Community Foundation's Give 365 campaign seeks $1-a-day donors
June 2nd, 2010
For people who think philanthropy is reserved for the rich and powerful, the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis has a new giving campaign.
The Give 365 initiative pools money from many smaller donors who collectively decide how to spend it. The campaign -- announced Tuesday -- is looking for 365 members by year's end to each give $1 a day for every day of one year, or $365.
"Give 365 is a participatory opportunity for folks who want to make a change in Memphis but maybe don't have thousands and thousands of dollars to do that," said foundation president Bob Fockler.
The minimum amount to open a fund with the foundation is $10,000, Fockler said. While those who can afford to open such funds "do some wonderful things in the community," the Give 365 campaign is a philanthropic outlet for those without such means -- "you know, normal people," Fockler joked.
The group now has 39 members. Should it reach its 365-member goal, it would have more than $133,000. That figure could get a $20,000 bump with a possible dollar-for-dollar matching grant from the foundation's Community Partnership Fund.
"We are always looking for things that inspire people to give," said Kim Gaskill, a Give 365 founding member and co-owner of Gaskill Strategies LLC. "Sometimes we think you have to have a whole lot of money to make a big difference, but by pooling money together and having a say in how it is distributed, you can make a big impact."
To decide how their money is spent, Give 365 members will vote on broad themes such as innovation, education, sustainability or education, among others. They will then pick nonprofit organizations to carry out their plans.
For more information, visit the foundation's website at cfgm.org and click on the "Give 365" icon or call 728-4600.
-- Toby Sells: 529-2742
Community Foundation of Greater Memphis recession assets
Before downturn: $320 million
During downturn: $240 million
Currently: $292 million
-- Source: Bob Fockler, foundation president