Women's Giving Circle
 
Action Statement

The Eau Claire Community Foundation's Women's Giving Circle will fulfill its mission by gathering contributions, educating its members about the power of collective philanthropy, and providing opportunities for hands-on involvement in grant making and social investment that addresses the needs of women and children. 


Collaboration

The Women's Giving Circle is a collaborative effort, in which women contribute intellectual, social, and financial resources to support effective community programs. Together members are working to: 
· Explore the needs of Eau Claire's women, children, youth, and families.
· Identify barriers to existing services that prevent families from achieving the hopes and aspirations they have for their children.
· Engage a diverse population in meaningful dialogue to identify strategies that will fill gaps in services and enhance the quality of life for families.

Venture Philanthropy

Applying a model of "venture philanthropy," the Women's Giving Circle works to make philanthropy in Eau Claire increasingly strategic and successful.
· Dollars are pooled to achieve far greater impact than individual gifts.
· Other community development resources are consulted to identify initiatives that hold the most promise for Eau Claire.
· Resources are channeled to organizations and people who are best positioned to make a positive difference and strengthen the community.
· Performances of funded initiatives are assessed, successes are celebrated, and lessons-learned are applied to future efforts.

Flexible Participation

The Women's Giving Circle seeks to increase women's philanthropic involvement throughout the community. To that end, women can become involved in a variety of ways by choosing to:
· Join with a minimum gift of $250 for this year.
· Make a tax-deductible gift of your choice, payable to the Women's Giving Circle.
· Participate in a network of inspired Eau Claire women looking to serve their community in innovative ways.
· Take an active role in seeking strategic ways to address the needs of Eau Claire's women, children, youth, and families.

Tell me more about the Women's Fund: The Giving Circle

Over the last few years our community has discussed establishing a women's fund. This year, 2007, with the support of the Eau Claire Community Foundation's Trustees and volunteers from the community, we have come into being. 
· Membership is open to anyone. The amount of time you give is of your choosing. There will be opportunities to serve in the areas of membership, education, grant making, and communication.
· With membership comes an opportunity to be part of the circle with a vote on the grants that will be awarded by the circle after a process of education and requests for grants that reflect the priorities as determined by this Circle. 
· The granting process will be refined during the first years to allow the input of membership to truly be collaborative. 
· A contribution - of $250 every year - is required in order to become and remain an active member of the circle. 
· Donations to the Circle: Each year, 50% is added to the Women's Endowment Fund to build for the future and provide grants; 45% is used to finance each year's grants; 5% supports the administrative costs of the Fund. ?
 
What are common elements of a giving circle? (Information provided by www.GivingForum.org website)?
· Diverse, inclusive and active membership 
· Members often contribute equal yearly amounts and make multi-year pledges 
· Members determine where and how the money is distributed 
· The circle addresses specific community needs 
· Members learn more about philanthropy, funding, grantmaking, and community issues 
· Members provide much, if not all, of the circle's administrative support 
· Most giving circles are hosted, often by a community foundation or public foundation. Host organizations hold the circle's funds and can provide other services.
 
For more information see the newsletter and the First Annual Report.
 
Benefits to Donors

Donors who participate in giving circles value the personal benefits that the circle gives them:
· Deepened understanding of issues important to donors through education programming with The Giving Circle 
· Networking and socializing with individuals with shared values and concerns 
· A deeper level of involvement with nonprofits by creating partnerships through The Giving Circle
· A better sense of the return on investment in nonprofit organizations through ongoing involvement 
· Hands-on grantmaking experience 
· The opportunity to learn more about the community

Please share this information and invite your friends, family and co-workers to join in this opportunity. Contact Laura at the Foundation office for more information at 715-552-3801 or email lhookom@eccommunityfoundation.org

For information about grants from the Women's Giving Circle select:
Grant Announcement
Grant Guidelines
Grant Application