Women’s Philanthropy Board introduces auxiliary group for men

The Women’s Philanthropy Board in the College of Human Sciences at Auburn University has launched a men’s auxiliary group, giving men an opportunity to show their support for the women in their lives.

Known as The Phils, these men believe in the importance of “PHILanthropy” and financial sustainability; and support the work of the Women’s Philanthropy Board: striving to educate and enable individuals to become financially sustainable and philanthropically engaged.

The Phils are husbands, fathers, brothers, sons and friends who are dedicated to investing in the women in their lives to become educated and enabled in financial and philanthropic matters. The men represent a variety of backgrounds and experiences in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

Mike Reynolds, Auburn’s director of Student Financial Services and a founding member of The Phils, said joining the auxiliary was a logical step for him.

“It’s important for me to support the Women’s Philanthropy Board because both of my daughters have had the opportunity to be mentees and attend its educational programs,” he said. “I have seen the impact it has made on Auburn students and the community through its outreach efforts. I am thrilled that my daughters have had the opportunity to hear from influential financial and philanthropic speakers. I know that they are better prepared to transition from their lives as students to young professionals and philanthropists because of the Women’s Philanthropy Board.”

In 2002, June Henton, dean of the College of Human Sciences, and a core group of women started the Women’s Philanthropy Board to address the important issue of educating women about personal financial sustainability and legacy building through philanthropic engagement. The board’s mission is to inspire, educate and enable women to develop their full leadership potential; achieve independence as financial decision makers and donors; serve as mentors for future generations of philanthropists; and assist in broadening the base of financial support for the college.

The Women’s Philanthropy Board currently boasts more than 150 individual members, 10 corporate partners and five business partners, who provide funding to support educational events, mentoring programs and philanthropic initiatives.

Henton said the establishment of The Phils is an ideal way to involve men who are leading the way in the next evolution of committed philanthropists.

“These men are stepping up in a way that is unique in the advancement of women’s financial and philanthropic issues,” she said.

Phils pledge a gift of $1,000 per year for a five year period. Men under the age of 30 pledge a gift of $500 per year for a five year period and are considered a “Phil Jr.” Gifts to Women’s Philanthropy Board are made through the Auburn University Foundation and are tax deductible.

For more information about The Phils and Women’s Philanthropy Board, including how to get involved, contact the WPB office at (334) 844-9156 or wpbchs1@auburn.edu.