Women in Philanthropy is calling in the Valley women who want their calendar to come with a little more purpose. The Phoenix-based 501(c)(4) fundraising organization, dedicated to supporting local children’s charities, has opened applications for its 2026 new member class. Prospective members can apply online at womeninphilanthropyaz.org through 11:59 p.m. on June 21.
Founded to bring women across the Valley together around giving back, Women in Philanthropy is built on a simple but powerful idea: when women pool their time, talent and resources, the impact can get very real, very fast.
The 2026 application marks the organization’s next chapter of growth as it expands its membership and deepens its work with Phoenix-area children’s charities.
“Women in Philanthropy was built on the belief that when women come together with a shared purpose, extraordinary things happen for the children in our community,” Maddie Craigen, President and Co-Founder of Women in Philanthropy, says. “Opening applications is an invitation to every woman in the Valley who has ever wanted to do more, give more, and connect more deeply with her city. We can’t wait to meet the next group of members who will help shape what this organization becomes.”
Membership is both a commitment and a community. Each member pledges to raise $5,000 annually in support of Phoenix-area children’s charities and contribute 25 volunteer hours throughout the year. Those hours may take place at signature fundraising events, in service of beneficiary partners or alongside fellow members in the community.
That structure is part of what gives the organization its muscle. Every member is expected to show up with intention, making the model less about passive support and more about hands-on involvement.
The application itself is designed to be approachable and personal. Prospective members share a brief overview of their philanthropic and volunteer experience, what draws them to WIP’s mission of supporting children’s charities and a short video introducing themselves to the membership committee.
The video portion gives applicants room to tell their story in their own voice, beyond what a written form can capture. Submissions will be reviewed by the WIP membership committee, with selected candidates notified after the application window closes.
“There is an inherent need for connection in our community, and we’re excited to be able to provide a space where women can come together, collaborate, and connect with each other and the children in need in Phoenix,” Madelyn Lydon, Vice President and Co-Founder of Women in Philanthropy, says. “We’re so grateful to have strong partnerships with organizations like Aspiring Youth Academy and Amanda Hope. Volunteering with children helps to keep life in perspective. I always leave a volunteering event feeling better than I did when I arrived.”
Insider Takeaways
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Women in Philanthropy has opened applications for its 2026 new member class. Applications are available at womeninphilanthropyaz.org through 11:59 p.m. on June 21. Each member pledges to raise $5,000 annually for Phoenix-area children’s charities. Members also contribute 25 volunteer hours throughout the year.
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The application includes philanthropic and volunteer experience, a mission-focused response and a short video submission.
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WIP’s community partners include organizations such as Aspiring Youth Academy and Amanda Hope.
To learn more, visit womeninphilanthropyaz.org.
