What better way to kick off Black Philanthropy Month than by coming together to celebrate the people, communities, and traditions that continue to shape philanthropy?

On August 1, CircleUp Alabama brought giving circle members, philanthropy leaders, nonprofits, and community voices together in Birmingham for a day of connection, learning, and celebration centered on Black philanthropy and the growing collective giving movement.

Philanos was proud to partner with Philanthropy Together, Grapevine, BackBlack, and local Alabama partners to help bring this regional gathering to life. Philanos was represented by Renuka Sastri, Philanos Co-Chair, and Michelle Cottrell and Tyeshia "Ty" Wilson, Philanos Board Members.

Throughout the day, participants explored the history and future of Black philanthropy, the role of community-led giving, and the ways giving circles are bringing more people into philanthropy while strengthening connections to local communities.

The gathering also put collective giving into action. Participants worked together to create a giving circle from the ground up, discussing its name, values, and priorities and experiencing firsthand the conversations and collaboration at the heart of this model.

One message came through again and again: philanthropy is about far more than dollars. It is about people coming together around shared values, listening to communities, building relationships, and putting generosity into action.

That message is especially meaningful during Black Philanthropy Month, which celebrates the rich history and enduring traditions of Black giving while elevating the people and organizations leading philanthropy today. CircleUp Alabama created space to honor that history while looking ahead to what is possible when more people have a voice and a place in philanthropy.

For Philanos, this is also why CircleUps matter.

Our national network is strengthened when we create opportunities for people to come together regionally to share experiences, learn from one another, and build relationships across giving circles and communities. Each CircleUp reflects its own local community while connecting participants to something larger: a growing collective giving movement across the country.

We were especially pleased to connect with Philanos Affiliates and other collective giving leaders from across the region and to continue building relationships with partners who share our commitment to expanding and strengthening collective giving.

Many voices. One movement.

CircleUp Alabama showed what that looks like in action.

Learn more about Philanos CircleUps and upcoming gatherings

Education is at the heart of the Philanos mission.

The Philanos Education Committee develops and supports learning opportunities that help Philanos Affiliates and their members to strengthen their organizations, build leadership skills, share knowledge, and stay connected to emerging ideas and practices across the collective giving movement. Through webinars, peer learning, educational resources, and other programming, the committee works to ensure that Philanos Affiliates have access to relevant, practical, and engaging opportunities to learn from experts — and from one another.

The committee begins the 2026–2027 year with new leadership. New Philanos board member Tracey Greene-Washington (CoThinkk, NC) has joined continuing board member Michelle Hynes (ninety-nine girlfriends, OR) as the Education Committee Co-Chairs. Together, they will guide the committee as it looks at how Philanos webinars can continue to evolve to meet the changing interests and needs of Philanos Affiliates.

As we welcome new leadership, Philanos also extends its deep appreciation to three longtime Education Committee members who are concluding their service: Dale Clifford (Women’s Giving Alliance, FL), Linda Eggbeer (Anne Arundel Women Giving Together, MD), and Sue Priester (Greenville Women Giving, SC). Their leadership, commitment, and generous sharing of their time and expertise have helped shape Philanos educational programming for many years. We are grateful for the contributions they have made to Philanos and all Philanos Affiliates.

The Education Committee also benefits from the experience and perspectives of a talented group of continuing and new members.

• Susan Adams, Women’s Impact Fund, NC
• Nicole Genovese, Impact Austin, TX
• Katherine Mooring, Women’s Impact Fund, NC
• Nina Needleman, Spirit of St. Louis Women’s Fund, MO
• Marnie Schwartz, Impact Grants Chicago, IL
• Ty Wilson, Philanthropy Together, TX

With new leadership, a newly formed committee, and a new day for fall webinars, the Philanos Education Committee is beginning an exciting next chapter. Fall educational programming will move to 2nd Fridays, with webinars scheduled for October 9, November 13, and December 11 – all at 12 PM ET.

While the committee evolves, its focus remains the same: creating meaningful opportunities for Philanos members to learn, connect, exchange ideas, and bring new knowledge and inspiration back to their own giving circles and communities.

Last month, Philanos Board members Renee Gordon and Ann Marie McGee had the opportunity to meet filmmaker Kim A. Snyder, director and producer of the acclaimed documentary THE LIBRARIANS, at the Philanthropy Infrastructure conference in Washington, DC. Our conversation was a reminder of the many ways philanthropy intersects with the issues shaping our communities — including access to information, civic engagement, education, and the freedom to read.

THE LIBRARIANS follows librarians across the country who have found themselves on the front lines of an escalating debate over which books should be available in schools and public libraries. Snyder’s documentary, which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and is a 2026 Primetime Emmy nominee, looks beyond individual book challenges to explore their impact on librarians, educators, young people, and communities. (The Librarians Film | Official Site)

The timing of our conversation felt especially relevant as Banned Books Week, October 4–10, 2026, approaches. This year’s theme, “Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read,” invites communities to consider the importance of open access to ideas and information. The week concludes October 10 with Let Freedom Read Day, encouraging people to take action in support of the freedom to read. (Banned Books Week)

For those of us engaged in collective giving, THE LIBRARIANS also raises interesting questions about philanthropy’s role. How can funders support strong community institutions? Where can philanthropy help create space for dialogue, education, and civic participation? And how do we listen to and support nonprofit and community leaders navigating issues that can be both deeply local and part of a much larger national conversation?

That is part of what we hope to explore through Thoughts From the Field — sharing encounters, ideas, and observations from across the philanthropic landscape that may spark conversations within our Philanos community. Meeting Kim Snyder was one of those moments. As Banned Books Week approaches, we encourage you to learn more about THE LIBRARIANS, consider watching the film or hosting a screening, and perhaps begin a conversation within your own giving circle about the freedom to read and the role philanthropy can play in supporting informed, engaged communities. (The Librarians Film | Official Site)

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.

As we celebrate Black Philanthropy Month, we are spotlighting our Philanos Affiliate, CoThinkk, whose 30 Days of Cothinkking embodies the essence of this year’s theme - “Many Voices. One Movement.” CoThinkk is a social change philanthropy organization structured as a giving circle - led by communities of color  - to address some of the most vexing social issues impacting Asheville and Western North Carolina through systems change, strategic investments, and courageous conversations.

30 Days of CoThinkking ™is an intentional journey of learning and community engagement that unfolds over a 30 day period with a series of powerful concepts, examples, videos, and introduction to new tools - that amplifies the impact of collective giving in Western North Carolina and its ripple effect across the national/international giving circle movement and field of philanthropy as a whole.

30 Days of CoThinkking invites you to reflect, learn and grow. As Tracey Washington, founder of CoThinkk, describes 30 Days of CoThinkking, you spend about 15–30 minutes each day with a reading, video, or reflection question, with the hope that you’ll share your experiences and invite others into the movement using #30daysofcothinkking #cothinkk #solidarityandcoconspiratorship. 30 Days of CoThinkking brings everyone together to take their seats as social change philanthropists, with and alongside CoThinkk. Want to learn more about CoThinkk? Visit their website.

We're excited to share that Philanos has officially joined United Philanthropy Forum, the nation's largest network of philanthropy infrastructure organizations. We kicked off our new relationship with two of our Philanos board members, Renee Gordon and Ann Marie McGee, presenting at UPF’s recent Philanthropy Infrastructure Conference in Washington DC last month, “From Circles to Infrastructure: How Networked Collective Giving Strengthens the Philanthropy Ecosystem”. 

This new Philanos partnership strengthens our ability to connect the women's collective giving movement with the broader philanthropic sector, opening new opportunities for collaboration, learning, and advocacy. As we continue to build relationships with organizations across the philanthropy ecosystem, we are helping ensure that the voices and impact of women's giving circles are part of the national conversation. We look forward to sharing more about this exciting partnership and what it means for our affiliates in the months ahead.

Many Voices One Movement

Black Philanthropy Month is a time to honor the enduring legacy of generosity, leadership, and collective action within Black communities. Across the Philanos network, Affiliates are celebrating in meaningful ways, from community events and partnerships to investments that strengthen Black women, girls, and families.

Here's a few examples:

• The African American Women's Giving and Empowerment Circle (AAWGEC) exemplifies that tradition by bringing women together to invest their time, talent, and resources to improve the lives of African American women and girls throughout Arizona. As a Philanos Affiliate and a giving circle of Philanos Partner, Arizona Community Foundation, AAWGEC demonstrates how collective giving empowers communities and inspires lasting impact. 

• An inspiring example of collaboration between two Philanos Affiliates took place in Howard County, Maryland. On August 4, the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County and the Black Philanthropy Circle of Howard County, both funds of the Community Foundation of Howard County, co-hosted their annual Black Philanthropy Month Happy Hour. The event brought together donors, community leaders, nonprofit partners, and residents to celebrate the rich tradition of Black generosity while inspiring deeper engagement in local philanthropy. The gathering highlighted the power of collaboration across giving circles and created space for meaningful conversations about collective giving, community leadership, and investing in lasting change. "Black Philanthropy Month is an opportunity to celebrate the generosity, leadership, and legacy that have always existed within Black communities," said Candace Dodson-Reed, Chair of the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County and a member of the Black Philanthropy Circle Board. "By coming together across our philanthropic networks, we strengthen relationships, amplify our impact, and demonstrate that collective giving is one of the most powerful ways we can invest in our communities. We hope our annual celebration inspires other Philanos affiliates to build partnerships that honor diverse voices, strengthen communities, and expand the culture of generosity."

• We also celebrate SisterFund, a Philanos Affiliate and giving circle of the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond (VA) for a Greater Richmond. SisterFund brings together African American women to invest in organizations that support the education, leadership, health, and economic success of Black women and girls. Their commitment reflects the enduring legacy of Black philanthropy and the transformative power of giving together.

These stories represent just a few examples of the extraordinary work happening across the Philanos network every day. Black Philanthropy Month reminds us that collective giving is about more than grants. It is about building relationships, elevating community leadership, and creating lasting change together. As Philanos Affiliates continue to strengthen and expand the culture of generosity in their own communities, they are also contributing to a larger movement that demonstrates the power of women, collective giving, and philanthropy to transform lives. Together, our many voices truly are one movement.

Your Philanos membership opens the door to a wealth of learning opportunities designed to help your giving circle thrive. One of the most valuable member benefits is the wide variety of Philanos Affinity Groups. These interactive sessions provide practical strategies, fresh ideas, and peer-to-peer learning that can strengthen every aspect of your organization.

Whether you're involved in communications, membership, grantmaking, leadership, technology, or developing the next generation of philanthropists, there's a program designed to help you build new skills and bring innovative ideas back to your giving circle.

5 Reasons you would want to attend these programs:

1. Grow Your Leadership Pipeline. Affinity Groups are not just for current leaders. All are welcome. Learn practical strategies to use right away. Each program is filled with real-world ideas, tools, and best practices to strengthen your giving circle's communications, membership, grantmaking, technology, leadership and more.

2. Your Circle is Not Alone. Gain fresh perspectives from peers across the country. Hear how other Philanos Affiliates are addressing common challenges, celebrating successes, and developing innovative solutions that you can adapt for your own organization.

3. Stop Reinventing the Wheel. Learn from others. Access expertise on topics that matter most. From engaging the next generation of philanthropists, improving member retention, telling your organization's story, and leveraging technology, each program focuses on issues that help Philanos Affiliates grow and thrive.

4. Expand Your Reach. Maximize the value of your Philanos membership. Live sessions, recordings, presentation materials, and resources available through the Affiliate Portal make it easy to learn when it works for your schedule and bring valuable insights and support back to your giving circle.

5. Make Priceless Connections. Affinity Groups bring together members with shared interests and responsibilities, creating opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and develop relationships that continue beyond the session.

Miss a live session? Many programs are recorded and available through the Affiliate Portal, allowing members to learn whenever their schedules permit. The portal also provides access to presentation materials and other helpful resources, making it easy to revisit ideas and share them with fellow members.

Your Philanos membership is an investment in your giving circle's future. By participating in Affinity Group programs throughout the year, you'll gain practical knowledge, expand your professional network, and discover new approaches that can strengthen your organization and increase its impact.

The more you participate, the more you'll discover the true value of the Philanos community—a national network of women committed to learning from one another and passionate about advancing the power of collective giving together. To register for programs and to find out more information, visit the Philanos website.

Numbers tell a story—and ours is a story of collective impact.

Today, the Philanos network includes 110 giving circles representing more than 22,000 women philanthropists who are transforming their communities through the power of collective giving. Together, our affiliates have granted more than $271 million to local communities, supporting nonprofits, advancing solutions, and creating lasting change.

For 17 years, Philanos has served as the infrastructure that connects, educates, and strengthens collective giving organizations across the country. Through shared learning, peer connections, and the exchange of ideas, we help giving circles maximize their impact and amplify the voices of women in philanthropy.

These numbers reflect more than growth—they represent thousands of women coming together to learn, lead, and invest in the causes they care about most. As our network continues to grow, so does our collective ability to create stronger communities and a more vibrant philanthropic sector.

Together, we are proving that when women give together, extraordinary things happen.

Philanos Welcomes Co-Chairs and Board Members

Philanos is pleased to welcome new leadership and board members who will help guide our work in the year ahead. As a volunteer-led network, Philanos is strengthened by leaders who so unselfishly bring their experience, perspective, and commitment to advancing collective giving and community impact.

Welcoming Our Co-Chairs

We are delighted to welcome Maureen Romito, Impact Las Vegas, as Philanos Co-Chair and to celebrate the continued leadership of Renuka Sastri, 100 Women Strong at Central Florida Foundation, who returns for her second year as Co-Chair.

Together, Maureen and Renuka bring extensive experience in collective giving, nonprofit leadership, and volunteer engagement. Their partnership reflects Philanos’ commitment to fostering connection, learning, and collaboration across the Philanos Network.

As Co-Chairs, they will work closely with the Board of Directors, committees, and Philanos Affiliates to advance Philanos’ strategic priorities and continue strengthening the infrastructure that supports collective giving communities nationwide.

Welcoming New Board Members

We are also excited to welcome six new members to the Philanos Board of Directors:

●Tracey Greene-Washington, CoThinkk

●Nikki Jarrell, Women’s Impact Fund

●Ami Kane, Impact Austin

●Becky MacDonald, Nevada Women’s Philanthropy

●Susan Palumbo, Impact Austin

●Susan Smith, Idaho Women’s Charitable Foundation

These leaders represent a diverse cross-section of the Philanos network and bring expertise in governance, membership engagement, grantmaking, community leadership, communications, and strategic growth. Their perspectives will strengthen our board and help ensure that Philanos continues to serve as a trusted resource and connector for collective giving organizations.

Building on a Strong Foundation

Philanos is powered by a volunteer board who believes in the transformative power of collective giving. Every board member contributes not only their time and talents but also insights gained through their own affiliate organizations and communities.

As the leading women’s giving circle network, Philanos connects more than 22,000 women through over 110 collective giving organizations. Together, Philanos Affiliates have invested more than $271 million in communities across the United States and beyond.

We are grateful to all who serve in leadership roles throughout the network and extend a special thank you to those board members whose terms have recently concluded. Their dedication and service have helped shape Philanos and position the organization for continued growth and impact.

Please join us in welcoming Maureen, Renuka, Tracey, Nikki, Ami, Becky, Susan Palumbo, and Susan Smith. We look forward to the leadership, ideas, and energy they will bring as we continue to strengthen collective giving and build thriving communities through philanthropy.

Together, we are stronger.