In the wake of recent tragedies, specifically the many earthquakes that have lead to extreme damage and heartache, many people have opened up their wallets, as well as their hearts. It’s wonderful to donate through a large charitable organization, especially during times of disaster relief work, but if you are not able to volunteer yourself, it can be hard to feel like you are making a direct impact on the recipients. Marion Rockefeller Weber has been a leader in social philanthropy for most of her life and continues to show others how to donate in a more connected way through what she calls Funding Circles.
Having been born wealthy, Weber has always intended to use her money to help others. She began her philanthropic efforts at age 21, but quickly became overwhelmed with the piles of requests fighting for her attention. She wanted to give back, but knew she wanted to do things differently.
Weber decided to give her money to people who would, in turn, give her money away to those in need, hence the establishment of Flow Funding. Rather than choosing between organizations that come to her, she decides who will become a “visionary associate” and then trusts them to give her money away in any way they see fit to benefit others.
The rules are simple, Weber will provide $20,000 a year for three years to each Flow Funder. They may not pay themselves, fund their own projects, or fund a family member’s project. So far the money has been used for over 500 projects in 45 countries from topics ranging from the arts, biodiversity, disaster relief, education, women’s issues and more.
Since there are no proposal-based grants and no set agenda, the Flow Funder can use the money spontaneously which reflects the true nature of generosity, of being proactive, and of being of service.
Anyone interested in philanthropic endeavors can start their own Flow Fund Circle. Becoming a Flow Fund Initiator means seeing your money in action right down to the core. By choosing a visionary who understands the needs of a particular segment of a society, the money can directly reach the recipients in a simple, straightforward fashion.
In the end, being able to directly, positively affect people has a life-changing effect. Perhaps it’s not the recipient of the money who gets the most benefit, maybe it’s the one giving it.
Photos courtesy of Flow Funding.
