Seeds of Strength Giving Circle

Giving circles, a rapidly growing phenomenon in the United States over the past 10 years, usually start with key individuals bringing together a group of like-minded members who share a desire to learn about community needs and enhance their own giving potential by joining a community of givers. Each donor has an equal voice in the collaborative decision making.   Members celebrate their accomplishments, enjoy fellowship, and experience deeper meaning and satisfaction from their philanthropy. 

Historically, women living in and around Georgetown have played a key role in the creation and operation of many local agencies that address critical community needs. 

In March of 2009 a small group of local women joined together as the nucleus of what is now a growing woman’s giving circle, Seeds of Strength.  The development of this organization is a means for individual women to magnify the power of their philanthropy by joining together to raise money and give grants to non-profit agencies at a level larger than any single donor could contribute.

The mission of Seeds of Strength is to provide a social experience for women through which members will learn about the needs and assets of the community and will provide financial support to specific Georgetown area organizations, as selected by the membership. 

This mission will be accomplished through:

~Grant making programs that support Georgetown area organizations addressing community needs.

~Engaging and educating women donors about issues affecting our community as well as about philanthropy and grant making.

~Building the power of collective philanthropy in the Georgetown area.

~Creating positive impact on the community by leveraging our collective strength

The purpose for individuals in our giving circle is to:

~Participate in a social network of women who learn from and are energized by one another
~Learn more about philanthropy as a vehicle for social change
~Connect meaningfully with the community we care about
~Learn about the human service agencies and organizations serving our community.

Membership:

~We welcome members of all ages from diverse backgrounds who want to participate in a group whose mission is to improve the lives of those who live in our community.

~The only requirement for membership is an annual contribution of $1,000 and one can join by completing the membership form.  This contribution is due by the end of the calendar year, December 31, for the following grant year.

~The Seeds of Strength fund will be hosted by the Chisholm Trail Communities Foundation, as a donor advised fund.

~Each member will have the opportunity but not be required to join one or more committees.

~Members will have the opportunity to learn about agencies through conducting site visits.

~Each member will have one vote in the selection of grant recipients.

The first grants are expected to be given in Spring 2010.

Annual Membership Meetings/Timeline:

September: Luncheon to invite prospective members and provide information on the purpose of the Giving Circle.

March/April: to review the recommendations of the grants committee for consideration/decisions on funding a limited number of non-profits.

May/June: An awards event for the distribution of funds to grantees. Election for Officers and Leaders for the upcoming year.

Email us if you’d like more information!

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