Victoria M. Philips is a visionary nonprofit strategist and philanthropic leader whose work sits at the intersection of generosity, technology, and global impact. With more than 18 years of experience advancing social good, she has built a distinguished career supporting grassroots leaders, designing tech-enabled platforms, and shaping the future of giving across Africa and beyond. As Founder and CEO of Give to Africa, a registered 501(c)(3) organisation based in California, she is bridging the gap between global donors and Africa’s most promising community-based organisations. She is also, founder and President of Philips Nonprofit Consulting and equally committed to education and talent development. In this interview, she speaks on her passion unleashing a new era of digital philanthropy rooted in equity, innovation, and love for the African continent.

What inspired you to go into philanthropy?
My journey into philanthropy was deeply personal. Growing up in Nigeria and later working across underserved communities, I witnessed firsthand the resilience of local changemakers—and the painful gap between their potential and the resources available to them. I knew I couldn’t just watch from the sidelines. Philanthropy, to me, is about restoring dignity, empowering local solutions, and creating systems that center people over pity. It’s not just giving – it’s about changing the way the world gives.

How is your organisation, Give to Africa, shaping the future of giving across Africa and beyond?
Give to Africa is reimagining philanthropy by shifting power to local leaders and making generosity borderless. We connect donors worldwide to vetted grassroots organisations across Africa, ensuring that support goes where it’s most needed – and where it can be most transformative. By combining trust, transparency, and technology, we’re building a giving ecosystem where African-led solutions are not the exception, but the standard.

⁠Talk to us about the innovative AI-powered giving platform developed by Give to Africa.
Our platform is one of the first AI-driven giving platforms designed specifically for African NGOs. It’s more than just a donation tool—it’s a movement builder. The platform uses intelligent matching to connect donors to causes aligned with their values. It also helps nonprofits with storytelling, donor engagement, and performance analytics—empowering even the smallest organisation to scale their impact. This is philanthropy with precision and heart.

There are many players in the philanthropy space. What would you say stands out about Give to Africa?
What sets Give to Africa apart is our commitment to African-led development. We don’t just fund projects, we build ecosystems. We offer fiscal sponsorship, grassroots campaign tools, diaspora engagement, and capacity-building support. And most importantly, we listen. Our approach is rooted in proximity, powered by data, and grounded in trust. We’re not just a platform; we’re a movement of changemakers.

⁠You are also the founder of Philips Nonprofit Consulting. How are you using this initiative to give more small and midsized nonprofits access to bigger funding?
Philips Nonprofit Consulting is about democratizing access to strategy, capital, and capacity. Through my work, I help nonprofits build funding pipelines, strengthen their storytelling, and use technology to deepen donor engagement. We’ve supported hundreds of organizations in securing millions in grants and finding major donors —many of whom were told they were “too small” to compete. I believe size should never be a barrier to impact.

⁠You are a thought leader in your space. What would you say women need to do differently to excel at their businesses?
Women don’t need to do more; they need to own their brilliance. We need to stop playing small in rooms we were born to lead in. Build your network. Know your numbers. Tell your story boldly. And don’t wait for permission to build what you’ve been called to create. We bring empathy, resilience, and innovation to the table. That’s our superpower.

⁠Share with us how you are shaping the future of the social sector through your lecturing roles at Southwestern College and San Diego Community College District.
Teaching is one of the most powerful ways I give back. Through my nonprofit and grant writing courses, I’m equipping the next generation of nonprofit leaders, many of whom are first-generation students or aspiring changemakers. We explore real-world strategies, dissect case studies, and build portfolios that lead to actual funding and leadership opportunities. It’s not just theory, it’s transformation.

What is your parting word for women who are looking to follow in your footsteps?
You are not too late, too old, or too underqualified to change the world. Start where you are, use what you have, and trust your voice. The world needs your vision, your story, and your leadership. Be bold, stay rooted in purpose, and don’t just follow the path, build your own