Seeking Giving Circle Members to Award More Than $100,000 in Grants

Giving Circles bring together individuals who pool their charitable dollars and collectively decide which projects and nonprofits will be the recipients of the funds. GCF will match members’ contributions to make an even bigger impact.

GCF convened its first Giving Circle, for Vibrant Arts and Culture, in 2017. The 11 members — drawn by a common passion for the arts scene which enriches life in our community — met to evaluate applications for funding and determine the grantees. Combined with a match of GCF funds, their contributions enabled awards totaling $80,000 to 10 local nonprofits, including the Kennedy Heights Arts Center and Stepping Stones, Inc.

“I feel honored to have read all the applications and to work with the nonprofits who applied,” said Patti Heldman, co-chair of the Vibrant Arts and Culture Giving Circle.

This year GCF is offering two Giving Circle opportunities :

• The NKY Giving Circle, supported by the Northern Kentucky Fund of GCF, will fund projects that increase opportunities for Northern Kentucky youth. The request for proposals will be written by the Giving Circle participants in alignment with their charitable interests.
• A STEM Giving Circle, as part of GCF’s Supporting Education Success Initiative, which will award grants to projects working to improve educational outcomes for at-risk students through increased access to STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Math) learning opportunities.

Both Giving Circles will convene this fall. To join with GCF and other donors sharing your goals to support these impactful initiatives, and for further information, please contact Laura Menge, Philanthropic Advisor, at 513-768-6170 or laura.menge@gcfdn.org.