On November 19, 2019, GT conducted the first meeting of our new Strategic Planning initiative. The initiative is exploring how GT can improve its effectiveness and impact as we move into our second decade. President Emeritus Paula Norwood -- chair of the initiative -- welcomed more than 25 members and introduced the evening's moderator Lynn O'Connell. Lynn has an M.A. degree in philanthropy, with a focus on giving circles. She belongs to several, including Giving Together and Dining for Women, where she is national board chair. She got us thinking, and talking, about issues related to grant making, membership, community service and other GT focus areas. It was a great start to an ongoing di

For the 2020 grant cycle, members have voted to support needy women and families within the target group of immigrants and refugees. Nonprofits that provide services to this population, including assistance with resettlement, housing, education and training, and legal and administrative services may be eligible to be considered for a GT grant. Applications are considered by invitation only. Suggestions of such organizations that meet GT's regular grantee criteria (non-religious and non-political in nature, locally-based, in existence at least three years) are welcome and may be sent to the grant committee co-chairs (ckessides@gmail.com, susanalberts@gmail.com and renee.licht@gmail.com).