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5/28/2006 8:20 AM
David Wolfson wrote:
I am part of a group simply called the Giving Circle (seems like we may want to change our name soon) comprised largely of nonprofit professionals in Milwaukee. We were established three ago and before each funding cycle a focus is determined. In addition to offering small grants, another value of our group may be to offer emerging partners technical assistance, mentoring or simply strategic introductions.
There is another giving circle in Milwaukee called Everyday Philanthropists which began around the same time as us. They are younger and generally come from the private sector. They have developed a wonderful web based tool that will soon be offered to other groups: www.everydayphilanthropists.org
Are giving circles a movement yet? Have we achieved critical mass? I'd like to learn about how this approach might be made more accessible and see how we at least might be able to add to our numbers in this community or region. Your suggestions are welcome.
Giving Circles can most likely be considered a movement as that by definition is a "trend" (which GCs are) or series of combined actions by a group or groups to acheive some purpose (shared giving), which GCs have accomplished, even though the sub-purposes (i.e., issue focus, objectives, and grantees) differ widely from community to community.
To help make this approach more accessible, I would recommend making sure that you help the New Ventures in Philanthropy update the latest National Scan with any new GCs (email Teutonico@givingforum.org">DTeutonico@givingforum.org), continue participating in cross-GC efforts such as this BLOG, and share information with the broader GC community (such as success stories) - see the current GCN Success Stories.
Other Giving Circles would undoubtedly welcome your TA, mentoring and straregic ideas. One relevent item requested by the GCN Giving Circles Advisory Panel is more examples of GC strategic plans, so if you are aware of some examples, they would certainly be welcome (you can contact us at www.givingcircles.org). Please let the Giving Circles BLOG know when the new Everyday Philantrhopists website is up. Note that EP sounds similar to the SVPs (Social Venture Partners) as they are private sector individuals seeking to engage in philanthropic giving. It would be interesting to know how that GC differs from SVPs.
4/27/2008 6:16 AMjack wrote:
Did you know that voluntary giving has been shown to stir activity in the brain centers that process feelings of reward? The “warm glow” view of altruism holds that people give because helping others and our community makes us feel good. The giving circle experience is a win-win! Our contributions serve to help those in need and we feel good about having a positive impact on others. A circle stimulates giving and philanthropic activity of all kinds and gives members a focused, deliberate, hands-on experience.
Some facts about Giving Circles around the country:
1. There are more than 220 known circles throughout the United States, likely hundreds more. 2. Giving circles involve people of all races and ethnicities. 3. Over half are all or mostly female. 4. Age varies – youngest 5, oldest 90. 5. Amount donated varies—$1 a day to $20,000 per year 6. People participate to connect with others, give back to community 7. Most circles offer educational opportunities for their members. 8. Top issues include: a. Youth development b. Women and girls c. Human services d. Mental health/intervention e. Other topics include: animals, environment, health, crime, food/agriculture/nutrition, medical research, recreation/sports/leisure, the arts, education, literacy, global issues, etc
============== jack
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