We’re kicking off our giving circles—100+ Women Who Care and Guys Who Give.

January has us in full swing starting Morgan County’s giving circles – 100+ Women Who Care and Guys Who Give.  I mentioned this in December but want to explain in more detail hoping many of you will hear the call to serve our county. Started in Vigo County, giving circles are prevalent in many of our neighboring counties and even across the country.  Women and men commit to donating $500 annually – a $100 membership fee that is deposited into an endowment fund (the forever fund) and $100 paid by or at the quarterly meetings in March, June, September, and December.

I attended the November meeting of the 100+ Women Who Care in Johnson County to see how this works.  Their group is now 10 years strong and have granted nearly $500,000!  The simplicity is remarkable – members pay $100 at the meeting (or in advance online), not-for-profits are nominated by placing a card in a hat, and 3 names are then drawn.  Those drawn names are announced and they have 5 minutes to give a presentation on their organization and why they need the grant.  Members then vote, again by dropping a name in the hat.  Votes are counted on the spot, and wa-lah, in just an hour and a half, the money is awarded!  After a not-for-profit wins the grant, they are then ineligible to win again for 2 years, giving others a chance.

The evening was full of energy and fun.  Hors d’oeuvres were served, a cash bar available, and a local clothing vendor onsite with her wares.  A unified vibe of philanthropic-minded women coming together.  Old friends cheering to see each other and new ones getting to know one another.  It was all good.

So this is our year, Morgan County.  The year to create that vibe, that spirit, that kind of giving.  And this year, we have the gift – Lilly Gift VIII, which triples those quarterly $100 donations!  Yes, the $10,000 becomes $30,000!

We need a commitment from at least 100 women and 100 men at a minimum.  Again, this is happening in many counties across the state, and it is working.  Many people think philanthropic work is beyond their means, but these donations are attainable by most.  Think of it this way – what do you spend monthly at Starbucks, at the nail salon, or for any other splurge?  Committing a portion of those dollars to join one of these giving circles will without a doubt bring you more personal satisfaction.  Service to something greater than our selves is just the right thing to do.

As we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. this month, no better time is there to reflect on service.  I underscore one of his famous remarks: “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”

To join 100+ Women Who Care or Guys Who Give visit our website at www.cfmconline.org or contact me at kcole@cfmconline.org.