The Weinberg Fellows Giving Circle

About

The Weinberg Fellows Giving Circle was established in 2003 as an expression of Weinberg Fellows program graduates’ desire to give back and support outstanding efforts in the nonprofit community. The Weinberg Fellows Giving Circle encourages the philanthropy, leadership and activism of program alumni, and provides an affirmative means for them to honor their Weinberg Fellows experience through grant making to organizations positively impacting our communities.

Fellows who donate to the Circle have the opportunity to nominate and select a nonprofit organization not staffed by a current or former Weinberg Fellow for a grant from the Fund. Donations from non-Fellows are also accepted and appreciated. Grant awards are presented at the Weinberg Fellows AIM Conference each fall.

Purpose

To support the work of nonprofit organizations serving disadvantaged citizens and under-served communities within Baltimore City and the surrounding metropolitan area as defined by the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Fellows Program application criteria.

Sponsor

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Fellows Program.

What is a Giving Circle?

A Giving Circle is a group of individual donors with like philanthropic interests who pool annual contributions into a single fund. The members of the Circle then make grants from this fund, as a group, to organizations that meet their giving interests and criteria.

Who are the Members of the Giving Circle?

All individuals who have completed the Weinberg Fellows program and have been certified as a Weinberg Fellow are eligible to join the Weinberg Fellows Giving Circle. Membership is obtained by making a total personal gift of $100 or more to the Giving Circle fund on an annual basis and being a certified Fellow.

Amounts less than $100 are welcome and will supplement the grant awards, but will not satisfy the membership requirements. Organizations or other individuals are also welcome to make contributions in support of the fund, but only certified Weinberg Fellows meet the membership criteria.

Only members of the Giving Circle (Weinberg Fellows who have made a personal gift of $100 or more since the prior year’s close) may nominate an organization for a grant from the Giving Circle and take part in the grant selection process.

How is the Circle Organized?

The Giving Circle has a Steering Committee comprised of current Giving Circle members. The Steering Committee plans the annual calendar, reviews and revises the membership and nominating/granting process, plans publicity and membership recruitment activities, and coordinates the administration of the Circle through the Baltimore Community Foundation. Additional committees may be formed for specific activities of the Circle as membership growth warrants.

All Giving Circle grants will be awarded based on a nomination process. The Steering Committee will publicize the nomination and voting process, including deadlines, to Giving Circle members (Weinberg Fellows who have made a personal gift of $100 or more since the prior year’s close) on a timely basis.

NOTE: No organization will be eligible to receive a Giving Circle grant at any time that a Weinberg Fellow is on the staff of that organization.

Who Collects & Administers the Giving Circle Funds?

The Baltimore Community Foundation administers all funds donated to the Giving Circle and provides donor acknowledgement of the tax-deductibility of the gift.

The Steering Committee will collect contributions at all Weinberg Fellow events and through an annual appeal.

How do I Give to the Giving Circle?

New in 2010, gifts of $25 or more may be made online using a credit card at www.bcf.org under “Give Now” and selecting Weinberg Fellows Giving Circle. Contribution checks should be made payable to the Baltimore Community Foundation with a note on the memo line reading “Weinberg Fellows Giving Circle.

How do I Nominate an Organization for a Giving Circle Grant?

Nominations can be accepted online at www.bcf.org on the Weinberg Fellows donation site. Complete the 2010 Weinberg Fellows Nomination Form and email to Virginia Knowlton, Co-Chair of the Steering Committee Nominations will only be considered if sponsored by a Giving Circle member (Weinberg Fellow who has made a donation of $100 or more to the fund in the current year).

The 2010 Weinberg Fellows Giving Circle Steering Committee:

  • Co-Chairs
  • Shelly Terranova, 2007
  • Virginia Knowlton, 2007
  • Members
  • Meg Boyd Meyer, 2002
  • Jan Hoffberger, 2003
  • Lin Romano, 2003
  • Bill McLennan, 2004
  • JoAnn Goldberger, 2005
  • Deborah Langseth, 2007
  • Karen Heyward West, 2008
  • Tom Bonderenko, 2009