The Willoughby Award

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Nominations for The Willoughby Award

The Willoughby Award honors a visionary philanthropic leader who is using their collective giving experience in new and innovative ways to support their local communities, particularly for underserved or marginalized populations - a changemaker who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership through her work in the collective giving movement at the local or national level. All Philanos Affiliates are invited to nominate a member of their circle, including a member who has been previously nominated but not selected!

The award will be announced and presented annually in conjunction with International Women's Day celebrated on March 8.

“We were so proud to nominate Crickett Woloson, our 2025 Philanos Willoughby Award winner,” said Renee Gordon, Co-Chair of the Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle. “The nomination process offered a wonderful opportunity to reflect on Crickett’s extraordinary leadership and the impact she’s made through collaborative giving. We’re thrilled that she has received this well-deserved recognition for her vision and dedication to community.”

Who should be nominated?

Do you have a member who has been inspired by collective giving to go beyond the philanthropic efforts of your circle’s grantmaking?
Do you have a member who is a role model and mentor for others because of their philanthropic giving?
Do you have a member who has identified needs in their local community that need to be served in different ways?
Do you have a member who is inspiring more women to elevate, engage and amplify their philanthropic voices?

Who is eligible?

A member or staff member of a Philanos Affiliate who is in good standing.
An individual member of a Philanos Affiliate.
Anyone who was previously nominated but not selected may be renominated.
Current Philanos board members are not eligible.

Who may submit a nomination?

A Philanos Affiliate Executive Director, Board Chair or President.
A member who is self-nominating, identifies an endorser in their submission.

In honor of Colleen Willoughby, this award will be given to one woman in the Philanos Affiliate network who has taken her philanthropic experience beyond her circle affiliation. This is a member committed to leading women and challenging the status quo to meet the needs of nonprofits in their communities.

In the same way that Colleen Willoughby brought women into male-dominated philanthropy, Philanos is looking to recognize a woman who has done the same nearly three decades later: listening to and representing historically underrepresented populations.
Learn more about the history of the award and our past honorees here.
Submitting a nomination? Find details here! Nominations close February 1, 2026.

"Each of our Willoughby Award recipients exemplifies the ripple effect of women's collective giving" said Ann Marie McGee, Philanos Co-Chair. "Their leadership sows how one circle—and one woman's vision—can spark waves of change that extend far beyond their own communities, addressing needs that might otherwise go unmet."

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