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.
“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.
