Individuals accounted for 75 percent of the more than $3 billion in charitable giving in 2009, according to Giving USA. Imagine how much that incredible total could increase if individuals joined forces to make an even greater impact. That’s where the New Philanthropists come in. 

The New Philanthropists Giving Circle of Bloomington and Monroe County is a group of likeminded friends, family and neighbors who believe that giving is a cherished value. The New Philanthropists gather together once a month to collectively work toward making a positive difference in the greater Bloomington community. By sharing their own personal interests and learning about a whole host of local nonprofit organizations and the areas in which they serve, members are effectively able to  make collaborative, strategic grant-making decisions.
 

Last year, The New Philanthropists successfully pooled their resources to raise a total of $2,000 for Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard as the members voted on “hunger” as their philanthropic theme (see MHC letter below). With these combined donations, The New Philanthropists were also able to lay the foundation for a community endowment.

 

The 2010-2011 New Philanthropists launched their year of giving this fall. (Many members are pictured above at the Sept. kickoff gathering at Bryan Park.) The New Philanthropists are currently working toward making another meaningful contribution for a deserving organization. Membership is $200 and participants can join individually or as a group. Shared memberships result in one vote per meeting during the grant-making process.

 

Interested in becoming a New Philanthropist or want to learn more about how fun and easy giving back can be? Contact Lindsay Walker at Lindsay@cfbmc.org.

You can also stay connected to all of the  exciting New Philanthropists news by “liking” our page on Facebook: