Susan Benford

About Susan Benford

Philanos (2020 to present): Chair (20••••23). Philanos is a network of women\'s collective giving groups or circles, a model of philanthropy in which individuals pool donations and collectively vote on which local non-profits receive funding. Cumulatively, Philanos has nearly 100 such giving circles consisting of over participants whose funding exceeds $232 million. The network is comprised of women and those who identify as women in the U. S. and Australia. As a provider of best practices in collective giving, Philanos fosters the growth of giving circles everywhere. Resilient Coders (2019 to present): Board member of this non-profit that enables social justice and economic empowerment by providing free software boot camp training for marginalized youth of color. Resilient Coders helps them find work and supports them as software engineers in Boston and Philadelphia, and provides stable, future-focused careers for those typically without college degrees. The Philanthropy Connection, Past President (20••••19) and current member. A Boston-based multi-generational women\'s collective giving group that has historically awarded grants to Greater Boston non-profits dedicated to improving the lives of under-resourced populations. Its mission has always included educating the next generation of women philanthropists.

Experience

1. Immediate Past Chair, Philanos

   Philanos

   Jul 2023 — Present

Education

• Colorado College

  B.A.

  1974 — 1978

• The University of Texas at Austin

  M.B.A.

  1982 — 1984