Give a gift that will truly last a lifetime this holiday season…

Looking for a unique gift that gets away from some of the material aspects of the season? A gift that your whole family will appreciate? A gift of life or a gift of hope for a better life? GIVE a contributing membership to VGIF. It’s easy to do… and a little goes a long way in a developing country. Simply click on the Just Give button on this page and follow the instructions, being sure to specify the person or organization who should receive the gift membership. You will be providing an opportunity for a child to live without the fear of water-related or mosquito-borne diseases. A pregnant mother will receive effective health care to save her baby. Women will be empowered by knowing more about their individual rights. More people will understand what they can do to avoid HIV/AIDS. Women will be better equipped to sell more of their hand-made goods becoming more self sufficient. Improved productive farming techniques will enhance the economic well being of communities. Educational opportunities will open doors to women and girls that would otherwise be closed. YOU can make a difference in the lives of women and girls in the developing world.

New DVD Available

There’s a new, 12½-minute DVD describing the work of VGIF. Narrated by Fay Kittelson, Executive Director of VGIF, it’s the perfect way to introduce VGIF to your friends and organizations. Specific projects are reviewed and results of the project grant’s objectives for success and sustainability are discussed. Order a copy from the office at vgif@vgif.org

New 2010 -2014 Strategic Plan adopted

Thanks to all members of the Board and the Strategic Planning Committee in developing a Strategic Plan for 2010 to 2014. Starting with a Board Retreat last October followed by countless hours of review and deliberation by members of the committee, a viable plan is now a reality. The Board approved the plan at the October meeting. By the end of December, an implementation plan and a proposed "dashboard" of statistical measures we should be monitoring will be in place to ensure that we are moving toward our goals and objectives. A conference call meeting will be held in late January to discuss the plan.

Highlights from the October Board Meeting

A new Strategic Plan was approved for 2010 - 2014 The Board formally accepted the Palmer Bequest Because of the possibility that we may "tip" into Private Foundation Status in 2010, we need to be in compliance with the IRS Private Foundation requirements next year. These changes should not be onerous The Board voted to join Grantmakers without Borders (www.gwob.net) and the Association of Small Foundations (www.smallfoundations.org). They have extensive on-line resources which will be available We will be able to continue to occupy office space at Marble Collegiate Church until at least the spring of 2012 The Board passed the 2010 budget. Conveners have been asked to provide additions to the 2010 budget for implementation of the Strategic Plan in early January for consideration by the Board at the conference call meeting We received 437 grant proposals from 44 countries for consideration. They will be distributed to the 25 previewers The number of grant applications from the Americas was up significantly Arrangements are underway for our Annual Meeting April 17, 2010 at Barnard College in celebration of our 40th anniversary

And they’re off…

The 40th anniversary trip to India and Nepal lifted off with great anticipation and high expectations. Twenty four contributing members and friends experienced and participated in… meetings with the Nepal Association of University Women (a grantee) a conference in Kolkata, (in conjunction with the Indian Federation of University Women's Association) where 4 project directors of VGIF grants participated discussions with Indian government officials and the USAID mission in New Delhi visits to two project sites, including Project Five-O Calcutta, which VGIF funded more than 25 years ago You can check up on the activities of TEAM VGIF on the website: (http://www.thegildersleeve.org/40th/40th_conference_India.shtml) on twitter (#vgif40).

Celebrate VGIF’s 40th Anniversary with a  House Party

You’ve heard it before… you’ll hear it again. Help VGIF mark its 40th anniversary year gaining new supporters and renewed energy by supporting a “house party” or special event to raise funds for VGIF projects that empower women and girls in developing countries. It takes a cheerleader to excite the crowd… so lift your VGIF pom-poms and lead the cheering! It’s easy… Go to our web site, www.vgif.org, to find anniversary party ideas, an activity checklist, invitations, and presentation materials, which now include a 12½-minute DVD highlighting VGIF projects. For more information contact VGIF at vgif@vgif.org.

Want to attend an historic event? Sign up for the Commission on the Status of Women meeting in March

In March 2010, the 54th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) will be held at the United Nations. Progress on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) will be reported and future actions considered. The Commission on the Status of Women was established by an ECOSOC resolution in June 1946 with its aim to prepare recommendations and reports to the Council on promoting women's rights in political, economic, civil, social and educational fields. The Commission also makes recommendations to the Council on urgent problems requiring immediate attention in the field of women's rights. The General Assembly is expected to mark the 15th anniversary of the adoption in a commemorative meeting during CSW. For more information about CSW click on www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/csw/. If interested in attending one or all sessions in March, contact Fay at 212-213-0622 or by e-mail at vgif@vgif.org. Please note that VGIF does not reimburse you for your expenses; all costs, including visa (if necessary), travel and accommodation are your own expense. To attend any of the sessions, we need to register you before December 15, 2009.

-- For more VGIF news, download the semi-annual edition of the VG Update --

The Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund 3 West 29th Street, Suite 1002, New York, NY 10001 www.vgif.org vgif@vgif.org Unsubscribe from the VG Flash On Line .. if you continue to receive issues after unsubscribing, please contact vgif@vgif.org