Question 1

What if I can’t present for the nonprofit organization I submitted? (Or what if I just really, really don’t want to get in front of the group to present?)

Accepted Answer

Ideally, we want everyone to have a chance to present to the group, because hearing from each other about what we’re passionate about is an important element of building a strong community. However, we recognize that this isn’t going to work for everyone and we don’t want that to be the barrier to your participation. If you are unable to make the meeting, or if you aren’t comfortable presenting in front of the group, you can have someone in your proxy (not affiliated with the nonprofit in any capacity) present the organization to the membership.

Question 2

What if I work for a nonprofit that I want to nominate?

Accepted Answer

Paid staff and board members are not allowed to present on their non-profit to ensure a level playing field for all presenters.

Question 3

If my nonprofit isn’t selected, can I nominate them again?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! You can continue to nominate a nonprofit as many times as you’d like, as long as they fit within the quarterly category selected by the membership.

Question 4

I’m not able to make a quarterly $100 donation but would like to be a part of this giving circle. Could I participate with a smaller financial contribution?

Accepted Answer

Our goal is to annually provide four nonprofits with unsolicited gifts of $20,000 each. To reach this goal we need 200 men giving $100 each quarter. We also believe in inclusive organizations and the power of using our collaborative as a force for change. If you are unable to participate with a $100 quarterly gift, please reach out to us so we can find a way for you to be a part of this community effort.

Question 5

How are the quarterly categories selected?

Accepted Answer

Members decide which topics they would like to address each year. To do this, during the last meeting of the year, members suggest and vote on issues they’re passionate about, that affect the Seattle region. From those votes, we’ll have our 4 categories for the following year.

Question 6

How do I contribute financially? Can I submit my donation for a corporate match?

Accepted Answer

We’ve partnered with The Giving Group to enable each member to create a credit card profile and have the $100 (plus a 3% fee) automatically withdrawn after each quarterly meeting. The Giving Group then pools these funds and cuts one check to the nonprofit (this makes it easier for the nonprofit, while enabling each of our members’ gifts to remain anonymous - the donation comes directly from Impact | West Seattle.) The Giving Group will provide each member with a tax receipt at the end of the year. 
Impact West Seattle Members should request that their employer send matching funds directly to the specific charity. Please identify Impact West Seattle in the notes section of the matching funds application. If your employer requires a receipt from The Giving Group instead, we can still accept the matching funds. The funds received will be deposited into Impact West Seattle's account to be applied to the next chosen charity's payment. In this case, please ensure you identify Impact West Seattle in the notes section of the matching funds application. The Giving Group receives one lump sum from Benevity, who processes matching funds for multiple employers. This will ensure the funds are attributed to Impact West Seattle.
If you want to give more than $100 contact us and we can notify The Giving Group of your generosity for that quarter. All funds must be directed to one nonprofit - we can’t split them. 
We always list all three of the quarterly nominees and encourage members to support them either financially or by volunteering, and to amplify their social media messaging to encourage our whole community in support of their needs. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @impactwestseattle for those opportunities.

Question 7

How are the nonprofits who receive donations selected?

Accepted Answer

Once all nonprofit nominations are submitted, and leadership has reviewed them for nonprofit status and eligibility, they will be put into the proverbial hat and randomly drawn. Three organizations will be selected for the whole membership to vote on at our quarterly meeting, and the nonprofit receiving the most votes will receive the donation.

Question 8

What do you consider social, environmental and economic issues? What kinds of nonprofits does this collective fund?

Accepted Answer

Social, environmental and economic issues are part of a systems framework that acknowledges the connectedness of our community’s issues. These three elements create a platform under which all issues fall - and rather than see them as siloed, we recognize that they support and affect each other. For example, homelessness is not just about housing; it highlights our need for mental health services, for job creation and economic security, for domestic violence support, to name a few. When we address social, environmental and economic issues we are attempting to support and sustain a healthy and vibrant community. Essentially, we will fund anything chosen by the membership that 1. falls within a quarterly category, 2. is not political or religious in nature, 3. is in good 501c3 standing, 4. benefits and supports the people who live in the city of Seattle. Please see Eligibility Guidelines for more information.

Question 9

I identify as a woman, and I really like what your group is doing. Can I join?

Accepted Answer

We are primarily a giving circle by and for men. But if you are interested in the work we’re doing we hope you will consider joining our sister organization and the original west Seattle group, Impact West Seattle.

Question 10

Will I be added to each nonprofits mailing list?

Accepted Answer

When the group donation is given to a nonprofit we make it clear that the gift should be recognized as a donation from Impact | West Seattle, and that our members do not wish to be added to a mailing list. We will ask the nonprofit to come to the next quarters meeting, as a follow up to our gift, to provide additional information about their work. At this point, they are welcome to collect contact information from members who would like to stay in touch with the organization’s mission.

Question 11

What if I can’t make a meeting?

Accepted Answer

It’s ok to miss a meeting! You can always vote online. While part of the mission of this giving circle is to build community with fellow philanthropists, we understand it’s not always feasible to make every meeting.

Question 12

Do I need to live in West Seattle to join this giving circle?

Accepted Answer

One of the goals for this group is to create community in the neighborhoods where we live, so we ask that members live in West Seattle, White Center or Burien. We like this model because it helps make our growing city feel a little bit cozier. Of course, we won't turn anyone away. If you want to join us for meetings in West Seattle, you are welcome!

Question 13

I identify as a Man. Can I join?

Accepted Answer

We are a male identifying and non-binary/agender group and welcome you joining us.

Cohort West Seattle was founded to rally men around the cause of giving.

Our Mission

Impact

Collaboration

Integrity

Frequently asked questions