May 2026
WHERE GIVING MEETS COMMUNITY
Insights on local generosity, nonprofit work, and the needs shaping our region.
By Katie Simpson, Community Giving Foundation
In every community, there are moments when a single act of generosity makes a difference. A gift can help a neighbor, support a program, or meet an immediate need. But when generosity is shared by many people coming together around a common purpose, that impact grows exponentially.
This is the power of collective giving. It transforms generosity from something individual into something expansive, strategic, and deeply connected to what a community believes is possible. It turns ripples of change into waves of impact.
Collective giving is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: together, we can do more. When individuals pool their resources, guided by shared values and a vision for the future, they unlock opportunities that most can never accomplish alone. It allows communities to think bigger, act more boldly, and respond more meaningfully to the challenges around them. Collective giving becomes more than a method of philanthropy. It’s a reflection of a community’s hopes and priorities.
But this power isn’t only financial—it’s also deeply human. When people give together, they also learn together. They listen to one another, share stories, and deepen their understanding of local needs. Collective giving invites participation, creating space for human engagement and connection rooted in empathy and purpose. It fosters a sense of belonging, reminding us that we are not alone in caring about the future of our communities.
Collective giving is an important part of our work at Community Giving Foundation. Donors of all kinds from across the region have trusted the Foundation to steward their gifts, building a system of resources that are both for the community and from the community.
For example, you can see the spirit of collective giving come to life through the Foundation’s Women’s Giving Circle. What began in 2017 with a small group of passionate donors has grown into a dynamic network committed to improving the lives of women and girls across our region. Over the years, donors have come together to award more than $160,000 in grants, serving as a bright beacon for ever woman and girl in our region, and for the nonprofits committed to serving them.
The impact of this collective giving approach is both tangible and deeply meaningful. Grants from the Women’s Giving Circle have supported initiatives that provide stability, opportunity, and hope—from building safe and welcoming homes to expanding access to essentials like furniture, period products, mental health resources, and so much more. These stories illustrate what can happen when generosity is united and amplified.
Beyond the grants themselves, the Women’s Giving Circle reflects another important aspect of collective giving: engagement. Donors are an active part of the process as they learn about community needs and nonprofit services, see firsthand impact through site visits, and help guide grant decisions through live voting at the Women’s Giving Circle annual event. This participation not only strengthens grantmaking, but also empowers individuals to see themselves as changemakers. It builds confidence in giving and deepens trust in our community’s future.
In the end, collective giving is about more than pooling resources. It creates momentum and demonstrates what’s possible when people come together with intention and care. Over time, that momentum helps shape a culture where generosity is visible, shared, and contagious—one where giving becomes not just an action or after-thought, but a way of life.
While any of us can make a difference, collective giving creates an opportunity to do something extraordinary when we come together.