Start a Giving Circle

A Giving Circle is a simple yet powerful concept: A group of individuals come together, each contribute to a fund at the community foundation, and annually use those combined resources to award grants to benefit the community.

By pooling resources together, this structure enables individuals to achieve a more significant impact with their charitable giving than they can achieve on their own. Each person has a vote in how the grant dollars will be awarded, and this provides the opportunity to learn more about the community, make a positive difference, and enjoy the company of others with shared interests.

GOOD REASONS TO START A GIVING CIRCLE

• Pooling money with others and focusing on a key issue can have a far greater impact than individual gifts.
• The collective wisdom and know-how of a group creates value and impact to charitable investments.
• Developing partnerships with a smaller number of charities can create a deeper level of involvement for donors and the nonprofits they support.
• It can be fun to be part of a group as well as fulfilling to contribute in such an innovative and insightful way.

The Community Foundation will help you decide your circle’s cause, develop level of formality, set up and prepare basic procedures, and deposit all donations into your giving circle fund. You then have the fun of granting dollars to the causes your circle has chosen!