Speaker Highlights: Meeting the Moment at PowerUP! Texas

PowerUP! Texas, the 2026 Philanos National Conference, brings us together in Austin to celebrate — with courage, creativity, and conviction. Our keynote and plenary speakers embody that spirit, translating values into action and inspiring us to lead with purpose.

Keynote: Diane Yentel

Diane Yentel, President and CEO, National Council of Nonprofits, is a nationally renowned nonprofit leader with over 30 years of experience. Prior to joining NCN, she led the National Low Income Housing Coalition as President and CEO for nine years, guiding the organization through exponential growth and financial stability while championing bold, visionary campaigns to historic success. Her earlier roles include senior leadership positions at Enterprise Community Partners, HUD, Oxfam America, and the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, as well as Peace Corps service in Zambia.

Monday Breakfast Plenary: “Meeting the Moment—Resilience to Resistance”

Julián Castro, CEO of the Latino Community Foundation and former U.S. Secretary of HUD, joins Sara Lomelin, Founding CEO of Philanthropy Together, to explore how giving circles sustain communities and challenge inequities—transforming resilience into purposeful resistance.

Featured Voices Powering Collective Impact

We’ll also hear from Mike Nellis, President & CEO of the Austin Community Foundation; Michelle Gayles, Chief Impact Officer of the Arizona Community Foundation; Lynne Twist, Founder of The Soul of Money Institute; and Kasandra Vitacca Mitchell, the author of “The Happiness Formula”, entrepreneur, and ordained chaplain whose work bridges leadership, happiness, and service. 

Join us in Austin February 8-10, 2026 and we’ll power up together with these leaders to inspire us.  PowerUP! Texas—where ideas meet action to power lasting change. 

Early bird registration rate ends November 15. Register today.

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

Brave, Bold, Collaborative Leadership for Today’s Nonprofit World

In times of great challenge, the most powerful leadership doesn’t come from one voice at the top — it rises from many voices working together.

Across the nonprofit and philanthropic landscape, we’re seeing a call for brave, bold, and collaborative leadership — the kind that asks not, “What can I do alone?” but rather, “What can we achieve together if we lead with courage and trust?”

Brave Leadership

To lead bravely today means standing firm in values, even when the path forward isn’t clear. Brave leaders speak truth to power, center equity in every decision, and hold steady when their choices disrupt the status quo.

As Diane Yentel, President & CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits and the PowerUP! Texas opening keynote speaker, reminds us, "Courageous nonprofit leadership is about showing up when it's uncomfortable - when it matters most. At this moment, our voices are more important than ever, and we all share a responsibility to tell the story of nonprofits serving families and neighbors in communities across the country." 

Bravery in the nonprofit sector has many looks. Nonprofit boards addressing systemic inequities within their own structures. Funders acknowledging when their models need to evolve. Communities working together to collaboratively create real and sustainable partnerships. Leaders humbly listening - deeply.

Bold Leadership

Boldness is about action and imagination. The problems we face — housing insecurity, climate justice, racial and gender inequity — are too complex for incremental change. Nonprofit leaders who boldly push beyond fear of failure to test new models and pilot fresh approaches are the catalysts driving meaningful, scalable change in their communities.

At Philanos, we see boldness every day in our Philanos Affiliates — women pooling resources to fund community change, launching new circles in underrepresented regions, and re-imagining philanthropy as something everyone can participate in. Bold leadership asks us to move from thinking “we can’t” to “we must.”

That same spirit is at the heart of Tracey Greene-Washington’s work with coThinkk, a collaborative giving and systems-change model rooted in racial equity and shared power. As a Tuesday-morning breakout speaker at PowerUP! Texas, Tracey will share what it means to lead collectively, disrupt inequitable systems, and build trust at every level. Her work reminds us that bold leadership requires both conviction and curiosity — the courage to act and the humility to learn and dream big.

Collaborative Leadership

If bravery grounds us and boldness propels us, collaboration sustains us. Collaboration is the heartbeat of today’s philanthropic world. It is where learning, experimentation, and shared power take root.

Collaborative leaders understand that the best ideas often come in unexpected moments, emerging when lived experience meets shared purpose. True collaboration means shifting from command to connection — from being experts to being partners in change.

The Call Ahead

Nonprofit leadership in 2025 demands all three: the bravery to speak truth, the boldness to act decisively, and the collaboration to lead collectively. Together, these qualities build trust, foster innovation, and create the conditions for lasting impact.

At Philanos, we’re celebrating this kind of leadership every day — through our Philanos Affiliates, our board members, and the countless women leading nonprofits with courage in their communities. As we gather in Austin for PowerUP! Texas, we’ll hear from leaders like Diane Yentel and Tracey Greene-Washington, and we’ll amplify the many voices shaping the future of philanthropy.

Because the future of our sector won’t be led by the loudest or the largest — it will be built by those brave enough to lead together.

Open Call: Philanos Board & Committee Volunteers

Ready to lead at a national level? Philanos is seeking volunteer leaders for the Board of Directors and multiple committees. Volunteering with Philanos offers meaningful networking, a chance to apply your leadership at scale, and a direct impact on collective giving nationwide. When Philanos succeeds, Philanos Affiliates thrive.

Skills we need:

• Finance: reporting, budgeting, nonprofit tax, investments; QuickBooks Online
  

• Technology: data analysis, cybersecurity, web development, cloud; Wild Apricot, Airtable, Softr, AI, Google Analytics
  

• Development: storytelling, relationship building, sponsorships, persuasion
  

• Events: organization, vendor/venue management, budgeting, problem-solving
  

Committees: Affiliate Engagement, Communications, Development, Education, Finance, Strategic Partnership, Technology.

All applications due Monday, February 2, 2026:

• Board of Directors Application 
  

• Governance Committee Application
  

• Committee Applications (non-governance) 
  

Learn more: Philanos Board Officer, Leadership, and Committee Job Descriptions, here. 

Refer a candidate: Send name, Affiliate, phone, and email to Maureen Romito, Governance Committee Chair.  A Governance Committee member will follow up.

Questions? Email Maureen Romito, Governance Committee Chair.

Join the virtual team at Philanos—lend your voice, your skills, and your leadership to advance women’s collective giving.

Nominations Now Open for the 2026 Willoughby Award

The Willoughby Award honors a visionary philanthropic leader who uses her collective giving experience in new and innovative ways to strengthen local communities—particularly those that serve underserved or marginalized populations. This changemaker demonstrates extraordinary leadership through her work in the collective giving movement at the local or national level.

Each year, the Willoughby Award is announced and presented in conjunction with International Women’s Day on March 8, celebrating women whose philanthropy creates lasting impact.

“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 know a member of your giving circle who:

• Has been inspired by collective giving to go beyond the philanthropic efforts of your circle’s grantmaking?
  

• Is a role model or mentor for others because of her philanthropic giving?
  

• Has identified new ways to meet community needs?
  

• Is inspiring more women to elevate, engage, and amplify their philanthropic voices?

Eligibility

Nominees may include:

• Members or staff of a Philanos Affiliate in good standing.
  

• Individual members of a Philanos Affiliate.
  

• Anyone previously nominated but not selected.
  (Current Philanos Board members are not eligible.)

Who May Submit a Nomination?

Nominations may be submitted by:

• A Philanos Affiliate Executive Director, Board Chair, or President, or
  

• A self-nominating member who identifies an endorser in their submission.
  

Honoring a Legacy of Leadership

In honor of Colleen Willoughby, this award recognizes one woman in the Philanos network who has taken her philanthropic experience beyond her circle—leading with purpose, challenging the status quo, and representing historically underrepresented populations.

“Each of our Willoughby Award recipients exemplifies the ripple effect of women’s collective giving,” said Ann Marie McGee, Philanos Co-Chair. “Their leadership shows how one circle—and one woman’s vision—can spark waves of change that extend far beyond their own communities.”

Learn more about the history of the Willoughby Award and past honorees here.

Nominations close February 1, 2026.

Submit your nomination here!

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.