William G. McGowan Charitable Fund

?? Meet William Gomez, a member of the McGowan Class of 2025 at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management! ?? At Kellogg, William focuses on design thinking in entrepreneurship, startups, and venture capital. He serves as VP of professional development for the Entrepreneurship & Venture Capital Club and VP of academics for the MMM Student Executive Committee. As a Golub Capital Board Fellow, he supports the Chicago Architecture Center’s mission to promote the importance of design. ?? Currently, William focuses on early-stage enterprise software and fintech investments at OCA Ventures, where he’s passionate about helping young companies thrive. ?? In his free time, William volunteers as a teacher aide, assisting adult immigrants in developing essential language skills for better employment opportunities. William's journey and aspirations align deeply with the values of the McGowan Fellowship. Reflecting on his excitement for the principles-based leadership training offered by the Fellowship, he shared: "I'm excited about the principles-based leadership training that the McGowan Fellowship offers. How a leader interacts with people and organizations has compounding and cascading effects, and I'm eager to develop those skills. Additionally, the community of principled leaders will be invaluable for applying the training throughout our careers." William’s vision for leadership goes beyond business success. He emphasized the importance of growing as a leader who can create a lasting societal impact, stating: "My goal is to support startups that harness technology to solve societal challenges, particularly those identified through diverse experiences. As a venture capitalist, I aim to help these businesses grow, providing guidance and mentorship to founders as they navigate the complexities of building successful and lasting companies." ?? To read his full bio, click here. https://lnkd.in/ggpcfHRE Stay tuned as we highlight each Fellow and showcase their bios!

?? We are excited to share that the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund has provided a grant to support the Leaders in Training (LIT) Program at United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC)! ?? The LIT Program is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering disadvantaged youth, ages 13-18, by equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed. Through mentorship, education, and a strong support network, these young leaders are poised to make an impact in their communities. We are proud to announce that 100% of the LIT Seniors graduated high school in 2024! A heartfelt thank you to UNC for their dedication to creating opportunities for youth and fostering the next generation of leaders. We are honored to be part of their journey. Pictured below: Jude McDonough, UNC Board Chair; Leo McGowan, President of the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund Board of Directors; Lisa Durkin, UNC President and Chief Executive Officer; Kelly Langan, UNC Director of Children and Teens; and Elizabeth Burns, UNC Board Member.

?? The Gift of Learning: How a Community United to Keep SHINE Bright ?? At the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, we believe that the impact of learning lasts a lifetime. Earlier this year, when SHINE of #Luzerne County faced a significant funding shortfall, our community rallied together to ensure that students and families could continue to benefit from SHINE’s transformative after-school programs. Alongside incredible partners—AllOne Foundation, AllOne Charities, Earth Conservancy, The Luzerne Foundation, and United Way of Wyoming Valley—we collectively contributed to a $500,000 lifeline for SHINE. This funding ensures that for the 2024-25 school year, SHINE will continue to provide academic support, hot meals, STEM learning opportunities, and so much more for first through eighth-grade students. Programs like SHINE change lives and equips students with skills and confidence while strengthening families through social services and educational opportunities. Over the past decade, SHINE has supported nearly 5,000 students and their families, leaving a lasting impact on homes, schools, and the broader community. We are proud to stand with SHINE and our community partners to keep the light of learning alive. But as we celebrate this success, we know the journey isn’t over. As Carol Nicholas, SHINE’s executive director, reminds us, “We need the community to understand our value.” Here’s to the power of collaboration, the promise of education, and the bright futures we create when we work together. ?? Learn more about the SHINE initiative here: https://lnkd.in/g7VgPfBz

On National Homeless Persons' Remembrance Day, we reflect on the lives lost to homelessness and reaffirm our commitment to supporting solutions that break the cycle of poverty and housing insecurity. One of our recent grants was awarded to BeyondHome, based in #Colorado, an organization dedicated to empowering low-income families to achieve lasting self-sufficiency. BeyondHome offers a holistic approach to breaking barriers such as homelessness, low wages, and lack of education. The BeyondHome Self-Sufficiency Program focuses on providing affordable housing, education opportunities, financial literacy training, counseling, and more. These resources enable families, including single parents, to overcome obstacles and build a foundation for long-term stability. This grant aligns with the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund’s mission to remove barriers to education, employment, and financial security, ensuring that every family has the opportunity to thrive. Learn more about this and other grants we’ve awarded by visiting our website: https://lnkd.in/gTJnDAsK

?? Introducing Anthony Ball, a member of the McGowan Class of 2025 at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business! ?? Currently focusing on business analytics and strategy consulting, Anthony serves as a section representative and VP of recruiting for the Marketing and General Management Club. Before Darden, he spent five years as a nuclear engineer, where he enhanced safety programs through quantitative modeling. ?? Anthony is exploring post-graduation opportunities to deepen his understanding of business operations and develop customer-focused products. Outside of academics, he enjoys watersports, home improvement projects, and community volunteering. ?? To read their full bio, click here. Stay tuned as we highlight each Fellow and showcase their bios! https://lnkd.in/ggzUQXpq

Vibrant Health in Wyandotte County, Kansas, has been meeting the healthcare needs of the community for over 30 years. What began as a pediatric clinic has grown into a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) offering primary care, dental services, behavioral health, women's health, and more. Vibrant Health is committed to providing culturally sensitive, high-quality care to all, regardless of income. Through their Charitable Care for Low-Income Individuals and Families program, Vibrant Health works to improve access to care for those living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. This program is crucial in ensuring that underserved populations in hashtag Wyandotte County have access to the healthcare they need to improve their lives. The McGowan Fund supports Vibrant Health’s mission to provide equitable access to healthcare, improving long-term health outcomes and fostering sustainable change in the community. Learn more about other grants we've funded and the impact they are having on communities: https://lnkd.in/gTJnDAsK

Jane Addams Day, celebrated on December 10th in Illinois, honors the life and legacy of Jane Addams, who co-founded Hull House in Chicago in 1889. Hull House provided critical services to the city’s immigrant population, including education, healthcare, and employment assistance, and became a hub for social reform and advocacy aimed at improving the lives of marginalized communities. This year, we’re proud to highlight the Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC Training) and its transformative work in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. With funding from the McGowan Fund, JARC provides high-quality skills training and support services to help low-income and unemployed workers achieve self-sufficiency, focusing on careers in manufacturing. Their Careers in Manufacturing Program bridges the skills gap, connecting job seekers to living-wage careers while addressing barriers to employment. Learn more about other grants we've funded:? https://lnkd.in/gTJnDAsK

Giving Tuesday is a day to focus on giving back and raising awareness for those in need. ?? Whether it's spreading kindness, helping a neighbor, supporting a cause, or sharing what we have with others, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to contribute. At the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, we believe meaningful change happens through funding programs that address critical needs and uplift communities. By investing in sustainable and impactful initiatives, we create opportunities for individuals and families to thrive. The McGowan Fund focuses on Education, Human Services, and Healthcare, prioritizing programs that are sustainable, have measurable outcomes, and work to break cycles of poverty and suffering. Guided by these principles, we envision a future where challenges are met with innovative solutions and lives are transformed. Together, we can create lasting change and build stronger communities. Click here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gKS8m_Tu

Happy Thanksgiving from the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund! As we reflect on the blessings of this season, we want to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who helps advance our mission. Whether you’re part of our Board, staff, a grantee, or a member of our community, your dedication and hard work make all the difference. At the McGowan Fund, we focus on supporting initiatives that create meaningful change in Education, Human Services, and Healthcare. We invest in programs that deliver tangible results, are sustainable, and work to eliminate the root causes of hardship. We understand that impactful solutions are built through collaboration, and we’re proud to partner with those who share our commitment to making a difference. Together, we are empowering individuals and communities to thrive in the future. Thank you for being part of this meaningful work and for your commitment to improving the lives of those who need it most. We are truly grateful for each and every one of you. Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful Thanksgiving!

Celebrating Leadership and Empowering Future Generations through Education! ???? A huge thank you to Gertrude C. McGowan, Esq., our very own board member, for her ongoing support of the Hispanic and Latino Excellence Center (formerly the Office of Hispanic Outreach) at King's College University. Gert’s dedication to championing higher education and empowering diverse communities is truly inspiring. The Hispanic and Latino Excellence Center at King’s College is making incredible strides in supporting Hispanic and Latino students. From mentoring middle and high school students to offering ESL programs for adult learners, the Center’s holistic approach is building a strong foundation for success. Programs like high school enrichment, mentoring, and summer workshops are empowering students to break through barriers and thrive in their educational journeys. At the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, we are proud to contribute to initiatives like this, ensuring that Hispanic and Latino students have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. By investing in higher education, we’re helping students build brighter futures and create sustainable change. We’re thrilled to support such meaningful work and to stand alongside leaders who make education and opportunity accessible to all. Together, we’re fostering a community where ethical leadership and excellence in education are within reach for every student. Here’s to continued progress and the impact of education! ???? ?? Watch the video to learn more about how these programs are changing lives and empowering the next generation.