WGC Engages Nationally on the Future of Collective Giving

The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County (WGC) was proud to participate in the recent Philanos PowerUP! Texas National Conference in Austin - a national gathering of collective giving leaders and philanthropic innovators from across the country.

WGC was represented by Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz and Barb Van Winkle, both members of the Philanos Board of Directors and long-time leaders of the Women’s Giving Circle, including serving as Chair. Both have also served on the Board of Trustees of the Community Foundation of Howard County, reflecting the depth, continuity, and strength of philanthropic leadership rooted in Howard County.

Buffy also served as a panelist during the conference, leading a discussion on strategic communications in challenging times and the importance of clarity, courage, and consistency in philanthropic leadership.

“When community foundations and giving circles work together, philanthropy becomes more inclusive, more collaborative, and more responsive to local needs,” said Buffy. “These national conversations help us bring stronger ideas and deeper partnerships back to Howard County.”

A highlight of the gathering was the Lunch Plenary, Community Foundations and Giving Circles: Imagine the Impact!, which explored the evolving role of community foundations in supporting, incubating, and partnering with giving circles. As a fund of the Community Foundation of Howard County, WGC benefits from this powerful intersection of community foundation leadership and collective giving - strengthening both local philanthropy and national collaboration.

The conference also provided valuable opportunities to connect with giving circle leaders and community foundation peers from across the country. These relationships expand WGC’s thinking, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that Howard County remains at the forefront of the collective giving movement.

“Community foundations are uniquely positioned to strengthen collective giving in their regions,” said Melissa Curtin, President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County. “By partnering with giving circles and engaging donors in new ways, we expand who participates in philanthropy and how impact is achieved.”
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Collective giving continues to move millions of dollars into communities nationwide - broadening participation in philanthropy and expanding leadership and access. The Women’s Giving Circle remains committed to harnessing that collective power to strengthen opportunities for women and girls and to deepen philanthropic impact here at home.