It’s In Your Best Interest To Become A Philanthropist In 2021. Philanthropy Together’s Sara Lomelin Shares Why.

In January, the presidential inauguration reminded us that our democracy is critical and fragile. It also reminded us how every vote, every person, matters when it comes to designing a country that represents the true needs of all Americans. As we reflect on the power of our vote to bring in this new administration, perhaps we should also be asking, where can we apply democratic principles to create a more fair, just, and equitable society?

For Philanthropy Together’s Executive Director Sara Lomelin, the answer is simple. “Philanthropy. It is critical we look to this sector to continue to dismantle the oppressive systems that continue to make some well and others not. And, it is time we try and get all people involved in the process of giving within their community. Giving circles, which bring people together to pool their money, learn about issues facing their communities, and vote for organizations to support- well, they do just that.”  

Lomelin’s wise statement comes at the end of a decade in which philanthropy, for better or for worse, continues to try to solve massive problems at scale. From problematic venture philanthropy, like young Mark Zuckerberg’s $100 Million gift in 2010 to the Newark public school system, to inspiring platforms like Philanos, the largest collective giving network for women’s giving circles and other collective giving groups who, since their conception, have mobilized over $140 million into the respective communities of their members. 

In this pivotal moment, as we rebuild coming out of this century’s first global pandemic, what elements of these various giving strategies for change-making should we look to replicate? Lomelin offers a smart opinion on the matter. “Anyone who has ever sought to create social change, whether locally or globally, knows that it takes a combination of listening, community, and consistency. What better model exists that does just that, than giving circles, which are rooted in cultures and traditions around the globe and have existed for centuries?” Lomelin goes on to share that, “perhaps the change in this moment lies in every single person recognizing themselves as philanthropists, as lovers of humanity; as people committed to long-term local change in close partnership with community. I firmly believe it is in your best interest, and the interest of your entire community, to become a philanthropist, as soon as possible.”

Lomelin’s passionate call to action comes from her extensive career in philanthropy, where she has worked tirelessly to democratize the field. From her work at the Latino Community Foundation, where she developed the largest Latino donor network in the United States, to her current role at Philanthropy Together, Lomelin believes the giving circle movement is a powerful model to spur substantial wide-spread systems change. 

“The power of collective giving is the strong ties with local communities, they create real, deep relationships with the projects and organizations they support. And this goes well beyond the dollars: philanthropic engagement is civic engagement. It’s important we remember we can’t be frustrated by billionaires making decisions in our neighborhoods, we have the power to be part of that change too.”

Today, Philanthropy Together, with its mission to catalyze and mobilize a collaborative giving movement, is ensuring all socially conscious people have the tools and resources to begin and grow giving circles in their communities. Its signature initiative, Launchpad, released on #GivingTuesdayNow 2020, is a virtual, interactive leadership training program that exists to help launch giving circles, ensuring that every person or entity has what they need to start giving circles in their communities and institutions. “The exciting thing about Launchpad is that we now have a way for any one, a young person at their school, an employee at a corporation, or a leader at a philanthropic intermediary – literally, any one can easily, creatively create a giving circle after they go through this program.” Lomelin encourages those interested in the idea to consider the many worthy outcomes from creating a giving circle in their community. “It’s not just about giving away money, it’s about community connection, local partnerships, deeper understanding of your own mission or your institutions- there is so much to gain from beginning or growing your giving circle.”

As giving circles democratize philanthropy into the future, tools are necessary but they must be accessible to all Americans to be effective. Although collective giving in our country has always been  present in communities of color, many of these donors have gone unrecognized by mainstream philanthropy. If we want to truly see giving circles as a place to create more equitable change in our communities, it is key that these groups embrace donors from diverse racial, ethnic, social, and cultural backgrounds. Lomelin addresses this by saying clearly and proudly that, “The collective giving movement has seen a shift in philanthropy in the last five years. You can feel it. Passionate, powerful, diverse individuals are engaging in giving circles now more than ever before: people of color, LGBT+, those without wealth – to name a few. The beauty of this movement is in its ability to bring people of all backgrounds together and make real change happen.”

As this giving circle movement builds, it is important to also note that there are powerful realizations one can make when investing their full selves in the process of collective giving. For Alayah Glenn, founder of Rushing River Giving Circle and a recent Launchpad For You participant, giving circles gave her that exact experience and perspective to see the world differently as she sought fund it.“I learned that giving circles are far from what I had for so long considered when I thought about philanthropy. They are part of a deep, rich cultural identity rooted in diasporic communities across the world.”

It is quite clear that our country is lucky that Philanthropy Together has arrived for such an unpredictable moment in our nation’s history. As we all seek to rebuild our communities in the wake of extreme racial injustice and profound healthcare concerns, may our call to action, as simple as it may seem, be to come together. With platforms like Launchpad and initiatives like Philanthropy Together, may we turn advice to action, embracing wise words such as those spoken by the famous African American philanthropist, Madam C.J. Walker, when she said: “Don’t sit down and wait for opportunities to come. Get up and make them.”