We are delighted that you want to be part of The Philanthropy Connection, a group of 250+ dynamic, generous women committed to philanthropy in Boston. There are many member benefits and ways to connect with our vibrant, multi-generational community.
Give. Membership is designed to be accessible to all—choose the annual contribution level that works best for you.
Every contribution sustains our organization and empowers collective giving. All members, regardless of giving level, have an equal voice and vote in TPC’s funding decisions. Members can join grant teams to review applications, conduct site visits, and help select which nonprofits we support. The quantity and value of grants awarded depend on the total contributions received from our membership—so as more members join, our collective resources and potential for impact grow.
Receive. TPC connects passionate, like-minded women philanthropists with our grantees. Members build relationships with nonprofits doing essential work in our community. Beyond our collective grants, many members provide additional support: in a recent survey, 35% contributed time or resources directly to grantees as Board members, volunteers, donors, or pro bono advisors—amplifying our impact far beyond dollars alone.
Learn. TPC offers rich opportunities for members to deepen their understanding of effective philanthropy. Through workshops, grant review teams, and educational events, members strengthen skills such as nonprofit financial analysis, organizational assessments, and site visit techniques. Our Philanthropy Dialogues bring together members and grantees for small-group discussions on pressing issues. Volunteer Days offer direct engagement, while each member can shape their own level of involvement.
From the moment you join The Philanthropy Connection, you are welcome to participate in all events and join a committee.
These recurring small group discussions feature current TPC grantees and other content experts, exploring how nonprofits are tackling pressing needs in the Greater Boston area. Past Dialogues have covered:
Throughout the year, members are invited to additional educational and social programs that provide opportunities to connect with one another in small groups. Recent events include:
Members are welcome to join committees such as Grants; Education; Member Engagement; Marketing & Communications; Development; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and the Young Philanthropist Initiative. Contact us at connect@thephilanthropyconnection.org for more details.
Membership lasts for exactly 12 months from the date you join, giving you a full year of benefits and engagement—no matter when you sign up.
Member investments collected during each calendar year fund the grants awarded in the following year.
Your membership lasts for 12 months from the date you join.
With few exceptions, TPC’s educational programming is open to those interested in learning more about TPC and Boston’s nonprofit landscape. We do not charge for any of our programs.
In our commitment to foster the next generation of young women philanthropists (YPs), we offer access to all TPC programs for women between the ages of 18 and 35. In addition, YPs are encouraged to join committees where they can learn with and from more experienced members, and to attend events specifically designed for them.
Yes. The Philanthropy Connection is a non-profit organization exempt from federal taxes under IRS Code Section 501(c)3. Contributions are fully tax deductible.
TPC members collectively fund our grants, and every member has an equal voice. Grant teams—open to all members—review and narrow down nonprofit applicants. The full membership then votes, with each member having one vote, to decide which finalist organizations receive funding each year. The size of our grant pool depends on the number of members and their contributions. Our grants eligibility criteria and process are spelled out in the New Member Packet.
As much as you would like! The only requirement is to make a minimal membership investment of $300. We hope that all members will participate in voting for our grantees and attend the Grant Awards & All Member Meeting when new grantees are revealed. The level of a member’s participation is their choice alone: women may serve on committees, volunteer with grantees, or simply vote each year knowing that each carefully vetted ballot finalist is a worthy investment.
The grant amounts we award each May/June are determined by the number of members and amount of dues we receive as of the previous December 31st.
No, though our volunteer days and in person events are held in the Boston area. If you want to participate on a Grant Review Team, we have both in-person and virtual options.
Yes, you can support our work by donating any amount you choose to help offset expenses for our administrative support and member programs and events. Non-member donors do not serve on committees, nor do they vote.
If you are interested in becoming a member but are unable to invest $300 or more, please contact connect@thephilanthropyconnection.org to learn about receiving a sponsorship.
Yes, while this is a women’s collective giving organization, men can support our work by making a donation, encouraging the women in their lives to join, or giving the gift of membership.
All membership levels have the same benefits and voting rights. We invite members to give at the level that feels right—the more we give together, the greater our collective impact.
Members joining at the Partner ($600) or Friend ($300) level have the option to pay on a quarterly basis.
TPC members represent diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. We recognize that one’s age or current income level does not fully represent one’s ability to invest in a specific membership level. Wealth in Boston is highly stratified, with Black, Latinx, and women-led households the least likely to have accrued savings or real estate. TPC is committed to dismantling systemic inequities while working to cultivate a membership that is bound by its commitment to Greater Boston.
Yes. If you would like further information on using stock to cover membership fees or a donation for TPC’s programming and operations, please send an email request to connect@thephilanthropyconnection.org.
Yes. Voting is done before the meeting via email.
Yes, we allow members to use matching funds from their employer’s matching program to help cover their membership contribution. For more information on how to use this type of payment, please contact connect@thephilanthropyconnection.org. Learn more about corporations that offer matching gifts.
We are deeply committed to selecting our grant recipients through a transparent, honest, and fair process. To ensure this occurs, we have a clear policy regarding conflict of interest, which every member is required to read, sign, and agree to uphold. This policy requires all members, Grant Review Team members, and our Board of Directors to disclose any and all relationships they may have with a grant applicant or potential applicant. We require anyone that has a potential conflict of interest to recuse themselves from all discussions and votes that involve the organization with which they have a relationship.
TPC offers several convenient ways to join:
You may make your tax-deductible donation in full annually, or—at the $300 and $600 levels—choose to spread payments over 12 months or four quarterly installments.
Join and pay online via this link.
To pay by check, please mail payment to: The Philanthropy Connection, 1770 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 222, Cambridge, MA 02140.
If you are interested in donating stock or using your company’s matching funds program to cover membership, please send a request to connect@thephilanthropyconnection.org and you will be contacted with specific instructions.
You can use the form below to pay using a Donor Advised Fund
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Questions? Email connect@thephilanthropyconnection.org or call 617-544-7812.
