79. Community Impact: The Power of Giving Circles
About this episode
Have you ever felt a burning desire to make a difference in the world around you? To leave a positive mark on your community, to uplift those in need, and to be a catalyst for change? If so, you're not alone. Many of us share this innate drive to give back and create a better world for ourselves and future generations. But how can we amplify our impact and truly make a difference?
In this blog post, I'll take you on a journey into the world of giving circles — inspired by my recent and insightful conversation with the amazing Emily Rasmussen, Founder & CEO of Grapevine — a powerful yet often overlooked tool for transforming communities through collective impact. Together, we'll explore the profound impact of giving circles on nonprofits, communities, and individual donors alike. We'll uncover the strategies for overcoming challenges in starting and managing a giving circle, and we'll gain valuable insights into the future trends of philanthropy and the role of giving circles in driving positive change.
By the end of this post, you'll walk away inspired, empowered, and equipped with the knowledge and tools to join the movement of meaningful giving and make a tangible difference in the world around you.
The Transformative Impact of Giving Circles
Giving circles are more than just a means of pooling resources for charitable giving – they're a vehicle for transformative change. These collective giving groups bring together individuals who share a common passion for making a difference and empower them to amplify their impact through collaboration and shared purpose.
One of the most profound impacts of giving circles lies in their ability to support smaller, grassroots nonprofits that often fly under the radar of traditional philanthropy. These organizations, with budgets of less than a hundred thousand dollars, are the lifeblood of their communities, providing vital services and support to those in need. Yet, they often struggle to secure funding from larger foundations and donors.
Enter the giving circle. By harnessing the power of collective giving, these groups can provide much-needed financial support to these smaller nonprofits, enabling them to continue their vital work and even scale their impact. As Emily Rasmussen, founder of Grapevine, aptly puts it, "That power of $10,000 all at once, that's from 100 people donating $100 each, right? So that's one lunch a month. So all of these people, their $100 is now part of this $10,000 gift that can be transformative for these organizations."
But the impact of giving circles goes beyond just financial support. They also foster a sense of belonging and community among members, empowering everyday philanthropists to make a meaningful difference in their own backyards. As Emily Rasmussen emphasizes, "Giving circles are diversifying and democratizing philanthropy by engaging a broader, more diverse group of donors."
Strategies for Overcoming Challenges
While the concept of giving circles is simple, starting and managing one can be daunting. From collecting donations to coordinating with members to selecting nonprofits to support, there are many moving parts to consider. However, with the right strategies and support, overcoming these challenges is entirely feasible.
One key strategy is leveraging technology to streamline administrative tasks and facilitate communication among members. Platforms like Grapevine provide all-in-one solutions for giving circles, handling everything from donation processing to nonprofit selection to event organization. By harnessing the power of technology, giving circles can focus their efforts on making a real impact in their communities without getting bogged down by logistical hurdles.
Another essential strategy is fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration within the giving circle. By creating an environment where all members feel valued and empowered to contribute, giving circles can maximize their impact and effectiveness. As Emily Rasmussen advises, "Think of 5 to 10 people that you think would really love this and just get behind it because they know you. They love the idea. Get them on board and then maybe have an event and ask each of those people to invite a few people to that event where you can share about the concept more broadly and kind of say, okay, who's with us?"
The Future of Philanthropy: Empowering Change
As we look ahead to the future of philanthropy, the role of giving circles is more important than ever. In a world where traditional sources of funding are dwindling, giving circles offer a beacon of hope – a way for everyday people to come together and create meaningful change in their communities.
By embracing the principles of collective giving and collaboration, we can unlock the full potential of philanthropy and create a brighter, more equitable future for all. So join me in this journey of discovery and empowerment. Together, let's harness the power of giving circles to transform communities and change lives for the better.
I invite you to leave a comment below sharing your thoughts and experiences with giving circles. And don't forget to share this post with others who may benefit from learning about the transformative impact of collective giving. Together, we can make a difference.
With boundless gratitude,
Tammy Zonker
Our guest
Emily Rasmussen, Founder & CEO, Grapevine
“If you want to make sure the things you care about are valued and funded in your community, it's really important that you have a vehicle, a way to engage and participate in those decisions.”
Emily Rasmussen, Founder & CEO, Grapevine
Resources mentioned in this episode
Global Giving Circle Directory
Give and Take: A Candid Account of Corporate Philanthropy by Reynold Levy
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