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.

Investing in the Next Generation: Applications Now Open for the 2026-2027 Philanos Young Philanthropist Cohort

One of the most common questions collective giving organizations ask is, "How do we engage the next generation of philanthropists?"

Across the Philanos network, Philanos Affiliates are exploring ways to connect younger donors to philanthropy through meaningful experiences, leadership opportunities, education, volunteerism, and grantmaking. Some organizations have thriving Young Philanthropist (YP) programs, while others are just beginning to imagine what a next-generation engagement strategy could look like.

The good news? No one has to figure it out alone.

Philanos is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026-2027 Philanos YP Cohort, a collaborative learning experience designed to help Affiliates launch, strengthen, or expand their YP efforts.

Ready to get started? [Apply Today]

Or learn more about the cohort, session topics, and stipend opportunity here. 

Learning from One Another

The Philanos Young Philanthropist Cohort brings together up to 15 Philanos Affiliates for three interactive virtual sessions focused on sharing ideas, exploring successful models, and learning from peers across the network.

The cohort is intentionally designed to include organizations at different stages of development. Affiliates with established YP programs contribute valuable lessons learned and proven practices, while organizations seeking to start or revitalize a program bring fresh perspectives and important questions. Together, participants create a rich learning environment that benefits everyone.

Through examples, facilitated discussions, and peer-to-peer conversations, participants will explore topics such as:

Collective giving has always been about more than grant dollars. It is about creating pathways for people to engage in their communities, learn about local needs, and become thoughtful, informed philanthropists.

Young Philanthropist programs help extend that mission by introducing younger generations to the power of collective giving. They provide opportunities to learn, lead, volunteer, and make a difference while building a lifelong connection to philanthropy and civic engagement.

As Affiliates think about leadership succession, membership growth, and long-term sustainability, investing in Young Philanthropist engagement is increasingly becoming a strategic priority.

Cohort Details

The 2026 Young Philanthropist Cohort will meet virtually on:

Sessions will be recorded for cohort participants.

Interested in joining? Submit Your Application!

A $1,000 Implementation Stipend

To encourage action and implementation, participating Philanos Affiliates that:

will receive a $1,000 stipend to support their Young Philanthropist engagement efforts. Please note that participants who completed the 2024-2025 YP Cohort are not eligible for the 2026-2027 cohort.

Apply Today

Space is limited to 15 Affiliates, and interest is expected to be high.

Whether your organization is looking to launch a Young Philanthropist initiative, strengthen an existing program, or connect with peers facing similar opportunities and challenges, we invite you to join us.

Applications are due August 15, 2026.  Learn more!

Apply Today

Together, we can continue building the future of collective giving—one young philanthropist at a time.

Questions? Email admin@philanos.org

By Renee Gordon
Philanos Board Secretary, Comms Committee and Co-Chair of Baltimore Women's Giving Circle 

Impact100 DC is incredibly proud, and deservedly so, of the record-breaking results of their 2026 membership campaign,which increased membership by 141 new members bringing the overall membership base to 312 members - a 46% growth over 2025.

Impact100 DC credits these enviable results to exceptional planning and execution of a strategic membershiprecruitment campaign. The plan incorporated professional best practices in membership marketing, with an emphasison in-person events and personal outreach; tracking tools and follow-up with prospectivemembers, as well as regular outreach to current members to encourage renewals.

Impact100 DC expanded its number of in-person “Meet & Greet” events held in the fall at members’ homes,with the larger events featuring remarks from former grantees who spoke passionately about theimpact of our grants on their work.The Meet & Greet events were effective in recruiting 67 new members, nearly half of the new members. 

A key element of the plan was to enlist and empower current members in the effort. Members were provided with a recruitment “toolkit” of resources, including information and promotional materials, sample emails and social media posts. Members were also encouraged to bring guests to all events. Impact100 DC provides guidance and support for hosts of Meet & Greet events.

While retention data for the new members isn’t yet available, Impact100DC has every reason to be optimistic based on 2025 recruiting data. Impact100 DC’s 2025 new member cohort (also a record number of new members) renewed at a historical first-year member renewal rate. Impact100 DC attributes the success to a new member onboarding program, which included new member coffees and various new member check-ins throughout the year and personal invitations to upcoming events.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at CircleUP Chicago, hosted by Philanos, Philanthropy Together,Grapevine, and the Chicago Foundation for Women!

We’re incredibly grateful to the 130+ attendees who showed up, engaged, and explored the power of giving circles. Your energy and commitment to collective philanthropy made the event truly special!

As Philanos Co-Chair Clare O'Brien said:

"Our CircleUp Chicago event on March 31 was a vibrant, inclusive and joyful celebration of women’s collective giving! It was a treat to spend the evening with treasured and new friends from across our philanthropic ecosystem. Together with our partners Philanthropy Together, Grapevine, Latino Community Foundation, Chicago Foundation for Women and Women's Philanthropy at Indiana University, we welcomed over 130 giving circle members, partners, collaborators and funders. I was delighted to see members of Philanos affiliates Impact Austin, Impact100 Metro Denver, Impact 100 Cincinnati, Impact 100 of Greater Indianapolis, 100 Women Strong at Central Florida Foundation, Impact100 South Jersey and Impact Grants Chicago, as well as our long-term funders, Fidelity Charitable®Catalyst Fund, Raikes Foundation and DAFgiving360. The atmosphere was welcoming and celebratory, with attendees bringing a colleague, sister, mother and significant other to learn about the joys of community-based giving.

This event also reminded me why Philanos provides support for giving circles through both programmatic offerings AND fostering relationships. For 17 years, we have helped to build the connective tissue in women’s collective giving, creating a supportive, inclusive and generous community where ideas and resources can flow freely. This gathering vividly demonstrated the power of Mark Granovetter’s sociological theory of “The Strength of Weak Ties” whereby some of the most valuable innovations, opportunities and financial support can originate from networks distant from your own. It was rewarding to see the many new personal connections forged that night, uniting individuals with shared goals and values from disparate networks - with the hope that these leaders can combine their resources and lived experiences to create opportunities that enable all to thrive.  In that vein, we closed out our program by hearing from seven inspirational Chicago-based giving circles, several of which are rooted in under resourced communities."

By Ellen Ragone
Impact100 South Jersey 
Philanos Comminications Committee 

Honoring a visionary philanthropic leader who is using their collective giving experience in new and innovative ways!

Philanos is proud to recognize Jenny Berg of Impact 100 Cincinnati as the 2026 recipient of the Willoughby Award—its highest honor celebrating visionary leadership in women’s collective giving. Announced in conjunction with International Women’s Day, this milestone marks the fifth presentation of the award, continuing a tradition of honoring women who are reshaping philanthropy through collaboration, inclusion, and bold thinking.

For more than 20 years, Jenny Berg has been a driving force in expanding the reach and impact of collective giving. Since joining Impact 100 Cincinnati in 2004, she has helped redefine what it means to be a philanthropist—opening the door for women of all backgrounds to engage in meaningful, community-centered grantmaking. As Jenny shares, “I believe anyone can be a philanthropist – if one has the opportunity to be exposed to the positive effects of philanthropy. This may mean one has been on the receiving end of philanthropy, has witnessed someone involved in serving others, or has been fortunate enough to see firsthand a family member or friend whose financial donation, no matter how small or how large, has made an impact.”

Her leadership has strengthened membership, increased accessibility, and empowered more women to see their voices as essential to the philanthropic process. Jenny’s personal reflection captures the essence of her journey. What began as a new experience evolved into a deep sense of purpose and belonging within a diverse community united by shared impact. Today, she continues that legacy as the 2026 president-elect while mentoring future leaders, ensuring sustainability and growth for years to come.

Beyond Impact 100 Cincinnati, Jenny’s professional and national contributions are equally significant. As former Executive Director of the Leadership Council for Nonprofits, she expanded leadership development and fostered cross-sector collaboration across Greater Cincinnati. Her influence also extends through Philanos, where she served as Board Chair and remains actively engaged, helping strengthen the collective giving movement nationwide.

A connector, mentor, and changemaker, Jenny Berg exemplifies the spirit of the Willoughby Award—demonstrating how one leader’s vision can inspire a more inclusive and impactful philanthropic future.

What an extraordinary few days in Austin!

PowerUP! Texas was more than a conference — it was a gathering of bold, generous, forward-thinking leaders who believe deeply in the power of women’s collective giving.

From the opening moments to our final conversations, attendees showed up with curiosity, courage, and commitment. They asked hard questions. Shared real challenges. Celebrated impact. And we were reminded — over and over — that when women give together, transformation follows.

Keynote That Moved Us Forward

We were honored to welcome Diane Yentel, President & CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, as our Monday night keynote.

Diane challenged us to:

Her message was clear: philanthropy must be courageous, informed, and unwavering in its commitment to community.

It was a powerful call to action — and a reminder that leadership is not optional in times like these.

And were inspired by all of our plenary speakers: Kasandra Vitacca Mitchell, Sara Lomelin, Julian Castro, Tony Bowen, Michelle Gayles, Mike Nellis and Lynne Twist.

2026 Spotlight Award Honorees

We were proud to celebrate these outstanding circles whose impact exemplifies the strength of collective giving:

Impact100 Sonoma - Recognized for its long-standing partnership with Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance.

Impact San Antonio - Recognized for a transformational investment for cultural preservation in Esperanza Peace and Justice Center – Museo del Westside

100 Women Strong at Central Florida Foundation - Celebrated for its powerful investment in Women on the Rise. 

Through Breakouts and Affinity Groups, We…

We are deeply grateful to our speakers, sponsors, volunteers, Opportunity Advocates, and every participant who contributed their voice and energy.

Conferences like this don’t just happen — they are built by a community that believes in something bigger than itself.

The ripple effect continues.

With gratitude,
Ann Marie McGee
On behalf of the Philanos Board of Directors

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

New to Your Circle's Leadership?
Just Joined Philanos? Start With Philanos 101!

Our next session is Mar 3, 2026- 12 PM ET

Stepping into leadership within a giving circle is both exciting and meaningful—and it often comes with questions. 

• How do you make the most of your Philanos affiliation? 
• What resources are available to support your role? 
• And how can you connect with peers across the country who are navigating similar opportunities and challenges?

Philanos 101 is designed to answer those questions and more. 

Why Attend Philanos 101?

Philanos 101 is a virtual onboarding and orientation session created specifically for new and emerging leaders within Philanos Affiliates. The session covers a broad range of topics and provides opportunities to ask lots of questions. 

Whether you’re new to your leadership role, new to Philanos, or simply looking to better understand what’s available to you and your members, this session provides a clear and welcoming starting point.

Participants leave Philanos 101 with a stronger understanding of the network—and ideas on how to engage with it.

What You’ll Learn

During this interactive session, you’ll explore:

• The mission and purpose of Philanos and how it supports collective giving
• Ways Affiliates engage nationally, including shared learning, collaboration, and peer connection
• Philanos programs and offerings, such as webinars, affinity groups, CircleUps, and leadership resources
• How to get involved and strengthen your circle’s local impact

You’ll also hear how Philanos Affiliates across the country are using Philanos resources to support governance, membership growth, communications, grantmaking, and leadership development,

Who Should Attend?

Philanos 101 is ideal for:

• Affiliate groups that are new to the Philanos network
• New leaders at current affiliates (plus committee chairs and emerging leaders)
• Staff supporting Philanos Affiliates
• Anyone seeking a refresher on how to engage more fully with Philanos

Event Details 

Philanos 101
Date: March 3, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM ET 
Format: Virtual (Zoom)

Register here to save your spot and receive the Zoom link.

We hope you’ll join us!
Michelle Cottrell & Demetria Caston
Affiliate Engagement Co-Chairs

Questions - email Philanos Administrator

It Takes a Village: Thank You to Our PowerUP! Texas Supporters

Bringing the Philanos community together for PowerUP! Texas is a powerful reminder that meaningful impact is never created alone.

A conference of this scope—designed to inspire, connect, and strengthen women’s collective giving across the country—truly takes a village. It takes thoughtful planning, dedicated volunteers, engaged leaders, and partners who believe deeply in the power of collective philanthropy and local community impact.

We are profoundly grateful to our conference sponsors, whose generosity and partnership have made PowerUP! Texas possible. There are so many supporters to thank individually. The support is truly inspirational. Thank you! We also want to lift up sponsors such as Bank of America and The Raikes Foundation as examples of the values-driven partners who helped bring this gathering to life—investing in leadership, learning, and the long-term strength of communities. 

All of our supporters help us create space for:

• Honest, forward-looking conversations
  

• Learning to strengthen our giving circles and nonprofit partners
  

• Connections that will ripple outward and across the country
  

• Reflection on how to steward resources with purpose, intention and integrity
  

Their support has also impacted our plenary sessions, learning experiences, and moments of reflection to challenge us to think more boldly about leadership, philanthropy, and impact.

We are also deeply grateful to the many attendees who chose to PowerUP! their registration by making a small additional donation. These individual acts of generosity reflect the very heart of Philanos—women stepping forward together to strengthen the network and ensure access, learning, and connection for leaders across our community. Each contribution, no matter the size, has made a meaningful difference.

To all of our sponsors—and to every individual who supported PowerUP! Texas in ways large and small—thank you. Your partnership strengthens not only this conference, but the broader Philanos network of women leaders and giving circles working every day to create change in their local communities.

As we head to Austin in just over two weeks for the 2026 Philanos National Conference, PowerUP! Texas, we want to take a moment to recognize and express our deep appreciation for the sponsors who make this gathering possible.

Our sponsors are more than supporters—they are partners in advancing women’s collective giving. Their investment helps ensure that Philanos can convene leaders from across our network, deliver meaningful learning experiences, and create space for connection, collaboration, and shared leadership that strengthens impact in local communities nationwide.

Because of their generosity, PowerUP! Texas will bring together women philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, and partners committed to learning from one another and amplifying what works—together. Sponsorship support helps us deliver a conference experience that is accessible, thoughtful, and grounded in the values that define Philanos: collective leadership, shared learning, and community-centered impact.

We are grateful to our sponsors for their confidence in Philanos and their commitment to the power of collective giving. We look forward to recognizing them throughout the conference and celebrating the important role they play in strengthening our network.

Thank you to our sponsors—and to our entire Philanos community—for being part of this shared work and collective momentum.

With appreciation,
Philanos and our Philanthropic Community