By Ellie Vernick

Philanos Student Intern and Member of the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County’s Young Women’s Giving Circle

At Philanos, we know that the future of philanthropy depends on engaging and empowering the next generation of givers. That’s why we are excited to shine a spotlight on Affiliate giving circles that have created Young Philanthropist programs to nurture youth and young adult involvement in collective giving.

Through these programs, young people learn about philanthropy, community needs, and the power of working together to make a difference. Each of the giving circles we’ll feature in this new series participated in the 2024 Philanos Young Philanthropist Cohort and has developed a unique approach to bringing younger voices to the table — helping to ensure that collective giving remains vibrant, inclusive, and impactful for years to come

Founded in 2006, Anne Arundel Women Giving Together (AAWGT) works to enhance the quality of life for women and families in Anne Arundel County by awarding grants to local nonprofit organizations. The organization has dedicated its efforts to supporting and empowering women whose lives have been affected by poverty, limited opportunities, violence, and systemic or structural inequities. With over 350 members, AAWGT has provided $2.1 million in grants to 60 nonprofits over the past 19 years.

Beyond just distributing funds, AAWGT continues its impact by deepening involvement in the community. Members engage in the granting process by participating in site visits, evaluating proposals, and following up on outcomes. AAWGT has also prioritized educating women donors around issues affecting women and families in our community. In 2025, the grants committee reviewed a record number of proposals and awarded a total of $226,316, the largest annual amount in the program's history. This level of involvement in the community allows members to understand how the organization is improving the lives of women and families throughout Anne Arundel County as well as where the funds are going. By dedicating time in the community and confirming impact, AAWGT is creating informed philanthropists who are invested in the process and outcomes of their giving, furthering the power of collective philanthropy in Anne Arundel County.

In 2025, AAWGT launched its Young Philanthropists program for women in their 20s, 30s and 40s who are passionate about making a difference—not just in their careers, but in the communities where they live and work. This program aims to bring more young women into the world of philanthropy, especially since 85% of AAWGT’s member base is aged 50 years old and above. To appeal to younger women with varying economic status, the organization has started a tiered membership program that allows women to pay what they can, ranging from $175 per year for a Friend membership to $1,075 per year for a Sustainer membership. Each tier of membership has full benefits and voting privileges. However, the organization is facing challenges encouraging youth members to upgrade their membership level, as they are able to contribute more.

In the next two years AAWGT plans on expanding membership in the 20-40 age range in order to build a larger foundation of youth givers. Since AAWGT has started its youth program, they’ve focused heavily on marketing and branding towards the younger demographic, as they want to raise awareness and credibility. This has posed a challenge for the organization, as they've previously relied on word of mouth. However, AAWT plans to implement social media marketing and reaching out to young professional groups as a key approach in appealing to younger audiences. During this two year timeframe, youth members will participate in events that cultivate connection socially, professionally, and philanthropically, while also having the ability to take leadership roles in planning YP events and programs. In the future, they hope to shift their focus to the 18 to 21 age range in order to include an even younger generation of women.

The Young Philanthropists of Anne Arundel Women Giving Together are a powerful example of how giving circles can engage and inspire the next generation of changemakers. By offering opportunities to learn, give, and lead, these programs ensure that collective giving continues to grow and thrive.

At Philanos, we are proud to highlight the innovative ways our affiliate members are building a strong future for philanthropy. To learn more about Philanos and our network of women’s giving circles, visit www.philanos.org.

When “Helping” Hurts Trust: GoFundMe’s Uninvited Nonprofit Pages

Recently, GoFundMe automatically created “nonprofit pages” for approximately 1.4 million 501(c)(3) organizations using publicly available IRS data and information from partners like the PayPal Giving Fund.

None of these nonprofits consented to this, nor were they even notified about this.

According to GoFundMe, this move “allows individuals across GoFundMe’s 200 million-strong global community to easily discover and donate to nonprofit organizations, helping them support causes and charitable missions they care about—even if the organization hasn’t actively created a GoFundMe campaign.”

GoFundMe receives a transaction fee of 2.2% plus 30 cents per donation to a nonprofit fundraising page in addition to a so-called tip of 16%. While the so-called tip is characterized as optional, a donor must manually reduce this to zero in order to remove the so-called tip. GoFundMe recently indicated they will remove the “tip” until a page is claimed.

At a time when philanthropy is most critical, actions that are not fully transparent undermine the integrity of charitable giving.

At Philanos, we believe trust and consent are the foundation of philanthropy. GoFundMe’s actions in creating fundraising pages for nonprofits that provide financial benefits to GoFundMe, all without a nonprofit’s knowledge or permission, smack of deception. This can only lead to an atmosphere of mistrust in the philanthropic community.

According to the company, this new feature “allows individuals across GoFundMe’s 200 million-strong global community to easily discover and donate to nonprofit organizations, helping them support causes they care about—even if the organization hasn’t actively created a GoFundMe campaign.”

Why This Matters

GoFundMe’s move was unilateral. Organizations were not asked for permission, invited to verify details, or given a clear opt-in process before their “pages” went live. Using publicly available IRS data may make this legal — but it does not make it ethical.

These pages can potentially:

• Confuse members of your own circle or donors to a grantee partner, as they may assume active fundraising on GoFundMe is supported.
  

• Misrepresent or duplicate existing fundraising efforts.
  

• Divert funds, especially since GoFundMe may impose a 14–17% “tip” in donors during the giving process that goes to GoFundMe.
  

Independent coverage from Nonprofit Newsfeed highlights the frustration many in the sector feel about this unexpected “representation.”

Philanos Comment:

“When fundraising happens without transparency or permission—and when an automatic 14–17% ‘tip’ that goes to GoFundMe, not the nonprofit—it erodes donor trust. Transparency should never be optional.”

What Philanos Affiliates Can Do

We encourage all Philanos Affiliates to take the following steps:

1. Search your organization on GoFundMe.com. See if a page exists for your circle or grantee partners.
   

2. Verify the information. Check that your EIN, name, and mission are correct.
   

3. Contact GoFundMe if needed. You can claim, update, or request removal of your page through their help center.
   

4. Alert your grantees. Many may not realize their organizations now appear on GoFundMe. Share this blog or your own note to help them take action.
   

5. Educate your donors. Reinforce that the safest and most effective way to give is directly — through your verified website or trusted donor channels.

Why This Flies in the Face of Collective Giving

Collective Giving is built on relationship, transparency, and consent.

Giving circles rely on mutual trust between members, grantees, and local communities — the very trust that mass-created pages like these put at risk.

Philanos believes in a model of philanthropy where nonprofits and donors choose each other intentionally, with full clarity about where funds go and how they’re used.

When that choice is taken away — even under the banner of “helping” — it’s time to speak up.

Together, we can ensure that generosity remains rooted in integrity.

By Ann Marie McGee
Philanos Board Co-Chair and Member, Impact 100 Redwood Circle 

Collective Leadership and the Ripple Effect

In collective giving, leadership often takes a different form, from what may have been a traditional view for many of us. Collective leadership when most effective is shared. It is woven from the strengths of many and is at the heart of every giving circle. Decisions are not made by one voice, but by many. 

Each member has the opportunity to bring her experience, her insight, and her passion for change. This leadership model doesn’t just shift where the money goes; it shifts the power of philanthropy itself. Collective leadership is not about hierarchy, but about collaboration.

With collaboration, the impact is amplified. Like a stone dropped into water, it sends ripples outward—touching people, communities, and systems in ways that go far beyond the initial act of giving.

The ripple effect sparks something larger: circles, networks, and entire communities dream big and see what’s possible. A grant to a small nonprofit doesn’t just keep the lights on; it allows new programs to take root, leaders to emerge, and futures to be reshaped.

Take, for example, a Philanos Affiliate that funds a literacy program in a neighborhood library. The immediate impact is clear—more children with books in their hands. But the ripple is far wider. Parents gather for story time and connect with one another. Teachers see stronger readers in the classroom. A generation grows up with greater opportunities. 

And the members of the affiliate? They too are transformed, volunteering and serving as ambassadors for collective giving and spotlighting the community impact.

Collective leadership is powerful because it does not stop where decisions are made. It continues outward, creating waves of generosity and empowerment that extend farther than any one of us could reach alone.

When we embrace the ripple effect, we recognize that collaborative and collective leadership is never just about today’s grant or this year’s project. It is about building momentum for tomorrow, inspiring others to add their own drops to the water. 

Together, we don’t just create ripples. We create a tide. A tide of generosity, leadership, and community power that is reshaping philanthropy and redefining what is possible when we lead together.

Philanos is Powered by Our Volunteers—Join Us!

Every day, our volunteer board and committee members prove that they are the secret to Philanos’ success. This is the season when we actively seek a few more talented members to join our team as board or committee leaders. If the skills below sound like you, we’d love to hear from you!

Where Your Skills Can Shine

Communications & Marketing

Development & Partnerships

Events

Finance & Operations

Leadership

Technology & Data

Why Volunteer with Philanos?

By sharing your talent with the leading women’s giving circle network, you’ll play a vital role in shaping our future. Along the way, you’ll strengthen your leadership skills, grow your professional experience, and expand your network nationwide—all while advancing the power of collective giving.

Take the Next Step 

Explore Committees: Visit our Committees Page to see where your skills fit best.

Let’s Talk First: Not sure where to plug in? Our Governance Committee Chair, Maureen Romito, would love to connect. Email Maureen.

Ready to raise your hand? Explore this opportunity and email today!

Collective giving is revolutionizing philanthropy in Houston!

In a giving circle, where people come together and collectively decide where to make a collective gift, members are amplifying their community impact while connecting with like-minded givers.

We were excited to be a part of CircleUp Houston on Thursday, August 21 at 5:30 PM for a one-of-a-kind, engaging event where we discussed how we all can amplify our community footprint by giving together with others.

This wasn't just another networking event—it was a chance to experience amplified giving in action. Fellow changemakers came together in a live giving circle experience where we made real grant decisions and award funding to a local, community-based organization in Houston addressing critical needs.

Whether participants were a young professional discovering their philanthropic voice, an established donor ready to multiply your impact, or someone who’s always wondered “how can I make a REAL difference in my community?”—this evening showed the transformative power of amplified giving.

CircleUp Houston was a free event that welcomed everyone passionate about community impact and was collboratively hosted by the Greater Houston Community Foundation, Philanthropy Together, Philanos, and The Love Endowment.

Thanks to all who joined us!

By Ann Marie McGee
Philanos Board Co-Chair and Member, Impact 100 Redwood Circle

PowerUP! Texas is truly a collective effort - and we are grateful for the vision, dedication, and hospitality of our Texas Philanos Affiliates and volunteer leaders.

Our Host & Co-Hosts 

These circles are shaping the conference in countless ways:

• Plenary Inspiration: Kasandra Vitacca Mitchell  of Impact San Antonio as the plenary speaker for Sunday evening’s “Super Welcome Party”.
  

• Breakout Excellence: Judi McCarthy and Audra Morris of Impact Austin, Jennifer Bligh of Impact San Antonio and Zoe Lawhorn of the Women’s Fund of Smith County are sharing their expertise as breakout speakers.
  

• On-the-Ground Support: Host and Co-Hosts are providing volunteers for registration, room hosting, decorations, and our conference app.

Thank You to Our Steering Committee

Judi McCarthy, Alyssa Reyna, Nicole Genovese, Kali Rourke (Impact Austin), Anne Aaron (Impact100 Wichita Falls), Linda Dipert (Women Inspiring Philanthropy), Zoe Lawhorn (Women’s Fund of Smith County), and Yvonne Grothues (Impact San Antonio).

A special thank you for their leadership, generosity, and creativity in making PowerUP! Texas unforgettable - we can’t wait for everyone to experience their Texas welcome, February 8–10, 2026!

PowerUP! Texas: A Philanos National Conference

Registration & Cost

Location & Lodging

Hotel booking links will be sent upon registration confirmation.

What’s Next?

Watch for additional speaker announcements and program highlights.

By Ellie Vernick
Philanos Student Intern and Member of the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County’s Young Women’s Giving Circle

At Philanos, we know that the future of philanthropy depends on engaging and empowering the next generation of givers. That’s why we are excited to shine a spotlight on Philanos Affiliates that have created Young Philanthropist programs to nurture youth and young adult involvement in collective giving.

Through these programs, young people learn about philanthropy, community needs, and the power of working together to make a difference. Each of the giving circles we’ll feature in this new series participated in the 2024-2025 Philanos Young Philanthropist Cohort and has developed a unique approach to bringing younger voices to the table — helping to ensure that collective giving remains vibrant, inclusive, and impactful for years to come.

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County, Maryland

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is dedicated to building a community of philanthropists to address the needs of women and girls in their community. Founded in 2002, they've distributed over $1.2 million in grants, built an endowment exceeding $1.1 million from 1,700+ donors, and continue to fund important work year after year. Focusing on areas including diversity, economic advancement, education, and safety, this giving circle plans to award up to $100,000 in grants in 2025.

In the 2024-2025 year, the WGC relaunched their Break the Cycle student intern program, highlighting period poverty–an often overlooked need. Consisting of seven Howard County high school juniors and seniors, WGC’s interns worked to eliminate period poverty through fundraising, product donations, and partnerships. These interns participated in monthly educational meetings, learning how the lack of products across the country impacts women and what it means to be a philanthropist. The program has no cost to participate and all members receive a $500 stipend at the end of their nine months of service. 

Specifically, the WGC interns host their WGC Break the Cycle: Period Product Drive, collecting products for their partners at the Columbia Association, library system, community college, and other local businesses. The drive has amassed hundreds of pounds of products and raised over $8,500 to purchase more. Period poverty is a profound issue for young women, especially women of color and those with limited incomes. 1 in 4 teens struggle to afford period products and teens often will miss school, extra curricular activities, and sports as a result. One especially impactful product drive was at the local community college, which was able to double the amount of products provided to each young woman – allowing them to attend college with dignity. Paula Seabright, the product drive chair, declared that, "it's time to break the cycle of period poverty.” 

These young philanthropists also participated in WGC’s 2025 Annual Big Give, in which 57 women collectively gave a total of $32,000 to 14 nonprofit partners. In this fun, meaningful, fast-paced giving experience the interns learned about the grantmaking process, how to review grant proposals, and the power of collective giving. WGC Big Give Chair, Melissa Curtin, exclaims that, “The Big Give is empowering women to support other women in our community now, and in the future.” Through this giving experience, the interns learned about significant issues confronting women and girls, including homelessness and housing insecurity, access to youth sports, foster care services, and employment for immigrant women. This event also featured the interns’ own Mini Give, in which they gave $5,000 to Voices for Children, a nonprofit of their choosing. Voices for Children will provide feminine hygiene products to girls in the foster care system.

In the 2025-2026 year, the intern program became the WGC Young Women’s Giving Circle, expanding to ten Howard County high school juniors and seniors, each individually representing their schools. The WGC was excited to "circle back" to hosting a Young Women's Giving Circle again, which they have hosted in the past. Members of the YWGC will learn about fundraising, grantmaking, volunteering and women's health/breaking the cycle of period poverty. In anticipation of this upcoming year, second year intern Sakshi Tirodkar stated, “I have truly loved being an intern for the Young Women’s Giving Circle this past year. It has been amazing being able to actively give back to women in our community to ensure they have the menstrual resources they deserve!”

The Young Philanthropists of the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County are a powerful example of how giving circles can engage and inspire the next generation of changemakers. By offering opportunities to learn, give, and lead, these programs ensure that collective giving continues to grow and thrive.

Philanos Young Philanthropist Affinity Group

Philanos is excited to have kicked-off our new Young Philanthropist Affinity Group on September 2! Catalyzed by the great experience many Philanos Affiliates had as part of our recent Young Philanthropist Cohort, this new Affinity Group will bring giving circle leaders together on a regular basis to learn, share, network, and connect about young philanthropist efforts among Philanos Affiliate giving circles. The next Affinity Group will be on October 30 - you can learn more and register here.

At Philanos, we are proud to highlight the innovative ways our Affiliate members are building a strong future for philanthropy.

To learn more about Philanos and our network of women’s giving circles, visit www.philanos.org. 

________________________________

"The Future of Philanthropy" is the first in a four-part series highlighting Philanos Affiliate Young Philanthropist programs 

By Ann Marie McGee

Philanos Board  Co-Chair and Member, Impact 100 Redwood Circle

At a time when nonprofits are under immense financial pressure while facing rising demand for services, Philanos Affiliates are finding themselves with unique opportunities to support their local communities. Leaning heavily on collective leadership, they are pushing the strength of collective giving beyond the grants awarded. Circles are seeking new, collaborative ways to combine financial resources with time, talent, and networks to build the resiliency that nonprofits need to thrive—especially in tough times.

Community Resiliency is not Built Alone

Resiliency is a community endeavor. It grows out of partnership, reciprocity, and trust. By stepping forward together, giving circles amplify more than grant dollars—they amplify community strength. Whether that means showing up with volunteer support, sourcing urgently needed goods, or connecting nonprofits to new partners, circles are helping create the conditions where organizations can withstand challenges and continue their essential missions.

At CircleUp New Mexico: Partnering for Community Resiliency earlier this summer, local nonprofits and giving circles gathered to demonstrate what this looks like in practice. The event paired storytelling, shared learning, and pop-up grantmaking to shine a spotlight on the ways collective leadership and shared responsibility strengthen the entire ecosystem. It was a vivid reminder that resiliency isn’t theoretical—it’s happening now, powered by collaboration.

Community Resiliency in Action

Philanos is carrying this momentum forward by highlighting three Philanos Affiliates who have put collective leadership into practice. On Tuesday, September 9 at 12 PM ET, Philanos will present the September webinar, Beyond the Check: Supporting Grantee Resilience in Tough Times.

• Women’s Impact Fund (NC) – sourcing donated goods and meeting urgent program needs.
  

• Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle (MD)  – providing volunteer and leadership support to strengthen grantee capacity.
  

• Impact100 Sonoma (CA) – leveraging networks and connections to amplify community solutions.

“Community resiliency is what happens when we lead together for sustainable, long-term support.” — Renee Gordon, Co-Chair, Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle

Community Resiliency Has a Ripple Effect

Looking ahead, the Philanos National Conference, PowerUP! Texas (Austin, February 8–10, 2026) will feature the Breakout Session Standing With and For Nonprofits: Creative Grantmaking Responses to Economic Turmoil. This conversation will build directly on what Affiliates are already demonstrating: resiliency grows when we innovate together.

Collective leadership means sharing responsibility, voice, and vision across many hands. 

The ripple effect is powerful—when members lean into their skills, relationships, and creativity, they help grantees stretch limited resources, weather challenges, and stay focused on mission. Over time, this builds stronger nonprofits, stronger partnerships, and stronger communities.

Resiliency is not simply about bouncing back. It is about thriving forward—with equity, sustainability, and connection at the center. Philanos Affiliates are showing that when we pool not just our dollars but also our voices, talents, and trust, we create a lasting force for community resilience.

PowerUP! Texas isn’t just another conference—it’s the spark that ignites collective giving, leadership growth, and meaningful connections. From February 8–10, 2026, Philanos Affiliates and Philanos Network Partners from across the country will gather in Austin to learn, share, and celebrate the power of women’s philanthropy. Here are the 5 Reasons you don’t want to miss it:

1. Big Ideas & Practical Strategies

Over three days, you’ll hear from nationally recognized speakers who bring bold ideas and proven approaches. Sessions will cover grantmaking, communications, membership engagement, advocacy, and leadership development. You’ll leave with fresh insights and tangible tools you can put to work in your circle right away.  

2. A Powerful Network of Peers

The conversations in hallways, over meals, and during breakout sessions are often the most transformative. PowerUP! Texas brings together passionate changemakers who have faced the same challenges you have. The result? A living network of mentors, allies, and collaborators who will inspire you long after the conference ends.  

3. Multiply Your Circle’s Impact

When more than just the “usual suspects” attend, your circle reaps greater rewards. Encourage board members, new and emerging leaders, and even emerging members to join. The diversity of perspectives and energy they bring back will strengthen your circle and multiply your investment.  

4. Belong to Something Bigger

Philanthropy is about more than giving—it’s about belonging. PowerUP! Texas is a celebration of our national movement: women sharing voices, resources, and leadership to transform communities. In Austin, you’ll feel that sense of belonging on a scale like never before. 

5. Experience Austin & Be Inspired

Beyond the sessions, Austin’s vibrant culture offers a backdrop of creativity, music, and energy that matches the spirit of our work. It’s the perfect setting to recharge, reconnect, and reimagine what’s possible for your giving circle.

PowerUP! Texas Details

Philanos Affiliates and Friends,

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we live and work - so how can it amplify the impact of your giving circle?

We’re excited to announce a featured Breakout Session at PowerUP! Texas:

The Future is Now: How AI Tools Can Amplify Your Giving Circle 
Monday, February 9 |  2:15 – 3:30 PM | Austin, Texas

Join us for a dynamic conversation with experts and Affiliate leaders who are already putting AI to work:

• Mike Mitchell, NonProphet Advisors – The Future Is Now: How AI Can Amplify Your Giving Circle
• Mary Kwak, Philanos and Many Hands – How Philanos is Thinking About AI
• Michelle Cottrell, Women’s Impact Fund – How AI Tools Are Being Utilized by Affiliates

“AI isn’t about replacing human wisdom - it’s about amplifying it. Giving circles already harness the power of collective insight; by blending that with AI, we can free up energy for what matters most: building community and scaling impact.” — Mike Mitchell, NonProphet Advisors

AI offers powerful opportunities for giving circles. Imagine:

• Automating administrative tasks like grant management, reporting, and communications.
• Analyzing funding patterns to identify and reduce bias.
• Facilitating deeper connections among members with shared interests.
• Providing real-time impact analysis to support more informed decisions.

Giving circles and the broader nonprofit sector recognize that AI’s potential benefits may have ethical, legal, and practical challenges. This panel will include discussion on how we can begin to use AI thoughtfully and responsibly.

Don’t miss this chance to explore both the big-picture potential of AI and the practical tools you can bring home to strengthen your circle. We want to “See You in Austin!” 

PowerUP! Texas: A Philanos National Conference

• Join us in Austin for three powerful days of connection, learning, and inspiration with over 400 collective giving leaders. 
• In addition to nationally recognized speakers, the conference will feature breakout sessions and affinity groups highlighting best practices from more than 50 Philanos Affiliates.

Registration & Cost

• Early Bird Registration opens September 1, 2025
• $650 for members of Philanos Affiliates

Watch your inbox for the registration link!

Location & Lodging

• All sessions will be held at the Hilton Austin Downtown
• A discounted room block is available for $279/night (plus tax)

Hotel booking link and instructions will be sent upon registration confirmation.

What’s Next?

• Stay tuned for additional speaker announcements and program highlights.
• Be ready to register early starting September 1 to secure your spot!