GIVING CIRCLE OF WOMEN'S CONNECTION PHILADELPHIA

JULY 2024 NEWSLETTER



Like many of you in our Giving Circle, I moved to Philadelphia for a job. After getting settled in an apartment on Chestnut Street in June 2011, I was ready to discover my new town. I’d been to Philadelphia for professional meetings, but now I was a resident—a Philadelphian.

My timing was perfect. I arrived just in time for the city’s signature celebration, the 4th of July. Growing up in Ohio the daughter of a Second World War veteran and a state that proudly boasted its identity in red, white, and blue as “the heart of it all,” the 4^th was always a big holiday. As an adult, I eventually lived in other states with equally patriotic and self-important slogans. I’ve celebrated America’s birthday in those places and also while on vacation. Each was fun and always stroked my patriotic heartstrings. After all, I was a girl scout and then became an American historian. That made me an easy target for patriotic sentiment. No place is more fitting for me to be on July 4^th than Philadelphia. To paraphrase Lin-Manuel Miranda’s lyrics in Broadway’s Hamilton, I want to be “in the city [room] where it happened!”

It is easy to become discouraged about the state of politics, especially during this election year when Americans seems so divided. I have written books and taught classes about the triumphs and failure of democracy in the United States. My life experiences along with studying American history underscores for me that every generation is part of the long struggle to make the nation live up to the principles of freedom and equality in its founding documents. The job is never finished.

This also why I am honored to be part of the Giving Circle. Our commitment to help improve the lives of women and children in Philadelphia through the strength of collective giving is never done. The task may seem overwhelming, but even small steps make a difference in the lives of many. The Giving Circle will soon announce this year’s focus area for our current campaign. Thank you in advance for your generous donations and participation. It is never too early to make your donation and to encourage others to join our Giving Circle.

On this July 4^th get energized, inspired, and come celebrate in the city where it happened, or wherever you will be on the nation’s birthday. I’ll be waving my flag and celebrating the possibilities of a better future with you.

Together in Giving,

Kris Lindenmeyer

Co-chair Giving Circle of Women’s Connection Philadelphia



To learn more about these three wonderful nonprofits, click on their icons below and you will be taken to their websites.

General feedback from the four nonprofits gathered from the meeting:

• All organizations greatly appreciated that the grant awards could be used for general operating expenses as this allowed them flexibility to address their immediate operating needs.
• The nonprofits appreciated that those who attended the site visits had carefully reviewed the applications and came with questions.
• Our grants gave the nonprofits some financial “breathing room” as they continue to address the needs of their communities.
• They enjoyed seeing the process from "the other side" i.e. having the opportunity to be part of our Grants Committee.

Suggestions for improving our process:

• Communicating clear expectations during the grants process would be helpful.
• Providing more opportunities for collaboration and conversations with the other nonprofit organizations that have received Giving Circle grant awards.

We hope to continue our relationships with all four and wish them well as they continue to make a difference in the lives of children in Philadelphia.