It is a group of people who combine their money and decide where to donate it. Giving circles vary in size and structure and offer members a chance to learn more about giving and community issues, often while enjoying each others’ company.
Currently, there are an estimated 800 giving circles nationwide. As of 2006, there were 400 catalogued giving circles in 44 states and the District of Columbia. Approximately 40% (160) of those surveyed have raised $88 million since their inception (most since the year 2000) and granted almost $65 million to fund community needs.
Giving circles are ethnically diverse, with a majority of members being women, although circles are increasingly co-ed or all male (47%), and comprise all levels of formality and size, from a handful of neighbors hosting "parties with a purpose" to groups as large as 400 members — largely supporting local communities but also increasingly, international communities.
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When giving circle members make funding decisions together, they are more involved in the giving process than they do when simply writing a check. Also, their final donation is larger than an individual donation, meaning it has a greater impact on the receiving organization.
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What kinds of organizations does the AAGC support?
AAGC supports Asian Pacific American (APA)-focused organizations, projects, and activities in the Greater Houston area. Nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)3 organizations are eligible to receive funds. Please contact us if your organization is interested in a grant.
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What is the AAGC's grantmaking history?
In 2008, we gave the HOPE Clinic $4,500 to purchase an audiometer, used to administer hearing tests for uninsured and underinsured children and adults. We also gave the Houston Food Bank $4,500 to support its partnerships with two Vietnamese senior feeding sites (Youth Society and Annam CDC).
In 2009, we gave the Chinese Community Center $5,000 to support its Health for All program, which provides healthcare benefits counseling for new immigrants and seniors through one-on-one education and support on topics such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and various health issues. We also gave the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program $5,000 to support its Asian American Legal Clinics program, which expands access to free legal services for low-income and elderly APAs through Legal Advice Clinics, will and estate planning, naturalization clinics, and an assortment of civil legal issues.
In 2010, we gave the HOPE Clinic $4229 to support the Asian Women Wellness Program (Asian American Health Coalition) and Boat People- SOS $4229 for case management software for the BP-SOS Legal Services Center.
VN TeamWork is our 2011 grantee. It will receive $4,950 in support of its overall community-building work.
In July 2007.
How much money should each donor contribute to the AAGC?
We appreciate your support and donations of any amount, but AAGC members contribute a minimum of $300 per year.
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Where does the AAGC keep its money?
The AAGC is a designated fund of the Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which allows member gifts to be tax deductible. GHCF was launched in 1995 with the goal of providing Houston donors with a flexible, cost-effective and tax-efficient way to invest in charities.
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Can AACG members support other organizations?
Yes, and many do! Some giving circle members give additional contributions to or volunteer their time with nonprofits that they learn about through the circle.
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How would I benefit from joining the AAGC?
All donors can make a greater impact by pooling money with other donors, but members can also help shape the future of a dynamic, philanthropic organization, explore and collaborate with others with shared values, and learn about nonprofits and needs in the community.
Full members are encouaged to nominate organizations to be "spotlighted" at an AAGC event, a way to raise awareness of and additional funds specifically for that group.
AAGC also interacts with a national network of philanthropic organizations, through which members can engage in national-level conversations about the needs and issues our communities face.
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Why do we need to promote APA-specific philanthropy?
Representing over 4 percent of the nation’s population, APAs are one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States. Increasing by more than 70% in the past decade, these 12 million APAs also face rising poverty rates, a lack of culturally competent services in such areas as physical and mental health care, and other growing challenges. This diverse population includes more than 47 distinct ethnic groups that speak more than 100 languages and dialects.
While the needs of these diverse communities are great, support for nonprofit organizations working to address their challenges is scant, with less than 1 percent of funding from mainstream sources reaching such groups throughout the country. The AAGC strives to shed light on the needs within the APA community while bringing a new source of funding to nonprofits serving APAs in the Greater Houston area.
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How can I get involved in the Asian American Giving Circle of Greater Houston?
Reach out via Facebook or e-mail, or join and start participating!
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Articles on giving circles nationwide
CBS News: "Giving Circles proves power in numbers"
New York Times: Giving circles: Putting their heads together, then their cash"
USA
Today: "Giving
Circles mix fun, fundraising"
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To learn more about giving circles
Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers
Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy | Building Democratic Philanthropy
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The Asian American Giving Circle of Greater Houston is a member of the AAPIP National Giving Circle Network.