Collaborative Giving
| While charitable giving in 2009 declined over 2008, the number of Giving Circles is growing. There are now more than 200 Giving Circles in the United States, triple the number from just a few years ago. Giving Circles are often formed because of a commitment to a specific cause. Contributions are made by members of the Giving Circle, organizations dedicated to the cause are invited to apply for grants, and then a committee of the Giving Circle determines how to grant out the funds. Currently, the Greater Houston Community Foundation houses two Giving Circles – the Asian American Giving Circle of Greater Houston and Latino Giving – Houston. Asian American Giving Circle of Greater Houston  The mission of the Asian American Giving Circle of Greater Houston is to encourage philanthropy in the Asian and Pacific American (APA) community, to contribute to the community in a strategic and meaningful way and to bring a new source of funding to nonprofit organizations serving APAs throughout the Greater Houston Area. Their strength lies in their collective giving; by pooling their funds, they make a more effective, powerful impact together than they could through individual contributions. The Giving Circle provides the opportunity to learn about issues, organizations and giving opportunities in the APA community. Launched in 2007, they are the first Circle in existence in Houston and the only one in Texas dedicated to supporting Asian Pacific American (APA) needs. The Circle is led by an Executive committee of dedicated volunteers and comprised of a diverse body of members committed to supporting the local APA community. For more information or to become a member, visit www.asianamericangcgh.org. Latino Giving – Houston  The mission of Latino Giving – Houston is to encourage philanthropy in the Latino Community to contribute to the community in a strategic and meaningful way and to bring a new source of funding to nonprofit organizations serving Latinos throughout the Greater Houston area. Latino Giving – Houston provides the opportunity to learn about issues and organizations that affect and impact the Latino community, and aims to pass on a tradition of philanthropy to a new generation. Their strength lies in their collective giving; by pooling their funds, they make a more effective, powerful impact together than they could through individual contributions. Latino Giving – Houston is not intended to create a separate legal entity, but is simply an agreement whereby certain organizations and projects will be jointly funded and supported for the benefit of the Latino community. For more information or to become a member, see www.latinogivinghouston.org. |
