Types of Gifts Awarded

The Giving Circle of Alexandria makes two types of gift awards:

Priority Gifts are substantial investments of more than $5,000 to expand existing programs or start a new initiative focused on the Giving Circle’s priority of Parental Engagement. These gifts are:

• often spread over multiple years
• evaluated yearly
• emphasize collaboration between the Giving Circle and the recipient to help ensure the positive outcomes of the program can be sustained.

Learn about the more $100,000 in Priority Gifts already awarded by the Giving Circle of Alexandria.

Because of our collaborative approach, the Giving Circle does not accept unsolicited proposals for a Priority Gift. If you have an idea you feel meets our criteria, please email the Giving Circle Gift Chair.

Developmental Gifts of not more than $5,000 support not-for-profits and initiatives that contribute to the success of Alexandria’s children. These gifts:

• support programs that may or may not involve parental engagement
• are used to show support for promising initiatives, build relationships and explore possible future directions.

Each April, the Giving Circle of Alexandria decides its Developmental Gifts based on a simple letter of inquiry to the Giving Circle Gift Committee. Learn how to apply for a Giving Circle Developmental Gift.

Funding Criteria

When deciding all Community Financial Gifts, the Giving Circle of Alexandria looks for initiatives that:

• Establish measurable contributions to the success of Alexandria’s children,
• Apply best practices and information learned through an evaluation of outcomes,
• Employ a collaborative approach to addressing needs and delivering services,
• Address parental engagements needs that, when met, will positively impact other community needs, and
• Do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion and demonstrate cultural sensitivity to the implementation of the initiative.