We’re still filled with the energy of having a group of Mary’s Pence grantees with us in Minnesota. For three days, women leaders from across the United States came together to share stories, reflect on their work, and spend time in community with other change-makers.
The Grantee Gathering is a rare opportunity for partners who usually work in their own communities to step away from day-to-day demands and be in conversation with one another.
Across workshops, meals, and informal moments in between, participants exchange strategies, deepen relationships, and build a stronger sense of collective purpose. The gathering is shaped by grantees’ own identified learning needs to better serve their communities, and it centers the knowledge, experience, and insight they bring from their work on the ground.
The photos in this gallery offer a glimpse into the moments of connection, care, and collaboration that extend beyond the gathering itself.
Grantee Kind-Hearted Women’s Society blessed us all with a Jingle Dress Dance at the start of our first session.
Anissa, Board Member with Phumulani
Ranhum from South Asian Women Project, shared, “Attending the Mary’s Pence Grantee Gathering for the first time was an inspiring and meaningful experience. It was powerful to connect with community-centered organizations addressing critical issues in diverse ways. As a representative of South Asian Women Project, I was grateful for the opportunity to share perspectives on gender-based violence through a culturally specific lens while learning from the creativity, leadership, and resilience of other organizers. Although our backgrounds and focus areas differed, we were united by compassion, solidarity, and a commitment to supporting one another. It was an unforgettable experience, and I look forward to bringing these lessons, connections, and renewed inspiration back to our community and organization.”
Grantees participating in one of the learning sessions.
Participants having fun in between sessions.
We began the second day of our Grantee Gathering with a grounding and restorative breathwork session led by BreathLogic Minnesota.
Leslie from Black Coalition for Safe Motherhood shared, “I left feeling stronger after hearing all the work that’s being done. Listening to the stories of other leaders at the Mary’s Pence Grantee Gathering broadened my perspective and reminded me that, even though each organization does different work, we’re all advancing social justice in our communities. Knowing we’re part of something bigger makes the work even stronger.”
All attendees with our wonderful keynote speaker Jasmine (bottom left)
Kendal from Idaho Justice Project: “I must admit, I was very emotional in processing the opportunity Mary’s Pence provided all of us. In the 40 years that I have been involved with nonprofits and foundations, I have never encountered a funder like Mary’s Pence. It provides so much more than funding. Mary’s Pence takes a holistic approach to intentional philanthropy that actively encourages and supports community building, organizational sustainability and self care. I am so grateful to be a part of the Mary’s Pence family”.
