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 excited to nominate Malynda Madzel, our 2023 Philanos Willoughby Award winner" said Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz of the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County. "The nomination questions were straight-forward and the process of answering them resulted in a meaningful journey through Malynda's leadership and the growth of our circle - we couldn't be happier that she was awarded this well-deserved honor."

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.

"This award recognizes a changemaker who has used their collective giving experience to make an impact outside of her circle, addressing needs that may not have otherwise been addressed through philanthropic collaboration in her community" said Sandy Cook, Philanos Co-Chair. "We are proud to honor these incredible leaders in the women's collective giving movement."

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