Back in May, I heard a story on NPR about Giving Circles. What's a Giving Circle, right? These are groups whose members combine their financial resources to have a greater impact to a community cause or organization than they could have with any one individual donation. No, we are not talking lots and lots of money, but let's say you have $100 to give this year to your favorite cause--let's say that cause is helping to solve domestic violence. Now, you could give that $100 to a local organization that provides resources to victims of domestic violence or you could find 10 other like-minded people in your town that are also interested in ending domestic violence and have $100 (or maybe less or more). Now you collectively have $1,000 to support the local organization. That $1,000 will go much further than the $100 you could have given on your own.
Ok, but what else? Giving circles typically meet to talk about how to allocate their collective funds to support their cause. This might involve inviting local nonprofit leaders to their gatherings to discuss the impact of their work or volunteering at the organizations of interest to get to know it better. This provides you, the donor, with the opportunity to interview the organization to find out if the funds will be used appropriately and as you might want them to be expended. Many nonprofits do not have the resources to talk to ten individuals that want to donate $100, but they may have time to talk to a group that wants to donate $1,000. You get the benefit of getting to know the organization and they can more easily sketch out the time to talk to prospective donors. It works both ways.
The Forum of Regional Associations of Grant Makers provides some great tips and tools for both nonprofit staff and prospective givers on their webpage. Although I can not speak from experience, I'll offer the following as some reasons why I would consider starting a Giving Cirlce.
1. It gives you an opportunity to find out where your money is really going. This seems to feel better than dropping a check in the mail.
2. It connects you to like-minded people in your community.
3. It supports a cause you care about.
4. It holds nonprofits accountable to their mission.
5. It offers insight into potential volunteer and job opportunities.
Give it a try and let us know how it works.
Photo from http://www.morguefile.com/archive/display/580700
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