March 2025

Can I tell you how excited I am to share all that is transpiring at Must! Charities? We've got so much good stuff to share this month that I had to narrow it down to my Top Five Highlights (trust me, they’re all #1-worthy).

We are over here full of gratitude, as every win is thanks to YOU, our amazing donors!

Gratefully,

Becky

#1: NEW PROJECT!

We’re excited to launch The Pitch, a unique opportunity for SLO County nonprofits to refine their messaging, gain visibility, and secure funding. Selected organizations will receive expert coaching to craft compelling pitches, culminating in a live event on November 6th, where they’ll showcase their work to donors and judges.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

#2: MEET OUR 4 NEWEST BOARD MEMBERS

OLIVER ESPARHAM

Law Estate Wines

"It is an honor to be part of a group that has a sharp focus on supporting the important pieces in our community in a sustainable manner."

LYNN GRAY

Moonsprings Vineyard

"The enthusiasm of the board and staff and the fantastic work Must! does for our neighbors inspired me to want to help in any way I can!"

DOUG KRUSE

Kruse Ventures

As a founding member of Must! Charities, "what inspired me back then was the desire to do something positive for our community. What inspires me now is seeing the success Must! has accomplished due to the amazing staff, volunteers, and, most importantly, our generous community."

ANDY NINER

Niner Wine Estates

Joining the Must! Executive Board for his third term, Andy wants people to understand two things: "First, it's hard to invest philanthropy dollars well, and second, the people who do it well are impressive."

#3: SUCCESSFUL PROJECT → TO PROGRAM

Launched in 2024 as a pilot, the Must! Charities Leadership Alliance has been a game-changer for nonprofit leaders. Its impact is undeniable, and thanks to Koene Graves, we’re making it permanent! This means ongoing support, fresh insights, and a strong network dedicated to strengthening more nonprofit leaders. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning as we will be launching a second cohort in 2025!

ABOUT THE PROJECT

#4: NEW HIRE ON THE HORIZON

As Must! Charities grows, so does our team! We’ve got some exciting news coming soon—a new Director of Development & Community Engagement is joining us! While we can’t spill the beans just yet, we thought we’d keep you guessing with some fun facts about her:

1) 4th Generation SLO County Native.

2) Won the Beef Lead Contest 3 times at the Mid-State Fair.

3) Was once the Cayucos Portuguese Queen.

#5: NOT NEW - BUT A GOOD REMINDER

"MUST! ROOTS" - THE 100% MODEL

From the outset, we made a bold promise. 100% of donations from our community would be used exclusively to directly fund projects that we support. This unique stance has been at the core of our mission since the beginning, and it is something we remain fully committed to as a Must! continues to grow.

OUR 100% MODEL

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