Reflecting on 2024
To our LIL community,
As we approach the close of 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we have accomplished together and to express my heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support of our mission.
It’s hard to imagine that we just received our 501c3 status earlier this year, hitting the ground running. Here are some highlights of our significant milestones this year:
Created an advising curriculum program that best serves the needs of our valued grant partners
Hired our initial staff of coaching and support professionals, including a business fellow selected from a list of finalists from UVM’s SI-MBA program
Planned and executed a three day in-person retreat attended by our cohort and growing network of professionals, which included workshops, guest speakers, panel discussions, and peer to peer learning
Developed and initiated a grant application and review process to help us identify our incoming cohort for 2025Funded over $700,000 to support the missions of our grant partners
As we look ahead to 2025, we are filled with hope and determination. Our goals include a more robust advising and learning experience for our grantee leaders, an alumni curriculum and an open source resource, to name a few. I’m confident of the impact we will make further supporting our mission to lift up the grassroots organizations we fund and partner with.
I am proud of our work this year and I owe much credit to the commitment from our talented staff. You inspire me everyday and I’m grateful for your enthusiasm for what we’re building as a team.
To Peter Levine, our founder, you’re our guiding North Star, with a truly outside-the-box mindset. It’s an honor to call you my brother and to have this opportunity to work with you as we do this important work together.
On behalf of everyone at LIL we wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a prosperous and healthy New Year.
In gratitude,
Gary Levine
Executive Director