Philanos is pleased to announce Crickett Woloson, Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle, as the 2025 recipient of The Willoughby Award. This is awarded on International Women’s Day in honor of Colleen Willoughby to recognize a member of a Philanos Affiliate who has used her collective giving experience to take philanthropy and leadership in new directions in her local community.

Colleen Willoughby challenged the status quo of traditional philanthropy 25 years ago when she found it deeply troubling that women did not have an organized vehicle for using their own money to invest in their communities. Through collective giving, she inspired women to find and amplify their voices today, tomorrow and for the future.

Crickett Woloson has been a leading visionary in the Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle for incorporating social justice and DEI Initiatives in the Circle’s values. She also led the Circle’s efforts to introduce Trust-Based Philanthropy into their grantmaking before many of its members had heard of the term. “Our Circle has benefited from her vision - working hard to streamline our grants process, educating members to the needs of smaller nonprofits, and overall enhancing our reputation in the greater Baltimore community,” shared her award nominators.

Crickett led her Circle through a series of workshops designed to rethink their mission, vision and values. She worked tirelessly to help other members understand the need to incorporate concepts of equity in the Circle’s approach to grantmaking. As an ardent believer in honest dialogue, Crickett frequently quotes the adage, “If you want to travel fast, travel alone; if you want to travel far, travel together.”

Thanks to Crickett, the Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle has traveled far - modifying their grants process, engaging with more community-led organizations and altering the voting process - and even more importantly they have traveled together. The Membership has overwhelmingly accepted initiatives leading to more equitable outcomes.

In addition to being an active leader for her own circle, Crickett and her husband created the Elbow Fund, using the principles of Trust-Based Philanthropy to support Black-led nonprofits in Baltimore and support an underfunded philanthropic group. Through this fund, she strives to create positive social change in Baltimore by partnering with proven and passionate community leaders of Black-led organizations. This work includes identifying leaders through primary research and diligence, listening to and mentoring their partners and creating strategies to remove barriers. The Elbow Fund has enhanced the efforts of the community groups doing this work and through partnerships, raised the awareness of and need for investments in this work.

Crickett also uses her time and financial resources to actively support CLLCTIVLY, a Black-led organization founded in 2019 with a mission to foster collaboration, increase social impact and amplify the voices of Black-led organizations in greater Baltimore.

Just as Colleen Willoughby challenged the status quo of traditional philanthropy, Crickett has challenged herself to apply collective giving principles to address the needs within her community. “I am now much more intentional and strategic about which organizations the Elbow Fund supports, and how those organizations are chosen,” she said. “I became a student of participatory grantmaking and was determined that future grantmaking would be collaborative and collectively driven by members of the communities impacted by the barriers imposed by the systems all around us.”

Congratulations Crickett on a well-deserved award!

The Willoughby Award is sponsored by Colleen S. Willoughby, and Past Philanos Board Member Dale Clifford, in honor of her mother Laura Egerton Lothrop.

View past recipients, here.

Celebrating Women’s History Month With a Look at Women’s Philanthropy

March is the celebration of Women’s History Month and the theme this year is "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations".  Doing this through philanthropy is one way to meet this goal.  Women have long played a pivotal role in philanthropy, and collective giving groups exemplify this influence. 

According to the Johnson Center Report entitled “In Abundance: An Analysis of the Thriving Landscape of Collective Giving in the U.S.”, 84% of collective giving groups report that more than half of their membership consists of women, with 60% composed entirely of women. 

As we are aware, for many women in collective giving circles, their participation goes beyond charitable giving—it is about sisterhood and shared values. According to the report, nearly half (43%) of collective giving group leaders identify their organization’s core identity as rooted in womanhood. Women in these groups contribute financially, serve on boards, volunteer, and advocate for the nonprofits they support. These spaces offer a platform for leadership development, enabling women to expand their roles in philanthropy while transforming the broader landscape of giving.

Collective giving was first recognized as a women’s philanthropy movement in the early 2000s, and its influence has only grown since then. Women’s foundations and funds have been described as “change agents” due to their community-oriented focus and emphasis on outcomes. Their giving extends beyond financial contributions; it fosters education, confidence, and deeper involvement in philanthropy. 

As collective giving continues gaining momentum, its influence shapes the broader philanthropic landscape. Women-led groups are increasingly adopting trust-based philanthropy, emphasizing long-term relationships with nonprofit organizations and reducing barriers to funding. These groups provide critical financial support to communities and create networks of empowerment and solidarity among women. By fostering leadership skills and promoting shared philanthropic goals, collective giving groups are reshaping how philanthropy operates, ensuring that women’s voices remain at the forefront of impactful change.

Through collective giving, women are not just donors—they are leaders, advocates, and architects of a philanthropic movement that prioritizes community, inclusivity, and long-lasting impact.

We Are Stronger Together

The mission of Philanos is to support and strengthen women’s collective giving by offering our Philanos Affiliates unique educational and collaborative resources. Each of you as a Philanos Affiliate is committed to using these resources to make impactful grants to serve the most vulnerable within their local communities.

In spite of recent events, the Philanos Mission has not changed - nor will we waver from our mission. And we know that each of you remain deeply committed to the communities you serve.

What has changed in the past four weeks is the confusion, chaos and concern within the nonprofit sector, resulting from executive orders issued by the current administration. Philanos is horrified by the display of both cruelty and ignorance and the possibility of the long term negative impact for those we support.

We know how directly the past four weeks have affected all of you. 

You are closest to those doing the work on the ground and understand both the significant impact of recent events, as well as the likelihood of additional policy changes that will create unprecedented upheaval for those you serve. 

More than ever, we encourage you to support the needs you see in your communities and to support each other. 

Philanos is following the current situation closely and will provide ongoing updates and resource suggestions as they evolve. None of us has the answers we want today - or the answers we would like to hear. However, by sharing and collaborating amongst ourselves, we can stand in solidarity to address the resulting inequities.

On Tuesday, Philanos joined other members of the Philanthropy Together Braintrust in issuing a collective statement and offering some suggestions for positive action. Details can be found here. 

Things you can do as a Philanos Affiliate:

• Use the member portal on the Philanos website. We will be updating and adding resources as they become available. 

• Reach out to other Philanos Affiliates for ideas. 

• Post a statement for your own organization. 

• Check in with your grant recipients. 

• Review your grantmaking process and consider unrestricted amounts and perhaps a range of grant sizes for broader community support.

Collective giving and our philanthropic impact are some of the most powerful tools we have. We are absolutely stronger together.

Philanos Co-Chairs
On behalf of the Philanos Board of Directors

A Movement, Not a Moment: The Power of Giving Circles in Times of Need

Across the nation and around the world, giving circles unite people to pool their resources and invest in grassroots, community-based organizations. We are more than donors—we are neighbors, advocates, and changemakers. And as a people-powered philanthropic ecosystem, we are always listening.

Right now, we hear our nonprofit partners sounding the alarm. They are navigating devastating wildfires, funding cuts, and policies that threaten the very communities they serve. They are showing up every day for people in crisis. The question is: Will we show up for them?

The answer is clear:  We must.

Many of us may feel uncertain about what to do in moments like these. But collective giving was built for times of crisis. Giving circles remove barriers, move resources quickly, and stand in solidarity with those on the frontlines. Now is the time to take action.

What We Can Do—Together

1. Give Your Time & Talent → Show Up and Ask

• Pick up the phone. Call a nonprofit leader. Ask, What do you need today?

• Offer your skills. Are you a lawyer? Help navigate policy changes. A marketer? Spread their message. An organizer? Mobilize volunteers. Your time and expertise are just as valuable as dollars.

2. Give Your Treasure → Move Money, No Strings Attached

• Send funds now, no red tape. Giving circles have the power to mobilize unrestricted dollars immediately.

• Give bigger, stretch further. If you’ve ever considered increasing your giving, this is the moment to do it.

3. Give Your Testimony → Amplify Their Voices

• Share their stories. Who is doing critical work in your community? Post about them. Introduce them to funders. Bring them into conversations they’re too often left out of.

• Call your representatives. Advocate for policies that protect funding for grassroots organizations. Your voice carries weight. Use it.

4. Give Your Ties → Activate Your Network

• Rally your circle. Bring your friends, family, and colleagues into this movement.

• Leverage your influence. Whether you have ten followers or ten thousand, someone is listening to you. Make sure they hear this: Now is the time to give.

This is What We Do.

Giving circles exist for moments like this. We don’t wait, we don’t hesitate, and we don’t let grassroots leaders stand alone. Whether in times of quiet progress or urgent crisis, we show up.

And we will continue to do so. Stand with us. Share this message with your giving circle and confirm your commitment. Not part of a giving circle? Join us. 

In action and solidarity,

Philanthropy Together’s Network Braintrust

• 100 Who Care Alliance
• American Muslim Community Foundation
• Amplifier
• Black Funding Network
• Community Investment Network
• Grapevine
• Latino Community Foundation
• NEID Global
• Next Gen Giving Circle
• Philanos
• Radfund
• Social Venture Partners International
• Together Women Rise
• The Awesome Foundation
• The Funding Network
• The Funding Network Australia  
• The States Project

National Research Report from the Johnson Center, Colmena-Consulting, and Philanthropy Together

In Abundance: An Analysis of the Thriving Landscape of Collective Giving in the U.S. explores the transformative impact of collective giving on philanthropy. Practiced in cultures all around the world, collective giving brings people together to pool their resources, including time, talent, treasure, testimony, and ties — often referred to as the 5Ts. Groups like giving circles, SVP chapters, giving projects, and nonprofit-led circles have long served as democratic and philanthropic learning hubs — bringing historically marginalized voices into philanthropic decision-making spaces, challenging preconceived notions of who is considered a philanthropist, and elevating members as integral actors in our sector’s efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in giving.

A partnership between the Johnson Center, Colmena-Consulting, and Philanthropy Together, this report underscores collective giving groups’ role in reshaping philanthropic practices, fostering social connections, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.

Read the report

We are looking forward to our upcoming 2026 Philanos National Conference - PowerUP! Texas in Austin

With more than 300 women attending, representing circles throughout the country - we'll be sharing best practices for advocacy, sponsorships, membership recruitment, member engagement, grant making and so much more. 

We'll "See You in Austin"!

- Sandy Cook, Clare O'Brien, and Ann Marie McGee, PowerUP! Texas National Conference Co-Chairs

Conference Overview

“PowerUP! Texas: The Spark Igniting Collaboration” is Philanos’ 3-day national Conference for visionary leaders in women's collective giving who believe in the power of women’s collective giving to create impact in local communities.

• As the largest network of women’s collective giving groups, Philanos represents over 105 giving circles whose 21,500+ members have cumulatively granted $253 million in their local communities. 
• Attendees will be a national audience of more than 300 giving circle leaders and members, philanthropic advisors, and practitioners of trust-based and intentional philanthropy.
• Regional giving circles and networks of philanthropic organizations will join forces to host this event with the theme of “collaboration”.

Conference Sponsors

• It takes a special individual, business, or organization to understand the value of investing in the national women's collective giving movement by sponsoring the Philanos PowerUP! Texas 2026 National Conference. Interested in sponsoring the conference? Contact us!

Conference Agenda

• Breakout sessions will address best practices for innovative, inspiring, and inclusive collective giving as well as trends that affect philanthropic initiatives.
• Our speakers will address the power of collaborative grantmaking, best practices for innovative, inspiring, and inclusive collective giving, and trends that affect philanthropic initiatives.

February 6, 2025

Hi,

Philanos is committed to creating an environment that is welcoming and inclusive for all of our Philanos Affiliates, their members and partners.

Our webinar on February 11th at 12 PM ET, "Courageous Conversations", will feature Rosetta Lee, a nationally-known educator on this topic. Rosetta previously presented at the Philanos 2020 National Conference in Seattle. She has also worked with our Philanos Board over the past year to improve our capacities to engage in dialogue with individuals who have different perspectives, life experiences and identities. Her insights and tools have enabled us to grow as individuals and leaders.  

We hope our Philanos Affiliates will also benefit from Rosetta's wisdom, empathy and guidance as they support their own grantees and work to build stronger and more trusting relationships in their communities. Registration for this webinar closes February 9. Register now!

Sandy Cook, scook@philanos.org 
Clare O'Brien, cobrien@philanos.org 
Ann Marie McGee, amcgee@philanos.org

Philanos Events

• February 6 - (Affinity Group) Tech Talk  - Member Engagement Platforms

• February 11 - (Webinar) Rosetta Lee - Courageous Conversations

• February 18 - (Affinity Group) Grantmakers - Making Big Changes

• February 20 - (Affinity Group) Staff Chat - Funding

• March 11 - (Webinar) Investing in Women and Girls: Innovative Grantmaking Approaches

• March 18 - (Affinity Group) Membership Roundtable - Retention Strategies and Metrics

• March 25 - (Affinity Group) Comms Club - Building Circle Awareness

Philanos News & Resources

• Philanos PowerUP! 2026 Conference - As we begin the new year we are excited to announce our next PowerUP! Texas National Conference in Austin, February 8-10, 2026 - stay tuned for more details soon!

• Philanos Affiliate Handbook - The new 2025 Philanos Affiliate Handbook is an easy-to-navigate guide to all things Philanos! Direct links to online resources make the Handbook an indispensable companion and roadmap to the Philanos website and Affiliate Portal. While the Handbook is designed to support giving circle leaders in successfully managing their Affiliate's Philanos relationship, members at large will also find it a valuable guide. Learn more 

• Philanos Affiliate Action Item - Please take a few minutes to help us better support you and your giving circle! Our first survey since 2018, will help us understand what issues are top of mind for you and what resources you find most valuable - or wish were available - in addressing major challenges and opportunities. Please share our input by completing our survey before February 9, 2025. Take the survey 

• Philanos Partner Events - Save the Date! We Give Summit 2025: May 13-15, 2025! Get ready for three days of inspiration, learning, and connection with members of collective giving groups, community leaders, philanthropy experts, and social impact newcomers from around the world. Philanos is proud to continue to partner with Philanthropy Together on this great event and have two Board members serving on the Steering Committee. Learn more

• Philanos Affiliate Resource - How to practice high impact giving year-round? The Center for High Impact Philanthropy's annual giving toolkit provides individual donors and professional grantmakers with actionable guidance for high impact giving year-round. Learn more

Philanos Affiliates in the News

• Philanos Affiliates in the News - Learn how Philanos Affiliates are driving change through local grants, impactful partnerships and women's empowerment - collective giving that's having an impact on local communities throughout the country. Read more

• 5 Ways Philanos Can Highlight Your Efforts! Have you made a new round of grants? Did you host an event recently? Are you Partnering with others on a project? Are you celebrating an anniversary? Were you highlighted in the media? Let us know at media@philanos.org and we'll help to spread the word! Learn more 

Save the Date: May 13-15, 2025!

Get ready for three days of inspiration, learning, and connection with members of collective giving groups, community leaders, philanthropy experts, and social impact newcomers from around the world, led by our partners at Philanthropy Together.

This year’s agenda will be centered around the the theme Thrive Together.

Philanos is proud to continue to partner with Philanthropy Together on this great event, and to have two  Board Members serving on the Steering Committee.

Registration opens March 2025 - please plan to join us!

The  new 2025 Philanos Affiliate Handbook is an easy-to-navigate guide to all things Philanos.

Key sections include:

• Philanos programs and resources
• Affiliate expectations and tips for getting the most out of your Philanos affiliation
• Board, board committee, and staff directory
• Branding and communications tools, including sample language for use in emails and social media
• Illustrated instructions for accessing the Philanos Affiliate Portal
• Detailed guide to managing member accounts
• And more!

Download the 2025 Philanos Affiliate Handbook here

Direct links to online resources make the Handbook an indispensable companion and roadmap to the Philanos website and Affiliate Portal.

While the Handbook is designed to support giving circle leaders in successfully managing their Affiliate’s Philanos relationship, members at large will also find it a valuable guide.

The Affiliate Engagement Committee will update the Handbook annually. The Committee welcomes your feedback and suggestions at ae@philanos.org.

We are proud to provide resources for Philanos Affiliates from our partner organizations:

The Center for High Impact Philanthropy’s annual giving toolkit provides individual donors and professional grantmakers with actionable guidance for high impact giving year-round.

We include a practical guide on what high impact philanthropy really means and four high-level strategies to help you practice it, no matter what cause or geographic community you care about. To illustrate how high impact philanthropy can be practiced across issue areas, we profile twelve exemplars with potential to achieve high impact and share lessons learned that can be applied in your own community.