Since 2015, the Giving Circle has granted over $1.1 million.
The Catholic Community Foundation Giving Circle is an innovative program inspired by a new generation of philanthropists and donors. Each Giving Circle member is an active participant in the community grant-making process. The members cast a vote in the grant awarding and have an opportunity to connect with grant recipients. Each member invests their own philanthropic dollars into the program to collectively multiply the impact of their giving in our community. The Giving Circle is a great way to support local organizations faithfully.
How it works
Grant categories are divided into: Community (+Music), Care, and Life. Each non-profit selects the appropriate category based on its needs.
Giving Circle Members come together every January to attend Pitch Day, an evening when qualifying organization "pitch" their needs to the group of people giving away the money. Similar to the way contestants pitch their product on the television show, Shark Tank.
Members then cast their votes based on the presentations, selecting which organizations will receive funding.
Votes are tallied, and the winners in each grant category are announced in early spring during Awards Day.
How the Giving Circle is funded
The Giving Circle is funded by the Forever Funds and its membership dues. By joining together, the Giving Circle magnifies philanthropy into more substantial, more impactful grant-making opportunities.
But, after the Giving Circle awards its winners, the remaining non-profit applicants are still in need of nearly $1 million. Help the Catholic Community Foundation by supporting the Forever Funds and becoming a member of the Giving Circle so that someday soon, the Foundation is able to grant every organization, parish, and school the support they need.
Awards Day 2024 - The Giving Circle granted $144,323 to nine organizations.
Pitch Day 2024 - On Thursday, January 18, 2024, the Giving Circle heard pitches from 23 organizations.