We are delighted to announce that we have already raised nearly $250,000 for the 2023 grant fund. More than 30 new members have joined Many Hands this grant cycle, and 195 donors have renewed their membership. We are grateful to everyone who has chosen to join us in giving together.

If one of your resolutions is to give with greater impact this year, there's still time to become a Many Hands member and support outstanding, community-based nonprofits that serve and empower women, children, and families in socioeconomic need. We continue to raise funds and welcome new and returning members up until the Annual Meeting in May, which introduces the year's four grantees. Following the Annual Meeting, based on a membership vote, one grantee will receive the 2023 $100,000 Impact Grant, and three will receive Partner Grants that are projected to be at least $50,000 each.

The more members we have, the larger our grants and the greater our impact. Join or renew today and, while you're at it, tell a friend about the power of collective giving!

For more information about membership, please visit our website or email Mary Kwak at membership@manyhandsdc.org.

Maybe you're thinking about serving on a Focus Area Committee (FAC) for the first time. Maybe you're wondering how trust-based philanthropy is shaping Many Hands' approach. Or maybe you'd just like to meet some of the people leading this year's teams! Then join us on Zoom on Sunday, January 8 at 3:00 pm to learn all about the 2023 FAC process with Grants Co-Chair Charis Keitelman. Following the presentation, there will be time for general Q&A and breakout groups where you can learn more about each focus area. This event is for members only. Bring your questions!

If you joined or renewed by December 31, look for an email on January 9 with a link to sign up for a FAC. The signup form will remain open for 48 hours, from noon on Monday, January 9 to noon on Wednesday, January 11. No priority will be given to early signups. All members will be informed of their committee assignments by email on Friday, January 13.

For more information about the FAC process, click here or contact Charis Keitelman at grants@manyhandsdc.org. If you'd like to confirm that we've received your gift, please email Margaret Vassilikos at treasurer@manyhandsdc.org.

New to FACs or looking for a refresher? Mark your calendar for two training sessions presented by the Grants team:

Both sessions will take place on Zoom and be recorded for those unable to attend. Links will be emailed to all FAC members. Participation is optional but highly recommended for first-time committee members. For more information, please contact Charis Keitelman at grants@manyhandsdc.org.

Ellen Oshinsky joined Many Hands in 2022 and has served on the Education FAC and Membership Committee. She is the founder and lead educator for DMV EcoAdventures, an afterschool outdoor education program for elementary school students, and the DC manager of strategic partnerships for Avodah-The Jewish Service Corps.

What do you most appreciate about being a Many Hands member? I really enjoyed sitting on the Education Committee last year and having the opportunity to bring my background as an elementary school teacher to understanding education causes locally. Another beautiful element of that experience was that I got to learn from other people’s thinking regarding different organizations. Through sitting on the committee, I gained more clarity about the kinds of causes I care about and, within the education landscape, what types of programs really matter to me and what I really want to support.

Click here to learn more about what inspired Ellen to join Many Hands, what she finds unique about collective giving, and how her Many Hands experience has shaped her personal giving!

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and a particularly appropriate time to check in with 2022 (and 2012) Partner Grantee Nueva Vida. Nueva Vida informs, supports, and empowers Latinas whose lives are affected by cancer and advocates for and facilitates timely access to state of the art cancer care.

This fall, Many Hands member Stephanie Nealer attended a community education event at The George Washington University co-sponsored by Nueva Vida and the GW Cancer Center and spoke with Executive Director Astrid Jimenez and co-founder Dr. Elmer Huerta about their work. Above, Astrid describes Neuva Vida's mission and the need for their services. Click here to learn more about the impact of the Many Hands grant and Nueva Vida's efforts to expand its reach.

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.