By Jordan Walker
Many of our FLiP readers have written to us with questions about giving circles. What are they exactly and how do they work? How do I get involved in one? How can I start my own? FLiP met up with Cynthia Pacia and Stephanie Samuel, Advisory Committee members, to learn a bit more about a new giving circle called NextGen Rochester (NGR).
FLiP: What exactly is NextGen Rochester?
NGR: NextGen Rochester is peer-led philanthropy designed for young professionals in the Rochester community, and we expect them to be involved in every step of the way. We feel strongly about the fact that working together leads to a bigger impact, and organizations can do so much more with a substantial gift. We aren’t limiting about what we support because needs in the community change all the time. We will continue to respond to those needs. Personally, NextGen Rochester is great to be a part of because you leave the meetings feeling motivated and positive.
FLiP: When was NextGen Rochester started? How & by whom?
NGR: Staff members at the Rochester Area Community Foundation have been considering starting something like this for quite some time. Rochester has a strong young professional community as well as a vibrant philanthropic community, and when we attended the Council on Foundations Philanthropy Summit last May, we were able to learn more about options for young professionals in the field. Three staff members officially started NextGen in late fall 2008, and since we needed young professionals to offer advice, we convened an advisory committee to get things started.
FLiP: How is this different from a community foundation? How does it fit into the greater community foundation picture?
NGR: The Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiative is a separate entity from the Foundation that is designed specifically for this purpose, for young ideas to grow and flourish. This is a way for the Community Foundation to connect with young professionals because otherwise, our average donors are generally more established and over the age of 45. With this separate initiative, we’re looking to help young professionals make an impact in the community.
FLiP: How does membership work? How do you recruit members?
NGR: We are looking for committee volunteers to commit during the first year, and they will set policies and procedures. Right now we have about 25 people who have agreed to join a committee, plus another 120 people following us on Facebook, and another 50 individuals still who call and email us. Going forward, we’ll recruit new members using Facebook, the young professionals area through the local newspaper site, as well as hosting a variety of events that are open to the general public.
FLiP: How do committees work?
NGR: We’re in the process of forming subcommittees now, which will encompass topics like grantmaking, education, membership and marketing. In addition, these members will help us with research and forming decisions. We’ve decided to place Community Foundation staff members on each committee but the idea is really to empower young professionals to make their own decisions.
FLiP: How does the grantmaking process work?
NGR: All the grants will be issued in Rochester, and the grants committee will identify the possible organizations to receive grants. Additionally, some recommendations will come out of the education committee’s work or suggestions from other parts of the membership. Moreover, the grants committee will perform the due diligence, check track records, 501(c)3 statuses, etc. Pending all this, all members will make the final selection. Everyone will have a vote, no matter how much money they contribute. We’ll complete this process on an annual basis.
FLiP: What kinds of philanthropic opportunities are available to members?
NGR: We’d like to create a sort of “backstage pass” for young professionals to connect with those in the community and nonprofit sector. We’ve learned that it’s important for young professionals to feel like people are listening to them. We’ll continue to survey our members to gauge interest; the current benefits came out of last year’s survey.
FLiP: Where do I sign up?
NGR: At this moment, you can contact Cynthia directly or join NextGen Rochester's group on Facebook. Otherwise, stay posted for an update from FLiP when NextGen is off the ground and running!
