The Weinberg Fellows Giving Circle

Purpose

To support the work of nonprofit organizations serving disadvantaged citizens and under-served communities within Baltimore City and the surrounding metropolitan area as defined by the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Fellows Program application criteria.

Sponsor

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Fellows Program.

What is a Giving Circle?

A Giving Circle is a group of individual donors with like philanthropic interests who pool annual contributions into a single fund. The members of the Circle then make grants from this fund, as a group, to organizations that meet their giving interests and criteria.

Who are the Members of the Giving Circle?

All individuals who have completed the Weinberg Fellows program and have been certified as a Weinberg Fellow are eligible to join the Weinberg Fellows Giving Circle. Membership is obtained by making an annual gift to the Giving Circle fund. In 2008, a minimum cumulative annual gift of $100 is required be a member of the fund. Other individuals are welcome to make contributions in support of the fund, but will not be considered members if they do not meet both of the criteria outlined above.

Only current members of the Giving Circle are eligible to participate in the Circle’s grant-making process each year. All Weinberg Fellows are eligible to participate in the annual nominating process of potential grantees.

How is the Circle Organized?

The Giving Circle has a Steering Committee comprised of current Giving Circle members. The Steering Committee plans the annual calendar, reviews and revises the membership and nominating/granting process, plans publicity and membership recruitment activities, and coordinates the administration of the Circle through the Baltimore Community Foundation. Additional committees may be formed for specific activities of the Circle as membership growth warrants.

All Giving Circle grants will be awarded based on a nomination process. All Weinberg Fellows are eligible to nominate nonprofit organizations to receive grants. The Steering Committee will publicize the nomination process and deadlines to all Fellows on a timely basis. NOTE: No organization will be eligible to receive a Giving Circle grant at any time that a Weinberg Fellow is on the staff of that organization.

Only Members of the Weinberg Fellows Giving Circle have the right and responsibility of voting on potential grants to nominated organizations. The Steering Committee will design the voting process and publicize it to all Giving Circle members on a timely basis.

Who Collects & Administers the Giving Circle Funds?

The Baltimore Community Foundation administers all funds donated to the Giving Circle and provides donor acknowledgement of the tax-deductibility of the gift. The Steering Committee will collect contributions at all Weinberg Fellow events and through an annual appeal. Contribution checks should be made payable to the Baltimore Community Foundation with a note on the memo line reading “Weinberg Fellows Giving Circle.”

Questions about the Giving Circle should be directed to Jan Hoffberger, WF ’03 (consult Weinberg Fellows website for current contact information).

How do I Give to the Giving Circle?

Complete the Weinberg Giving Circle Form and mail to the listed address to contribute.

How do I Nominate an Organization for a Giving Circle Grant?

Complete the 2008 Weinberg Fellows Nomination Form and email the form to Jan Hoffberger by 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2008.

Questions about the Giving Circle should be directed to Jan Hoffberger, WF ’03 (consult your directory for current contact information).

The 2007 Weinberg Fellows Giving Circle Steering Committee:

  • Meg Boyd Meyer, 2002
  • Lin Romano, 2003
  • Jan Hoffberger, 2003
  • Maryjoel Davis, 2004
  • JoAnn Goldberger, 2005
  • Virginia Knowlton, 2007
  • Debra Langseth, 2007