DULUTH, Ga. -
Jan. 19, 2021 -
PRLog -- Established as a means for women with a passion for philanthropy and volunteerism to connect while increasing awareness about family homelessness and promoting the concept of "giving" of one's time, talent and treasure, The Rainbow Village Women's Giving Circle introduced something new in 2020. It spent the year raising funds to support the nonprofit's Aspire Residential and Thrive Alumni Programs, then allocated a portion of those funds toward "Be the Change" Microgrants that would have a direct impact on their recipients. During a virtual presentation in December 2020, Rainbow Village CEO Melanie Conner and the Women's Giving Circle awarded 8 microgrants to current residents and alumni to help them overcome obstacles in the path to achieving their goals. $3,250 was raised, but an anonymous donor matched the funds for several awards. All told, $6,000 in microgrants were awarded, paving the way for big changes in each of the recipients' lives. Microgrants ranged from $250 to purchase a printer and cover testing fees for an alumna pursuing her bookkeeping license to $1000 to help a resident pay off debt and improve his credit score so he can obtain housing for his family.
"'Be the Change' Microgrants were created to empower Rainbow Village residents on their path toward economic self-sufficiency,"
said Conner. "The intention is to provide assistance to overcome obstacles that prevent goal achievement. It was extraordinarily powerful for members of our Women's Giving Circle to gain an understanding of the barriers our residents and alumni face on a daily basis and to touch their lives in such a personal and meaningful way. And each recipient was incredibly grateful for the generosity shown – it felt to them as though this 'circle' of women were truly invested in them and that's a powerful thing for someone who has felt like they've had to go it alone for a large portion of their life. This circle is made to grow, so I invite anyone with a heart for giving and a compassion for others to consider becoming part of the journey of change in the lives of the families Rainbow Village serves."
Future Women's Giving Circle events in 2021 are tentatively planned for March 18, June 17, September 16, and December 9. At the December 9 meeting, Rainbow Village will host its 2
nd Annual "Be the Change" Microgrants presentation. To learn more and join the Women's Giving Circle, visit
https://4agc.com/landing_pages/3dd65624-8071-40ff-81b1-3c5298dc7a0c. To explore other ways to make an impact on the families who call Rainbow Village "home", visit
www.RainbowVillage.org.
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