At PowerUP! Texas, we had the privilege of honoring three extraordinary Philanos Affiliates whose grantmaking reflects deep trust, responsiveness to community voice, and measurable impact.
Our Spotlight Awards recognize giving circles that listen closely, lead with values, and remain committed over time. These are circles that understand philanthropy is not just about funding — it is about partnership.
We are proud to celebrate our 2026 Spotlight Award recipients and their nonprofit partners:
Impact100 Sonoma
Nonprofit Partner: Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance
Impact100 Sonoma was recognized for its extraordinary, long-term partnership with the Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance. Since 2011, the circle has awarded eight grants — responding to evolving needs by funding mentoring centers, supporting program expansion, and helping build wraparound services that now serve 2,400 youth.
The results speak volumes: every participating 12th grader has graduated from high school. This is sustained, community-centered philanthropy in action — and a powerful example of what trust-based partnership makes possible.
Impact San Antonio
Nonprofit Partner: Esperanza Peace and Justice Center – Museo del Westside
Impact San Antonio was honored for values-driven philanthropy that affirms history, culture, and community voice. Their high-impact grant to the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center’s Museo del Westside helped bring to life the first museum dedicated to honoring the stories, art, and culture of San Antonio’s historically Mexican-American Westside community.
As the first funder to step forward, Impact San Antonio inspired additional support — demonstrating how collective giving can catalyze momentum and protect cultural heritage. This is philanthropy that says: your story matters, and your future matters.
100 Women Strong at Central Florida Foundation
Nonprofit Partner: Women on the Rise
100 Women Strong was recognized for trust-based, responsive giving in action. Through a $70,000 grant, the circle supported Women on the Rise and their Career Development Program as it adapted based on what participants said they truly needed — addressing economic barriers, including the benefits cliff, and investing in mentorship, education, and technology access.
The result is a program centered on dignity, lived experience, and leadership development — empowering women to stabilize financially, grow professionally, and step confidently into their futures.
As Susan Benford shared in closing the celebration: “Your leadership, trust, and commitment remind us what’s possible when women come together to give with intention and heart.”
Please join us in congratulating these remarkable giving circles and the nonprofit leaders who stand beside them.
Together, we continue to amplify the power of women’s collective giving.
With appreciation,
Ann Marie McGee
On behalf of the Philanos Board of Directors
