LETTER: Giving circles are charitable options

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Thanks to Rose Lincoln Hamilton for her informative Feb. 15 Leader op-ed piece on the Jefferson Community Foundation and philanthropy in Jefferson County.

One thing she didn’t touch on is the push-pull for charitable giving between national/global issues, of which there’s an abundance of this year, and local giving. The fact is that while national organizations are urgently pulling in millions of dollars, local nonprofits are facing increasing pressure to keep programs thriving in light of real and potential federal and state cuts, coupled with many donors feeling tapped out.

Giving circles are one very effective donation technique Rose mentioned in her article. As a member of Better Living Through Giving Circle, I found a wonderful mechanism for making local giving really have an impact. By pooling resources and research with 10 colleagues, we identified and funded two programs that focused on youth, leadership, vocational training and the environment.

A new giving circle is forming and looking for a few more individuals (or couples) to round out the group. There is not a stated focus yet, and every circle has approached their structure and decision-making process a bit differently.

There are now more than 40 people with giving-circle experience in East Jefferson County, and I would venture to state that most would say it’s been a very rewarding experience. Anyone interested in learning more can contact Ken Dane, interim director, at Jefferson Community Foundation.

DOUG VAN ALLEN

Port Townsend