We welcome new and returning members until the Annual Meeting in May in order to maximize the size of our grants. Become a member today, and you'll get to vote for the recipient of the 2024 $100,000 Impact Grant, attend our special 20th anniversary event, and above all, support outstanding community-based nonprofits that you might not otherwise discover! Click here to join hundreds of local philanthropists in supporting DC-area women, children, and families in socioeconomic need. Questions about membership? Please contact Lori Sostowski at membership@manyhandsdc.org.

Members of the Grants Committee and Focus Area Committee (FAC) chairs are now reviewing applications against the eligibility requirements and to ensure that applicants are considered in the appropriate focus area. As part of this process, we may offer applicants the opportunity to move to another focus area. We will notify applicants who will not be moving forward after February 5.

If you're new to Focus Area Committees—or if it's been a while since you last served—please join members of the Grants Committee on Sunday, February 4 at 3:00 pm on Zoom. We'll walk through the review process, talk about our approach to grantmaking, and answer your questions. You'll also have a chance to meet this year's committee chairs, as well as fellow members. Click here to sign up.

Look out for an email at noon on Monday, February 5 inviting you to sign up for a Focus Area Committee. The signup form will be open through noon on Wednesday, February 7, and we will notify committee members of their assignments later that week. The 2024 FACs will meet as follows:

When: Tuesdays at 8:30 am

Where: Forest Hills, DC

When: Thursdays at 8:30 am

Where: Chevy Chase, MD

When: Wednesdays at 8:30 am

Where: Zoom

When: Tuesdays at 7:00 pm

Where: Zoom

FAC meetings will begin the week of February 26. Each committee will meet half a dozen times, in addition to conducting site visits, to review applications and choose a grantee. If you have questions about FACs or the signup process, please contact Charis Keitelman at grants@manyhandsdc.org.

We are holding three optional training sessions for FAC members. We strongly encourage first-time committee members to participate and welcome returning members to refresh their knowledge. All three sessions will take place on Zoom and will be recorded. Registration links will be shared with FAC members, along with their committee assignments. In the meantime, please note the following dates:

Many Hands is seeking nominations for positions on its Board of Directors. Self-nominations are welcome. If you're looking for a rewarding opportunity to put your time, talent, and treasure to work, consider service on the Many Hands Board. We welcome expressions of interest on a rolling basis throughout the year. However, if you are interested in being considered for board service for the 2024-2025 grant cycle, complete this form by Friday, March 1, 2024.

This year, the Board is prioritizing candidates who have expertise in the following areas:

Click here for a detailed description of Board responsibilities and other considerations.

Many Hands is grateful for every member who offers to serve. As a result of our need to ensure access to a complex range of skills and perspectives, we may not be able to offer a Board position to every member who expresses interest. Members who are not elected this year may be considered in the future.

If you have questions about the nominating process or would like to talk with a current or past Board member before deciding if board service is right for you, please email Karen Murrell at nominating@manyhandsdc.org.

Join Philanos on Tuesday, February 13 at 12:00 pm ET as Margo Greenfield of Impact100 Essex (NJ) and Taisha Rojas-Parker of Impact 100 Cincinnati share their experiences in recruiting and retaining a diverse membership. Many Hands members attend Philanos webinars free of charge. Contact Karen Murrell at info@manyhandsdc.org to set up your Philanos account and then click here to register by February 11.

The recording of the January 9 webinar on personal philanthropy planning with business and financial consultant Nina Needleman is now available on YouTube. Click here to access the full list of past webinar recordings.

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. EIN: 51-0486987.