One of my favorite forms of community philanthropy are Giving Circles, where members pool their charitable gifts together to make grants to local nonprofit groups, realizing that one substantial contribution can have an immediate influence in a community. Collections of like-minded, passionate individuals like these help promote the idea that everyone can be a philanthropist.

It’s also a way that people are becoming more strategic in their generosity and making the biggest impact on groups and causes they care about. Charitable collaboration can be tricky, because, obviously, people are very passionate when it comes to the causes they personally care about, but members have to evaluate and make smart decisions about where their dollars will make the most impact. It’s a great way to learn valuable philanthropic skills.

Many circles are flexible and allow you to be as involved as you want to be with no pressure. Some individuals just want to come to the meetings and weigh in on where the charitable dollars go. Others want to go on site visits and see nonprofits in action. Others even sign on to volunteer directly with the groups that receive the grants. It’s wonderful because many of these Giving Circles become great public advocates for the nonprofits and causes they care about.

Started just three years ago by a diverse group of professional African-American women with a common passion for giving back and a vision of creating positive change, the Masala Giving Circle at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has made significant strides. They now boast more than 30 members and have granted more than $20,000 into the African-American communities within Sarasota and Manatee counties. Their name derives from the mix of spices, which is a perfect representation of their diversity that is added to their passionate personalities and desire to get things done.

I was fortunate enough to witness an incredible example of the impact that can happen through this method of giving the other night at one of the Masala’s annual meetings. They presented a $10,000 check to the Newtown Nation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for programs which will advance and improve the lives of the Newtown community in Sarasota.

The vital funding will ensure a local Farmers Market occurs twice a month in the Newtown area to provide access to fresh and healthy food to members of the community. Even more exciting, a food delivery system will be incorporated into the market so those who cannot make the trip can also benefit from the variety of fresh food!

What a legacy for each of these women - to know they had a hand in creating something so positive for the people they serve. I always look forward to their gatherings each year, as they truly embrace community, celebrate life, and envision a brighter future for everyone. Kudos to them, as well as the other variety of Giving Circles we are privileged to host at the Community Foundation.

Roxie Jerde is president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.