GACAR Giving Circle Grants

GACAR Giving Circle Grants

Funder: Gainesville-Alachua County Association of REALTORS® (GACAR)

Website: gacar.com

Vision & Mission

The GACAR Giving Circle is dedicated to improving the community through the power of collective giving. The mission is to address and improve the housing needs of local residents.

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.