What is a Giving Circle?
A giving circle is a group of people who pool their resources in order to collectively contribute to issues they deem important to their community. Giving circles provide individual donors the opportunity to make their contributions meaningful by leveraging their resources with others and enhancing the impact of their giving. Giving circles offer members a forum to learn about community issues alongside like-minded individuals and become more informed philanthropists. Learn more here.

Do I have to be Latina to join the Latina Giving Circle?
No, the more the merrier! If our mission resonates with you, JOIN US!

How do I get involved?
There are multiple ways to get involved with LGC, starting with attending an upcoming event, making a donation, or joining our mailing list.  

Is there a minimum contribution requirement?
No, LGC does not require a minimum contribution from members. Everyone is welcome to participate, regardless of their giving capacity. We only ask that members contribute a gift that is meaningful to them, whether it be a monetary donation or contribution of time. 

How does the grant making work?
LGC's grantmaking is driven directly by our members. Our membership shares issues and priorities they know of in the community and, together, we identify a focus area for each grant cycle. After the focus for the grant cycle is determined, the LGC Grants Committee develops the cycle’s Request for Proposals (RFP) to outline ideal grant candidates for the particular cycle. Nonprofit organizations that align with the focus area are invited to submit application proposals. Applications are reviewed by the committee utilizing an established criteria, narrowing down the proposals to a group of finalists. The finalists are then shared with the full LGC membership for their input. Membership voting determines who will be awarded funds in the current grant cycle. Grants are not awarded outside of grant cycles.

How do I apply for a grant?
Grant proposals from nonprofits aligned with our focus area are welcome during grant cycles. A Request for Proposals during each grant cycle will outline the application process and requirements. Unsolicited proposals are not accepted.

Who gets to participate in the grant cycles?
All LGC members who have made a donation since the end of the last grant cycle are eligible to participate in the coming grant cycle.

What does being part of the LGC mean and how will being part of this movement build my network? What are the benefits?
Joining LGC means connecting with other passionate people who want to support positive change in our local community. Our members are accomplished leaders drawn together by a passion to empower others through collective philanthropy. They also enjoy making both professional and personal connections with other giving circle members from various industries and diverse backgrounds.

As a member, you will also become more involved in the giving process of determining what groups to give to and how much. Pooling contributions with others and focusing on a critical issue can have a far greater impact than individual gifts.

How does this movement build our community? 
LGC makes key contributions that include, but go beyond, the social capital generated among its members:

• Demonstrating how grantmaking can engage BIPOC communities

• Providing support to social change and grassroots organizations that do not tend to receive support from foundations, much less the government

• Mobilizing and engaging donors beyond making a monetary contribution, to becoming volunteers and cultivating their power as community leaders

Aside from supporting important issues, LGC promotes the following:

• Philanthropic synergy

• The feeling of making a huge impact

• Networking opportunities

• Informed decision-making

• Social connections with like-minded individuals

• Getting in touch, on a much deeper level, with what's going on in your community

Being a part of a group with diverse backgrounds demonstrates that you do not have to be of a certain gender identity, income level, or culture to be a philanthropist. 

Can I add this work to my resume?
Of course, you can!

How is LGC connected to the International Community Foundation?
LGC is fiscally sponsored by the International Community Foundation (ICF). ICF uplifts, funds, and connects nonprofits, community leaders and movement builders. ICF provides fiduciary oversight, financial management, and other administrative services for LGC.

Who can I contact if I have questions?
Email us at preguntas@latinagiving.org and we'd be happy to answer your questions!