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.