Giving circles offer a collective approach to philanthropy. They bring together individuals with a shared interest in making a positive impact in their community and provide a structure for them to pool their resources, knowledge, and expertise to achieve their philanthropic goals.

In addition to providing financial support to good causes, giving circles often offer educational and networking opportunities, allowing members to deepen their understanding of the issues they care about and to build connections with like-minded individuals.

Gather & Give boosts "hidden gems" in Maine: lesser-known nonprofit organizations or causes that help people in our community. These could include new programs that haven’t yet caught the eye of big funders and may need only a little support to get started. A grant from Gather & Give can help promising ideas succeed and provide a helpful boost in the lives of others in our community.

Members are expected to contribute $365 annually, which is the equivalent of $1 per day, upon joining.

The minimum donation of $365 a year, or $1 a day, helps to create a sense of unity, purpose, and collective impact among our members. By contributing a dollar a day, members are making a small but consistent effort to support our community.

This also reflects the idea that everyday people can make a difference every day. In other words, giving should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their income or financial situation. It makes giving feel more tangible and achievable, and emphasizes the idea that even small contributions can make a difference when they are pooled together.

Ultimately, the $1 a day donation is about coming together as a community to make a meaningful difference. By contributing to Gather & Give, members will be part of a collective effort to support people in need in Maine, and to help build a brighter future for everyone in the community.

Yes, of course. If you are able to afford to give $5, $10, $20, $50, or even $100 per day we invite you to do so. Keep in mind that the amount of your donation will be kept anonymous even among Gather & Give members. To maintain an egalitarian culture, we ask that you keep your contribution amount private as well.

Yes! If your employer offers to match your charitable donations, you can help amplify our impact. Your business or employer can be acknowledged on our sponsor list for donations. And, we are also looking for other community businesses to host future gatherings. Let us know if your employer or business wants to help.

Any member can nominate a charitable organization or program to receive a grant. Gather Financial® will also research and highlight good causes that come to our attention.

Members vote on which organizations receive grants each year. Each member gets one vote regardless of the amount contributed to the Gather & Give fund. Each member has an equal voice.

Meetings are held quarterly in the early evening, and members are encouraged to attend as many as possible. Each meeting lasts approximately 90 minutes and will include a mix of relaxed social time, education, and group discussion. The time commitment beyond meetings is flexible and varies depending on members' interests and availability.

To join or explore more, contact Michael Goldman at Gather Financial Planning.

When each new member joins, a matching grant of $365 will be made to double the impact member contributions to Gather & Give.