with a working board of up to 15 members that sets strategy and manages operations. In recruiting directors, we seek to reflect the diversity of our membership, as well as to meet our needs for specific skills. Click here to learn more about the current directors and Board responsibilities and qualifications.
Deborah Arrindell is vice president of health policy for the American Sexual Health Association and heads its DC office. Deborah joined Many Hands in 2016 and has served on the Economic Empowerment and Education Committees and the Racial Equity Working Group.
Claudette Christian is senior counsel at Hogan Lovells. She served as partner in charge of the firm's Brazil offices for five years and before that, as co-chair of its Global Board. Claudette joined Many Hands in 2020 and has served on the Education and Housing Committees.
Jane Paul is a former museum professional and active community volunteer with extensive fundraising experience. She previously chaired the Rock Creek Conservancy board. Jane joined Many Hands in 2020 and has served on the Economic Empowerment Committee.
Lori Sostowski practiced law for over 40 years, most recently as Associate General Counsel at Dartmouth College. She chairs the Advisory Board of Millions of Conversations. Lori joined Many Hands in 2018 and has served on Economic Empowerment and Education.
Join the Membership Committee
The Membership Committee helps recruit and steward members and plans Many Hands events, including the fall and spring education programs. The first meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 14, at 9:00 am, in the River Falls neighborhood of Potomac, MD. All members are welcome to become involved! For more information, including the meeting address, please email Mary Kwak at membership@manyhandsdc.org.
Philanos Webinar: People-Powered Philanthropy - September 13
Join fellow Philanos members and Philanthropy Together's Tyeshia Wilson on Tuesday, September 13, at 12:00 pm (ET), to explore how giving circles can deepen civic ties and embed equitable grantmaking practices. Many Hands is an affiliate of Philanos, the leading national women's giving circle network. All members are eligible to participate in Philanos programs. If you already have a Philanos account, click here to register for the webinar by September 11. If you need an account, please email Karen Murrell at info@manyhandsdc.org.
GRANTEE NEWS
The Homeless Children's Playtime Project: One Year Later
In May 2021, Many Hands members voted to award the $100,000 Impact Grant to The Homeless Children's Playtime Project, which cultivates resilience in children experiencing family homelessness by providing and expanding access to transformative play experiences. One year later, Many Hands member Stephanie Nealer caught up with the Playtime team to talk about their work throughout the pandemic, their relationship with the communities they serve, and the impact of Many Hands funding. In this short clip, founder and Executive Director Jamila Larson talks about why play is the focus of the organization's work. Click here to watch the full interview with Jamila and Development Director Brandi Stanton.
 Many Hands leverages the power of collective giving to support nonprofits serving and empowering Washington, DC area women, children, and families in socioeconomic need. Many Hands is a 501(c)(3) organization. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. EIN: 51-0486987.