'Giving circle' movement puts new face on philanthropy

Participants pool money to donate to charities, nonprofits.

Executive Director Melodie Bennett of House of Bread thanks the 100(+) Men Who Care for their donation to the House of Bread during a meeting at Bravo Italian Restaurant.

Teesha McClam/Staff photographer Executive Director Melodie Bennett of House of Bread thanks the 100(+) Men Who Care for their donation to the House of Bread during a meeting at Bravo Italian Restaurant.

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Giving circles  are ‘community building in action’

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By Meredith Moss, Staff Writer Updated 12:32 AM Wednesday, December 30, 2009

DAYTON — The giving circle — a local and national grass roots movement — has become a boon to community organizations struggling through difficult times and coping with the loss of corporate and foundation funding.

“Not many people can write out a check for $10,000,” said Linda Kramer, CEO of Daybreak, a home for runaway teens.

Thanks to the new form of philanthropy, Daybreak was able to furnish a comfortable lounge for residents. “When 100 people each write check for $100, and they all pool their money, we can end up with a $10,000 gift.”

The idea got its start in the Miami Valley three years ago. Kathy Banwart of Washington Twp. learned about a group in Michigan that had raised $10,000 in an hour to buy cribs for moms who had been using boxes as beds.

Since that time, Banwart’s group — 100(+) Women Who Care — has raised more than $175,000, and now boasts nearly 200 members. A local spin-off group — 100(+) Men Who Care — is one of the first all-male giving circles in the nation.

Researcher Angela Eikenberry, assistant professor at the University of Nebraska, estimates there are more than 600 giving circles in the nation. In her report, “The Impact of Giving Together,” participants said they give more money and do so more strategically as a result of their group involvement. They also learn a great deal about their communities’ needs.

Donors, who are all volunteers, feel grateful, too.

“Thank you for putting this group of women together,” wrote Debbie Staton of Centerville to Banwart. “What a great feeling when we leave those meetings and know what our pooled resources have done for our community.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or MMoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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