WGC Playing a Role in Supporting the National and Regional Philanthropic Sector

As we begin the new year, we are proud that the WGC continues to play a role in leading the national women’s collective giving movement and the growth of the philanthropic sector overall.

WGC Executive Director, Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, and our Immediate Past Chair, Barb Van Winkle currently serve on the Board of Philanos, the national women’s collective giving organization. Philanos’ mission is to support and strengthen women's collective giving organizations through education and collaboration designed to promote women's philanthropy and informed, impactful grant making in communities. Barb serves on the Executive Committee as the Treasurer and Buffy is the co-Chair of the Communications Committee. Philanos hosts monthly webinars and regular Affinity Group virtual meetings that all WGC donors are invited to attend! Learn more here.

In October 2024, WGC leaders worked on a national level to bring attention and resources to underserved communities through collective giving by participating in multiple convenings and educational experiences  with the Philanos Board of Directors in Mississippi and Alabama. This trip provided an unprecedented opportunity for the Philanos Board, and for Barb and Buffy to learn about the history and current conditions in the South, and how we can help elevate community-centric giving in the region, and they are brought this learning and knowledge to the WGC to inform our ongoing work.

​"We were proud to be among those working nationally to bring additional attention and resources to underserved communities" said Barb Van Winkle, Immediate Past WGC Chair. "We will continue to support this important work and bring what we learn to the Women's Giving Circle."

The WGC was honored to co-host the 2023 Philanos PowerUP! Baltimore National Conference, which brought together hundreds of leaders in the women's collective giving movement to learn, share, network, and connect together. Numerous WGC leaders played a role in the success of this conference, including serving as panelists and facilitators for the gathering. And, WGC's Malynda Madzel was awarded the prestigious national Willoughby Award at the conference for her efforts to change the status quo for philanthropy in our community. WGC will play a role in coordinating the upcoming 2026 Philanos PowerUP! Texas National Conference - mark your calendars!

Buffy also serves on the national Steering Committee for this year’s Philanthropy Together We Give Summit May 13-15, 2025. Philanthropy Together is a global initiative, co-created by hundreds of collective giving leaders, to scale and strengthen the growing movement. They are on a mission to diversify and democratize philanthropy. Buffy, Barb, and other WGC leaders have served on We Give Summit panels in the past, sharing about WGC's efforts, and learning from others.

Buffy currently serves on the September 2025 Maryland Philanthropy Network Annual Member Gathering planning committee. MPN's mission is to build and activate a diverse, informed, and effective network of philanthropists to inspire transformational impact throughout Maryland.

"We are honored to be learning, sharing, and connecting with other women's collective giving leaders across the country who are rolling up their sleeves and doing this important work" said WGC Executive Director Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz. "We are proud to be a part of Philanos, Philanthropy Together, and the Maryland Philanthropy Network and participating in important efforts while representing the WGC and we will continue to help do this work nationally, regionally, and here in our community."

We are proud that WGC leaders are playing a role in leading the growth of the national women's collective giving movement and the national and regional philanthropic sector overall, which ultimately supports and uplifts all we are collectively doing here in Howard County.

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