Leading a board is often challenging and even sometimes lonely work, but now it doesn’t have to be. Two former Philanos board chairs, Laura Midgley and Virginia Mills, have designed and will co-lead “A Table For Chair ” or "ATFC". This program is intended to build a cohort of board chairs who can rely on one another and through the facilitation of Laura and Virginia, build a trusted circle of peer-to-peer mentors.

Open to Board chairs only – or “presidents”, if that’s the title used in your organization – “A Table For Chairs” will be limited to the first 15 Board chairs who apply (If you are a co-chair leader, please select only one person from your affiliate to apply).

Unlike other drop-in Philanos programs open to all, “A Table For Chairs” asks for a pledge for regular attendance of the monthly 90-minute facilitated meetings. ATFC uses a cohort model so regular attendance is the key for establishing a trusted circle of peer-to-peer mentors to help fellow leaders reimagine, re-energize and replenish. The curriculum dives into leader challenges by looking at membership, grants, programming and operations, leadership development and more with a critical lens. Your presence and participation is what makes it work. This is your chance to focus on YOU!

Together, Virginia and Laura have more than 50 years of collective giving experience. They co-founded this network alongside Colleen Willoughby. Each chaired Philanos in its early years, as well as numerous roles leading their local collective giving organizations and other nonprofit boards.

As co-leaders, they will offer support for confidential leadership issues. Much of Philanos’ learning is centered on ideas and problem solving; however, “A Table For Chairs” will help identify areas for personal growth and provide resources for troubleshooting leadership and organizational problem solving in addition to enhancing your skills and critical thinking as a leader. You will experience all this as well as a “table” with joy and positive energy!

We will hold 8 monthly meetings on the second Thursday of the month, beginning September 11, 2025 3:00-4:30 PM ET (skipping December) through May 14, 2026.

What A Table For Chairs Participants are Saying:

• "The ideas and input from all of the brilliant, thoughtful, committed leaders. I'm amazed by everyone in the group"
• "Learning what other organizations have done and what has made those initiatives successful or not. It's been most helpful to learn the why, how and results, rather than simply about an effort or change. It's difficult to assess whether it's something to consider for our organization without additional background." 
• "Having a group of women who understand my challenges as a giving circle leader and can offer help for specific challenges."