The Elevate Fund: A giving circle focused on empowering women and the community at large
What is a Giving Circle?
A giving circle is a form of participatory philanthropy where groups of individuals donate their own money or time to a pooled fund, then decide together what projects and charities they will support with that money. In the process, the group seeks to increase their awareness of and engagement in the issues covered by the circle, as well as educate others on those issues.
The Elevate Fund focuses on collaboration, empowerment and learning. The Elevate Fund gives you the opportunity to join a passionate group of women and allies who are pooling their resources.. A giving circle is a great way for you and your network of friends, family and colleagues to make a difference in our region - together.
Mission:
The mission of the Elevate Fund is to empower, connect and inspire women and girls in our local community by supporting initiatives and resources that better their lives.
Vision:
The Elevate Fund envisions a thriving community where women and girls are empowered with the opportunities, resources and support they need to lead, succeed and create meaningful change.
Core Values
Membership Tiers
An annual contribution of $500 is required to maintain your memebership. There are a number of membership options available, however. If you would like to share a membership and voting rights with another individual or with a group, you can pool your resources to meet a $500 minimum commitment. You can also split your membership contribution into monthly, quarterly, etc. payments.
Additionally, if you would like to sponsor another member, you can do so!
See all of the membership options in the link below.
How are membership contributions allocated?
80% of contributions to the fund annually are allocated towards grantmaking. 20% is allocated to the Elevate Fund's endowment to support growth and long-term sustainability or to priority partnerships that may provide additional opportunities for networking, learning opportunities and more to Elevate Fund members.
Topics for education, advocacy and philanthropy:
- Access to Education - Advocate for improved access to quality education for girls in rural areas, including intitiatives to provide scholarships, build schools, or support distance learning programs.
- Career Development and Job Preparation - Support initiatives that provide vocational training, job skills development and mentorship programs tailored to the needs of women in rural communities.
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business Support - Advocate for resources and programs that help women start and grow their own businesses, such as microfinance loans, business training workshops and networking opportunities.
- Childcare Support - Address the lack of affordable and accessible childcare options in rural areas by advocating for policies that support childcare subsidies, community childcare centers or flexible work arrangements.
- Networking and Mentorship - Create mentorship programs that connect women in rural communities with successful professionals in their fields, providing guidance, support and networking opportunities.
- Access to Healthcare - Advocate for improved access to healthcare services for women and girls in rural areas, including reproductive healthcare, maternal care and mental health support.
- Addressing Gender-Based Violence - Advocate for initiatives that raise awareness about gender-based violence and provide support services for survivors, including shelters, hotlines and legal assistance.
- Cultural and Social Empowerment - Support initiatives that promote gender equality, challenge harmful stereotypes and empower women and girls to assert their rights and voice in their communities.
Meet our Members
Paula Bernstein, Mary Freeman, Sharon Myers, Janice Capaldo, Monica Emery, Dr. Pauline Hoffman
Leadership
Founders Board
Shelley Jack, Lucy Benson, Laura Whitford, Mary Freeman, Sharon Myers
