Your Invitation to Disrupt Philanthropy | Sara Lomelin | TED

Philanthropy disruptor Sara Lomelin thinks communities can build power through collective giving and the model of "giving circles": groups of people with shared values who come together to make change, strengthen their social fabric and help diverse solutions get funded. Learn the four steps to start a thriving giving circle in your community -- and see how thousands of people worldwide are already part of this movement to usher in a new era of philanthropy that is democratic and joyful.

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[mariaohollearn]

Absolutely love your storytelling and representation of the GIving Circles. We can all be philanthropists. We can all drive change. We can make our communities stronger and be intentional about the investments we make. Here’s to all successes ahead. 🎉🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻🎉

[veronicarodriguez]

We don’t have time to wait for needed change. We have to be the change we need. Giving Circles allow you give and engage organization in a real meaningful way. Together giving from abundance! ❤
So powerful!

[erinnandrews]

Giving circles are such an incredible way to create a community within a community, gather around a shared purpose, and facilitate "good" together. I joined a giving circle for the first time this year and am so inspired by my fellow members and the organizations we're able to support financially. This is a beautiful and impassioned talk by the brilliant Sara Lomelin. I found this quote rather shocking, but in reality, it's not that surprising unfortunately: 88% of philanthropic funding in the US goes to the top 5% of nonprofits. My favorite quote: "communities know what communities need."

[kbgymnast]

Really powerful talk. At the heart of this all is COMMUNITY. I couldn't agree more!

[isiskrause]

Yes!!! "All the money in the world won't save us but beloved community will." Love this line.

[LilianPena]

Well said. I have listened to her breakdown of philanthropy several times now. It’s so simple, yet so impactful!

[KathrynPaulette]

My "giving circle" is called St Thomas Episcopal Church and we have defined our purpose as Missionaries to serve our community. We are democratic in voting where our outreach serves community of San Antonio. We are multiracial and multigenerational. We all give the "5Ts" out of our abundance. We are not so much philanthropists but servants. E pluribus unam voce !

[elizabethgomez]

Beautifully said! Proud to be a part of an amazing giving circle that has been able to make such an important impact on our local community ❤ If not us who? If not now when?

[yudikravzov]

Felicidades por el concepto, por tu forma y por tu fondo. De Mexicana a Mexicana... Bravo!!!! Brava!!!

[ghislainbugnicourt]

While I easily get behind the emphasis on humanity and community, I can't help but wonder if this system is fair, in terms of who gets the help. She gives percentages without a reference to compare them to, and seems to imply that the circles could make these percentages more fair, but I don't see how without a centralized repartition of the donations.
It feels like a first step before giving that repartition role to a unified system, government or non-profit.

[vesawuoristo]

I come from a country where the government actually governs and much less help is needed in general. Currently I live in a different country, the US.

[georgeogkush]

One minute into this is amazing so far

[IronMongoose]

This is Sunday lunch at my church.

We take turns cooking and take turns picking the beneficiary and presenting their work.

[stirgy]

Take a drink every time she says giving circle. I'm drunk. You can throw all the money you want at something that's for the best cause for the best intentions, but you need boots on the ground maybe donate your time instead of your cash

[zadkungch]

I like her moving while she was talking.

[lorettawatkins]

What a fabulous idea! But if it weren't for the written transcript I would not have been able to understand her accent, so thanks for that!

[nathanswensen]

Nicely done! You've managed to reinvent what churches have done for centuries.

[karentucker]

You don't have to be rich to give to a cause, even if it's just a few cents. It helps.i rather know where my money goes to.

[georgeogkush]

Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

[Missy-Missy]

How do you teach children to give when they are taught that when you do give to the less fortunate they don't appreciate it?