Looking at my calendar and realizing it was time to work on my June president’s message gave me a bit of a shock. June?! Already halfway through the year? In the past, June would mean my daughter was out of school, and family summer vacation was near. Now, it marks six months since I assumed my role as board president. And although time is flying by, I’ve learned so much, and I’m so grateful for all that we’ve accomplished together in the first half of the year!
Since the close of our amazing 2025 membership season, our Agencies & Applications team has completed the application review process, and 120 applications are moving forward. Grant Review has updated key documents and trained Co-Leads and Grant Reviewers. Our Grant Oversight and Outcomes Co-Chairs continue to review grant payment requests, progress and outcomes reports, and are currently recruiting liaisons. Meanwhile, efforts to recruit volunteers for upcoming events, maintain and grow sponsorships to ensure sufficient operating funds, and provide effective communication continue. Soon we’ll open registration for our August “Impact in Action” agency visit at Respite Care and send out the official invitations for this year’s Celebration event.
Speaking of events, did you know that all Impact San Antonio members have free access to Philanos, a network of women’s giving circles with more than 100 affiliates worldwide? Philanos offers a broad range of free resources to all Impact San Antonio members. These resources include webinars (September-May), Affinity Groups (Comms Club, Grantmakers, Membership Roundtable, Tech Talk, A Table For Chairs), affiliate profiles, a members-only directory, and more. Learn more about Philanos and how you can take advantage of these added benefits HERE. Click on “Affiliate Members – Sign Up,” and select Impact San Antonio, TX when completing the form.
My goal has always been to keep our “to do” list balanced and realistic. A quote from “The Big We” by Hali Lee was recently encouraging: “‘Good enough’ is such a useful frame… Rather than letting ourselves be paralyzed by the scope of the problems, or the infinite variations on the “how”, or the worry that we might get it wrong, or the illusory quest for the best, get out there and try something. Do one action… There are infinite right ways… The trick is finding a good-enough way forward and staying open to learning—paying attention to what works, what doesn’t, and what you might try next time. Stay interested, keep learning, and don’t quit.”
Six months in, I’m proud to say: we are still interested, still learning, and still moving forward.
Warm regards,
Yvonne Grothues, President, Impact San Antonio
