By Ann Marie McGee
Philanos Board Co-Chair and Member, Impact 100 Redwood Circle 

Collective Leadership and the Ripple Effect

In collective giving, leadership often takes a different form, from what may have been a traditional view for many of us. Collective leadership when most effective is shared. It is woven from the strengths of many and is at the heart of every giving circle. Decisions are not made by one voice, but by many. 

Each member has the opportunity to bring her experience, her insight, and her passion for change. This leadership model doesn’t just shift where the money goes; it shifts the power of philanthropy itself. Collective leadership is not about hierarchy, but about collaboration.

With collaboration, the impact is amplified. Like a stone dropped into water, it sends ripples outward—touching people, communities, and systems in ways that go far beyond the initial act of giving.

The ripple effect sparks something larger: circles, networks, and entire communities dream big and see what’s possible. A grant to a small nonprofit doesn’t just keep the lights on; it allows new programs to take root, leaders to emerge, and futures to be reshaped.

Take, for example, a Philanos Affiliate that funds a literacy program in a neighborhood library. The immediate impact is clear—more children with books in their hands. But the ripple is far wider. Parents gather for story time and connect with one another. Teachers see stronger readers in the classroom. A generation grows up with greater opportunities. 

And the members of the affiliate? They too are transformed, volunteering and serving as ambassadors for collective giving and spotlighting the community impact.

Collective leadership is powerful because it does not stop where decisions are made. It continues outward, creating waves of generosity and empowerment that extend farther than any one of us could reach alone.

When we embrace the ripple effect, we recognize that collaborative and collective leadership is never just about today’s grant or this year’s project. It is about building momentum for tomorrow, inspiring others to add their own drops to the water. 

Together, we don’t just create ripples. We create a tide. A tide of generosity, leadership, and community power that is reshaping philanthropy and redefining what is possible when we lead together.

Philanos is Powered by Our Volunteers—Join Us!

Every day, our volunteer board and committee members prove that they are the secret to Philanos’ success. This is the season when we actively seek a few more talented members to join our team as board or committee leaders. If the skills below sound like you, we’d love to hear from you!

Where Your Skills Can Shine

Communications & Marketing

Development & Partnerships

Events

Finance & Operations

Leadership

Technology & Data

Why Volunteer with Philanos?

By sharing your talent with the leading women’s giving circle network, you’ll play a vital role in shaping our future. Along the way, you’ll strengthen your leadership skills, grow your professional experience, and expand your network nationwide—all while advancing the power of collective giving.

Take the Next Step ***should this also include a board ask?***

Explore Committees: Visit our Committees Page to see where your skills fit best.

Let’s Talk First: Not sure where to plug in? Our Governance Committee Chair, Maureen Romito, would love to connect. Email Maureen.

Ready to raise your hand? Explore this opportunity and email today!

Collective giving is revolutionizing philanthropy in Houston!

In a giving circle, where people come together and collectively decide where to make a collective gift, members are amplifying their community impact while connecting with like-minded givers.

We were excited to be a part of CircleUp Houston on Thursday, August 21 at 5:30 PM for a one-of-a-kind, engaging event where we discussed how we all can amplify our community footprint by giving together with others.

This wasn't just another networking event—it was a chance to experience amplified giving in action. Fellow changemakers came together in a live giving circle experience where we made real grant decisions and award funding to a local, community-based organization in Houston addressing critical needs.

Whether participants were a young professional discovering their philanthropic voice, an established donor ready to multiply your impact, or someone who’s always wondered “how can I make a REAL difference in my community?”—this evening showed the transformative power of amplified giving.

CircleUp Houston was a free event that welcomed everyone passionate about community impact and was collboratively hosted by the Greater Houston Community Foundation, Philanthropy Together, Philanos, and The Love Endowment.

Thanks to all who joined us!

By Ann Marie McGee
Philanos Board Co-Chair and Member, Impact 100 Redwood Circle

PowerUP! Texas is truly a collective effort - and we are grateful for the vision, dedication, and hospitality of our Texas Philanos Affiliates and volunteer leaders.

Our Host & Co-Hosts 

These circles are shaping the conference in countless ways:

• Plenary Inspiration: Kasandra Vitacca Mitchell  of Impact San Antonio as the plenary speaker for Sunday evening’s “Super Welcome Party”.
  

• Breakout Excellence: Judi McCarthy and Audra Morris of Impact Austin, Jennifer Bligh of Impact San Antonio and Zoe Lawhorn of the Women’s Fund of Smith County are sharing their expertise as breakout speakers.
  

• On-the-Ground Support: Host and Co-Hosts are providing volunteers for registration, room hosting, decorations, and our conference app.

Thank You to Our Steering Committee

Judi McCarthy, Alyssa Reyna, Nicole Genovese, Kali Rourke (Impact Austin), Anne Aaron (Impact100 Wichita Falls), Linda Dipert (Women Inspiring Philanthropy), Zoe Lawhorn (Women’s Fund of Smith County), and Yvonne Grothues (Impact San Antonio).

A special thank you for their leadership, generosity, and creativity in making PowerUP! Texas unforgettable - we can’t wait for everyone to experience their Texas welcome, February 8–10, 2026!

PowerUP! Texas: A Philanos National Conference

Registration & Cost

Location & Lodging

Hotel booking links will be sent upon registration confirmation.

What’s Next?

Watch for additional speaker announcements and program highlights.

By Ellie Vernick
Philanos Student Intern and Member of the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County’s Young Women’s Giving Circle

At Philanos, we know that the future of philanthropy depends on engaging and empowering the next generation of givers. That’s why we are excited to shine a spotlight on Philanos Affiliates that have created Young Philanthropist programs to nurture youth and young adult involvement in collective giving.

Through these programs, young people learn about philanthropy, community needs, and the power of working together to make a difference. Each of the giving circles we’ll feature in this new series participated in the 2024-2025 Philanos Young Philanthropist Cohort and has developed a unique approach to bringing younger voices to the table — helping to ensure that collective giving remains vibrant, inclusive, and impactful for years to come.

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County, Maryland

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is dedicated to building a community of philanthropists to address the needs of women and girls in their community. Founded in 2002, they've distributed over $1.2 million in grants, built an endowment exceeding $1.1 million from 1,700+ donors, and continue to fund important work year after year. Focusing on areas including diversity, economic advancement, education, and safety, this giving circle plans to award up to $100,000 in grants in 2025.

In the 2024-2025 year, the WGC relaunched their Break the Cycle student intern program, highlighting period poverty–an often overlooked need. Consisting of seven Howard County high school juniors and seniors, WGC’s interns worked to eliminate period poverty through fundraising, product donations, and partnerships. These interns participated in monthly educational meetings, learning how the lack of products across the country impacts women and what it means to be a philanthropist. The program has no cost to participate and all members receive a $500 stipend at the end of their nine months of service. 

Specifically, the WGC interns host their WGC Break the Cycle: Period Product Drive, collecting products for their partners at the Columbia Association, library system, community college, and other local businesses. The drive has amassed hundreds of pounds of products and raised over $8,500 to purchase more. Period poverty is a profound issue for young women, especially women of color and those with limited incomes. 1 in 4 teens struggle to afford period products and teens often will miss school, extra curricular activities, and sports as a result. One especially impactful product drive was at the local community college, which was able to double the amount of products provided to each young woman – allowing them to attend college with dignity. Paula Seabright, the product drive chair, declared that, "it's time to break the cycle of period poverty.” 

These young philanthropists also participated in WGC’s 2025 Annual Big Give, in which 57 women collectively gave a total of $32,000 to 14 nonprofit partners. In this fun, meaningful, fast-paced giving experience the interns learned about the grantmaking process, how to review grant proposals, and the power of collective giving. WGC Big Give Chair, Melissa Curtin, exclaims that, “The Big Give is empowering women to support other women in our community now, and in the future.” Through this giving experience, the interns learned about significant issues confronting women and girls, including homelessness and housing insecurity, access to youth sports, foster care services, and employment for immigrant women. This event also featured the interns’ own Mini Give, in which they gave $5,000 to Voices for Children, a nonprofit of their choosing. Voices for Children will provide feminine hygiene products to girls in the foster care system.

In the 2025-2026 year, the intern program became the WGC Young Women’s Giving Circle, expanding to ten Howard County high school juniors and seniors, each individually representing their schools. The WGC was excited to "circle back" to hosting a Young Women's Giving Circle again, which they have hosted in the past. Members of the YWGC will learn about fundraising, grantmaking, volunteering and women's health/breaking the cycle of period poverty. In anticipation of this upcoming year, second year intern Sakshi Tirodkar stated, “I have truly loved being an intern for the Young Women’s Giving Circle this past year. It has been amazing being able to actively give back to women in our community to ensure they have the menstrual resources they deserve!”

The Young Philanthropists of the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County are a powerful example of how giving circles can engage and inspire the next generation of changemakers. By offering opportunities to learn, give, and lead, these programs ensure that collective giving continues to grow and thrive.

Philanos Young Philanthropist Affinity Group

Philanos is excited to have kicked-off our new Young Philanthropist Affinity Group on September 2! Catalyzed by the great experience many Philanos Affiliates had as part of our recent Young Philanthropist Cohort, this new Affinity Group will bring giving circle leaders together on a regular basis to learn, share, network, and connect about young philanthropist efforts among Philanos Affiliate giving circles. The next Affinity Group will be on October 30 - you can learn more and register here.

At Philanos, we are proud to highlight the innovative ways our Affiliate members are building a strong future for philanthropy.

To learn more about Philanos and our network of women’s giving circles, visit www.philanos.org. 

________________________________

"The Future of Philanthropy" is the first in a four-part series highlighting Philanos Affiliate Young Philanthropist programs 

By Ann Marie McGee

Philanos Board  Co-Chair and Member, Impact 100 Redwood Circle

At a time when nonprofits are under immense financial pressure while facing rising demand for services, Philanos Affiliates are finding themselves with unique opportunities to support their local communities. Leaning heavily on collective leadership, they are pushing the strength of collective giving beyond the grants awarded. Circles are seeking new, collaborative ways to combine financial resources with time, talent, and networks to build the resiliency that nonprofits need to thrive—especially in tough times.

Community Resiliency is not Built Alone

Resiliency is a community endeavor. It grows out of partnership, reciprocity, and trust. By stepping forward together, giving circles amplify more than grant dollars—they amplify community strength. Whether that means showing up with volunteer support, sourcing urgently needed goods, or connecting nonprofits to new partners, circles are helping create the conditions where organizations can withstand challenges and continue their essential missions.

At CircleUp New Mexico: Partnering for Community Resiliency earlier this summer, local nonprofits and giving circles gathered to demonstrate what this looks like in practice. The event paired storytelling, shared learning, and pop-up grantmaking to shine a spotlight on the ways collective leadership and shared responsibility strengthen the entire ecosystem. It was a vivid reminder that resiliency isn’t theoretical—it’s happening now, powered by collaboration.

Community Resiliency in Action

Philanos is carrying this momentum forward by highlighting three Philanos Affiliates who have put collective leadership into practice. On Tuesday, September 9 at 12 PM ET, Philanos will present the September webinar, Beyond the Check: Supporting Grantee Resilience in Tough Times.

• Women’s Impact Fund (NC) – sourcing donated goods and meeting urgent program needs.
  

• Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle (MD)  – providing volunteer and leadership support to strengthen grantee capacity.
  

• Impact100 Sonoma (CA) – leveraging networks and connections to amplify community solutions.

“Community resiliency is what happens when we lead together for sustainable, long-term support.” — Renee Gordon, Co-Chair, Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle

Community Resiliency Has a Ripple Effect

Looking ahead, the Philanos National Conference, PowerUP! Texas (Austin, February 8–10, 2026) will feature the Breakout Session Standing With and For Nonprofits: Creative Grantmaking Responses to Economic Turmoil. This conversation will build directly on what Affiliates are already demonstrating: resiliency grows when we innovate together.

Collective leadership means sharing responsibility, voice, and vision across many hands. 

The ripple effect is powerful—when members lean into their skills, relationships, and creativity, they help grantees stretch limited resources, weather challenges, and stay focused on mission. Over time, this builds stronger nonprofits, stronger partnerships, and stronger communities.

Resiliency is not simply about bouncing back. It is about thriving forward—with equity, sustainability, and connection at the center. Philanos Affiliates are showing that when we pool not just our dollars but also our voices, talents, and trust, we create a lasting force for community resilience.

PowerUP! Texas isn’t just another conference—it’s the spark that ignites collective giving, leadership growth, and meaningful connections. From February 8–10, 2026, Philanos Affiliates and Philanos Network Partners from across the country will gather in Austin to learn, share, and celebrate the power of women’s philanthropy. Here are the 5 Reasons you don’t want to miss it:

1. Big Ideas & Practical Strategies

Over three days, you’ll hear from nationally recognized speakers who bring bold ideas and proven approaches. Sessions will cover grantmaking, communications, membership engagement, advocacy, and leadership development. You’ll leave with fresh insights and tangible tools you can put to work in your circle right away.  

2. A Powerful Network of Peers

The conversations in hallways, over meals, and during breakout sessions are often the most transformative. PowerUP! Texas brings together passionate changemakers who have faced the same challenges you have. The result? A living network of mentors, allies, and collaborators who will inspire you long after the conference ends.  

3. Multiply Your Circle’s Impact

When more than just the “usual suspects” attend, your circle reaps greater rewards. Encourage board members, new and emerging leaders, and even emerging members to join. The diversity of perspectives and energy they bring back will strengthen your circle and multiply your investment.  

4. Belong to Something Bigger

Philanthropy is about more than giving—it’s about belonging. PowerUP! Texas is a celebration of our national movement: women sharing voices, resources, and leadership to transform communities. In Austin, you’ll feel that sense of belonging on a scale like never before. 

5. Experience Austin & Be Inspired

Beyond the sessions, Austin’s vibrant culture offers a backdrop of creativity, music, and energy that matches the spirit of our work. It’s the perfect setting to recharge, reconnect, and reimagine what’s possible for your giving circle.

PowerUP! Texas Details

Philanos Affiliates and Friends,

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we live and work - so how can it amplify the impact of your giving circle?

We’re excited to announce a featured Breakout Session at PowerUP! Texas:

The Future is Now: How AI Tools Can Amplify Your Giving Circle 
Monday, February 9 |  2:15 – 3:30 PM | Austin, Texas

Join us for a dynamic conversation with experts and Affiliate leaders who are already putting AI to work:

• Mike Mitchell, NonProphet Advisors – The Future Is Now: How AI Can Amplify Your Giving Circle
• Mary Kwak, Philanos and Many Hands – How Philanos is Thinking About AI
• Michelle Cottrell, Women’s Impact Fund – How AI Tools Are Being Utilized by Affiliates

“AI isn’t about replacing human wisdom - it’s about amplifying it. Giving circles already harness the power of collective insight; by blending that with AI, we can free up energy for what matters most: building community and scaling impact.” — Mike Mitchell, NonProphet Advisors

AI offers powerful opportunities for giving circles. Imagine:

• Automating administrative tasks like grant management, reporting, and communications.
• Analyzing funding patterns to identify and reduce bias.
• Facilitating deeper connections among members with shared interests.
• Providing real-time impact analysis to support more informed decisions.

Giving circles and the broader nonprofit sector recognize that AI’s potential benefits may have ethical, legal, and practical challenges. This panel will include discussion on how we can begin to use AI thoughtfully and responsibly.

Don’t miss this chance to explore both the big-picture potential of AI and the practical tools you can bring home to strengthen your circle. We want to “See You in Austin!” 

PowerUP! Texas: A Philanos National Conference

• Join us in Austin for three powerful days of connection, learning, and inspiration with over 400 collective giving leaders. 
• In addition to nationally recognized speakers, the conference will feature breakout sessions and affinity groups highlighting best practices from more than 50 Philanos Affiliates.

Registration & Cost

• Early Bird Registration opens September 1, 2025
• $650 for members of Philanos Affiliates

Watch your inbox for the registration link!

Location & Lodging

• All sessions will be held at the Hilton Austin Downtown
• A discounted room block is available for $279/night (plus tax)

Hotel booking link and instructions will be sent upon registration confirmation.

What’s Next?

• Stay tuned for additional speaker announcements and program highlights.
• Be ready to register early starting September 1 to secure your spot!

Summer Momentum, Fall Vision

Summer is in full swing, and we know many of our Affiliates are already planning for the fall. Thank you for your leadership—guiding your members and championing the nonprofits that strengthen your communities.

The Philanos Leadership Team is not only looking ahead to the coming year, but also hard at work preparing for PowerUP! Texas. Take a moment to read about what’s ahead—we’d love to See You in Austin on February 8–10, 2026! We’re energized by the overwhelming interest in learning and sharing about collective giving, and inspired by the support we’ve received to help make this conference a success.

Most of all, we’re inspired by you and what you are doing everyday.

Philanos Affiliates represent the future of philanthropy—bold, inclusive, and purpose-driven. Giving circles are transforming how we give, proving that anyone can be a philanthropist through collective action.

Why is this transformation working?

• Rooted in Community: Our giving begins where it matters most—with local knowledge, trusted relationships, and a deep commitment to place.
• Driven by Women: Women lead with clarity, vision, and determination. We collaborate, we mobilize, and we get things done.
• Designed for Impact: Collective giving amplifies every voice, every dollar, and every decision to drive real, lasting change.

The energy, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment of our Affiliates are transforming communities—and philanthropy itself.

Together, we’re not just envisioning a better future. We’re building it.

Clare O'Brien, cobrien@philanos.org 
Ann Marie McGee, amcgee@philanos.org
Renuka Sastri, rsastri@philanos.org

PHILANOS EVENTS

• August 7 - (Affinity Group) Tech Talk - Grant Decisions and Award Events

• August 16 - (CircleUp) Soul of the Carolinas

• August 19 - (Affinity Group) Grantmakers - Continuing the Conversation

• August 21 - (CircleUp) Houston

• September 2 - (Affinity Group) Young Philanthropist - YP Programs in Affiliate Giving Circles

• September 9 - (Webinar) Beyond the Check: Supporting Grantee Resilience in Tough Times
  

• September 16 - (Affinity Group)  Membership Roundtable - Adapting for Inclusion

• September 18 - (Affinity Group) Staff Chat - DEI & Grantmaking
  

• September 23 - (Affinity Group) Comms Club - Targeted Communications

PHILANOS POWERUP! TEXAS NATIONAL CONFERENCE

• Philanos PowerUP! 2026 Conference - Plan to Join Us! PowerUP! Texas National Conference in Austin will be held February 8-10, 2026. Early Bird Registration opens September 1! Learn more about the conference and why we are excited to go to Austin! Are you and/or is your circle interested in being a sponsor? Take a Look 

• Philanos Announces PowerUP! Texas Plenary Speaker Kassandra Vitacca Mitchell - Is it possible to live a life that is truly healthy, wealthy, happy and free? Kasandra is a dynamic voice in the world of purpose-driven living and giving. As a Stanford-educated entrepreneur, ordained chaplain, and author of The Happiness Formula: Three Foundational Principles to Multiply Happiness, she blends research, real-life experience, and soul-deep wisdom to deliver a message that resonates.  Read more 

• Philanos Spotlight Awards - Nominate Now! What does transformational change look like in action? Discover how the Philanos Spotlight Awards shine a light on the power of collective giving—and meet the changemakers setting new standards for what meaningful impact can be. Nominate here

PHILANOS RESOURCES

• Philanos Applauds Brave Philanthropic Leadership - New Series! Collective giving is powered by a collective leadership model that our Philanos Affiliates embody every day. Rooted in collaboration, shared decision-making, and the belief that every member has a voice, collective leadership shapes not only our outcomes but our values. It remains a cornerstone for the kind of leadership our local communities need most - resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking. Take a look

• September 9, 2025 Webinar - Beyond the Check: Supporting Grantee Resilience in Tough Times Join us! Nonprofits are facing increased needs and reduced resources—how can giving circles help beyond grantmaking? In this session, leaders from three Philanos Affiliates share how they’re supporting grantee partners through in-kind contributions, volunteer engagement, and the power of social capital. From product donations to board service and networking support, discover creative ways to strengthen relationships with grantees and increase collective impact within your community. Register here

• Philanos U - Finish Your Summer Learning with Philanos U! Looking for fresh inspiration and practical tools to elevate your giving circle? As summer winds down, finish strong by exploring Philanos U for webinars and resources designed to inform, engage, and energize. Whether you're new to collective giving or a seasoned leader, there's something here for everyone to discover and explore in these final weeks. Explore here

• CircleUps - Lots going on! CircleUp Carolinas – 8/16/25 - Soul of Philanthropy 12-4 PM in Charlotte and Houston on August 21, 2025. Get the full story

PHILANOS AFFILIATE HIGHLIGHTS

• Women's Giving Alliance of Jacksonville - Reaches $10 million grantmaking milestone, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union, July 8, 2025.

• Impact 100 Garden State - Held a great pop up lunch on July 16, 2025 to kick back and connect with members.

• Impact Austin - The Girls Giving Grants (g3) is a model of collective giving designed by Impact Austin to educate and engage young women in grades 8-12 on the importance of thoughtful giving. Enrollment for the 2025-2026 class closes September 21, 2025.

• Women's Giving Circle of Howard County, MD Hosts Black Philanthropy Month Happy Hour - August 5, 2025.

Is it possible to live a life that is truly healthy, wealthy, happy and free?

We’re thrilled to announce Kasandra Vitacca Mitchell as our Welcome Plenary speaker for PowerUP! Texas on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Kasandra is a dynamic voice in the world of purpose-driven living and giving. As a Stanford-educated entrepreneur, ordained chaplain, and author of The Happiness Formula: Three Foundational Principles to Multiply Happiness, she blends research, real-life experience, and soul-deep wisdom to deliver a message that resonates.

Her journey has taken her from executive suites to the front lines of community service, from launching startups to launching healthier futures through her social-impact vending venture, Healthy Treats 4U. Now, as Vice President of Membership for Impact San Antonio, she channels her passion into collective giving—helping others discover the joy of service and the power of aligned purpose.

In this uplifting keynote, Kasandra will share:

“As long as you’re breathing, you still have purpose—and it’s never too late to live it,” says Kasandra.

Prepare to be inspired, energized, and reminded of the joy that comes when we align our giving with what matters most.

Don’t miss this powerful kickoff to PowerUP! Texas.

PowerUP! Texas: A Philanos National Conference

Join us in Austin for three powerful days of connection, learning, and inspiration with over 400 collective giving leaders. In addition to nationally recognized speakers, the conference will feature breakout sessions and affinity groups highlighting best practices from more than 50 Philanos Affiliates.

Registration & Cost

Early Bird Registration opens September 1, 2025
$650 for members of Philanos Affiliates
Watch your inbox for the registration link!

Location & Lodging

All sessions will be held at the Hilton Austin Downtown
A discounted room block is available for $279/night (plus tax) 
 Hotel booking links will be sent upon registration confirmation.