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 affiliate giving circles 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 series 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.

Impact100 Greater Milwaukee is an organization of women who collectively award transformative grants that make a lasting impact on the surrounding community. Founded in 2015 by Anne Trunzo, Mary Therese Breger, Cynthia Harris, Sue Connor, and Jamy Malatesta, it became the 28th Impact100 organization in the nation, following the model first established in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2001. Today, the organization consists of 350 members and has awarded over $3M in grants to 40 unique nonprofit organizations. Focusing on areas including arts & culture, education, environment & revitalization, health & wellness, and family, this giving circle plans to award up to $350,000 in grants in 2025.

 

In 2023, Impact100 Greater Milwaukee began their Young Philanthropist Program, aiming to introduce as many young women to their organization as possible, with the goal of showcasing the power of collective giving. In doing so, they wanted to expand the age range that contributed to large-scale charitable grantmaking within their organization. Thus, the program was opened to women under 40, allowing them a chance to get to know the organization without having to commit to a full membership. In the 2025–2026 year, the program will host 30 members, two away from their initial goal, with 10 of these members being renewed members from the year prior.  And with the increase in youth members each year, the organization hopes to strengthen its pipeline of future leaders, donors, and community advocates.

These Young Philanthropists partake in a special two year half-membership-model, donating $550 per year, half the cost of a normal membership. This discounted rate is supported by members who choose to invest in the next generation of women philanthropists, through restricted donations directly to the program. During this period, they are able to fully engage in and learn about the grantmaking process through committee participation, and voting. Thus, they are still full members and follow the organization's leading principle, “One Woman. One Vote.” Additionally, youth members are encouraged to take an active role with the grant review process, engaging with the local nonprofits through site visits, committee work, and Connect & Serve events. 

Through this process, youth members gain an understanding of how their grants, along with the power of collective giving, generate tangible and visible impact for the next generation. This opportunity also allows the youth members to grow as philanthropists, regardless of their age, and helps the organization further its mission of strengthening, uplifting, and enriching lives within their community. YP Ambassador Stacy Scheffer claims, “I often hear YP members say, ‘I didn’t know something like this was out there!’ Philanthropy is so often seen as something you do later in life, but it’s powerful to see young women realize that their voice… can make a real impact.”

During the 2025–2026 year, Impact100 Greater Milwaukee has implemented key improvements to grow and strengthen its YP Program, following the Philanos YP Cohort sessions. These include increasing YP leadership on the organization’s board, hosting more networking events, and appointing an official Young Philanthropist ambassador role within the organization.  This position is dedicated to planning YP events, directing communications, and encouraging membership renewals. As a result, membership has nearly doubled. However, the program still faces many challenges including, leadership recruitment timing and ensuring sustainable funding. Currently the difference in membership dues is provided by private donors or current members that sponsor young philanthropists. The group is working to address these barriers by increasing event offerings and program visibility.

The Young Philanthropists of Impact100 Greater Milwaukee 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.

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. Additionally, to learn more about upcoming opportunities, including the October 30th Young Philanthropist Affinity Group virtual meeting, visit https://philanos.org/Young-Philanthropist. 

Looking Ahead in 2026: A Year of Connection, Learning, and Collective Impact

As we look to the year ahead, Philanos is energized by the growing momentum of the collective giving movement and the many ways we’ll continue to connect, support, and elevate our Affiliates and partners.

A major highlight on the horizon is our Philanos National Conference, February 8–10 in Austin, Texas. This gathering will bring together circle leaders from across the country for learning, inspiration, and connection - offering space to share ideas, explore emerging trends, and strengthen relationships that fuel our work year-round.

Beyond the conference, Philanos will continue to convene our community through nine active Affinity Groups and four webinars throughout the year, creating regular opportunities for peer learning, leadership development, and shared problem-solving. These spaces allow Affiliates to connect around specific roles, interests, and topics - deepening collaboration and strengthening the network.

We’ll also continue to grow and refresh the Philanos website and member portal, which serves as a hub for tools, resources, case studies, and practical guidance to support giving circles at every stage of development.

Strong, consistent communication remains central to our work. Affiliates are encouraged to share Philanos updates throughout their giving circles, including:

• Our website with curated resources and timely updates

• The monthly Philanos eNewsletter, featuring stories, insights, and opportunities

• The bi-weekly Philanos Events email, highlighting upcoming convenings and learning opportunities

• Our active and growing social media presence on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky, where we amplify the voices, impact, and leadership of the collective giving movement

Together, these touchpoints help keep our community informed, engaged, and connected.

The year ahead is full of opportunity - to learn from one another, to strengthen our circles, and to continue advancing a more inclusive, collaborative, and powerful philanthropic future. We’re grateful to be on this journey with you and look forward to all we’ll accomplish together.

Kyle Ruffin, past President of Impact100 South Jersey, received the first-ever Willoughby Award in 2021.

As a founding member and past-president of Impact100 South Jersey, Kyle led efforts to raise a collective contribution of $1.4 million to non-profits throughout the South Jersey community. She also led the initiative to implement the Community Heroes Grant, which has expanded the number of organizations supported annually and provided funding options for smaller organizations. It sprang from the desire to incorporate trust-based philanthropy into Impact100 South Jersey's mission to level the playing field for smaller, often minority-led organizations.

Being one of the founding members of Impact100 South Jersey, Kyle realized that the power of women's philanthropic efforts was a "best-kept secret." She realized that women-centric giving circles and women-focused organizations play an impactful role in their communities. Kyle figured if these programs were so successful, why not get everyone together to help further the efforts and get visibility by sharing the secrets and creating partnerships.

In addition to her work with Impact, Kyle participated in the Blacks In Philanthropy conference, where she served on the "Strengthening the Results of Black Philanthropists & Misconceptions of Giving in the Black Community: Where We Give & Why We Give" panel. In 2024, she served on the Conference's Steering Committee. The Conference is put on annually by the Smith Family Foundation in Trenton, NJ.To this day, Kyle sits on several community boards. In 2021, Kyle published her book "In's Stroke's Shadow: My Caregiver Story" and has been focused on offering resources that encourage self-care for family caregivers.

Ready to Make a Difference? We Need You!

Across the Philanos Affiliate Network, women are transforming their communities through the power of collective giving. Your local Circle is stronger and more successful because of YOU—your membership, your generosity, and your leadership. The same is true of Philanos.

Like your own circle, Philanos is powered by volunteers: board members and committee leaders who believe that when our network thrives, every affiliate is better equipped to create change at home. As we head into an exciting year for collective giving, we are inviting you to consider stepping into national leadership with Philanos.

Why Your Leadership Matters

When you lend your time and talent to Philanos, you:

• Strengthen your own affiliate. The skills, connections, and insight you gain at the national level come home with you to benefit your circle.

• Shape the future of women’s collective giving. Philanos volunteers help set strategy, design programs, and build partnerships that support affiliates across the country.

• Expand your network. Serving on the Board or a committee connects you with peers and leaders nationwide who are navigating the same opportunities and challenges.

• Amplify diverse voices. Philanos is at its best when our leadership reflects the full diversity of our affiliates—across geography, size, race, age, professional background, and experience.

If you are passionate about collaborative philanthropy and ready to grow as a leader, we hope you’ll consider applying.

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Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking women with experience, interest, or curiosity in one or more of these areas (you don’t need to check every box!):

• Finance – Reporting, budgeting, nonprofit tax, investments; experience with tools like QuickBooks Online is a plus.

• Technology – Data analysis, cybersecurity, web development, cloud tools; platforms such as Wild Apricot, Airtable, Softr, AI tools, and Google Analytics.

• Development – Storytelling, relationship building, sponsorships, and making the case for supporting women’s collective giving

• Communications - Writing, storytelling, website, social media, graphics, presentations, eNewsletter, managing digital assets; experience with apps such as Canva, Constant Contact, Mail Chimp, Wild Apricot, Google Analytics, Google Docs, website CMS platforms, Blog platforms
  

• Events – Organizing conferences or programs; vendor/venue management, budgeting, and creative problem-solving.

• Education – Content planning, curriculum design, and project management for learning programs.

• Affiliate Engagement – Building relationships with smaller and emerging affiliates, deepening relationships with longtime affiliates and helping us serve a more diverse membership.

• Governance – Board service, nonprofit law, or policy experience.

• Strategic Partnerships – Grant writing, reporting, and stewarding institutional funders.

Whether you are a seasoned leader or emerging voice, there is a place for you on our Board or one of our committees.

Ways to Serve: Board and Committees

You can apply to serve on the Philanos Board of Directors or on one of our committees. Committees are an excellent entry point if you’re newer to national Philanos work or prefer a focused role.

Board & Committee Applications 

• Board of Directors Application

• Governance Committee Application

• All Other Committee Applications

Application deadline: Monday, February 2, 2026

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What Our Committees Do

Philanos committees are where strategy becomes action. Here’s a snapshot of each one:

• Affiliate Engagement Committee
  Welcomes prospective and new member organizations, supports registration and orientation, and manages ongoing stewardship for current affiliates.

• Communications Committee
  Develops and implements communication and public relations strategies to share Philanos’ impact and support the mission of the network.

• Development Committee
  Builds external connections with the broader philanthropic community, including prospective funders and potential new affiliates.

• Education Committee
  Designs educational themes and content, weaving them through conferences, webinars, and customized programs.

• Finance Committee
  Reviews and oversees the creation of accurate, timely, and meaningful financial statements and reports for the Board.

• Strategic Partnership Committee
  Develops and manages strategic partnerships, monitors progress toward goals, measures impact, and reports to both the Philanos Board and funders on grant-related work.

• Technology Committee
  Ensures that Philanos’ technology platforms support our business objectives, affiliates, and strategic priorities, and that we maintain appropriate data security and privacy practices.

You can find more detail in our role descriptions:

• Philanos Board Officer, Leadership, and Committee Job Descriptions, here. 

Nominate a Fellow Leader

Do you know someone in your affiliate who would make a terrific Philanos leader?

If you wish to refer a candidate for the Board of Directors, Governance Committee, or any of our committees, please send her name, giving circle, phone number, and email address to Maureen Romito, Board Member and Governance Committee Chair. A member of our Nominating Committee will follow up personally with your referral.

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Have Questions or Want to Talk It Through?

We understand that stepping into a new leadership role is a thoughtful decision. If you’d like to talk with someone before applying, we’re happy to connect.

Please email your questions or a request for a conversation to Maureen Romito, Board Member and Governance Committee Chair.

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Thank you for all you already do—for your circle, for Philanos, and for the communities we serve together. We hope you’ll consider taking the next step in your leadership journey with us.

Impact100 South Jersey's Leadership Council member, Patty Legge, recently received The Mary Philbrook Award, presented annually by the Rutgers Law School - Camden (NJ) Women’s Law Caucus and the Association for Public Interest Law, for her work as Executive Director of the Volunteer UP Legal Clinic.  The award recognizes alums who exemplify a lifelong commitment to social justice and public service.

Since launching the clinic in her kitchen in 2018, Patty has made extraordinary strides toward expanding access to justice in South Jersey. "We congratulate Patty on this well-deserved recognition and thank Rutgers Law for honoring her outstanding leadership, service, and unwavering advocacy for justice," said Kate Williamson, President, Impact100 South Jersey.

Patty has transformed a grassroots idea into a thriving nonprofit with five staff members, over 200 volunteer attorneys, and a half-million-dollar budget—all dedicated to providing high-quality, pro bono legal services across South Jersey. “Access to justice should not depend on your income, your background, or your past,” Patty shared, reflecting her belief that every person deserves fair and compassionate legal representation.

Before joining Volunteer UP, she served as a career law clerk for the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, dedicating over 22 years to federal service. Alongside her legal career, Patty taught law for 15 years, primarily as an adjunct professor at her alma mater, Rutgers Camden Law, and as a founding faculty member at Drexel University’s Thomas R. Kline School of Law.

Congratulations, Patty, on this well-deserved recognition for your leadership, compassion, and lifelong dedication to public service!

Philanos is excited to announce the Opportunity Advocate Cohort for PowerUP! Texas, our 2026 National Conference taking place February 8–10 in Austin.

The Philanos PowerUP! Texas Opportunity Advocate program was created to encourage individuals with a wide range of experiences and perspectives to participate in philanthropy at the national level — and to share their voices.

Opportunity Advocates were selected from Philanos Affiliate members who are:

• Passionate about creating opportunities for all to thrive and succeed
  

• Proximate to the communities served by their circles’ grant funding
  

• Ready to share their insights and strengthen collective giving through connection and collaboration

The goal of the program is to make it possible for these leaders to attend, learn, develop relationships, and bring their new knowledge back to their circles and communities.

Congratulations to our 2026 Opportunity Advocates:

Alissa Mahadeo, 100 Women Strong at Central Florida Foundation

Amanda Klein, The Philanthropy Connection

Ami Kane, Impact Austin

Andi Saylor, Impact 100 Cincinnati

Camisha Lashbrook, The Women's Foundation of Colorado

Carola Sanchez, Los Angeles Latino Giving Circle

Elizabeth (Beth) Owens, Women Inspiring Philanthropy

Jerrica Deloney Witte, Impact Austin

Leticia de la Vara, Arizona Community Foundation

Maia Jujnovsky, Philanthropy Together

Mary Zhu, Develop for Good

Stephanie Zadora, Native Ways Federation

Tiarra Owens, Impact 100 Cincinnati

Van Pham, ninety-nine girlfriends

Selection criteria considered the following:

• Active, engaged member of a Philanos Affiliate or Partner Network
  

• Demonstrated interest in learning and sharing from the full conference experience
  

• Interest in serving in a leadership role now or in the future
  

• Awareness of challenges faced by nonprofits and communities in need
  

• Ability to establish or deepen relationships with communities served by collective giving

We are proud to celebrate this remarkable group of women who embody the values of inclusion, leadership, and shared learning that define the Philanos Network.

Join us in Austin!

Meet the PowerUP! Texas Opportunity Advocate Cohort and be inspired by hundreds of women changemakers at PowerUP! Texas, February 8–10.

Register Now - Early-bird registration ends November 15!

We want to See You in Austin!

Speaker Highlights: Meeting the Moment at PowerUP! Texas

PowerUP! Texas, the 2026 Philanos National Conference, brings us together in Austin to celebrate — with courage, creativity, and conviction. Our keynote and plenary speakers embody that spirit, translating values into action and inspiring us to lead with purpose.

Keynote: Diane Yentel

Diane Yentel, President and CEO, National Council of Nonprofits, is a nationally renowned nonprofit leader with over 30 years of experience. Prior to joining NCN, she led the National Low Income Housing Coalition as President and CEO for nine years, guiding the organization through exponential growth and financial stability while championing bold, visionary campaigns to historic success. Her earlier roles include senior leadership positions at Enterprise Community Partners, HUD, Oxfam America, and the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, as well as Peace Corps service in Zambia.

Monday Breakfast Plenary: “Meeting the Moment—Resilience to Resistance”

Julián Castro, CEO of the Latino Community Foundation and former U.S. Secretary of HUD, joins Sara Lomelin, Founding CEO of Philanthropy Together, to explore how giving circles sustain communities and challenge inequities—transforming resilience into purposeful resistance.

Featured Voices Powering Collective Impact

We’ll also hear from Mike Nellis, President & CEO of the Austin Community Foundation; Michelle Gayles, Chief Impact Officer of the Arizona Community Foundation; Lynne Twist, Founder of The Soul of Money Institute; and Kasandra Vitacca Mitchell, the author of “The Happiness Formula”, entrepreneur, and ordained chaplain whose work bridges leadership, happiness, and service. 

Join us in Austin February 8-10, 2026 and we’ll power up together with these leaders to inspire us.  PowerUP! Texas—where ideas meet action to power lasting change. 

Early bird registration rate ends November 15. Register today.

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

Brave, Bold, Collaborative Leadership for Today’s Nonprofit World

In times of great challenge, the most powerful leadership doesn’t come from one voice at the top — it rises from many voices working together.

Across the nonprofit and philanthropic landscape, we’re seeing a call for brave, bold, and collaborative leadership — the kind that asks not, “What can I do alone?” but rather, “What can we achieve together if we lead with courage and trust?”

Brave Leadership

To lead bravely today means standing firm in values, even when the path forward isn’t clear. Brave leaders speak truth to power, center equity in every decision, and hold steady when their choices disrupt the status quo.

As Diane Yentel, President & CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits and the PowerUP! Texas opening keynote speaker, reminds us, "Courageous nonprofit leadership is about showing up when it's uncomfortable - when it matters most. At this moment, our voices are more important than ever, and we all share a responsibility to tell the story of nonprofits serving families and neighbors in communities across the country." 

Bravery in the nonprofit sector has many looks. Nonprofit boards addressing systemic inequities within their own structures. Funders acknowledging when their models need to evolve. Communities working together to collaboratively create real and sustainable partnerships. Leaders humbly listening - deeply.

Bold Leadership

Boldness is about action and imagination. The problems we face — housing insecurity, climate justice, racial and gender inequity — are too complex for incremental change. Nonprofit leaders who boldly push beyond fear of failure to test new models and pilot fresh approaches are the catalysts driving meaningful, scalable change in their communities.

At Philanos, we see boldness every day in our Philanos Affiliates — women pooling resources to fund community change, launching new circles in underrepresented regions, and re-imagining philanthropy as something everyone can participate in. Bold leadership asks us to move from thinking “we can’t” to “we must.”

That same spirit is at the heart of Tracey Greene-Washington’s work with coThinkk, a collaborative giving and systems-change model rooted in racial equity and shared power. As a Tuesday-morning breakout speaker at PowerUP! Texas, Tracey will share what it means to lead collectively, disrupt inequitable systems, and build trust at every level. Her work reminds us that bold leadership requires both conviction and curiosity — the courage to act and the humility to learn and dream big.

Collaborative Leadership

If bravery grounds us and boldness propels us, collaboration sustains us. Collaboration is the heartbeat of today’s philanthropic world. It is where learning, experimentation, and shared power take root.

Collaborative leaders understand that the best ideas often come in unexpected moments, emerging when lived experience meets shared purpose. True collaboration means shifting from command to connection — from being experts to being partners in change.

The Call Ahead

Nonprofit leadership in 2025 demands all three: the bravery to speak truth, the boldness to act decisively, and the collaboration to lead collectively. Together, these qualities build trust, foster innovation, and create the conditions for lasting impact.

At Philanos, we’re celebrating this kind of leadership every day — through our Philanos Affiliates, our board members, and the countless women leading nonprofits with courage in their communities. As we gather in Austin for PowerUP! Texas, we’ll hear from leaders like Diane Yentel and Tracey Greene-Washington, and we’ll amplify the many voices shaping the future of philanthropy.

Because the future of our sector won’t be led by the loudest or the largest — it will be built by those brave enough to lead together.

Open Call: Philanos Board & Committee Volunteers

Ready to lead at a national level? Philanos is seeking volunteer leaders for the Board of Directors and multiple committees. Volunteering with Philanos offers meaningful networking, a chance to apply your leadership at scale, and a direct impact on collective giving nationwide. When Philanos succeeds, Philanos Affiliates thrive.

Skills we need:

• Finance: reporting, budgeting, nonprofit tax, investments; QuickBooks Online
  

• Technology: data analysis, cybersecurity, web development, cloud; Wild Apricot, Airtable, Softr, AI, Google Analytics
  

• Development: storytelling, relationship building, sponsorships, persuasion
  

• Events: organization, vendor/venue management, budgeting, problem-solving
  

Committees: Affiliate Engagement, Communications, Development, Education, Finance, Strategic Partnership, Technology.

All applications due Monday, February 2, 2026:

• Board of Directors Application 
  

• Governance Committee Application
  

• Committee Applications (non-governance) 
  

Learn more: Philanos Board Officer, Leadership, and Committee Job Descriptions, here. 

Refer a candidate: Send name, Affiliate, phone, and email to Maureen Romito, Governance Committee Chair.  A Governance Committee member will follow up.

Questions? Email Maureen Romito, Governance Committee Chair.

Join the virtual team at Philanos—lend your voice, your skills, and your leadership to advance women’s collective giving.

Nominations Now Open for the 2026 Willoughby Award

The Willoughby Award honors a visionary philanthropic leader who uses her collective giving experience in new and innovative ways to strengthen local communities—particularly those that serve underserved or marginalized populations. This changemaker demonstrates extraordinary leadership through her work in the collective giving movement at the local or national level.

Each year, the Willoughby Award is announced and presented in conjunction with International Women’s Day on March 8, celebrating women whose philanthropy creates lasting impact.

“We were so proud to nominate Crickett Woloson, our 2025 Philanos Willoughby Award winner,” said Renee Gordon, Co-Chair of the Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle. “The nomination process offered a wonderful opportunity to reflect on Crickett’s extraordinary leadership and the impact she’s made through collaborative giving. We’re thrilled that she has received this well-deserved recognition for her vision and dedication to community.”

Who Should Be Nominated?

Do you know a member of your giving circle who:

• Has been inspired by collective giving to go beyond the philanthropic efforts of your circle’s grantmaking?
  

• Is a role model or mentor for others because of her philanthropic giving?
  

• Has identified new ways to meet community needs?
  

• Is inspiring more women to elevate, engage, and amplify their philanthropic voices?

Eligibility

Nominees may include:

• Members or staff of a Philanos Affiliate in good standing.
  

• Individual members of a Philanos Affiliate.
  

• Anyone previously nominated but not selected.
  (Current Philanos Board members are not eligible.)

Who May Submit a Nomination?

Nominations may be submitted by:

• A Philanos Affiliate Executive Director, Board Chair, or President, or
  

• A self-nominating member who identifies an endorser in their submission.
  

Honoring a Legacy of Leadership

In honor of Colleen Willoughby, this award recognizes one woman in the Philanos network who has taken her philanthropic experience beyond her circle—leading with purpose, challenging the status quo, and representing historically underrepresented populations.

“Each of our Willoughby Award recipients exemplifies the ripple effect of women’s collective giving,” said Ann Marie McGee, Philanos Co-Chair. “Their leadership shows how one circle—and one woman’s vision—can spark waves of change that extend far beyond their own communities.”

Learn more about the history of the Willoughby Award and past honorees here.

Nominations close February 1, 2026.

Submit your nomination here!