The Literacy Council Giving Circle
Invest in Frederick County. Join a Community of Changemakers.
The Literacy Council Giving Circle is a community of dedicated supporters who believe literacy lifts lives.
By making a commitment of $3,000 over three years, Giving Circle members come together to provide sustainable support for adult literacy and English language learning while helping shape the future of the Literacy Council’s work.
Together, our collective giving creates opportunities for more adults to improve their reading, writing, English language, workforce, and life skills.
The Power of Collective Giving
How It Works
The Giving Circle is built on a simple idea: together, we can do more.
Members commit to a total gift of $3,000 over three years, which can be fulfilled through an annual gift of $1,000 made over three years, a monthly gift of $84 a month, or a one-time gift of $3,000. Each member’s contribution becomes part of a pooled fund that strengthens the Literacy Council’s mission and expands educational opportunities for adult learners.
Each year, Giving Circle members are invited to learn about Literacy Council priorities and participate in selecting a programmatic initiative for Giving Circle funding consideration. Member recommendations are reviewed and approved through the Literacy Council’s existing governance structure.
By combining resources and perspectives, Giving Circle members help strengthen the impact of every dollar invested in literacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Giving Circle members in good standing who have fulfilled their initial $1,000 commitment and have pledged the remaining $2,000 over the following two years. Each Giving Circle membership receives one vote. Spouses, partners, or family members who make a joint qualifying gift receive one vote per membership.
Membership remains active and renewable as long as the member contributes at least $1,000 within each 365-day period or has fulfilled the entire $3000 gift already for any 3-year giving cycle.
Donors will continue to be recognized for any charitable contributions made in accordance with IRS guidelines but will not be eligible to vote or receive Giving Circle member benefits until they return to good standing.
Giving Circle members vote to recommend or prioritize a Literacy Council initiative for funding, subject to approval by the Executive Director and Board of Directors. The Executive Director and Board of Directors serve as the tiebreaker.
The Giving Circle’s grantmaking and voting cycle follows the budgeting timeline established by the Board of Directors and is aligned with the Council’s fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30.
Giving Circle membership is based on the annual qualifying gift and is valid based on the date the gift is received.