Our New Year Is Underway

Our new year is underway, and I am excited about the energy and commitment already taking shape across Seeds of Strength. Our leadership team and committees have begun their work, and many of the priorities we talked about as we entered this year are already moving forward. 

We understand that we lost communication with some of you—and hope that this newsletter is the start of a re-engaged relationship with you! We have so many exciting events planned this year and would love to see you there. 

As we continue to build on our strengths and expand our impact, I want to keep you informed—not only about what is happening, but also about how our work connects to the mission we all share. 

Strengthening Our Grants & Impact 

One of our priorities this year is continuing to strengthen our grantmaking process and the impact of the dollars we invest in our community. Our newly adopted Funding Focus Areas will be implemented during the upcoming grant cycle, including the addition of  Arts, Culture & Humanities. This work will provide greater clarity for applicants while maintaining the thoughtful and rigorous grantmaking process that has long been a strength of Seeds of Strength. 

As the grant cycle gets underway, I look forward to sharing more about this work and the organizations whose missions align with our funding priorities. 

Building Connections 

I left our July Leadership Kickoff feeling encouraged and energized about the year ahead. Our Board members and Committee Chairs came together to talk about our priorities, share ideas, and begin the work of turning our plans for the year into action. 

What struck me most was the commitment of the women who have stepped forward to lead and serve. So much of what Seeds of Strength accomplishes happens because members are willing to give not only financially, but also their time, talents and ideas. I am grateful for their willingness to help us build on the strong foundation we have inherited. 

But involvement in Seeds of Strength isn’t only about serving on a committee. Sometimes it is simply about getting to know one another and enjoying the connections that come with being part of our giving circle.  

Our August member gathering gave us just that opportunity — a chance to socialize, reconnect after the summer, and welcome some new faces. I hope you will join us at future events and enjoy spending time with other Seeds of Strength members.

We are also planning a New Member Orientation for this fall. Once the date is finalized, we will share the details. It will be an opportunity for newer members—and those interested in learning more about Seeds of Strength—to better understand who we are, how our collective giving model works, and the impact we make together. 

And we want to hear from you. Watch for our member survey in the coming weeks. Your feedback will help us understand what you value about your membership, where we can improve, and how we can create even more meaningful opportunities for connection, education and involvement. 

Looking Ahead 

There is much more to come this year. Our teams are working on ways to strengthen our long-term financial sustainability, improve our organizational operations, and build greater awareness of Seeds of Strength and the work we do in our community. 

And, of course, we will have opportunities to simply enjoy being together! Be sure to save the date for our Fall Luncheon on October 15. More details will be coming soon. 

Did You Know? 

Seeds of Strength is about much more than writing checks. Every grant represents hours of volunteer work by women who review applications, visit organizations, ask thoughtful questions, evaluate community needs and help our membership make informed funding decisions. 

That combination of collective giving and member involvement is what makes our giving circle special. 

We have a wonderful year ahead of us. Thank you for your membership, your involvement, and your continued commitment to Seeds of Strength. Together, we are building on a strong foundation—and expanding the impact we can make in our community.