MEMBERSHIP
Supporting local causes that matter
When you join the Next Gen Giving Circle, you become part of a community committed to investing in local nonprofits in the Greater Washington, D.C. region that address issues that NGGC members are passionate about.
Start Today!
Make a donation of $25/month ($300/year) or choose to make a larger recurring or one-time gift.
You can donate online via Grapevine or contact membership@nextgengivingcircle.org for other ways to give (e.g. by check, DAF giving, etc.)
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We also offer a membership tier for college students starting at $10/month ($120/year). Donate via Grapevine and see the F.A.Q. below for more information.
What you get when you join the Giving Circle
As an NGGC member, you have the opportunity to design your philanthropic experience and choose different ways to engage with other members and local nonprofits. Some of the many member benefits include:
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An annual vote on our grant priority, grantees, and grant distribution
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Monthly emails where you see your donations in action
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Invitations to member-only events to socialize and learn more about philanthropy
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Volunteer opportunities and other ways to engage locally
You can also take a more active role by attending monthly meetings, joining our grants and membership committees, and participating in leadership development opportunities.
Next Gen Giving Circle members playing in a table tennis fundraising tournament for local nonprofit 826DC
Next Gen Giving Circle members playing in a table tennis fundraising tournament for local nonprofit 826DC
Attendee at Next Gen Giving Circle's educational funders program
Next Gen Giving Circle members playing in a table tennis fundraising tournament for local nonprofit 826DC
More About Next Gen Giving Circle
We are an initiative of Spur Local (formerly the Catalogue for Philanthropy), a DC-based 501(c)(3) organization that supports a network of 500 critical small and local nonprofits. Spur Local staff (half of whom are giving circle members) manage giving circle operations, including new member onboarding, processing donations and grant disbursements, and convening member meetings.
The Next Gen Giving Circle is also part of a wider DMV Collective Giving Network of regional giving circles. For more information on the giving circle movement, see this blog post.
F.A.Q.
What’s a giving circle?
A giving circle is a way for individuals to pool small donations and decide together where they are contributed. It’s a great way to increase the impact of individual giving.
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If I'm not rich, can I really be a philanthropist?
We think so! The Next Gen Giving Circle is built on the idea that everyone can and should participate in philanthropy. Our members make annual pledges that they pay in automated monthly installments - just like Hulu! Everyone has equal say in grant selections, regardless of their donation amount.
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How are grants made?
A committee of Giving Circle members volunteer to oversee our grants process. Members select grant priorities, review nonprofit applications, conduct site visits with finalists, and determine grant awards. Learn more about our grantmaking.
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Is there an age limit?
We do not have an age limit for our members, but most are early to mid-career professionals. The average age of our members is mid-30s.
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What's the average contribution?
In 2021, member donations ranged from $250 to $2500, with the majority giving through a recurring monthly format. The average donation was $40/month.
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Do you offer a membership tier for college students?
Yes! The Giving Circle aims to continue making philanthropy accessible to younger generations. All college students can join the membership by donating $10/month or $120/year in the first year of their membership. This amount increases to $15/month or $180/year in the second year, before becoming $25/month or $300/year in the third year of membership. If you have additional questions, please email membership@nextgengivingcircle.org.
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How do I sign up?
Our membership process is open to all. If you want to join the circle, please navigate to our Grapevine donation page. Once there, you'll be able to join and donate to NGGC. If you prefer to donate a different way, email membership@nextgengivingcircle.org to get started.
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​How do I make a donation?
On the right side of our Grapevine page, you should see an option to select an amount to donate (i.e. $25, $50, $75, $100, other) and donation frequency (i.e. monthly or one-time). To be eligible for membership, you must pledge at least $25/month or $300/year. College students joining NGGC for their first year of membership can give $10/month or $120/year. One-time givers should select "other amount" and type in a number. We encourage members to donate whatever is meaningful to them, as every dollar is pooled to make larger community grants!
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Is my donation tax deductible?
Using the Grapevine platform, their foundation serves as our fiscal agent. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. You will get receipts acknowledging your contribution whenever payment is collected.
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Do you participate in employee matching programs?
We welcome the opportunity to participate and can work with donors on an individual basis to supply the information they need to access their employer matching programs. Email membership@nextgengivingcircle.org for next steps.