Where Were You Election Night?
Democracy is not a spectator sport, even on Election Night. Just ask Amy Rowland and her friends in One State at a Time (OSAAT), a Future Now Fund Giving Circle. They were with us, watching the returns roll in on races in which they had made a big impact.
That’s why The New York Times was there too, to profile the power, and empowerment, of Future Now Fund Giving Circles.
Before the 2016 election, Amy had donated to political campaigns here and there. But as she grew more and more distressed about the state of our country, Amy wanted to do more.
So Amy called her friends. They knew that the more traditional giving to the highest-profile national races wasn’t moving the needle enough — and so they decided to do something a little unconventional: They started a Future Now Fund Giving Circle to help change the direction of the Michigan state legislature.
It may be surprising, but it makes a lot of sense. In fact, in 2018, 30 Future Now Fund Giving Circles were formed by people like Amy, pooling donations with family, friends, neighbors and colleagues — and the numbers are in:
- $1.35 million total raised by Giving Circles in 2018
- $45,000 average fundraising per Giving Circle
- +1,000 individual members
- 80% of members are women
The Giving Circle started by Amy and her friends helped elect six new lawmakers in Michigan.Their work was central to these wins. In fact, three candidates won by less than 3 percent!
Now, inspiring candidates in Michigan will be heading to Lansing to fight hard for clean water, better schools and healthcare — and to shift dynamics in the House by forcing real compromise on issues central to the lives of the people of Michigan. While the job isn’t done yet, these are groundbreaking strides that will have a long-term, material impact both on the state and the national political landscape
And this Giving Circle is not stopping now: they’re already working toward the 2020 election. So what makes for a great Election Night? Join or start a Giving Circle and see for yourself.
PS: A major shoutout is in order for Hali Lee and Eliza Rossman, two members of the FNF Giving Circle community. Their work with charitable giving circles was also highlighted by the NYT!
