Perhaps you've seen this message on the Spirit of St. Louis Women's Fund "Contact Us" webpage: "When sleeping women wake, mountains move." It's a proverb — Chinese or possibly Japanese in origin — about the inner power of women: their strength, resilience, and capacity to lead change. We may not move mountains alone, but together we have the will and power to tunnel through the toughest challenges.
This is why women's collective giving circles are so powerful, and why SOS has such extraordinary potential to lead change in our region. If you're participating in the current grantmaking process, you're witnessing firsthand the needs of small nonprofits serving our communities. It doesn't take bold, sweeping acts to make a difference. Small investments can have profound, lasting impact — and that is what makes our SOS members so important. To those reviewing the more than 200 Letters of Intent we received, thank you for the difference you're making.
The 2025 Impact Report is ready for your review (more information about that below) — and it's a powerful reminder of what we accomplish together. Pooled dollars create real, lasting change for small nonprofits tackling critical issues in our region. Their work is invaluable, and so is your membership. If you're not yet a member, I invite you to explore the report and see why joining SOS matters.
Together, we move mountains.
Pat Crowe
SOS President |
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Member Donation Options Approved for 2027
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Backed by strong member support, the SOS Board of Directors recently approved a plan to update our dues (member donations) structure for the first time in 12 years. Through an online survey, SOS members voiced their agreement for three annual donation options: $900, $1200 (the current rate), and $1800. These options will be effective for new members and member renewals for 2027.
The changes are backed by thoughtful research, including benchmarking with peer Philanos women’s giving groups. In updating our donation structure, SOS seeks to expand membership, foster greater inclusion, and strengthen our ability to support area nonprofits.
Members may choose any of the three options, and may change their option each year. Each member’s donation choice is anonymous, and our practice of “one member, one vote” will continue unchanged. More information will be available on how to select your option at the time of membership renewal, which begins in November.
The results of the member survey can be found on our website in the Members section. You must be logged in using your member username and password to access this section of the website and view survey results.
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Why We Serve: Our 2025 Impact Report
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Want evidence of the impact of SOS member donations? The 2005 SOS Impact Report is now available to members. The report, researched and compiled by the Impact Committee, offers a reader-friendly snapshot of the achievements and activities of the 11 agencies that received SOS funds in 2025.
To view the members-only report, you must be logging into SOS’s website (login instructions are provided under the “Members” tab). Once logged in, click on “2025 SOS Impact Report” from the Member drop-down menu.
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Education Program Focuses on Maternal Health
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SOS members and guests gathered May 19 to hear leaders from Affinia Healthcare share insights about their efforts to combat Missouri’s rising maternal mortality rate. Sponsored by SOS’s Education Committee, this program shared how prenatal and pediatric care support is helping to address the complex causes of this problem.
Our thanks to Affinia’s Yvonne Buhlinger, VP, Community Relations & Development, and Kristen Gore, Director, WIC and Nutrition Services/Interim Director, Community Health Programs, for sharing their experiences and perspectives. |
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Register Now for August Education Program
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Nearly 20% of St. Louis seniors are living in poverty; thousands more have incomes above the federal poverty line yet still can't cover basic living expenses. Rising costs and drastic cuts to federal programs are squeezing older adults from every direction. What can be done?
This looming crisis for St. Louis seniors is the focus of SOS’s August 10 education event. Featured speakers are Claire Hundelt, CEO of Marillac Mission Fund (formerly Daughters of Charity Foundation), and Andy Thorp, Executive Director of Crown Center for Senior Living, who will share their expert perspectives on the current situation and explore opportunities for change.
Register today! Guests welcome.
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Be a Part of Our 20th Anniversary Social Media Series!
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Are you a social media user? Now’s your chance to help support SOS AND celebrate our 20th anniversary. A series of member photos and quotes is currently being featured on SOS’s social media platforms – Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. If you’re willing to be a part of this series, submit your photo along with a short statement (50 words max) of what SOS means to you.
See the examples below for inspiration. Send your photo and quote to: barbmeyer1980@gmail.com. And don’t forget to follow us (and like and comment)!
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April 21 – Book Discussion at the home of Emily Rapp, focusing on the book The Frozen River by Ariel Lawton. |
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April 23 – Table Talk at 23 West Coffee in Webster Groves. |
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June 2 – Tour of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis led by a trained docent. |
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Congratulations to College Bound as it celebrates its 20th anniversary of helping low-income students with the support necessary to succeed in four-year colleges. College Bound was one of SOS’s early grantees – receiving grants in 2008, 2009 and 2012 – and one of our many grantee success stories. |
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SOS Grantee Saint Louis Story Stitchers Announces Closing |
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In May, we were saddened to receive news from Saint Louis Story Stitchers Artists Collective, recipients of a three-year 2020-2023 SOS grant, announcing their closing as of May 30. Here are excerpts of their letter to SOS:
For more than a decade, you have been one of our strongest champions. Your generosity has helped reach hundreds of young people across St. Louis through our programs and outreach.
After careful evaluation and planning, we have made the difficult decision to wind down operations. In the current fundraising environment, we do not see a sustainable path forward, and we believe an orderly close best protects our stakeholders and honors the Story Stitchers legacy.
While this chapter is ending, the outcomes will endure in lives changed, voices amplified, and a community strengthened. We are deeply grateful for your partnership, your belief in our mission, and your commitment to young people. |
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We mourn the unexpected passing of SOS member Karen Lanter on May 14. Karen was a relatively new member who became acquainted with SOS through her work as the executive director of St. Louis Health Equipment Lending Program (StL HELP), the area’s largest and only provider of free health equipment and an SOS grant recipient in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2023. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Karen’s family, friends and the staff of StL HELP. |
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Welcome, New Members
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The following individuals have joined or rejoined SOS in recent months.
Carol Brumm
Heather Cooper
Jackie Engel
Vicki Lander
Laura Newman
Bethany Sleckman
Danielle Smith
Karen Whitesides
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Interested in Becoming a Member?
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New members are welcome to join SOS at any time. Joining is as simple as completing a short membership form on our website.
SOS is a “volunteer democracy” – you can participate a little or a lot, depending on your schedule and interests. Members have opportunities to review grants, serve on committees, attend educational and social events, and support our grantee organizations through hands-on volunteering. Check our website for upcoming events.
Membership pledge payment options are flexible: Annual, monthly, ACH, Donor Advised Fund, and more. Pledges are tax deductible to the extent allowable. And don’t forget to find out if your employer might match your membership pledge!
Interested, but want to connect with someone first? Feel free to reach out to Membership Chair Emily Rapp, emilybrapp@gmail.com, or any of our SOS Board of Director members. |
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