13 Apr The Hive, a ladies’ giving circle for Starke County
We are a ladies’ giving circle for Starke County, established through the Starke County Community Foundation, and we are working together to make our community a better place to call home. Our inaugural event was held on February 22, 2018, during which we gave away $5,000 to some amazing nonprofits. This also provided an opportunity for us to learn about the good work these organizations are doing for our community.
The positive “buzz” in the room was certainly evident. Together we created such an inviting atmosphere, and many ladies have said that they left the event feeling inspired and happy to be a part of something so positive in our community. Jordan Morris, a member of The Hive said via Facebook:
The Starke County Community Foundation feeds my soul! Every time I attend one of their gatherings my heart is filled with love for this community. The Hive is such a brilliant way to make a really big impact on Starke County. #muchneededfuel #goodhappenings #womenmakingadifference
Read more about the event here.
Our goal is to have 100 members by our 2019 gathering. This is a very 21st century way to give back to the community. It’s affordable—just $10/month (or $5/month for members ages 16-22). And it’s just ONE meeting/social gathering per year!
Here’s more about how The Hive works and how to join:
Similar to the way honey bees work together to produce honey that helps to sustain the entire hive, members of The Hive, the ladies’ giving circle for Starke County, work together by pooling their resources in order to enhance the quality of life in their community.
Members’ contributions are pooled together to give annual grants to Starke County charitable projects. Grant amounts are determined by vote, and every member gets one vote. Members pay $10 per month, or $120 per year (Members 16-22 pay half – $60 per year or $5 per month). Half of those dollars are awarded in the current grant cycle, and the other half is put into The Hive Giving Circle Endowment Fund with the Community Foundation, which will help The Hive to provide grants forever.
The grant process includes a grant application, open to Starke County charitable nonprofit organizations. A grants committee made up of volunteer members of The Hive review the applications and select four finalists. Each finalist is guaranteed a grant. The four organizations attend The Hive’s event, where they give a presentation about their work to the whole group. Members then vote in order to determine the grant amount given to each of the four nonprofits. There’s just no way to measure the positive impact that this group will have on our community!
We’d love for you to be a part of this! Join us here.