Go out,
for a cause
A small group pools modest amounts of money, decides together where it should go, and makes a single gift.
Alone, fifty dollars is a rounding error. Together it is a grant, and a reason to spend an evening arguing about what is worth funding.
How it works
Everyone puts in the same
Equal stakes, so everyone's vote weighs the same. The money sits in one pot until the group decides.
Anyone can nominate
Bring a nonprofit you know something about. Local, small, one you have volunteered for. Two sentences on why.
Pitch night
Three minutes each, out loud, in a room. This is the part people come back for. Questions after every pitch.
One gift goes out
Ranked vote, top pick takes the whole pot. Undivided money does more than a scatter of small donations.
The season
Sept 15
Pledges close
Oct 1
Nominations due
Oct 16
Pitch night
Oct 20
Gift sent
Questions people ask
What if my pick doesn't win?
It usually won't. You are trading control over one small donation for a say in something many times larger.
Where does the money sit?
In one account held by the organizer and reported to the group. Every dollar in and out is visible to members.
Can I give more?
Not into the pot. Equal stakes keep it a circle instead of a board. Give separately if you want to give more.
Is it tax-deductible?
The gift goes to a registered 501(c)(3), but the receipt is in the circle's name. Talk to your accountant.
Join the circle
16 people, $50 apiece, one evening of pitches, one gift. Put your name in and we'll send the details.
No money moves today. We collect once pledges close.