Run by one person,
accountable to everyone.
The Growler Fund is a community project, not a nonprofit. It's organized by Charlie Smith, a San Diego resident who wanted a giving model that was dead simple, fully transparent, and genuinely fun.
About the circle
Why a giving circle?
Individual donations are often small in isolation. Pooling them amplifies impact while keeping each person's contribution affordable.
Why $50?
Low enough that it's a real question for everyone, not trivial. High enough that a group of 20 people gives $1,000 — meaningful for a scrappy local org.
Who is Charlie?
A San Diegan who thinks the nonprofit ecosystem here is underappreciated and underfunded. He organizes the seasons, verifies nominations, and does the administrative work so members don't have to.
Is Charlie paid?
No. None of the pooled pledges go to administration. 100% of the gift goes to the winning organization.
How is the circle accountable?
Gift amounts and recipients are published on this site after every season. Members can verify the donation directly through Grapevine.
What's Grapevine's role?
Grapevine handles all money movement and tax receipting. The Growler Fund doesn't hold funds or have a bank account — everything flows through Grapevine.
Gift transparency record
| Season | Recipient | Members | Gift total | Grapevine receipt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 — Season 1 | TBD — voting in progress | — | — | — |
Get in touch
Questions about the circle, a past gift, how to nominate, or anything else? Send a message and Charlie will get back to you within a day or two.
Or reach out directly:
charlie@charliecsmith.com
760-846-2341