When we talk about philanthropy infrastructure, the term can sound institutional. But at its heart, infrastructure is about people, relationships, knowledge, and organizations working together to make philanthropy stronger and more effective.

Philanos Board member, Nina Cohen, offers a compelling example of what that looks like in the real philanthropic world. NIna currently serves as Philanos Committee Co-Chair for Development and Strategic Partnerships.

A founding member of Impact100 South Jersey, Nina has long understood the power of collective giving to bring people together around a shared commitment to community. Through her leadership within her giving circle and now as a Philanos Board member, she has advanced strategies around grantmaking, resource development, inclusion, and organizational sustainability.

Nina also serves as Board Chair of Exponent Philanthropy, a national organization that for 30 years has supported, connected, and amplified the work of leanly staffed funders. Exponent Philanthropy provides its members with peer connections, practical resources, learning opportunities, and a collective voice - similar to the support that Philanos provides to Affiliates. “By building an inclusive community of informed funders, we foster effective collaborations and create lasting impact,” Nina commented.

This is an important philanthropic intersection.

Individual foundations, giving circles, and other funders do essential work in communities. But this work cannot be siloed. When organizations connect members to one another, help leaders learn from their peers, provide tools and knowledge, identify emerging issues, and create opportunities for collaboration - everyone is stronger.

This is philanthropy infrastructure.

Philanos plays that role within the collective giving movement. Through education, leadership development, peer learning, affinity groups, strategic resources, partnerships, and connections among more than 110 Philanos Affiliates, Philanos helps strengthen the organizations that are themselves investing in communities.

Nina’s leadership across Philanos and Exponent Philanthropy also illustrates something increasingly important: philanthropy infrastructure organizations are part of an interconnected ecosystem.

Collective giving organizations can learn from funders. Funders can learn from collective giving. Networks can share ideas, elevate different voices and build relationships across the sector. And the entire philanthropy ecosystem can respond more effectively to changing community needs.

For Nina, those connections are a natural extension of her belief in collective giving.

“Collective giving provides an opportunity to connect with and learn from women committed to making a difference in their communities. Through my participation in women’s collective giving, I have seen first-hand the benefits of working together and leveraging our resources and relationships for greater impact.” - Nina Cohen

This commitment to connect, learn, strengthen, and ultimately increase impact forms the heart of philanthropy infrastructure.

As Philanos continues to define its role not only as the leading network for women’s collective giving, but as a philanthropy infrastructure organization, leaders like Nina help demonstrate why that role matters. Strong communities need effective philanthropy - effective philanthropy needs strong organizations, networks, relationships, and leaders behind it.

Sometimes the most important investments in philanthropy are the ones that make all the other investments possible.

When Philanos Board Members Renee Gordon and Ann Marie McGee attended the United Philanthropy Forum's Philanthropy Infrastructure Conference in Washington, DC, this summer, they didn't expect a conversation about libraries to become one of the conference's most enduring takeaways. Their meeting with filmmaker Kim A. Snyder, director of The Librarians, left a lasting impression and has remained especially meaningful as Banned Books Week approaches. Read more

Kim's passion for libraries, intellectual freedom, and the essential role librarians play in our communities was both inspiring and thought-provoking. The conversation reminded Renee and Ann Marie that philanthropy is about more than grantmaking—it is also about supporting the institutions that foster learning, encourage curiosity, and help build informed, engaged communities.

As Banned Books Week (October 4–10) begins, that conversation feels especially relevant. This year's theme, "Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read," invites all of us to reflect on why access to a broad range of ideas matters - not only for readers, but for the health and vitality of our communities.

At Philanos, we believe philanthropy begins with curiosity. Giving circles thrive when members bring diverse perspectives, ask thoughtful questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the issues affecting their communities. Books - and the libraries that make them accessible - help us expand our understanding of the people and communities we serve.

Banned Books Week is not about telling people what they should read. Rather, it is a reminder of the importance of preserving every individual's opportunity to explore ideas, think critically, and make those choices for themselves. That principle aligns closely with the values of collective giving: listening, learning, and making informed decisions that strengthen our communities.

If you haven't yet read our earlier Thoughts From the Field article inspired by meeting Kim Snyder, we invite you to revisit it here. As you celebrate Banned Books Week, consider visiting your local library, reading a frequently challenged book, or simply thanking the librarians who help ensure knowledge and ideas remain accessible to all.

Sometimes the most meaningful moments at a philanthropy conference happen between the scheduled sessions. For Renee and Ann Marie, meeting Kim Snyder was one of those moments - a reminder that the freedom to read, learn, and engage with diverse perspectives is fundamental to the vibrant communities philanthropy seeks to support.

Building the next generation of philanthropic leaders doesn't happen by accident - it happens through intentional learning, mentorship, and connection.

During September, Philanos celebrated a successful start for its 2026 - 2027 Young Philanthropist (YP) Cohort, bringing together 13 Philanos Affiliates from across the country for three interactive sessions focused on developing and strengthening Young Philanthropist programs.

Co-facilitated by Philanos Board Members, Clare O'Brien and Ann Marie McGee, the Philanos YP Cohort explored both the strategic and practical aspects of engaging younger generations in collective giving. Participants discussed topics including:

• The benefits of a Young Philanthropist program for both giving circles and emerging philanthropists
• Creating welcoming and inclusive environments where younger members can thrive
• Successful Young Philanthropist models from across the Philanos Network

One of the greatest strengths of the cohort was the opportunity to learn directly from peers. Participants from the previous Young Philanthropist Cohort generously shared their experiences, successes, and lessons learned, providing practical ideas that participants can adapt within their own organizations.

Special thanks to our guest presenters:

• Tiarra Owens, Impact 100 Cincinnati
• Evin Bask, Idaho Charitable Women's Foundation
• Maggie Bartoletti, Impact100 Greater Milwaukee
• Andi Saylor, Impact 100 Cincinnati
• Amanda Klein, The Philanthropy Connection

Their willingness to share real-world examples demonstrated the collaborative spirit that defines the Philanos Network.

Young Philanthropist programs are about much more than attracting younger members. They create pathways for leadership, bring fresh perspectives to community challenges, and help ensure that collective giving continues to thrive for generations to come. As today's young philanthropists gain experience in grantmaking, governance, fundraising, and community engagement, they become tomorrow's board members, committee leaders, mentors, and champions for collective giving.

The future of our giving circles depends on our ability to engage new generations while honoring the values that have made collective giving such a powerful force for community change.

Philanos is proud to support our Philanos Affiliates in this important work. Congratulations to our Young Philanthropist Cohort participants, and thank you to everyone who contributed their time, expertise, and enthusiasm to making this year's program a success. The next step is for the participating circles to submit their own plan. There will also be an optional check-in with participants on January 22, 2027.

We look forward to seeing the ideas, partnerships, and leadership that grow from this cohort - and to welcoming even more Affiliates to future Young Philanthropist learning opportunities.

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.