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 new series participated in the 2024 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
Founded in 2006, Anne Arundel Women Giving Together (AAWGT) works to enhance the quality of life for women and families in Anne Arundel County by awarding grants to local nonprofit organizations. The organization has dedicated its efforts to supporting and empowering women whose lives have been affected by poverty, limited opportunities, violence, and systemic or structural inequities. With over 350 members, AAWGT has provided $2.1 million in grants to 60 nonprofits over the past 19 years.
Beyond just distributing funds, AAWGT continues its impact by deepening involvement in the community. Members engage in the granting process by participating in site visits, evaluating proposals, and following up on outcomes. AAWGT has also prioritized educating women donors around issues affecting women and families in our community. In 2025, the grants committee reviewed a record number of proposals and awarded a total of $226,316, the largest annual amount in the program's history. This level of involvement in the community allows members to understand how the organization is improving the lives of women and families throughout Anne Arundel County as well as where the funds are going. By dedicating time in the community and confirming impact, AAWGT is creating informed philanthropists who are invested in the process and outcomes of their giving, furthering the power of collective philanthropy in Anne Arundel County.
In 2025, AAWGT launched its Young Philanthropists program for women in their 20s, 30s and 40s who are passionate about making a difference—not just in their careers, but in the communities where they live and work. This program aims to bring more young women into the world of philanthropy, especially since 85% of AAWGT’s member base is aged 50 years old and above. To appeal to younger women with varying economic status, the organization has started a tiered membership program that allows women to pay what they can, ranging from $175 per year for a Friend membership to $1,075 per year for a Sustainer membership. Each tier of membership has full benefits and voting privileges. However, the organization is facing challenges encouraging youth members to upgrade their membership level, as they are able to contribute more.
In the next two years AAWGT plans on expanding membership in the 20-40 age range in order to build a larger foundation of youth givers. Since AAWGT has started its youth program, they’ve focused heavily on marketing and branding towards the younger demographic, as they want to raise awareness and credibility. This has posed a challenge for the organization, as they've previously relied on word of mouth. However, AAWT plans to implement social media marketing and reaching out to young professional groups as a key approach in appealing to younger audiences. During this two year timeframe, youth members will participate in events that cultivate connection socially, professionally, and philanthropically, while also having the ability to take leadership roles in planning YP events and programs. In the future, they hope to shift their focus to the 18 to 21 age range in order to include an even younger generation of women.
The Young Philanthropists of Anne Arundel Women Giving Together 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.
