You don’t have to be a millionaire to be a philanthropist! But you can organize your friends and raise a million dollars! That’s the power of grassroots philanthropy. That’s the power of our community.
Today we pause and celebrate our big wins! A $1,000,000 was raised and invested by people like you and me. Those dollars went to grassroots organizations that are traditionally overlooked by mainstream philanthropy but are making a huge difference in rural communities of Fresno and the inner cities of Oakland and Los Angeles. That’s what the Latino Giving Circle movement is all about—coming together with passion and purpose—and giving our leaders the platform to shine.
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
In 2012, we launched our very first Latina Giving Circle in San Francisco with 14 powerful, visionary women who wanted to do more than write a check. They wanted to learn about the issues in our communities and to collectively take action. They also wanted to support one another in the journey of life and philanthropy. Today, our circles serve are a place for inspiration, movement building, for good food and familia, and for a new human-centered model for philanthropy. Last Friday, we came together to dance, laugh and celebrate at our Million Dollar Fiesta!
OUR IMPACT
The LGCN creates a ripple effect that benefits individuals, families and our communities. The members who join a Giving Circle join a family of like-minded leaders and philanthropists to network, strategize, and take action. Our grantees build relationships with local Latino donors who believe in and support their work. Members join nonprofit Boards, they become advocates, and they begin to see themselves as leaders who are part of a movement. Instead of talking about the philanthropic inequity in our community, we are inspiring people from all walks of life to join in and be part of the solutions. Together, we are having fun, investing in leadership, advocating for change and shaping a new narrative about who we are as Latinos and what we want for our state and nation.
Let’s look at the impact in numbers:
- $1,173,700 – Total capital liberated by the LGCN and invested in nonprofits
- 138 – Grants awarded
- 74 – Latino-led grassroots organizations who have received a grant from the LGCN
- $8,500 – Average grant size
- $2,500 – $40,000 – Smallest to largest grant
- 2 weeks – Grant processing time from award to payment!
Inspired? Join a Latino Giving Circle today!!!
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead
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