While the summer months are typically quiet for the Spirit of St. Louis Women’s Fund, not this year! Not only are we well on our way into our new granting cycle, but the SOS Board has been hard at work updating our strategic plan.
Our strategic planning process is grounded in SOS’s mission and guiding principles, and also must reflect the recent changes made to how we operate as an organization. At our May Board meeting, a small group of Board members volunteered to work on developing goals and objectives for the 2025-28 revised strategic plan. Once they complete their work, the Board will meet to discuss this draft, tasks associated with the plan, and the timeline for rollout.
The revised strategic plan will lead our work through our first two-year granting cycle and beyond. More information will be shared with members in the months ahead. |
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It's Not Too Late to Sign Up for Site Visits!
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Site visits to review the next group of SOS grantees are taking place July 22 – August 14. It’s not too late to join a site visit team and participate in this important step of our grant cycle process!
Each team member attends two or three site visits, so don’t worry if you’re not available the entire time. A total of 30 agencies will be reviewed, narrowed down from nearly 150 applications.
If you’d like to join a site visit team, reach out now to Grant Committee leaders Joan Gallagher or Barb DuBois. This work is at the heart of SOS’s mission, and you’ll be glad you were part of it! |
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SOS Receives Philanthropy Advocate Award
“Thank You for Believing in Us from the Start!”
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SOS leaders at the Home Sweet Home gala
At its annual gala in April, Home Sweet Home awarded SOS its Philanthropy Advocate Award in recognition of SOS’s early and continued support of the non-profit. Home Sweet Home assists struggling families with home furnishings as they transition into new homes.
SOS members awarded an initial grant to the newly formed organization in 2017. “They saw the potential for real change and wanted to ensure that Home Sweet Home had a strong start,” said Becky Reznicek, Home Sweet Home founder and executive director.
Over the next few years, SOS contributed more than $40,000 in grant funding to the organization. These grants weren’t just financial contributions; they were a symbol of trust, encouragement, and support, according to Reznicek.
“SOS understood the challenges that often accompany the early stages of a nonprofit’s existence. Their decision to believe in and support the mission of our fledgling organization proved to be a catalyst for positive change, inspiring others to join our cause,” she said.
SOS members also have become active volunteers and generous individual donors for Home Sweet Home.
“The relationship between SOS and Home Sweet Home demonstrates collaboration, empowerment, and the enduring ripple effect of belief and support,” Reznicek said. “Thank you, SOS, for believing in us right from the start!” |
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Meet the Board:
Megan Riley, Board Member At-Large
With a demanding career as a retirement plan advisor for Moneta and a bustling home life – three children spanning middle school, high school and college – it would be easy for Megan Riley to put a pause on volunteer activities. Instead, she finds that the rewards of volunteering far exceed the commitment of time and energy.
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Megan had just completed a board term with local non-profit Ready Readers when she was invited to join SOS by her friend Katy Dowd Mutert. “I was looking for a new opportunity to give back to the community,” she says. “While my initial interest was in early childhood literacy, I was eager to expand my understanding of the local charitable landscape.” She’s happy to say SOS has provided that and so much more.
“The camaraderie and intellect of fellow SOS members are incredibly stimulating. I value the opportunity to interact with such a diverse and insightful group of women,” she says. “Our discussions always leave me inspired.”
The ability to engage with local non-profits has been equally rewarding, she adds. “Witnessing the dedication of these organizations' founders, staff, and volunteers motivates me. I’m a firm believer in the power of collective giving, where small contributions combine to create significant, transformative impact,” she says.
Having joined in 2020, Megan’s first years with SOS were challenged by the pandemic but she eagerly jumped into supporting the grant cycle process through LOI reviews and site visits. Her initiative and enthusiasm caught the attention of SOS leaders, and she was invited to join the Board as an at-large member in 2023. In that role, she’s helping to kick off the new Table Talks initiative, which began this summer as a way for SOS members to connect socially and learn from each other.
Megan’s deep commitment to SOS is especially meaningful to her friend Katy Dowd Mutert. "Megan brings a remarkable blend of dedication to the St. Louis region and philanthropic insight to our group,” says Katy, a former SOS president. “In addition to her board service, she attends most every event and volunteers in every stage of our granting process. Her collaborative spirit and active involvement have significantly enhanced our collective efforts to create a meaningful impact."
When not busy navigating work, home, and volunteer activities, Megan and her family are avid fans of soccer league St. Louis City SC. All for City! |
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Why We Give:
Success Stories from Across the Years
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From supporting the needs of new mothers to helping seniors manage rising energy costs, SOS grants have enabled local non-profit agencies to establish roots and grow for nearly 20 years. Many of these agencies’ stories are highlighted as part of the “Why We Give” series on SOS’s website. As we work this summer to select our next group of grantees, take time to be inspired by the stories of these past and current recipients. |
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"Table Talks" Offer Connections, Camaraderie
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Introduced this summer, SOS Table Talks are casual, low-commitment opportunities to meet with a small group of members for the simple purpose of enjoying time together. Whether you’re a new or long-term member, Table Talks encourage connection and camaraderie.
Two Table Talks were held in June, each hosted by an SOS board member at a local restaurant, and a third is scheduled for July 24. Check out Upcoming Events on the SOS website for details and to register. Table Talks are limited to the first eight registrants, with a wait list for others in case of cancellations. |
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SOS members at the June 12 and June 26 Table Talks |
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Members in the News
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An article by SOS member Nina Needleman was featured in the June 5 issue of the Jewish Light, offering insights on donating household goods, furniture, and clothing to charitable organizations. Many of the charities Nina recommends are past and present SOS grantees. If you have items to donate, Nina’s article is well worth a look! |
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Summer Pop-Up Combines Food & Fun
Members and guests enjoyed casual time together July 11 at a “pop-up social” at the home of Christa Carr Shatz. Pop-ups are a great way to reconnect with members and introduce potential members to the lighter side of SOS! |
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Take Your SOS Membership to the Next Level
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Looking to get more involved in SOS? There are so many ways to engage, from taking on a leadership role to volunteering for a specific need. Check out these ideas:
- Nominate yourself or others for a leadership role in one of SOS’s many committees. Contact Vicki Sheehan, Nominating Chair
- Help plan social events of all types and sizes, from member pop-ups to the annual Spirit Awards. Contact Sarah Woodburn, Membership Chair
- Assist in planning and supporting inspirational educational activities. Contact Pat Crowe, Education Chair
- Source and write short articles for SOS’s newsletter, or help plan our social media strategy. Contact Barb Meyer, Marketing/Communications Vice Chair
- Assist with volunteer outreach activities that support SOS grantees. Contact Marianne Baer, Board Member, Volunteer Outreach
- Assist in the content management of SOS’s website. Contact Cindy Pilling, Technology Chair
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