Our Program

The popularity of giving circles is on the rise. According to the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, giving circles have tripled in the United States in the decade of 2007-2017. This model of giving has tremendous appeal as collective giving can make a larger impact. They have also helped introduce new and increasingly diverse donors to the world of philanthropy. In fact, 60% of giving circles are formed around identity and 70% are majority women.

Join us for this discussion as we welcome leaders from three local giving circles – Impact 100, Ujima Legacy Fund, and ouRVA Collective - to understand not only how their circles operate and funding decisions are made, but why membership has incredible benefits to all development professionals.  

Our Presenters

Impact 100. Impact 100 Richmond is a volunteer-driven women’s philanthropy group that makes a significant different in our community through collective giving. We fund at least one $100,000 transformational grant each year to a local nonprofit that has a big idea and great potential but may not have access to large-scale funds. Since our inception in 2009, we have awarded significant grants to over 25 local nonprofits. In 2022, we crossed the $2 million mark, a milestone we are proud of!  Emily Millhiser is the current president of Impact 100 and leading a major transitional moment for the organization. Emily is the Director of Community and Donor Engagement of Caritas.

Ujima Legacy Fund. Join a forum of civic-minded African-American men who are increasing our philanthropic presence and impact in the Metro Richmond community. Ujima funds nonprofit projects that positively impact youth and young adults, ages 12 to 21 years, with emphasis on underserved youth populations. And, since 2013, Ujima has contributed more than $448,000 to 21 organizations that are transforming children’s lives through education-related initiatives. Through collective giving, Ujima works to increase the philanthropic impact and presence of Black men in the Richmond region. Members learn more about community issues and the organizations that are addressing those issues most effectively. Recipients get a boost of visibility for their programs that often leads to additional support for their work. Derrick Johnson is the current Leadership Chair of Ujima, and L. Robert Bolling is a founding member and CEO of ChildSavers.

ouRVA Collective. ouRVA Collective’s mission is to benefit the Richmond community by empowering its next generation of philanthropists, ages 21 and older, through education, volunteerism, community building, and collective giving. Through an annual monetary contribution from each member, ouRVA Collective makes a grant each year to a deserving nonprofit organization.

Approved for 1 hour of CFRE credit.

Our Schedule

• 11:30 a.m. In-person Registration begins
• 11:45 a.m. Virtual participants may login
• 12 p.m. Program begins
• 1:15 p.m. Adjourn

Registration Fees

• Virtual registration is $8 for members ($0 for those with a Virtual Season Pass), $11 for nonmembers who work at a member organization and $15 for nonmembers. The virtual registration fees help support the technology costs associated with offering a hybrid event. 
• In-person registration is $20 for members ($0 for those with a Season Pass or $12 for those with a Virtual Season Pass), $25 for nonmembers who work at a member organization, and $30 for guests. All in-person registrants should select their meal during the registration process.

If you are not a VAFRE member and do nor work in the office of a VAFRE member, consider becoming a member of VAFRE in order to access reduced registration fees.