Newsletter
March, 2025
Letter from Our Board Chair
Ladies,
We are now in the swing of our Spring Grant Season and our mission to support quality local non-profits and improve our community is well underway. Site Visits are complete and we are looking forward to having the Finalists present their programs to Membership.
Please join us at the April General Membership Meeting on April 15th at 11:30 am so you can hear directly from the organizations on how they will use our funding. It’s always heartwarming to learn of all the incredible work being done in our community. Hearing their goals first hand will allow you to make an informed vote on where our money is invested.
By choosing to be a member of the RSF Women’s fund we have not only found a common purpose which creates a bond between members but, we become empowered to effect real change. This year when we invest over half of a million dollars into our community, we will make a profound difference in the lives of many others. We are part of a powerful movement of philanthropists confirmed by findings published in In Abundance: An Analysis of the Thriving Landscape of Collective Giving in the U.S. Between 2017 and 2023, nearly 4,000 collective giving groups mobilized approximately 370,000 philanthropists to donate more than $3.1 billion — indicating more than 140% growth in both participation and total monetary donations across the movement since the most recent previous landscape survey was published in 2017.
Furthermore, the study reasonably projected that the collective giving movement is on a path to double again in the next five years — effectively making collective giving, as termed by Barron’s (Serwer, 2024), “the Fast Track of Philanthropy.”
I am proud to say that we have been on the forefront of this movement for over twenty years and are poised to continue for decades to come as a cornerstone of providing dignity and essential services to those in need in our community.
I remain grateful for each of you and your willingness to support our mission,
Nikki
New Members
Our impact continues to grow! Since mid-October, we’ve welcomed several new members, and one former member is back to help us make a difference. Please take a moment to greet these wonderful women, introduce yourselves, and make them feel welcome
Judy Beck — Member since October 21st
Ryan Garrett — Member since December 30th
Lucy Jiang — Member since February 12th
Sue Pidgeon Mandel — Returning Member
Mary Previti — Member since November 30th
Cheryl Sauder — Member since February 3rd
Kristine Wexler — Member since October 30th
November Membership Meeting Recap
On November 13th, we enjoyed two inspiring guest speakers at our November General Membership Meeting.
Sarah Benson, Director of Philanthropy for ElderHelp, a recent grantee and recipient of the 2024 Gayle Gillies Mize Award, provided an update on the significant impact our funds have had on their organization. It was truly heartwarming to hear how we are making a real difference in our community.
Following Ms. Benson’s presentation, Bob Simonds, Chairman of STX Entertainment, entertained us via Zoom with an engaging presentation on The Evolution of Filmmaking. It was facinating to get this “behind the scenes look” into the film industry.
Spotlight on a Recent Grantee
AMVETS Department of California Service Foundation — Welcome Home Program
$ 25,000.00
The Welcome Home Program is dedicated to supporting recently homeless veterans who have received the HUD Veterans Administration Supportive Housing (VASH) voucher. This program provides essential household furnishings and items, including beds, linens, dressers, tables, small appliances, and kitchenware, helping these veterans turn a house into a home. Special requests like dishes or towels are also accommodated.
This initiative offers free delivery of furniture and other necessary items to ensure these veterans have the comfort and safety they need in their new homes. The program plays a key role in improving the likelihood of a successful transition and fostering a sense of normalcy for these individuals.
100% of the funds from our grant go directly to supporting these veterans. AMVETS estimates that it costs about $1,000 to furnish an apartment. The RSF Women’s Fund grant is helping approximately 25 veterans and their families rebuild their lives!
Holiday Pop-up Boutique Update
A HUGE thank you to RSF Women’s Fund Member, Muffy Walker, for graciously opening her beautiful home to host our very first Holiday Pop-Up Boutique.
Muffy and fellow Programs Co-Chair Kirstjen Nielsen solicited 18 distinctive vendors to provide a lively shopping experience. RSFWF members and their guests enjoyed an afternoon of reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, and doing a bit of holiday shopping. More importantly, the event raised an additional $7,800 for our 2024-25 Grant Pool, furthering our mission and impact.
Images From Our Annual Bubbles Celebration
A BIG thank you to RSF Women’s Fund Member, Jennifer Miller, who opened her beautiful home for our annual January Bubbles Celebration!
Social Chair, Kelly Stroud and her committee did a fabulous job putting together a delightful evening of champagne, light bites and lots of socializing after the holidays!
Galentine’s Membership Meeting
Our February Galentine’s and Site Visit Meeting once again featured fascinating speakers.
Grant Co-Chairs, Maritia Walper and Sara Bennett, announced the organizations their committees had chosen for Site Visits.
Next, we heard from Sarah Tuakli Cooper, Executive Director of Elementary Institute of Science, a recent RSF Women’s Fund grantee. She shared some inspiring statistics and images from their Girls Take Flight program, which is providing young girls with new career options and STEM exposure thanks to our $25,000 grant.
Following her presentation, Reynold Hoover, CEO of the 2028 LA Olympics, discussed the exciting plans for the upcoming games and answered questions from the group. His insights definitely sparked enthusiasm for all the activities heading our way in Summer 2028!
April Presentation Meeting
With our Site Visits now complete, it is time to focus on the upcoming April General Membership Meeting. During this meeting, each 2024-25 Grantee Finalist will deliver a 3-minute presentation, followed by a 1-minute period for questions. Once all presentations are finished, Members will have the opportunity to cast their votes for the 2024-25 Grantee Awards Recipients. For those unable to attend in person, a link to the online ballot will be emailed to all Members after the meeting.
To register for the meeting, please CLICK HERE.
In preparation for voting, all Members will receive an updated Programs Description Packet, similar to the one distributed in February, which will now include feedback from the Site Visits.
Additionally, the actual Letter of Intent (LOI) and Proposal (RFP) submissions can be accessed using the steps outlined below:
- Log into the Members’ Only section of the website
- Click on the Grant Information tab.
- Click on the 2024-25 LOIs link on the right-hand side of the page. This will take you to a page with links to all the Letter of Intent submissions for this year.
- Follow the same steps and click the 2024-25 Proposals link to view the current proposals.
2025-26 Proposed Executive and Governing Board Slates
Kudos to Nominations and Governance Chair, Susan Hoehn, and the Nominations Committee for their hard work and due diligence in compiling the attached list of officers for the 2025-26 year. This slate will be presented for a vote by the Membership as part of the ballot following the April General Membership Meeting.
2025-26 Executive Board of Directors
President and Board Chair — Mary Consalvi
Secretary — Cathy Burch
Treasurer and Finance Co-Chair — Diane Solomon
Grant Committee Co-Chair — Maritia Walper
Grant Committee Co-Chair — Sara Bennett
Sr. Membership Co-Chair — Marilyn Tedesco
Nominations and Governance Chair — Nikki Carmody Ream
Member-at-Large — Sandra Coufal, MD
Member-at-Large/Audit and Compliance Chair — Cynthia Hudson
Member-at-Large/Programs Chair — Muffy Walker
Member-at-Large/Technology Chair — Mara Buchholz
2025-26 Governing Board of Directors
Incoming Grant Committee Co-Chair — Laura Froelich
Incoming Grant Committee Co-Chair — Staci Fournier
Investment Committee Chair — Candise Holmlund
Jr. Membership Co-Chair — Irene Pimentel
Publicity Chair — OPEN for nomination
Social Committee Chair — Robin Fantin
Social Media Chair — Pilar Meza
Volunteer Co-Chair — Lisa Hwang
Volunteer Co-Chair — Lynn LaRue
Member-at-Large — Donna Vance
Plus all Executive Board Members listed
Publicity Chair Needed
Do you have a background in marketing, public relations, or enjoy writing? The RSFWF Board is seeking a Publicity Chair to help promote our organization during the 2025-2027 grant cycles. This important role will focus on attracting new members and raising awareness in the community about our work. Most responsibilities are self-scheduled, offering flexibility.
If you’re interested, please reach out to incoming Board Chair, Mary Consalvi, for more information.
Building Friendships Through Philanthropy
Volunteer Co-Chair, Ellie Cunningham, along with RSF members Kathy Stumm, Mara Buchholz, Mary Consalvi, and Nikki Carmody Ream, joined forces with several employees from recent grantee, United Through Reading, on Saturday, March 8th to assist with a distribution project.
In honor of the Month of the Military Child which is in April, United Through Reading commissioned the creation and printing of a special book to be distributed to military children worldwide.
Together, these dedicated volunteers prepared 13,000 books for shipment around the globe by transforming 130 boxes into 207 boxes, with packets containing anywhere from 2 to 100 books.
After completing this monumental task, the group stayed to apply over 3,500 stickers with United Through Reading’s information on additional books that would be distributed to families at a later time.
While working together, not only did they enjoy quality time with fellow members, but they also made new connections with United Through Reading employees, embodying the true spirit of “Building Friendships Through Philanthropy!”
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, April 15th
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
April Presentation Meeting — Registration for this event is now open. Come hear the Grantee Finalists before you vote!
Thursday, May 15th
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
May Awards Ceremony — Don’t miss the best meeting of the year when we congratulate our 2024-25 Grantee Recipients!
Tuesday, May 20th
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
RSF Women’s Fund Member/Author Mix & Mingle — Join RSFWF Member, Muffy Walker, as she shares details from her new novel, Memory Weavers, hot off the press!
2024-25 Executive Board of Directors
President and Board Chair — Nikki Carmody Ream
Incoming President/Secretary — Mary Consalvi
Treasurer and Finance Committee Co-Chair — Diane Solomon
Incoming Secretary — Cathy Burch
Grant Committee Co-Chair — Maritia Walper
Grant Committee Co-Chair — Sara Bennett
Sr. Membership Chair — Cheryl Salmen
Nominations and Governance Chair — Susan Hoehn
Member-at-Large — Sandra Coufal, MD
Member-at-Large/Social Chair — Kelly Stroud
Member-at-Large/Technology Chair — Mara Buchholz
2024-25 Governing Board of Directors
Audit & Finance Committee Co-Chair — Cynthia Hudson
Investment Committee Chair — Candise Holmlund
Jr. Membership Chair — Marilyn Tedesco
Past Grant Committee Co-Chair — Kathy Sage
Programs Co-Chair — Kirstjen Nielsen
Programs Co-Chair — Muffy Walker
Publicity Chair — Elia Surran
Social Media Chair — Kathryn Brown
Volunteer Co-Chair — Amy Hobert
Volunteer Co-Chair — Ellie Cunningham
Member-at-Large — Donna Vance
Member-at-Large — Vivian Hardage
plus all Executive Board Members