As the Philanos year comes to a close at the end of this month, we want to recognize and say thank you to our Board of Directors and our committees. It has been a year to remember - one of collaboration, growth and resilience. It truly takes a village to serve and support the Philanos Network of more than 105 giving circle affiliates.

With the year end, we also specifically want to acknowledge those leaders who will be leaving the Philanos Board and Governance Committee, in addition to some changing leadership roles. 

Amy Conard will be stepping off the Philanos Board, after 3 years of leading our Technology Committee and our popular “Tech Talk” Affinity Group. We will miss her quiet leadership and her willingness to so generously share her time and talent.

Maggie Glasgow will be leaving her role as Immediate Past Board Co-Chair where we have all benefited from her careful listening and vast knowledge of women’s giving circles. Maggie will remain on the Philanos board for 2025-2026 and we are even more grateful that she is serving as Program Co-Chair for our national conference, PowerUP! Texas to be held in Austin, February 8-10, 2026.

Sandy Cook will be stepping into Maggie’s role as Immediate Past Board Co-Chair and will also be serving with her as Program Co-Chair for PowerUP! Texas. Sandy’s decades of collective giving experience and her collaborative nature ensure that the year ahead will be one of exceptional promise.

Our elected Governance Committee will be saying goodbye to Margo Greenfield and Kimberley Kirn. In addition, Renuka Sastri will be stepping down as Governance Vice Chair and moving to a new role as Philanos Board Co-Chair. The Governance Committee ensures effective governance of the Philanos Network, by serving as an advisor to the Philanos Board and making recommendations throughout the year as necessary, for various due diligence functions. 

These women inspire us all through their personal passion for collective giving, their unselfish leadership and their compassion for those served by the impact of the Philanos Network of giving circles.

Thank you, Amy, Maggie, Sandy, Margo, Kim and Renuka.

We Are Stronger Together!

Sandy Cook, scook@philanos.org 
Clare O'Brien, cobrien@philanos.org 
Ann Marie McGee, amcgee@philanos.org

PHILANOS EVENTS

• June 17 - (Affinity Group) Grantmakers - Grant Decisions and Award Events

• July 15 - (Affinity Group)  Membership Roundtable - Young Philanthropists

• July 22 - (Affinity Group) Comms Club - Thinking About Communications Committee

• July 29 - (Affinity Group)  Philanos 101 - Learn About All Things Philanos

PHILANOS NEWS & RESOURCES

• 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. Learn more here

• Philanos Adds Young Philanthropist Affinity Group - This Fall! Starting in the Fall, Philanos will add the Young Philanthropist Affinity Group to its roster of Affinity Groups. Many Affiliates are looking to increase the number of younger members in their organizations but are not quite sure how to start. Learn more here

• A Table For Chairs - Apply Now! For the fourth year, Philanos will be offering this valuable program to support board chairs! Interest is high, space is limited, so don't miss out. Submit your application here

• CircleUps - Latest News! Philanos is proud to continue to partner with Philanthropy Together, Grapevine and Community Investment Network to host CircleUp gatherings around the country as part of our Fidelity Charitable Catalyst Fund grant. Learn more here

• Philanos U - Summer is a great time to catch up on recent Philanos programs covering a variety of topics such as collective giving, women in philanthropy, communications, and grants. Check out Philanos U and consider it your summering viewing and reading list!

• 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? Learn more 

PHILANOS AFFILIATES IN THE NEWS

• Philanos Affiliates in the News - Learn how Philanos Affiliates are driving change through local grants, impactful partnerships and women's empowerment - collective giving that's having an impact on local communities throughout the country. Read more 

• • Take a Look: Renee Gordon/BWGC Speaker on AFP Maryland EmpowerHER Panel, May 28, 2025

• Philanos Can Highlight Your Efforts - 5 Ways! Have you made a new round of grants? Did you host an event recently? Are you partnering with others on a project? Are you celebrating an anniversary? Were you highlighted in the media? Let us know at media@philanos.org and we'll help to spread the word! Learn more  

• • Find Out More: Barb Van Winkle/WGC Keynotes at BWGC Donor Forum, May 5, 2025