Giving Circle
Vision
The GACAR Giving Circle is dedicated to improving our community through the power of collective giving. The GACAR Giving Circle will significantly impact the work of the agencies that fulfill our mission as well as enhance the act of giving through collaboration.
Mission
The mission of the GACAR Giving Circle is to address and improve the housing needs of local residents.
The goal of the GACAR Giving Circle is to:
- Support philanthropy through collective giving to maximize our impact on the community
- Support programs that facilitate housing needs in our community
- Educate the community about the power of local housing advocates and philanthropists
- Connect local housing advocates with other local housing advocates who are interested in building a better housing environment for all
Founding Members
Stellar Cares | Homeownership for All | Hartley Brothers |
Adam Gurske Matchmaker Realty of Alachua County | Ashlie Luckey Florida Legal Title, LLC. | Bonnie Mott Saxon Realty Inc | Matt & Tiffany Thomas BHGRE Thomas Group | |||
| Kat Durst Engel & Volkers Gainesville | Jennifer Lee Campus to Coast Realty, Inc. | Debra Martin-Back Exit Realty Producers | Matt Umanos GACAR | |||
Amber Beckham Tioga Realty Inc | Lisa Gurske GACAR | Patti Moser Horizon Realty of Alachua Inc | J. Parrish Coldwell Banker M.M. Parrish, Realtors | |||
| Denise Hutson Salter Feiber, P.A. | Nicole Rappaport Atlas Title | Craig Jacobs Community Realty, LLC | Susan McQuillan Campus to Coast Realty, Inc. | |||
Jeremy Thomas RE/MAX Professionals | Rana Schafer Coldwell Banker M.M. Parrish, Realtors | Jeff & Sharon Quigley Coldwell Banker M.M. Parrish, Realtors | Jorge Villalobos The Best Restoration | |||
| Kacey Anderson McGriff Williams Insurance | Kathleen Weinert Keller Williams Gainesville Realty Partners | Eric Remy Landmark Mortgage Planners | Mike Hastings Arista Realty | |||
Gia Arvin Matchmaker Realty of Alachua County | Scott Arvin Matchmaker Realty of Alachua County | Sherelle Moran Matchmaker Realty of Alachua County | Jason Leverette Watson Realty Corp | |||
| Barbara Miller Miller Real Estate | Sue Albritton Landmark Mortgage Planners | Heather Swanson Campus to Coast Realty, Inc. | Jamie & Todd Williams Cornerstone Management Services | |||
Lisa Fetrow Keller Williams Gainesville Realty Partners | Ericka Gilchrist BHGRE Thomas Group | Misty Barnett SouthState Bank | Joy Glanzer Glanzer Realty, LLC | |||
| Lisa Baltozer Keller Williams Gainesville Realty Partners | Craig Wilburn Keller Williams Gainesville Realty Partners | Christine Adamchak Advisors Mortgage Group, LLC | Melanie Shore Seacoast National Bank | |||
Lisa King Keller Williams Gainesville Realty Partners | Sherri Meadows Meadows Realty | Ilia Morrows Watson Realty Corp | Ben Phillips Pepine Realty | |||
| Betsy Pepine Pepine Realty | Lindsey Johnson Keller Williams Gainesville Realty Partners | Rick Barton Keller Williams Gainesville Realty Partners | Carla Hill GACAR | |||
Dave Ferro Watson Realty Corp | Leslie Ferro Watson Realty Corp | Mark Kjeseth Broxson Real Estate Group | Marie DePalma DePalma Realty | |||
| Mitch Glaeser Glaeser Realty | Sherra Gurman U.S. Title | Raven Knowles Keller Williams Gainesville Realty Partners |
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FAQs
What is a giving circle?
A giving circle is a form of participatory philanthropy by a group of individuals who form a voluntary association to donate their money or time. The group then decides how to allocate these resources to charitable organizations or community projects.
Why does the Gainesville-Alachua County Association of REALTORS need a giving circle?
In 2022, members identified the need for a local fund focused on programs that support local housing-related charities.
Will a giving circle work in our unique community?
GACAR Giving Circle was modeled after the Women's Giving Circle (of Gainesville) that has been awarding grants since 2006. Women's Giving Circle has $2.2 million invested into the community, helping over 50 nonprofit organizations, and has awarded 120 grants since 2006. Watch a clip on the Women's Giving Circle impacts.
Who manages the GACAR Giving Circle Funds?
Giving Circle monies will be held in investment funds established and managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Florida (CFNCF). GACAR Giving Circle Committee Members will vote to determine how the grant funds are distributed each year. A small portion of funds will be kept for endowment.
Can anyone give at any amount?
Yes; however, there are minimums if you want to have a vote in how the funds are used in the community. Only GACAR Giving Circle Committee Members get a vote to determine which grant(s) receive funding.
How do I become a GACAR Giving Circle Committee Member?
Being a donor is open to all who wish to further the mission and vision of the GACAR Giving Circle through financial support. GACAR members who have been in the business less than 5 years must contribute at least $500 to be a voting member and everyone else (members and non-members) must contribute at the $1,000 level (or more) to be a voting member.
Is there a deadline that the total contribution must be paid?
GACAR Giving Circle Members must be current in their payment as of January 31 to be eligible to vote and serve on GACAR Giving Circle Committees.
What community projects are eligible to receive GACAR Giving Circle Grant Funds?
An organization's proposal must comply with the GACAR Giving Circle mission statement. Grants will fund programs that address and improve the housing needs for local area residents.
Who is eligible to receive grant funds?
GACAR Giving Circle will consider proposals from not-for-profit organizations physically located in the North Central Florida area and qualified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code or classified as a unit of government.
What is the GACAR Giving Circle decision/ approval process for grants?
At the start of each year grant applications will be collected with the help of CFNCF. GACAR Giving Circle Committee Members will review and narrow down the pool of grants. The pool of grant finalist will then be voted on by all GACAR Giving Circle Committee Members.
What portion of funds go to the endowment?
Only GACAR Giving Circle Committee Member funds will have a portion put into the endowment. Of the GACAR Giving Circle Committee Member funds 20% will be put into the endowment.
If I give to Amazing Give through GACAR, does that contribution go toward becoming a GACAR Giving Circle Committee Member?
No. The Amazing Give is a one day special giving fundraiser with funds going directly to the charity you select. Only dollars going into the GACAR Giving Circle fund will count toward becoming a GACAR Giving Circle Committee Member.
Is there a payment plan option and how do I join the payment plan?
Yes! Payments must be completed by January 31st, to have a vote and benefits in upcoming year. Email Lesley Banis (lbanis@cfncf.org) and request to be on the payment plan for GACAR Giving Circle. You will need to include the timing and amount. Be sure to calculate completion by January 31st. Examples- I authorize a payment of $250 every 3 months for a year to GACAR Giving Circle (total $1,000); I authorize a payment of $500 on June 1, 2023 and January 1, 2024 to GACAR Giving Circle (total $1,000), etc. Lesley will reply with the appropriate link to submit information online.
Giving Circle Quick Links
In the news
2024 Fundraising
GACAR Giving Circle in 2 minutes
Why I Give to GACAR Giving Circle
Give Because - hear from local housing non-profit Executive Directors
Model Examples for the GACAR Giving Circle
Giving Circle
Here are photos from projects before the GACAR Giving Circle. Think of where we can go from here?! ...All GACAR photos can be found on Flickr
