March 2026 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Our 2026 Grant Cycle is well underway—the 65 women who comprise this year’s Focus Area Committees are hard at work evaluating applications from local nonprofits to select the four organizations who will receive this year’s grants. 

It has become evident that the reductions in the federal workforce, the discontinuation of government supported programs, and the freeze of federal funding all have had a devastating impact on the nonprofit sector. 

We have heard first hand from many of this year’s applicants, and from our former grantees, about their concerns as they work hard to meet the needs of the communities they serve and strive to quell the fears of the women, children, and families who depend on them. And we are aware that providing impactful support to these organizations is more essential than ever.

We invite you to join us as we work to fulfill the Many Hands mission during this critical time. Become a member or invite a neighbor, co-worker, or friend to do so—we are still raising money for our 2026 grant fund. Your gift of any size will increase the amount that we award in grants this year and support the critical work of four outstanding community-based nonprofits serving and empowering DC area women, children, and families in socioeconomic need. We also welcome non-membership donations of any size. Click here to donate or join.

The challenges before us are substantial, but so too is our commitment to our community. Your ongoing support is critically important and valued now more than ever. Together we will rise to meet the challenges ahead—this is the power of collective giving. 

The Many Hands Board

Together we make a difference

MEMBERS' CORNER

Member Spotlight - Angie McGowan

What is your personal elevator pitch? 

I'm a native Atlantan and moved to the DMV in 2014 to work with the federal government, and for someone passionate about health policy, it's a great place to be. Before moving to DC, I was fortunate to work for a nationally-known philanthropy. I was able to help focus on many key health challenges, and with amazing colleagues around the country, develop programs and initiatives to improve health and equity at the national level.

Currently, in my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring restaurants and activities around DC, reading (or listening to audiobooks), and traveling.

What book/movie/performance have you most enjoyed in the past year?

I really enjoyed watching the 2026 Winter Olympics. I'm always so inspired and amazed by the athletes' accomplishments, and the talent and dedication that it takes to become the best in the world. This year during tense and fairly chaotic times, the peaceful and joyful celebration of nations coming together also really moved me.

What do you value most about your involvement in Many Hands?

I joined Many Hands a decade ago to learn more about my then new-ish city and the issues, people, and groups that work to build community and support those who may need a helping hand.

With Many Hands, I've appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with smart, passionate women, and to be able to provide critical funds through our grants. This allows nonprofit organizations and their leaders to make a difference in addressing the needs of women and families around Washington, DC. I encourage everyone to consider joining us and becoming part of this wonderful organization!

FIELD NOTES

Celebrating National Women's History Month

Women's History Month is celebrated annually in March to highlight the many contributions of women in civil rights, medicine, government, business, arts, culture, philanthropy, and other fields. It is celebrated during March in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, aligning with International Women's Day on March 8.

This month Many Hands is pleased to honor the accomplishments of a few of the many, many exceptional women leaders who have prioritized helping those in socioeconomic need. We encourage you to follow us on Instagram or LinkedIn to learn more about these extraordinary women.

Holes in the Safety Net

The District of Columbia may be showing signs of the harms of federal layoffs, with unemployment rates ticking up. In December 2024 the DC unemployment rate was 5.5 percent. In December 2025 it stood at 6.7 percent. Given the important role that federal employment has played for Black residents in the District, the layoffs are likely to exacerbate already large racial disparities in employment and earnings. Mitigating the harm of these layoffs by fortifying local programs that support those in need is essential. We are proud of the support that Many Hands provides through a trust based model that allows local organizations to shift programs and services to best meet needs.

Beyond the Check: How Affiliates Can Advocate for Change in Our Communities - March 10

Join Philanos, the leading women's collective giving network, on Tuesday, March 10 at 12:00 pm ET for a webinar exploring what “advocacy” means and how Philanos Affiliates can thoughtfully and effectively use their assets—such as grantmaking priorities, communications platforms, and member voices—to advance change on issues affecting their communities. This session will feature Sabeen Perwaiz, President of Philanos Affiliate, Women’s Giving Alliance of Northeast Florida, and Tim Mooney, Senior Counsel with the Bolder Advocacy Program at Alliance for Justice.

Many Hands members can attend Philanos webinars free of charge. Contact us at info@manyhandsdc.org to set up your Philanos account and then click here to register by March 9.