Innovation (Leadership)  

Purposeful Planning: Crafting Strategic Roadmaps for Collective Giving presented by Michelle Hynes, Philanos Board, ninety-nine girlfriends (Moderator), Ally Kell, Spirit of St. Louis Women's Fund, Jane Pannier, Greenville Women Giving, Tyeshia (Ty) Wilson, Philanos Board, Philanthropy Together, HERitage Giving Circle

Whether your circle needs a defined plan to navigate the next few years, or you just need a refreshed approach, this panel can help you develop or update your strategic roadmap. Come for practical advice on how and when to start, foster collaboration, set shared goals, measure impact, navigate unique challenges and, finally, get to effective implementation.

Holding the Center: Uplifting BIPOC Voices in Challenging Times presented by Demetria Caston, Philanos Board (Moderator), Leticia de la Vara, Arizona Community Foundation, Meme Styles, Black Fund of Central Texas - Measure, Stephanie Zadora, Native Ways Federation

Designed for a time when funding to BIPOC communities has been cut, research is being silenced and stopped, and organizations are being told to scrub language from their work, this session focuses on how philanthropy can rise to meet the moment. Hear examples on how to center this work, support diverse communities and learn from grassroots organizations on how to be more effective.

Who’s Next? Developing Diverse, Engaged, and Prepared Leaders  presented by Clarissa Earl, ABQ Community Fdn Communications and Marketing Manager, Jennifer Long, Women’s Fund at The Austin Community Foundation, Joy Webb, Community Investment Network (Moderator), Mary Zhu, Develop for Good

How do we attract, equip, and inspire the next generation of volunteer leaders–especially younger women, working professionals, and individuals from underrepresented communities? Panelists will share strategies and practical tools for nurturing young leaders, making leadership more accessible, onboarding and engaging leaders more effectively, and encouraging people to see themselves as changemakers. Leave with a renewed vision of inclusive, sustainable leadership.

Leading Through Conflict: Finding Consensus Through Differing Perspectives presented by Lourdes J. Rodriguez, The David Rockefeller Fund, Maria Kolby-Wolfe, Washington Women’s Foundation

Conflict, when faced with courage and an open heart, offers opportunities for growth, deeper learning, and stronger relationships.  Navigating the tensions inherent in conflict, however, can feel daunting.  Join two visionary leaders as they share how they have guided teams through moments of challenge toward renewed trust and shared purpose.  Whether your circle is working through past divisions or striving to build a more inclusive culture, you’ll leave with strategies to move your circle forward – together. 

 Leading Through Conflict: Part II - Interactive Workshop presented by Debra Brackney, Impact100 Metro Denver (Facilitator), Virginia Mills, GIVING WoMN (Facilitator), Renuka Sastri, Philanos Board, 100 Women Strong (Facilitator)

Explore how giving circles can embrace diverse viewpoints, engage in meaningful dialogue, and transform conflict into a foundation for renewed trust and collective purpose in this interactive session facilitated by a co-leader and participant of our successful Philanos Affinity Group - A Table for Chairs.

Inspiration (Communications)

Turning Data Into Impact: How Women’s Giving Circles Tell Their Story" presented by Eleni Fischer, Assoc Managing Director, ideas42 (Moderator), Ellen Ragone, Impact100 South Jersey (Facilitator), Lori Rux, ninety-nine girlfriends, Nikki Sabol, Women’s Giving Alliance of Northeast Florida 

Discover how women’s giving circles are using data to amplify impact and elevate their stories. This dynamic panel will explore how to capture and leverage insights - from donor engagement and grantmaking metrics to issue-based and national giving trends - to guide strategy, inspire action, attract new supporters, and showcase the collective power of women’s philanthropy.

Communicating in Challenging Times  presented by Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, Philanos Board, Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County, MD (Moderator), Mindy Freedman, SAM Initiative, Tammy Boysen Wilhoite, ninety-nine girlfriends

In times of uncertainty, clear and strategic communication is more important than ever. Join this timely panel to explore how women's giving circles can effectively share their impact, rally support, and strengthen trust with key stakeholders. Learn strategies, hear real-world examples, and gather practical tools to help your ​giving circle elevate its voice, demonstrate impact, and strengthen relationships as you support nonprofits navigating uncertain times.

How AI Can Amplify Your Giving Circle  presented by Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, Philanos Board, Women's Giving Circle of Howard County, MD (Moderator), Michelle Cottrell, Philanos Board, Women’s Impact Fund, Mary Kwak, Philanos Board, Many Hands, Mike Mitchell, Nonprophet Advisors (Founder)

Is AI worth considering? Join us for a practical, how-to session on what AI is - and what it isn’t - and how it can help streamline tasks such as writing newsletters, generating social media content, designing visuals, and organizing outreach campaigns. We'll explore why AI is worth considering, how it can save time and spark creativity, and what ethical guidelines to keep in mind when using these tools; along with real-world examples from Philanos Affiliates already utilizing AI.

Shortcuts to Strengthen Your Communications  presented by Connie Lanz, Greenville Women Giving, Judi McCarthy, Impact Austin (Moderator), Barb Meyer, Spirit of St. Louis Women’s Fund

It’s easy to get stuck in the status quo when it comes to your giving circle’s communications. Doing things the way they’ve always been done is the path of least resistance. But can we think differently to strengthen our practices? Panelists share how they highlight their giving circles’ donors, partners, and impact. What works with websites, social media, blogs, newsletters, and photos or other visuals? How can we make things easier?

What's Your Story?  presented by Renee Gordon, Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle, Tracey Greene-Washington, CoThinkk, Ann Marie McGee, Philanos Board, Impact 100 Redwood Circle (Moderator), Judi McCarthy, Impact Austin

Storytelling can be powerful for deepening engagement, broadening awareness, and building meaningful connections. Learn how to use tools such as websites, social media, video, press contacts and events to share stories that resonate with diverse audiences, drive participation, and elevate impact. Gain practical strategies for developing narratives, inspiring action, and expanding your reach and relevance.

Impact (Grantmaking)

Follow the Money: Attracting DAF Donations presented by Nina Cohen, Philanos Board, Impact100 South Jersey, Glenmede (Moderator), Elaine Chu, Fidelity Charitable, Crystal Thompkins, Daylight Advisor

Owners of donor-advised funds (DAFs) are potential donors to your giving circle’s grant pool, operations, endowment, planned giving program … and all aspects of circle operations. Come hear from the professionals about DAFs, how they operate, who a typical DAF owner is, why you should appeal to them year-round and not only at year-end, and where and how to find these prospects.

Focusing Resources for Equity: Grantmaking to Historically Underserved People and Places (A Case Study) presented by Paulina Artieda, The New Philanthropists of Austin,   Cindy Goldman, Impact100 Metro Denver

To create greater equity and opportunity in their communities, Philanos Affiliates often focus their giving on organizations led by people of color, serving people marginalized by identity or experiences, or otherwise underserved by traditional philanthropy. Utilizing Impact100 Metro Denver’s Accelerator Grant as a case study, this session will explore one trust-based, multi-year effort focused on a historically under-served neighborhood in Southwest Denver.

Standing With and For Nonprofits: Creative Grantmaking Responses to Economic Turmoil presented by Sue Priester, Greenville Women Giving (Moderator), Angela Rogiers, Impact 100 Seattle, Lynne Skinner, Social Venture Partners Austin, Aaron Turner, Community Foundation of New Jersey (Moderator)

Nonprofits in our communities, especially those providing direct service, have been deeply affected by economic turmoil and uncertainty. Collective giving is responding by offering support beyond the annual grant - like making low-interest loans to grantees, offering rapid-response grants, expanding volunteer opportunities, and encouraging advocacy efforts. Learn from examples in New Jersey and here in Austin about concrete ways that collective giving might respond to current events in partnership with others in their community.

Mixing it Up: Awarding Grants of Various Amounts and Types presented by Lesley Blankenship, Impact 100 Sonoma, Sandy McCullough, Wood River Women’s Foundation, Katherine Mooring, Women's Impact Fund

As collective giving circles grow in influence and diversity, so do the ways they approach grantmaking. Rather than sticking to a one-size-fits-all approach, many circles are experimenting with grant portfolios that include varied amounts, funding types, and timeframes - from seed grants and micro-awards to multi-year commitments and capacity-building support. We'll explore how giving circles are "mixing it up" to better meet the evolving needs of their grantees and members.

Direct Cash: Endpoint of Trust-Based Philanthropy presented by Susan Benford, Philanos Board, The Philanthropy Connection, Impact100 Philadelphia (Moderator), Camisha Lashbrook, Women’s Foundation of Colorado,   Ivanna Neri, UpTogether

Substantial research concludes that direct cash is an efficient, effective tool to tackle entrenched social problems like poverty and homelessness. It is easy to scale, has very low administrative costs, and maintains the dignity of the recipients - the basic tenets of trust-based philanthropy. Come learn how Women’s Foundation of CO, UpTogether and their partners have implemented this approach and discover how it could address needs in your community.

Inclusion (Membership)

The Next Generation: Recruiting, Engaging, and Retaining Young Philanthropists presented by Anais Amaya, Latino Giving Circle Network, Renee Gordon, Philanos Board, Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle (Moderator), Amanda Klein, The Philanthropy Connection, Nickol Mora, Impact 100 Cincinnati

The future of collective giving depends on our ability to activate the next generation of philanthropists. To do that, we need to understand what motivates younger donors and how they prefer to give. Hear from next gen members of Philanos Affiliates on how their giving circles have successfully bridged the generational divide and what inspires them personally to engage in collective giving.

Beyond the Committee: Creative Strategies for Member Engagement and Retention presented by Ramona Bruland, The Giving Network (Aspen), Michelle Cottrell, Philanos Board, Women’s Impact Fund (Moderator), Erin Drury, Impact Grants Chicago, Sabeen Perwaiz, Women’s Giving Alliance of Northeast Florida

The volunteering landscape is changing, as members become more selective about how and where they commit their time, and forward-thinking giving circles are changing with it. Learn how Philanos affiliates are innovating to meet members where they are by offering creative, flexible opportunities to build community with fellow donors and local nonprofits.

One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Grantee Members, Fellows, and More presented by Jennifer Bligh, Impact San Antonio, Celeste Campos, Impact100 Garden State, Alisa Debnam, Philanos Board, Women’s Giving Circle of Cumberland County (Moderator), Audra Morris, Impact Austin

Many giving circles are expanding and enriching their membership by moving beyond a "one size fits all" model to recognize the different skill sets, perspectives, and needs that non-traditional members can bring to their organization. Learn about different approaches Philanos Affiliates have adopted to broaden their definition of membership.

Continuing the Equity Journey: Remaining Committed During Challenging Times presented by Celeste Austin, Impact 100 Redwood Circle, Deborah Chin, Anne Arundel Women Giving Together, Nina Cohen, Philanos Board, Impact100 South Jersey (Moderator), Nancy Vogl, Impact 100 Redwood Circle

Amid a nationwide assault on DEI, Philanos affiliates remain committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Discover from a panel of giving circle leaders sharing their experiences with these initiatives how their organizations are continuing to work toward these goals and how their experience has impacted their membership.

Work Smarter, Not Harder: Using Technology to Sustain and Strengthen Your Giving Circle presented by Mary Kwak, Philanos Board, Many Hands, Zoe Lawhorn, Women’s Fund of Smith County, Maureen Romito, Philanos Board, Impact Las Vegas, Sarah Wimberley, Philanos Board (Moderator)

With so many options out there, how do you know what types of technology best fit your giving circle’s needs? Leaders from Philanos Affiliates of different sizes will share how they use software to solve common membership challenges, such as member management, volunteer scheduling, and event planning. Find out which systems they’re using, how they got there, and where they’re getting the most value for their technology dollars.