When people think about philanthropy, they often think about donors, foundations, nonprofits, or giving circles. Behind all of those organizations, however, is another layer that is equally important: philanthropy infrastructure organizations. These organizations serve as connectors, educators, conveners, and champions, strengthening the entire philanthropic ecosystem so that generosity can have an even greater impact.
Philanos is proud to be one of those organizations.
As the leading membership organization for women's giving circles, Philanos exists to empower and advance women's collective giving to strengthen communities. Today, our network includes more than 110 affiliates around the world, engaging over 22,000 women who have collectively granted more than $271 million in their communities. We accelerate the women's collective giving movement by connecting giving circles, sharing knowledge, developing leaders, and creating opportunities for collaboration.
One of the ways we do this is by intentionally partnering with other philanthropy infrastructure organizations.
We know that no single organization can grow the field alone. By working together, we expand our reach, strengthen our programs, and create more opportunities for learning across the philanthropic landscape.
Our CircleUp Gatherings are a great example. Philanos partners with Grapevine, Latino Giving Circle Network, Philanthropy Together, Social Venture Partners International, and local community-based partners to bring leaders together around shared challenges and opportunities in collective giving. These conversations allow participants to exchange ideas, build relationships, and explore innovative approaches that strengthen communities across the country.
That collaborative spirit extends throughout our work.
Whether hosting webinars, convening our biennial PowerUP! National Conference, or participating on conference panels and sector conversations, Philanos regularly brings together experts and leaders from across the philanthropic ecosystem. By learning from one another and sharing diverse perspectives, we help ensure that women's collective giving remains innovative, relevant, and responsive to the needs of communities.
Philanos is also proud to be a member of United Philanthropy Forum, the nation's largest network of philanthropy infrastructure organizations. The Forum brings together organizations that support every corner of philanthropy, including community foundations, grantmaker associations, giving networks, affinity groups, and other organizations dedicated to strengthening philanthropy's impact. Its work centers on connecting, informing, mobilizing, and advocating for a stronger philanthropic sector.
This summer, Philanos leaders Ann Marie McGee and Renee Gordon represented our organization at the United Philanthropy Forum's Philanthropy Infrastructure Conference, where they served as featured panelists sharing the Philanos model and discussing the power of women's collective giving, network leadership, and collaboration across philanthropy infrastructure organizations.
Their participation reflected the growing recognition that giving circles are an essential part of the broader philanthropic ecosystem.
At Philanos, we believe that the future of philanthropy depends on strong partnerships. Infrastructure organizations may have different missions and serve different audiences, but we are united by a common purpose: helping philanthropy become more effective, more inclusive, and more impactful. When we share ideas instead of competing for them, when we invest in one another's success, and when we build bridges across our networks, the entire sector becomes stronger.
Together, we are doing more than supporting philanthropy. We are building the infrastructure that allows philanthropy to thrive for generations to come.
