It’s Sunday morning, and the last hymn is fading.

People begin to file out of the pews, but a few women linger.

One carefully slides an envelope into an offertory basket to support a Catholic ministry visiting her parish. Another is straightening the kneelers and stacking the missals. Someone else is talking to the parish coordinator about the food pantry. What is needed? How many families can we serve this week?

No one is considering this philanthropy. It’s just what they do because they love the Church.

From the very beginning, women have loved the Church this way. They were the ones who remained at the foot of the cross. They were the ones who rose before dawn and walked to the empty tomb.  

Generosity is how many women live the Gospel.

For centuries, that quiet faithfulness has helped to build the Church from the ground up. Saint Katharine Drexel gave her fortune to create schools and missions for communities that others ignored. Saint Jeanne Jugan carried an elderly woman who had nowhere to go into her own home and went on to dedicate her life to helping the neediest of the elderly. And Saint Teresa of Calcutta walked the streets serving the poorest of the poor and reminded us “that prayer in action is love, love in action is service.”

Their lives were not grand gestures. They were daily yeses to God.  

We may be living in a different era, and our circumstances may be different, but many women of today also see a need and say yes.  

Yes, to supporting her parish.  

Yes, to helping a ministry stay afloat.

Yes, to stepping in when something needs to be done.  

This is philanthropy.  

And when generosity finds community, it multiplies, and its impact stretches far beyond its first offering.

At The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia, Women in Philanthropy is where that quiet, faithful generosity becomes a shared mission. Rooted in three pillars – building community, celebrating service, and amplifying impact – it brings women together not to create generosity, but to strengthen it, direct it, and multiply its reach for the good of the Church.

Last fall, we hosted a Networking Forum for women to create a space for authentic conversation, fellowship, and learning. Some work in Catholic philanthropy; some volunteer; and some are exploring how their gifts might serve the Church in new ways. Each came with a desire to deepen her impact.

That shared mission will be visible once again on March 26 at our Women in Philanthropy Award Luncheon when we celebrate women in philanthropy; those who give their time, talent, and treasure to build the kingdom of Heaven here on Earth.

This year’s event will be held at the Inn at Villanova. During the Luncheon we will present Martha Ortiz with the Love in Action Award. Inspired by the witness of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, this award recognizes a Catholic female philanthropist whose life reflects the beautiful harmony of faith and service. We are honored to celebrate Martha’s leadership, generosity, and witness to the Gospel. Martha has made a lasting difference in her community through her love of the Faith and her steadfast commitment to serving others.  

Other notable recognitions will be announced during the luncheon, including the 2026 Women in Philanthropy grant recipient.  

Thanks to the support of our Title Sponsors, The Clark Family, The James and Agnes Kim Family, and The McCloskey Financial Group, we are able to offer this event free of charge.  

For women passionate about sharing their God-given gifts in service to the Church and want to make a lasting impact, Women in Philanthropy membership connects you to a vibrant, faith-filled community. Members play an active role in choosing the Women in Philanthropy grant recipient and nominating women for the Love in Action Award.  

Membership is truly an invitation to step more fully into the yes women have been saying for centuries.  

If you are unsure this community is right for you, please join us for the Award Luncheon to witness the impact of Women in Philanthropy and meet this year’s grantee.  

The hymn may fade away Sunday morning, but the work of love continues.

Emily Gambino
Chief Partner Development Officer
The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia

‍

Register today for the Women in Philanthropy Award Luncheon.