307. Inside the Rise of Collective Giving + How to Create a Giving Circle - Sara Lomelin

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Overview

Meet S ara. As the founding CEO of Philanthropy Together, she's working to diversify and democratize philanthropy through the power of giving circles. She believes nonprofit leaders can best connect with giving circles by working in local communities and remembering that giving circle donors are not your regular donors. They want to go beyond giving to elevate your message. “Giving by, for, and with the communities we represent is the future of philanthropy — and each and every one of us belongs in this movement.”

💡Learn

The history, present & future of collective giving
5️⃣ Steps to the giving circle model
How to democratize and diversify philanthropy
Starting point for orgs looking to launch or wrap a giving circle around a program

Today’s Guest

Sara Lomelin, CEO, Philanthropy Together

“In giving circles we give as you would give to a loved one.”

— Sara Lomelin, CEO, Philanthropy Together

Episode Transcript

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Episode Highlights

Sara’s story and journey to where she is today (3:50)
Overview of collective giving (6:55)
The story of Philanthropy Together (11:00)
The potential for nonprofits today with collective giving (17:00)
What happens after the gift is made (31:00)
👇 5 STEPS TO THE GIVING CIRCLE MODEL (34:00)
- Gather your people
- Discuss values
- Decide where to give your money
- Give - pool funding, talents, and resources
- Engage
A powerful moment of philanthropy in Sara’s life (36:00)
Sara’s One Good Thing: Never assume who can give and who cannot give. (39:00)

Powerful quotes

“Collective giving is not new, and is not American. Community philanthropy has been going on in communities around the world for many, many, many generations. It’s going back to the roots of the word love of humanity, where everybody can completely participate and take action into supporting their local communities.” -Sara

“In giving circles we give as you would give to a loved one.” -Sara

“Something very important in a giving circle is that the power dynamics get broken and get blurred.” -Sara

“Giving circles because their close proximity to the community, we create real relationships.” -Sara

“Nonprofit leaders are closest to community issues. They know what their community needs. A giving circle member and leader has to take a step back.” -Sara

“The way nonprofit leaders can connect with giving circles is by continually doing the work in the local communities connecting with different stakeholders.” -Sara

“Giving circle members are not your regular donors. Giving circle members are not going to be just okay just writing the check and sending it or just clicking a donate button. They want to elevate your message. They want to advocate.” -Sara

“You have to treat each giving circle member as a major donor. Even if that member is giving $5 a month. You are doing this for the long haul.” -Sara

“Engage with people, get to know their stories, get to know what moves them, because that may surprise you. People that you think were going to give to your organization won’t, and people that you thought didn't have the capacity to give may surprise you by becoming major donors.” -Sara

“We have always been seen as recipients of philanthropy, and not as philanthropist. It’s time to change that so never assume who can give and who cannot give. Take the time to breathe and relationships with your donors with any person that gets into the door.” -Sara