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Kickstart your philanthropic journey with the Gadsden Initiative

The Gadsden Initiative inspires emerging donors who want to help make our community stronger and uplift our region. Through collaborative learning experiences and community-based events, the program connects new donors to different charitable organizations while helping them learn how their interests align with the needs of the community. Join over 100 members who are helping to shape a new philanthropy.

How does the program work?

Gadsden members attend fun learning sessions where they connect with local charitable organizations and network with other members. Through creative activities and presentations, they explore a variety of topics including Trust-Based Philanthropy, impact investing and trends in philanthropy.

 

Gadsden Initiative members have up to two years to contribute $5,000 to a donor-advised fund. Once the $5,000 threshold is reached, the Victoria Foundation matches their contribution allowing the fund to reach $10,000. As a fully established fund, members can then support the community through annual grantmaking. Donations made to these donor-advised funds are permanently invested, with a portion of the returns made available for granting.

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Become a
member

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Attend
learning
sessions

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Contribute $5,000 to your fund over 2 years

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Victoria Foundation matches your $5,000

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Your $10,000 permanent fund is established and ready for grantmaking

Gadsden Initiative members share their experiences

The Gadsden Initiative launched in 2019 and has since grown to over 100 members and over 60 funds. Members come from all walks of life and have a range of passions and interests. Hear what members have to say about their experiences with the program.

Meet Kelsi and Paul

The Gadsden Initiative program works well for the Green Tithe Group as it helps them look at their lives in a collective way. “As part of this group, we have the same aim — we want to protect the environment for our futures,” says Kelsi who contributes to a fund established by this group of millennial friends.

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Meet Courtney and Dale

“Through our membership, we’ve had the opportunity to connect with likeminded individuals, learn about new (to us) initiatives, and build a greater sense of community. The Gadsden Initiative has allowed us to focus on our ‘why’ while the Foundation takes care of the ‘how’.”

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Meet Bhupinder

“The Gadsden Initiative allowed me to bring my family along on my philanthropic journey in a meaningful way. We own a catering business, so food has always been an important part of my upbringing and our livelihood. That's why we decided to start a fund focused on food security.” 

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Meet Josh

“The world can feel tumultuous these days but meeting creative locals who quietly make our community a better place counterbalances the chaos. It’s good for the soul. I’ve grown to think of philanthropy less like “giving” and more like “investing” in the things that underpin a thriving community.”

Meet Lindsay

“What I love about the program is that it has flexibility in the long term if you want to change your priorities. I think that’s really important when you’re in something like this, to know that the program can grow with you”.

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Meet Andrew

“The Gadsden Initiative is a wonderful vehicle for me to expand my horizons in the city and to make sure the breadth of giving is there. I’m really excited about the program and introducing me to new wonderful, beautiful people on the same amazing journey that I’m on.”

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Gadsden Initiative FAQs