20 Years of Collective Giving: Building Community, Impact, and Leadership
What began with 15 women sharing a vision for strengthening Philanos Affiliate Anne Arundel Women Giving Together (AAWGT) has grown into a thriving giving circle with more than 400 members, millions of dollars in grants, and a legacy of women stepping forward to lead.
In 2026, AAWGT is celebrating 20 years of collective giving, demonstrating how women working together can create lasting change. Change not only for the nonprofits and communities they support, but also for the women who participate as members of the circle.
Two Decades of Community Impact
Founded in 2006, AAWGT brings women together to improve the lives of women and families throughout Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
Over two decades, the circle has awarded more than $2.4 million in grants to 65 nonprofit organizations. In its anniversary year, AAWGT reached another milestone, awarding a record $262,913 to 13 nonprofits addressing critical needs for their county.
The organization's impact extends well beyond financial support. Members contribute their time, professional expertise, and connections, building relationships with nonprofit partners and deepening their understanding of community needs.
AAWGT's September 2026 Grants Showcase brought together 270 members, nonprofit partners, founders, past presidents, and community leaders to celebrate these accomplishments and hear directly from the organizations whose work they support.
The event reflected a central principle of collective giving: philanthropy is about relationships as much as resources.
A Culture of Participation and Leadership
One of AAWGT's strengths is its commitment to engaging members in the work of the organization.
As an all-volunteer giving circle, AAWGT relies on members to lead its committees, evaluate grant applications, organize educational programs, build nonprofit relationships, and guide organizational decisions.
Its Leadership, Governance, and Nominating Committee helps identify and develop future leaders, creating opportunities for members to contribute their skills and take on new responsibilities.
Through educational programs, volunteer activities, and committee participation, members gain experience, build relationships, and discover new ways to contribute.
This commitment to participation is especially important as giving circles consider how to engage members, develop leadership pipelines, and sustain their organizations for future generations.
Leadership That Builds for the Future
AAWGT's recent growth reflects the contributions of many dedicated volunteer leaders, including Immediate Past President Stealey Ashley.
During Stealey's presidency, membership grew to 443 women, the organization adopted a strategic plan, and a NextGen Committee was established to help engage a new generation in collective philanthropy.
Equally significant was the expansion of volunteer leadership, with 18 new members joining the Steering Committee.
These accomplishments underscore an important dimension of effective leadership: creating opportunities for others to become involved and helping prepare the next generation of leaders.
Stealey was recently recognized with AAWGT's inaugural Beacon Award, celebrating her contributions to the organization.
Her recognition offers an opportunity to reflect on the many women across the Philanos network who step forward to serve their giving circles, sometimes taking on leadership responsibilities they had never anticipated.
Their willingness to contribute, collaborate, and encourage others is essential to the strength and sustainability of collective giving.
Looking Toward the Next 20 Years
As AAWGT celebrates its anniversary, it is also looking ahead.
Its commitment to engaging new members, cultivating leadership, strengthening nonprofit partnerships, and expanding opportunities for collective philanthropy positions the organization for continued impact.
For Philanos Affiliates, AAWGT's experience illustrates how a giving circle can evolve while remaining grounded in its founding mission.
Over 20 years, AAWGT has demonstrated that collective giving is about more than the grants awarded. It is also about the relationships built, the knowledge shared, and the leaders developed along the way.
Philanos congratulates Anne Arundel Women Giving Together on two decades of community impact and celebrates the women whose dedication continues to move the organization forward.
Their story reminds us that when women give together, they also learn, grow, and lead together.
Coming Soon: A Philanos Leadership Conversation
What inspires a giving circle member to step into a leadership role she hadn't originally envisioned?
In an upcoming Philanos Leadership Conversation, we'll hear from Stealey Ashley, AAWGT's Immediate Past President and inaugural Beacon Award recipient, about her leadership journey, the lessons she learned, and her advice for women considering leadership roles in their own giving circles.
Learn more:Anne Arundel Women Giving Together
