GACAR Giving Circle Grants

Vision & Mission

The GACAR Giving Circle is dedicated to improving the community through the power of collective giving.

Goals

• Support philanthropy through collective giving to maximize community impact
• Support programs that facilitate housing needs in the community
• Educate the community about local housing advocates and philanthropists
• Connect local housing advocates interested in building a better housing environment for all

Geographic Scope

North Central Florida area (physically located organizations eligible)

Eligibility

• Applicants: Not-for-profit organizations physically located in North Central Florida area
• Tax Status: Must be qualified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code OR classified as a unit of government
• Focus: Programs that address and improve housing needs for local area residents

Funding Management

Giving Circle monies are held in investment funds established and managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Florida (CFNCF)

Grant Decision Process

1. Grant applications collected at start of each year with CFNCF assistance
2. GACAR Giving Circle Committee Members review and narrow down pool of grants
3. Grant finalists voted on by all GACAR Giving Circle Committee Members

Committee Membership & Voting

Voting Membership Requirements:

• GACAR members in business less than 5 years: minimum $500 contribution
• All other members and non-members: minimum $1,000 contribution
• Must be current in payment as of January 31 to be eligible to vote
• Payment plan options available (must be completed by January 31)

Team Giving Option:

• Multiple people can form a team with minimum $100 per person contribution
• Combined total must reach $1,000 for voting rights
• Team captain serves as the voice in giving circle

Endowment

20% of GACAR Giving Circle Committee Member funds allocated to endowment

Contact Information

• Email: info@gacar.com
• Phone: (352) 332-8850
• Address: 1750 NW 80th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606
• Membership Inquiries: Lesley Banis (lbanis@cfncf.org) - for payment plan information

Background

The GACAR Giving Circle was modeled after the Women's Giving Circle (of Gainesville), which has been awarding grants since 2006. The Women's Giving Circle has invested $2.2 million into the community, helping over 50 nonprofit organizations, and has awarded 120 grants since 2006.

Application Process

1. Application Period: Applications collected at the start of each year with assistance from Community Foundation of North Central Florida (CFNCF)
2. Submission: Contact CFNCF to submit grant application
3. Review Phase: GACAR Giving Circle Committee Members review and narrow down the pool of grant applicants
4. Selection Process: Pool of grant finalists voted on by all GACAR Giving Circle Committee Members

Eligibility Requirements

• Organization must be physically located in North Central Florida area
• Must be qualified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code OR classified as a unit of government
• Proposal must comply with GACAR Giving Circle mission statement
• Grants fund programs that address and improve housing needs for local area residents

Required Materials

Specific application materials not detailed in provided content. Contact CFNCF for complete application requirements.

Contact for Application Details

• Community Foundation of North Central Florida (CFNCF)
• GACAR Contact: info@gacar.com or (352) 332-8850