Giving Circle Grants

A program where like-minded philanthropists pool their resources to make a significant community impact. Members vote to distribute one primary $10,000 grant and other smaller grants to support projects they find most compelling.

Geographic Scope: Centre County

History: Since inception, Giving Circle members have distributed over $240,000 in grants to support dynamic programs throughout Centre County.

Activities:

• Engage with fellow community-minded philanthropists
• Amplify giving by pooling resources
• Interact directly with local nonprofit organization representatives
• Review submitted project proposals
• Select favorite proposals to advance to live vote
• Attend fall cocktail reception to hear finalist pitches
• Cast votes to determine grant winners
• Celebrate impact with grant recipients at summer gathering

Changemaker Membership

• Cost: $250/year (or $20.83/month)
• Benefits:
  • Encourage favorite nonprofits to apply
  • Review submitted project proposals
  • Select three favorite proposals to advance to live vote
  • Attend fall cocktail reception
  • Cast vote at fall event to determine grant winner
  • Celebrate impact with recipients at summer gathering

Amplifier Membership

• Cost: $500/year (or $41.67/month)
• Benefits: All Changemaker benefits plus:
  • Select which amazing project receives an additional grant at fall reception
  • Amplified impact through increased contribution

Ambassador Membership

• Cost: $1,000/year (or $83.33/month)
• Benefits: All Amplifier benefits plus:
  • Choose one of two options:
  • Option 1: Sponsor a $250 Changemaker Membership for a new member and grow Giving Circle Endowment with $250 contribution
  • Option 2: Grow Giving Circle Endowment Fund with $500 contribution
• Phone: 814.237.6229
• Email: kerry@centrefoundation.org

How to Join

Process:

1. Contact Kerry Tolton to get started
2. Select your membership level (Changemaker, Amplifier, or Ambassador)
3. Make your annual or monthly contribution
4. Begin participating in Giving Circle activities

For Nonprofits Interested in Receiving a Grant:

• Contact Centre Foundation to learn more about applying
• Nonprofits submit project proposals for member review
• Finalists are invited to pitch at fall cocktail reception
• Giving Circle members vote on grant recipients

Contact: Kerry Tolton, Development and Stewardship Director

• Phone: 814.237.6229
• Email: kerry@centrefoundation.org