Women’s Philanthropic Leadership Circle

Frequently asked questions

What time commitment do I need to make?

The time commitment is really up to you. Members will have the opportunity to meet about three times a year to build our relationships within the Circle, bring together college faculty working on educational leadership issues, learn more about personal finances and philanthropy (ie: workshops, speakers, etc), and make decisions around our giving.

Can I pull out of the Circle if I don’t like the direction we are headed, or if I fall on difficult times?

Certainly, if you and your family run into financial difficulties or face some type of crisis, you may drop out of the Circle, or take some time out and rejoin later. The Circle will work towards consensus regarding the group’s mission, realizing that every funding decision can’t please everyone.

What are the tax advantages of giving?

Your gift is tax-deductible and you will receive a gift receipt from the U of M Foundation. If you make a gift through transfer of stock or other appreciated assets, you may also avoid capital gains tax. Other advantages may depend on your own personal financial situation.

Why the all-female focus of the group? Isn't it a bit elitist?

As with men, many women are philanthropic and want to make a difference. Some women understand how philanthropy and finance works; many women are insecure about these topics and want more education. Women also like the inclusiveness of participating in a group.

This particular Circle’s specific interest is in education and support for women who are in educational leadership through the College of Education and Human Development at the University. This may not appeal to everyone and we understand that.

Our overall goal is to include women of all backgrounds. However, founders of the Circle will need to be women with a capacity for giving because we need to have an income pool with which to begin our philanthropic efforts. After our Circle is established and has gone through a pledge cycle, our plan is to find ways to include women of different generations and economic means.

Can I be involved in the Circle, but have my name unpublished?

Yes. You can choose to remain anonymous and your name can be left out of all publications.

Can I stipulate that my money is used only for a specific goal?

Members of the giving Circle as a group will determine how our pool of money will be used to support the College of Education and Human Development. As a founding member you will be part of this process. But keep in mind, we will need to work as a group to make decisions. While there are no guarantees about what decision we will make, your input will be respected and considered.

Also remember that the purpose of this Circle is to support women in educational leadership through programs, research, outreach and mentoring at the University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development. If your philanthropic interest focuses on the arts or supporting libraries for example, your gift would certainly be welcome for that purpose, but this Circle would probably not be a good choice for you.

Can I join with a friend?

Certainly. Would you like me to send her a set of our materials? I could follow-up with a phone call to her, or the two of us could go together to invite her to join the Circle. You can wait and see if she wants to join and then make your decision about membership. However, we may be able to present a stronger case for joining if you are already a member.

Has this been done anywhere else on campus? If so, how successful has it been?

No. It’s very exciting that we will be the first group of women to try this innovative approach.

Does Dean Bailey support the Women’s Philanthropic Leadership Circle?

Yes. In fact, she has expressed her support and excitement about our leadership within the College.

Can in-kind support rather than a financial gift be offered by a founding member?

Eventually, our Circle may expand to include those who cannot make a monetary contribution. Unfortunately, we cannot accept membership based on in-kind service at this time. We need financial support to launch the Circle and begin the important work we are trying to do.

What is your fundraising goal?

We are seeking three-year pledges from the members of the Circle and hope to raise $100,000 or more in this time period.

Will this approach to fundraising will take needed resources away from the larger fundraising effort at the U of M?

Any funds raised for the Women’s Philanthropic Leadership Circle will be included in the University’s campaign. One of the campaign goals for the College of Education and Human Development has been to raise support for educational leadership and the mission of the Circle matches this high priority of the College.

Can the money raised be used for projects not in the education realm?

All contributions to this Circle will be used to support programs, research and outreach focusing on women in educational leadership in the College of Education and Human Development.

Is it be okay to invite women who did not graduate from the U of M to join?

Being a graduate of the College is NOT a criterion for joining the Circle. If you think they would be interested in the mission and structure of the Circle, we would be happy to have them join.

Would you like me to send each of them a set of our materials? I could follow-up with a phone call to her, or the two of us could go together to invite them to join the Circle.

Can I give a bequest to the College in lieu of the $3,000 membership pledge?

While we don’t want to discourage anyone from making an estate gift, the primary focus of the giving Circle in these first three years is to raise current (cash) donations that can be used immediately to support our stated purpose.