Collective Giving

Working Together to Strengthen the Lives of Others

Foundation For The Carolinas offers several collective giving opportunities. Collective giving, commonly known as giving circles, allows like-minded people to pool their money, research community needs and decide as a group where to give grants. Giving together magnifies the power of philanthropy.

Unlike solitary charitable giving, being part of a collective giving group can enrich the philanthropic experience. Collective giving is a participatory process that includes educational activities, proposal review, collective decision-making, volunteerism and site visits to nonprofit organizations.

Four collective giving funds are operating currently under the Foundation For The Carolinas' special programs umbrella:

Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund advances philanthropy within and for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered communities in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region. Members donate $1,000 per year to provide grants to nonprofit organizations that serve the needs of the LGBT community and to fund bridge-building initiatives that cultivate alliances with the non-gay community.   

Impact Fund for Emerging Philanthropists brings together young leaders throughout the Charlotte region to foster positive, lasting social change. Each member makes an eight-month commitment and contributes $500. Education sessions and hands-on experiences teach members how to evaluate community issues, assess nonprofit programs and support community solutions.

New Generation of African American Philanthropists promotes the giving of time, talent and treasures among African Americans in the Charlotte region. Members pledge $1 per day for three years and invest the resources into nonprofit groups and causes that address issues adversely affecting a disproportionate number of African Americans.

Teen Impact Fund members learn about philanthropy, engage in team-building activities, and identify community needs. After a 10-month training period, the Foundation provides a $10,000 pool of funds, and the teens award grants to programs that address challenges facing today’s youth. There is no financial obligation to participate.