Our Model
Three years of unrestricted support
Emberline invites women whose work sustains cultural and civic life into a small collective and gives each member direct, unrestricted capital for three years. Members decide how the funds serves their lives and practices.
Pilot Launch Year 1
with 4 Awardees in year-one with
each onboarded, advised and supported with a light reporting requirement.
$ 395,108
40% funds direct to awardee
60% operational expenses
Pilot Year 2
The four founding awardees continue and, as capacity allows, two new awardees join, bringing the collective to six.
$720,806
64% funds direct to awardees
36% Operational expenses
Pilot Year 3
The collective reaches eight awardees, a steward-in-training begins, and the founding four complete their three-year term
$959,000 (annual operating)
68% funds direct to awardees
32% operational expenses
Stewardship & Advisory Board
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Founding Steward directs fund strategy, facilitates the cohort experience, manages budget and vendors, and maintains relational accountability across the collective.
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Five-Member Advisory Board is an independent body of community and cultural leaders that confirms incoming awardee cohorts and conducts annual operational reviews of the fund and steward.
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Relational Accountability: Decision-making centers community trust and direct lived experience rather than bureaucratic gatekeeping.
Fiduciary Sponsorship: Phīla Venture Fund
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Emberline operates under the fiscal sponsorship of Phīla Venture Fund, a Washington 501(c)(3) public charity.
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Phīla Venture Fund receives and acknowledges all tax-deductible contributions.
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Phīla manages distribution funds and issues formal tax reporting.
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Oversight Rhythm: Leadership convenes quarterly to review allocations, compliance, and budget tracking.
Support the Emberline Collective Fund
Every gift to Emberline moves directly toward multi-year, unrestricted awards for cultural stewards and the infrastructure that sustains them. Support at any level helps build the fund's founding years, and you can stay connected through quarterly updates and an annual report.
FAQ
Can I direct my gift to a specific person? No. Gifts support the fund as a whole. Awards are made through Emberline's selection process, and contributions cannot be designated for an individual.
Who receives and processes my gift? Emberline Collective Fund is fiscally sponsored by Phīla Venture Fund, a Washington nonprofit and 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All gifts are made payable to Phīla Venture Fund for the benefit of Emberline, and Phīla Venture Fund sends each donor an acknowledgment letter for their records. Please consult your tax advisor about the deductibility of your contribution.
How do I give by check? Make your check payable to Phīla Venture Fund and write "Emberline Collective Fund" in the memo line. Mail to [Phīla Venture Fund mailing address]
How will I know how my gift is used? Donors receive quarterly updates and an annual report on awards made, the fund's progress, and the work awardees choose to share.
How are awardees selected? Awardees are identified by the Emberline Advisory Board and Founding Steward, who prepare a blind proposal for each nominee. That proposal is reviewed and approved by the Advisory Board together with three national and international advisors. Nominees are then informed of the award privately. Emberline does not accept applications.
Can I nominate someone I know? We're always glad to hear about people doing meaningful work in their communities. Nominations come from within Emberline's selection process, which keeps every award independent of donor and other relationships, and protects each nominee's privacy. You're welcome to share what inspires you at info@emberlinecollective.org.
Can I nominate someone I know? We're always glad to hear about people doing meaningful work in their communities. Nominations come from within Emberline's selection process, which keeps every award independent of donor and other relationships, and protects each nominee's privacy. You're welcome to share what inspires you at info@emberlinecollective.org.
Who receives and processes my gift? Emberline Collective Fund is fiscally sponsored by Phīla Venture Fund, a Washington nonprofit and 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All gifts are made payable to Phīla Venture Fund for the benefit of Emberline, and Phīla Venture Fund sends each donor an acknowledgment letter for their records. Please consult your tax advisor about the deductibility of your contribution.
Can I give monthly or make a multi-year pledge? Yes. Monthly giving is available through the donate button. For a multi-year pledge, write to info@emberlinecollective.org and we'll arrange a schedule with you.
Can I give through a donor-advised fund? Yes. Recommend your grant to Phīla Venture Fund with "Emberline Collective Fund" noted as the purpose.
I'm interested in a larger gift. Who should I talk to? Leilani Lewis Jupiter, Founding Steward, at [email].