Start Your Giving Circle Small And With The Right People

With few exceptions, giving circles start out small. They often begin with a few friends over a kitchen table wondering how they can make a difference. It’s always the case of quality and not quantity. Your founding members will set the tone for the group, act as leaders and guides for what is possible, and promote the giving circle to friends and family.

You don’t want to carry the weight of the giving circle all my yourself. If you do, your giving circle will begin to feel like a job, and you’ll get burnt out. So choose a few good partners who will not only help you reach your goal but help you enjoy getting there, too!

Characteristics Of The Right People

1. You like them. What’s the point in spending a lot of time working on issues with people you don’t enjoy? You’ll just end up getting burnt out and want to quit.
2. They are personable. You’ll be growing your group, and it will help if your founding members will naturally share your activities with others.
3. They are enthusiastic, because they’ll spend more time on the giving circle.
4. They get things done, because things will need to get done.

What characteristics do you think your founding members need to have?