What would change as a result of more women stepping up and asserting ourselves as philanthropists? What would we see, do, say? Would it look more like women's leadership? Collaborative? Decentralized? Community-oriented? These questions - in theory and practice - are the focus at the Maine Women's Fund over the next few months. The New Girls' Network is exploring philanthropy and fundraising directly with local nonprofits. Margot Milliken shares how she makes change happen through philanthropy in Making Change Happen profile. We invite you to join the Fund community at the Spotlight on Philanthropy where we'll explore what our collective philanthropy looks like and gear up for our 2010 Economic Security Initiative grantmaking. That afternoon, girls from across the state will gather for our first Girls' Grantmaking Program - an opportunity for girls in grades 8-12 to explore philanthropy and use their wisdom to allocate grants to programs designed for them. Finally, our annual grantmaking will kick off at the beginning of March. You are invited to participate. One of the things we love most about our grantmaking is that grants are reviewed, and decisions are made, by the community.

Finally, I am delighted to announce this year's leadership programming will culminate on June 10th at our Women's Leadership Luncheon, where we'll explore how women's leadership is creating opportunity in Maine. We couldn't think of a better way to honor this theme than to present Karen Mills, a national leader and Maine business woman, with the Tribute to Women in Industry Award. Support the Fund while exploring how all of us can create positive change in Maine.

Regards,
Eli