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.
