Simple rules.
Shared stakes.
Real money.
The Growler Fund runs one giving season at a time. Every pledging member gets an equal say in where the money goes — no board, no committees, no insider picks.
The process
Pledge $50
Commit via Grapevine. Nothing is charged until pledges close and we confirm the season is a go. If we don't hit the member minimum, all pledges are cancelled.
Nominate a nonprofit
Every pledging member can nominate one San Diego-serving 501(c)(3). Include a short note on why you think they deserve the gift this season.
Vote for a finalist
Nominations are reviewed for eligibility, then a shortlist goes to a member vote. One member, one vote. Plurality wins — no ranked ballots, no runoffs.
One gift goes out
Grapevine collects every pledge and sends a single donation to the winning organization. Each member receives a tax receipt for their individual contribution.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the pledge?
$50 per member per season. That's it. No tiers, no suggested amounts, no upsells.
When does money actually move?
Only after pledges close and the season threshold is met. Grapevine holds pledges and only charges cards once we confirm the season is live.
Who is eligible to nominate?
Any member who has an active pledge for the current season. One nomination per member. Self-nominations are not allowed.
What makes a nonprofit eligible?
Must be a registered 501(c)(3) with a primary focus on serving San Diego County residents. National orgs with a local chapter may qualify — ask first.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. Grapevine is a registered fiscal sponsor. You'll receive a tax receipt from Grapevine for your individual $50 contribution.
What if there's a tie?
In the event of a tie, the organizer (Charlie) casts the deciding vote. This is disclosed in advance so it's never a surprise.
Can the same org win twice?
Yes, if they're nominated and the members vote for them again. There's no "once per lifetime" rule — a great org is a great org.
How are nominations shortlisted?
All nominations are checked for 501(c)(3) status and local focus. Eligible nominations go to the member ballot. Ineligible ones are flagged with a reason.
Past gifts
| Season | Recipient | Focus area | Members | Gift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coming soon | — | — | — | — |
Community guidelines
Respect the process
Nominations and votes are private. Don't campaign aggressively or pressure other members. Let the merits speak.
No conflicts of interest
If you have a personal or financial connection to an org you're nominating, disclose it. Members can still vote for it, but transparency matters.
One voice per person
No proxy pledges, no coordinated block voting. One real person = one pledge = one vote.
Keep it local
The circle exists to invest in San Diego. Nominations that don't serve this region won't make it to the ballot.