There's Still Time to Join! | | |
We welcome new and returning members until the Annual Meeting in May 2026 —become a member today, and you'll get to vote for the recipient of the 2026 Impact Grant of at least $100,000, and support outstanding community-based nonprofits that you might not otherwise encounter! Click here to join hundreds of local philanthropists in supporting DC-area women, children, and families in socioeconomic need. Please contact Lori Sostowski at membership@manyhandsdc.org with questions about membership.
| | Training Sessions for FAC Members- February 10, 11, and 13 | | |
For Many Hands members participating in FACs this year, we are offering several optional training sessions via Zoom. We strongly encourage first-time committee members to participate, and welcome returning members to refresh their knowledge. A registration link for each session will be shared with FAC members.
Tuesday, February 10 - Finance 101 Training - 10:00 am
This training will enable FAC members to understand the financial information contained in the applications.
Wednesday, February 11 - Grant Review Process Tips & Tricks - 10:00 am
This session will detail the ways FAC members should approach evaluation of their assigned applications.
Friday, February 13 - Foundant Training - 10:00 am
This training is designed to enable our FAC members to understand and utilize Foundant, our online grant management system.
| | Harvard Law Alumnae Event with Many Hands | | |
In late January, a small group of Many Hands members joined the Harvard Law School Women's Alliance for a casual gathering themed: Cultivating Generosity at the Local Level. Many Hands was invited to discuss philanthropy in general, the power of collective giving, and the impact of giving at the local community level. The diverse group was inspired by the stories of Many Hands grantees. The participants ranged from recent law school graduates to a graduate from the 1970s.
As we continue our efforts to keep Many Hands strong, vital, and successful, we appreciate opportunities to showcase the work of our grantees and promote Many Hands. If you are part of an organization, group, or club that might be interested in learning more about giving circles, or Many Hands, please contact Lori Sostowski at membership@manyhandsdc.org.
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| Melissa O'Neil - Podcast Interview: An Army of Normal Folks | Melissa O'Neil, a member of Many Hands since 2020, was recently featured on an episode of the podcast An Army of Normal Folks. She spoke at length about Many Hands, describing our grant process and advocating for the impact of our work. Listen here to learn more about this inspiring member of our giving circle and her devotion to volunteerism. | | Volunteer with Many Hands! | | |
Are you passionate about making a difference in our community? Do you have skills and talents to share? If you’re seeking a rewarding opportunity to put your time and talent to work, consider volunteering with Many Hands. We are building a roster of dedicated volunteers to support our organization.
There are many ways to get involved. Volunteers can serve on committees such as Membership or Communications, co-chair a Focus Area Committee (FAC), or contribute in other specialized capacities like IT and social media support, financial review, photography, videography, and more. Volunteering with Many Hands is a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, develop new skills, and make a meaningful impact. If you’d like to be notified about future opportunities, please complete our Volunteer Interest Form or contact us directly at info@manyhandsdc.org. We deeply appreciate every member who offers to volunteer.
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GRANTEE NEWS
Our Grants Make a Difference - Inspiring Testimonials
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"Thank you, Many Hands DC, for believing in the strength of kinship care. This support will expand access to free legal help, vital resources, and dedicated advocacy for the relatives who step up when children need them most."
“Many Hands has helped us jumpstart the boldest initiative in our 25-year history of serving communities. Your support is fueling innovation at the intersection of equity, maternal wellness, and workforce development — empowering young mothers of color and their children to thrive. This grant is more than funding; it’s a catalyst for generational change, and we are deeply grateful.”
“Your generous support of our mission has been absolutely crucial during this time of economic uncertainty and anticipated cuts to local and federal dollars. It has allowed us to continue to partner with and impact the lives of the women and children we serve; to provide them a home and support to grow and create new futures.”
“It was a great honor to receive the Many Hands grant because it validated the work we do on a large scale. We were able to use the money to fund projects that we had wanted to do for so long, but did not have the funding. A grant of this size had a significant impact on the lives of our children and their families. It made our staff feel validated for their hard work. We are so grateful. Everyone along the way was extremely kind throughout the process. What an amazing group of women!”
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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.
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