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You can establish your own donor circle for Chrysalis! Getting Started A donor circle often begins with an individual who brings together a small informal group of friends, neighbors, colleagues or other peers who share a desire to:
Why Should You Start a donor circle? The advantages of forming a donor circle include:
Ten Steps for Establishing a donor circle Step One - Set Goals and Structure for donor circle Bring your group together for a first meeting. Most likely in inviting this group you have explained the concept of a donor circle , but it is a good idea to take time at this first meeting to discuss what this venture is. Begin the process of setting goals and structure now. There are several decisions that can to be made in the early phases of a donor circle that you may want to begin to discuss at this meeting. Some of these are:
Remember that the idea of the donor circle is to go beyond “Normal” charitable giving. You want to pool your resources for a common goal with greater impact. The expectation is to contribute time as well as dollars in the process. Step Two - Mission and Commitment Once the group sets up regular meetings, it is a good idea to establish a mission, set meeting guidelines, agree on common goals and objectives, even think of a name to call your group. As an independent group, you can set your own guidelines for operation. Things to remember: The contribution amount from each individual can vary. Each donor circle is different. There are circles that make $50, $500, $5,000, or even $25,000 in annual commitments. This is one of the more compelling benefits to donor circles, as the group gets to decide what is reasonable for their particular circle. It is important for the group to have 100 percent consensus on the final amount. A donor circle may elect to set a floor on contributions, with an option for higher amounts to be contributed on a voluntary and anonymous basis - to ensure that all in the group have an equal voice in decision making. Step Three - Where To Place Your Collective Dollars It is recommended that all members make a financial commitment to the donor circle at the start of each year (i.e., write the check). There are options for where your members' money can sit. All dollars contributed go to the designated charity, and the administration of the circle is done on a volunteer basis by the members. Step Four - Establish an Issue/Focus Area for Contributions This step may take some time and discussion to determine, or may have been done in advance of pulling the group together. Encourage the group to define the focus area specifically. For example, if the group is interested in self-sufficiency issues for women - what specific issues? You may also want to invite “experts” in the field to present information sessions to the group or assign group members to investigate particular issues. Step Five - Create Smaller Work Groups for donor circle Tasks Once the focus is established, having members of the group volunteer for particular tasks will build personal commitment and interest in the work of the donor circle. Step Six - Develop Process and Criteria for Determining Who Will Receive Contributions This process can be as simple as choosing an area of interested based on the information you gather and then writing a check for that project. You could sponsor an approved grant application that meets your area of interest through the Chrysalis Foundation. You may be involved as reviewing written applications, visiting the organizations headquarters or project area, and/or asking for a presentation. Step Seven - Develop/Define Partnership with Recipient of Contribution Do members of your group want to volunteer for an organization you have funded? Group should define in what ways they can offer assistance. Step Eight - Review Potential Recipients for Donations and/or Visit Charities Conducting site visits with potential grantees can be enormously helpful in the grantmaking process. Step Nine - Make Contribution(s) Immediately following the group's decision, alert the recipient of your intentions, letting them know when they can expect a check. It is good practice at this time to let those organizations that will not be funded know of your decision. Step Ten - Evaluate the Impact of Your donor circle Be sure to take the time to examine the short term and long term goals of the donor circle on an annual or other regular basis. This will help develop a sense of satisfaction with the work you are doing and show how your contributions have made a difference. Interested? To form your own donor circle, contact Leslie Garman at lgarman@chrysalisfdn.org.
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