December 2025

Recently, I had lunch with a friend. Over sandwiches and conversation, she shared something that has been weighing on her heart: a worry that there are fewer good people in the world today. She wondered whether I too felt that concern.

I told her without a moment of hesitation that every day, in large ways and small, I have the privilege of seeing so many good people. People who care deeply. People who want to help, to heal, to offer dignity and compassion. People exploring how to put their goodness into action. People whose generosity puts more good into the world. All are good at heart, often waiting for an invitation or a way to add more good.

Her question stayed with me over the past two weeks as I met ten of our Good People Fund grantees in person, a rare treat. And in each visit, I saw the same truth: good people are everywhere.

Their work takes many forms.

Good people are feeding hungry families at the Food Project, making sure every meal is offered with dignity.

Good people are welcoming newcomers at Refugee Assistance Alliance, giving them safety, community, and a sense of belonging.

Good people are rebuilding lives at MyChild’sCancer, walking beside those at life’s most challenging time.   

Good people are building bridges of understanding through projects like Rekindle, where conversations once thought impossible are now shaping a more hopeful future.

Good people are restoring purpose and meaning for underserved youth at Kaima Farms, offering a new path of belonging. 

These moments, such as watching a warm meal handed to someone who has not eaten that day, hearing a young adult describe newfound confidence, or seeing people from different worlds listen to one another with respect, are reminders that goodness is not scarce. It is abundant. It is everywhere. And it grows when someone extends an invitation.

That is the thread that ties our work together: when we say yes to goodness, it ripples outward.

Our work is sustained because of the good people who choose to make it possible. Your partnership, your generosity, your belief in our mission, and your trust in The Good People Fund nurture the extraordinary social visionaries we support. You help restore dignity, build community, strengthen lives, and open doors for others to join this circle of good. 

The fact that I get to witness this goodness every day is a profound privilege.

This month on Good People Talk! — our popular monthly podcast — Naomi spotlights the bridge building work of Rabbi Elhanan Miller, Founder of People of the Book, our grantee whose courageous outreach to the Arab world deepens understanding between cultures. His work, and the work of every Good People Fund grantee, is made possible because people like you choose to partner with us in repairing the world.

As we approach Thanksgiving, our hearts are full. We are deeply grateful for your trust, your warmth, your generosity, and your belief that good people working together can change lives.

You are the answer to the question my friend asked. Good people are everywhere. Thank you for being part of a community that continues to say yes to goodness.

Julie

November 2025

I recently read of the death this month of Jane Goodall, the renowned scientist, primatologist and conservationist. I realized how much her life reflected our work as we and our grantees seek to meet increasing needs in a struggling world.

Goodall believed that every person is on this earth for a reason and that we have the power to act and make change.

When the planet is dark, there still is hope. Don’t lose hope. If you lose hope, you become apathetic and do nothing. And if you want to save what is still beautiful in this world… then think about the actions you take each day. Because, multiplied a million, a billion times, even small actions will make for great change.

Goodall articulates perfectly what GPF believes, and what we express in our tagline — “Small actions, huge impacts.” These are words of hope when it seems to be in such short supply.

Along these lines, this month’s episode of our podcast—Good People Talk—features my interview with Rutie Pilz-Burstein, who used her experience as head of Israel’s famed Wingate Sports Institute to create Sport – Bridge to Education, a GPF grantee. Rutie understands that sports can be a therapeutic tool to help youth not succeeding in traditional educational and social environments. Her stories are inspiring and remind us there are many ways to save a life. Please listen and share.

Finally and importantly… Ten years ago, GPF was desperately seeking an enthusiastic, detail-oriented person who loved what we do and would be happy to work crazy hours in a fast-paced environment. When a friend suggested she knew the perfect person and her last name is “Good,” I thought she must be kidding.

Andrea Good, our indomitable Director of Operations, is that person and we could not be happier to celebrate ten years of having her on our team. Congratulations, Andrea!

With Thanksgiving only four weeks away, we know that despite the chaos surrounding us, there is still much to be thankful for. With your help, we are offering hope and more to others.

Naomi