New to Your Circles 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

Philanos by the Numbers — Impact in Action

As we begin 2026, we are thrilled to recognize our growing, global Philanos Affiliate Network of 110 women-led giving circles, each a women’s giving circle deeply rooted in its local community. Together, these Philanos Affiliates represent more than 22,000 members who are mobilizing collective philanthropy to drive meaningful change. Since their inception, Philanos Affiliates have awarded $271 million in grants to nonprofits serving communities across the United States and beyond—demonstrating the extraordinary power of women-led collective giving to create sustained, local impact at scale.

In 2025, the Philanos Network also expanded enterprise-wide through our Philanthropic Network Partners—engaging organizations that included the Arizona Community Foundation and the Idaho Community Foundation. These partners now represent 30 of Philanos’ 110 giving circles, bringing new perspectives, increased diversity, and expanded pathways to collective giving—while remaining firmly focused on strengthening the local communities each Philanos Affiliate serves.

“As our network grows, so does Philanos’ commitment to ensuring every Philanos Affiliate has access to useful resources, peer connection, and learning opportunities. In 2026, our robust schedule of Affinity Groups and Webinars will continue to support the leadership of our Affiliates to grow and connect their membership, run impactful grantmaking and education programs, and run more efficiently - all with the goal of amplifying the power of collective giving in local communities and increasing the number of philanthropists.” — Michelle Cottrell, Philanos Board Member and Co-Chair, Affiliate Engagement

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 series 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.

Impact100 Greater Milwaukee is an organization of women who collectively award transformative grants that make a lasting impact on the surrounding community. Founded in 2015 by Anne Trunzo, Mary Therese Breger, Cynthia Harris, Sue Connor, and Jamy Malatesta, it became the 28th Impact100 organization in the nation, following the model first established in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2001. Today, the organization consists of 350 members and has awarded over $3M in grants to 40 unique nonprofit organizations. Focusing on areas including arts & culture, education, environment & revitalization, health & wellness, and family, this giving circle plans to award up to $350,000 in grants in 2025.

 

In 2023, Impact100 Greater Milwaukee began their Young Philanthropist Program, aiming to introduce as many young women to their organization as possible, with the goal of showcasing the power of collective giving. In doing so, they wanted to expand the age range that contributed to large-scale charitable grantmaking within their organization. Thus, the program was opened to women under 40, allowing them a chance to get to know the organization without having to commit to a full membership. In the 2025–2026 year, the program will host 30 members, two away from their initial goal, with 10 of these members being renewed members from the year prior.  And with the increase in youth members each year, the organization hopes to strengthen its pipeline of future leaders, donors, and community advocates.

These Young Philanthropists partake in a special two year half-membership-model, donating $550 per year, half the cost of a normal membership. This discounted rate is supported by members who choose to invest in the next generation of women philanthropists, through restricted donations directly to the program. During this period, they are able to fully engage in and learn about the grantmaking process through committee participation, and voting. Thus, they are still full members and follow the organization's leading principle, “One Woman. One Vote.” Additionally, youth members are encouraged to take an active role with the grant review process, engaging with the local nonprofits through site visits, committee work, and Connect & Serve events. 

Through this process, youth members gain an understanding of how their grants, along with the power of collective giving, generate tangible and visible impact for the next generation. This opportunity also allows the youth members to grow as philanthropists, regardless of their age, and helps the organization further its mission of strengthening, uplifting, and enriching lives within their community. YP Ambassador Stacy Scheffer claims, “I often hear YP members say, ‘I didn’t know something like this was out there!’ Philanthropy is so often seen as something you do later in life, but it’s powerful to see young women realize that their voice… can make a real impact.”

During the 2025–2026 year, Impact100 Greater Milwaukee has implemented key improvements to grow and strengthen its YP Program, following the Philanos YP Cohort sessions. These include increasing YP leadership on the organization’s board, hosting more networking events, and appointing an official Young Philanthropist ambassador role within the organization.  This position is dedicated to planning YP events, directing communications, and encouraging membership renewals. As a result, membership has nearly doubled. However, the program still faces many challenges including, leadership recruitment timing and ensuring sustainable funding. Currently the difference in membership dues is provided by private donors or current members that sponsor young philanthropists. The group is working to address these barriers by increasing event offerings and program visibility.

The Young Philanthropists of Impact100 Greater Milwaukee 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. Additionally, to learn more about upcoming opportunities, including the October 30th Young Philanthropist Affinity Group virtual meeting, visit https://philanos.org/Young-Philanthropist. 

Looking Ahead in 2026: A Year of Connection, Learning, and Collective Impact

As we look to the year ahead, Philanos is energized by the growing momentum of the collective giving movement and the many ways we’ll continue to connect, support, and elevate our Affiliates and partners.

A major highlight on the horizon is our Philanos National Conference, February 8–10 in Austin, Texas. This gathering will bring together circle leaders from across the country for learning, inspiration, and connection - offering space to share ideas, explore emerging trends, and strengthen relationships that fuel our work year-round.

Beyond the conference, Philanos will continue to convene our community through nine active Affinity Groups and four webinars throughout the year, creating regular opportunities for peer learning, leadership development, and shared problem-solving. These spaces allow Affiliates to connect around specific roles, interests, and topics - deepening collaboration and strengthening the network.

We’ll also continue to grow and refresh the Philanos website and member portal, which serves as a hub for tools, resources, case studies, and practical guidance to support giving circles at every stage of development.

Strong, consistent communication remains central to our work. Affiliates are encouraged to share Philanos updates throughout their giving circles, including:

• Our website with curated resources and timely updates

• The monthly Philanos eNewsletter, featuring stories, insights, and opportunities

• The bi-weekly Philanos Events email, highlighting upcoming convenings and learning opportunities

• Our active and growing social media presence on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky, where we amplify the voices, impact, and leadership of the collective giving movement

Together, these touchpoints help keep our community informed, engaged, and connected.

The year ahead is full of opportunity - to learn from one another, to strengthen our circles, and to continue advancing a more inclusive, collaborative, and powerful philanthropic future. We’re grateful to be on this journey with you and look forward to all we’ll accomplish together.

Kyle Ruffin, past President of Impact100 South Jersey, received the first-ever Willoughby Award in 2021.

As a founding member and past-president of Impact100 South Jersey, Kyle led efforts to raise a collective contribution of $1.4 million to non-profits throughout the South Jersey community. She also led the initiative to implement the Community Heroes Grant, which has expanded the number of organizations supported annually and provided funding options for smaller organizations. It sprang from the desire to incorporate trust-based philanthropy into Impact100 South Jersey's mission to level the playing field for smaller, often minority-led organizations.

Being one of the founding members of Impact100 South Jersey, Kyle realized that the power of women's philanthropic efforts was a "best-kept secret." She realized that women-centric giving circles and women-focused organizations play an impactful role in their communities. Kyle figured if these programs were so successful, why not get everyone together to help further the efforts and get visibility by sharing the secrets and creating partnerships.

In addition to her work with Impact, Kyle participated in the Blacks In Philanthropy conference, where she served on the "Strengthening the Results of Black Philanthropists & Misconceptions of Giving in the Black Community: Where We Give & Why We Give" panel. In 2024, she served on the Conference's Steering Committee. The Conference is put on annually by the Smith Family Foundation in Trenton, NJ.To this day, Kyle sits on several community boards. In 2021, Kyle published her book "In's Stroke's Shadow: My Caregiver Story" and has been focused on offering resources that encourage self-care for family caregivers.

Ready to Make a Difference? We Need You!

Across the Philanos Affiliate Network, women are transforming their communities through the power of collective giving. Your local Circle is stronger and more successful because of YOU—your membership, your generosity, and your leadership. The same is true of Philanos.

Like your own circle, Philanos is powered by volunteers: board members and committee leaders who believe that when our network thrives, every affiliate is better equipped to create change at home. As we head into an exciting year for collective giving, we are inviting you to consider stepping into national leadership with Philanos.

Why Your Leadership Matters

When you lend your time and talent to Philanos, you:

• Strengthen your own affiliate. The skills, connections, and insight you gain at the national level come home with you to benefit your circle.

• Shape the future of women’s collective giving. Philanos volunteers help set strategy, design programs, and build partnerships that support affiliates across the country.

• Expand your network. Serving on the Board or a committee connects you with peers and leaders nationwide who are navigating the same opportunities and challenges.

• Amplify diverse voices. Philanos is at its best when our leadership reflects the full diversity of our affiliates—across geography, size, race, age, professional background, and experience.

If you are passionate about collaborative philanthropy and ready to grow as a leader, we hope you’ll consider applying.

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Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking women with experience, interest, or curiosity in one or more of these areas (you don’t need to check every box!):

• Finance – Reporting, budgeting, nonprofit tax, investments; experience with tools like QuickBooks Online is a plus.

• Technology – Data analysis, cybersecurity, web development, cloud tools; platforms such as Wild Apricot, Airtable, Softr, AI tools, and Google Analytics.

• Development – Storytelling, relationship building, sponsorships, and making the case for supporting women’s collective giving

• Communications - Writing, storytelling, website, social media, graphics, presentations, eNewsletter, managing digital assets; experience with apps such as Canva, Constant Contact, Mail Chimp, Wild Apricot, Google Analytics, Google Docs, website CMS platforms, Blog platforms
  

• Events – Organizing conferences or programs; vendor/venue management, budgeting, and creative problem-solving.

• Education – Content planning, curriculum design, and project management for learning programs.

• Affiliate Engagement – Building relationships with smaller and emerging affiliates, deepening relationships with longtime affiliates and helping us serve a more diverse membership.

• Governance – Board service, nonprofit law, or policy experience.

• Strategic Partnerships – Grant writing, reporting, and stewarding institutional funders.

Whether you are a seasoned leader or emerging voice, there is a place for you on our Board or one of our committees.

Ways to Serve: Board and Committees

You can apply to serve on the Philanos Board of Directors or on one of our committees. Committees are an excellent entry point if you’re newer to national Philanos work or prefer a focused role.

Board & Committee Applications 

• Board of Directors Application

• Governance Committee Application

• All Other Committee Applications

Application deadline: Monday, February 2, 2026

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What Our Committees Do

Philanos committees are where strategy becomes action. Here’s a snapshot of each one:

• Affiliate Engagement Committee
  Welcomes prospective and new member organizations, supports registration and orientation, and manages ongoing stewardship for current affiliates.

• Communications Committee
  Develops and implements communication and public relations strategies to share Philanos’ impact and support the mission of the network.

• Development Committee
  Builds external connections with the broader philanthropic community, including prospective funders and potential new affiliates.

• Education Committee
  Designs educational themes and content, weaving them through conferences, webinars, and customized programs.

• Finance Committee
  Reviews and oversees the creation of accurate, timely, and meaningful financial statements and reports for the Board.

• Strategic Partnership Committee
  Develops and manages strategic partnerships, monitors progress toward goals, measures impact, and reports to both the Philanos Board and funders on grant-related work.

• Technology Committee
  Ensures that Philanos’ technology platforms support our business objectives, affiliates, and strategic priorities, and that we maintain appropriate data security and privacy practices.

You can find more detail in our role descriptions:

• Philanos Board Officer, Leadership, and Committee Job Descriptions, here. 

Nominate a Fellow Leader

Do you know someone in your affiliate who would make a terrific Philanos leader?

If you wish to refer a candidate for the Board of Directors, Governance Committee, or any of our committees, please send her name, giving circle, phone number, and email address to Maureen Romito, Board Member and Governance Committee Chair. A member of our Nominating Committee will follow up personally with your referral.

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Have Questions or Want to Talk It Through?

We understand that stepping into a new leadership role is a thoughtful decision. If you’d like to talk with someone before applying, we’re happy to connect.

Please email your questions or a request for a conversation to Maureen Romito, Board Member and Governance Committee Chair.

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Thank you for all you already do—for your circle, for Philanos, and for the communities we serve together. We hope you’ll consider taking the next step in your leadership journey with us.

Impact100 South Jersey's Leadership Council member, Patty Legge, recently received The Mary Philbrook Award, presented annually by the Rutgers Law School - Camden (NJ) Women’s Law Caucus and the Association for Public Interest Law, for her work as Executive Director of the Volunteer UP Legal Clinic.  The award recognizes alums who exemplify a lifelong commitment to social justice and public service.

Since launching the clinic in her kitchen in 2018, Patty has made extraordinary strides toward expanding access to justice in South Jersey. "We congratulate Patty on this well-deserved recognition and thank Rutgers Law for honoring her outstanding leadership, service, and unwavering advocacy for justice," said Kate Williamson, President, Impact100 South Jersey.

Patty has transformed a grassroots idea into a thriving nonprofit with five staff members, over 200 volunteer attorneys, and a half-million-dollar budget—all dedicated to providing high-quality, pro bono legal services across South Jersey. “Access to justice should not depend on your income, your background, or your past,” Patty shared, reflecting her belief that every person deserves fair and compassionate legal representation.

Before joining Volunteer UP, she served as a career law clerk for the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, dedicating over 22 years to federal service. Alongside her legal career, Patty taught law for 15 years, primarily as an adjunct professor at her alma mater, Rutgers Camden Law, and as a founding faculty member at Drexel University’s Thomas R. Kline School of Law.

Congratulations, Patty, on this well-deserved recognition for your leadership, compassion, and lifelong dedication to public service!

Philanos is excited to announce the Opportunity Advocate Cohort for PowerUP! Texas, our 2026 National Conference taking place February 8–10 in Austin.

The Philanos PowerUP! Texas Opportunity Advocate program was created to encourage individuals with a wide range of experiences and perspectives to participate in philanthropy at the national level — and to share their voices.

Opportunity Advocates were selected from Philanos Affiliate members who are:

• Passionate about creating opportunities for all to thrive and succeed
  

• Proximate to the communities served by their circles’ grant funding
  

• Ready to share their insights and strengthen collective giving through connection and collaboration

The goal of the program is to make it possible for these leaders to attend, learn, develop relationships, and bring their new knowledge back to their circles and communities.

Congratulations to our 2026 Opportunity Advocates:

Alissa Mahadeo, 100 Women Strong at Central Florida Foundation

Amanda Klein, The Philanthropy Connection

Ami Kane, Impact Austin

Andi Saylor, Impact 100 Cincinnati

Camisha Lashbrook, The Women's Foundation of Colorado

Carola Sanchez, Los Angeles Latino Giving Circle

Elizabeth (Beth) Owens, Women Inspiring Philanthropy

Jerrica Deloney Witte, Impact Austin

Leticia de la Vara, Arizona Community Foundation

Maia Jujnovsky, Philanthropy Together

Mary Zhu, Develop for Good

Stephanie Zadora, Native Ways Federation

Tiarra Owens, Impact 100 Cincinnati

Van Pham, ninety-nine girlfriends

Selection criteria considered the following:

• Active, engaged member of a Philanos Affiliate or Partner Network
  

• Demonstrated interest in learning and sharing from the full conference experience
  

• Interest in serving in a leadership role now or in the future
  

• Awareness of challenges faced by nonprofits and communities in need
  

• Ability to establish or deepen relationships with communities served by collective giving

We are proud to celebrate this remarkable group of women who embody the values of inclusion, leadership, and shared learning that define the Philanos Network.

Join us in Austin!

Meet the PowerUP! Texas Opportunity Advocate Cohort and be inspired by hundreds of women changemakers at PowerUP! Texas, February 8–10.

Register Now - Early-bird registration ends November 15!

We want to See You in Austin!