I love Grey’s Anatomy, even more than I love Google and Goodsearch.  I agree completely with Oprah, when she says, "If you’re not watching Grey’s, you’re nowhere."

Indeed.

And now there’s even more to love, because they’re taking on some philanthropy-related issues through one of my favorite characters, Izzy.

It’s been a big week for the little guy (or gal) of philanthropy this week, it seems, between two of my favorite bloggers, Dollar Philanthropy and Tactical Philanthropy discussing giving plans and options for those who may be in the market to give $10 instead of $25,000.

Hi all, Anne here, and I just had to note for everyone how thrilled I was to open my Washington Post on Sunday and read Claudia Thorne’s piece, "The Joy of Philanthropy!"  For the full article, click here!   

2006 hasn’t been a bad year for us girls.   

• The Nobel Prize went to Dr. Muhammed Yunus, father of micro-credit and the Grameen bank, of which 90 percent of small business loans go to women lifting themselves out of poverty and onto the pathway of possibility. 

Marjorie forwarded an article entitled “Women’s Philanthropy Group Goes Public with Causes; Menlo-based Network Enters Political Fray With Ad” that got me thinking; what is the difference between the power of philanthropy and the power of openly, PUBLICLY, using money?

Oprah’s latest gift to her ever enraptured audience was a feeling, not a Ferrari. She has challenged 300 people to accept $1,000 with the condition that they give it away. Since the show’s airing there has been much commentary and speculation on the popularity of this forced philanthropy, especially how it ranks amongst her previous benevolence.

There’s a growing movement of women who have given a million dollars to help women and girls. And hey, with women starting business and graduating from colleges and universities at record levels, isn’t it time? One of our own, Julie Jensen, will be honored next week at the National Capitol Philanthropy Day for her giving way above and beyond any call of duty—and for her passion for investing in women and youth. Julie is leading a new generation of women philanthropists.

Friends, I am pleased to say that one week after the Leadership Luncheon we are rapidly approaching utilizing the full $50,000 match provided by our angel, Charlotte Perret. Thank you to those who have given – gifts have ranged from $10 to $5,000. Special kudos to Women’s Foundation Board member Laurie Emrich, who has added another match to those contributions made by people who were her guests at the event.

Let me add my voice of welcome to Anne’s. I’m Donna Callejon and Chair the Board of Directors of the Washington Area Women’s Foundation. Whew, it’s been quite a couple of months for the team at the Foundation – Thanks to all of you who joined us at the annual Leadership Luncheon. Our team has been getting ready for this signature event, refining our metrics around Stepping Stones, bringing together donors, grantees and partners for a variety of convenings, and relaunching this website.