A Giving Circle is simply a group of people who band together to pool their philanthropic money and make charitable donations to a cause we all care about. Together we amplify our power and make a greater impact.
Dinner Social in February kicked off Giving Circle
The Next Right Step Giving Circle (NRS) first quarterly dinner was a blast of positive energy. On February 21, 2024, thirty-four women gathered at ASHHO Cultural Community Center. The Next Right Step Giving Circle quarterly dinners are all about gathering with people who have similar philanthropic interests for a social dinner with time to visit, network and shop.
Maggie Hollinger kicked it off a short presentation with a history of NRS and Zonta and how the Giving Circle was formed to expand and make the program more sustainable. Shelly Willis, Executive Director of Family Education and Support Services (FESS) described the benefit of NRS grants to women in need, how recipients are screened and how vendors are paid directly. Mindy Reule, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound (CFSPS) described their role as the 501c3 who administers the Next Right Step Donor Advised Fund for the Giving Circle. CFSPS receives payments from donors on our NRS donor page, they pay the invoices from FESS, they promote us and they manage all non-profit business.
ASHHO catered an exceptional dinner, the room was great, and we supported a woman owned business. Three vendors sold items - Maggie Hollinger sold ceramics, Melissa Garman sold her earrings and Connie McGuire sold her silk and felted items. Most of us went home with something special. Each vendor generously donated a portion of sales back to Next Right Step to the tune of about $450.
Our goal is to have $25,000 annually for Next Right Step grants. We are more than halfway there. The Giving Circle currently has 14 women donating $1000 annually. Zonta club of Olympia Sponsor's the Giving Circle with $2000 annual gift. The Next Right Step helps 5 to 8 women every month. Average grants are $377.
We are looking for just 10 more women who want to join the Next Right Step Giving Circle at $1000. All smaller donations are appreciated too.
For more Information, to join or donate: https://tinyurl.com/NRSGivingCircle
Mark your calendar for our next dinner on May 8th. All are welcome at our quarterly dinners.
Promoting Women's Self-sufficiency
Next Right Step fosters self-sufficiency by providing timely aid to motivated women who encounter an unexpected expense that impacts employment, transportation, housing or health.
Next Right Step raises money and sets the criteria that Family Education and Support Services (FESS) uses to screen applicants. FESS ensures qualified applicants have exhausted other funding options before making the payment to the vendor (not to the woman). Women can only receive a grant once in their lifetime. FESS invoices the Next Right Step Giving Circle monthly and the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound reimburses FESS for provided services.
Between 2017 and 2023, the Next Right Step has funded through Zonta Club of Olympia $87,600, serving 260 women in Thurston County .
The Next Right Step Giving Circle raises money for the same cause and continues to partner with Family Education and Support Services.
We give grants to local women to stay on the right path. When you become a Giving Circle member your donation will improve the outcome for 2-5 women this year. Together we make our community stronger.
The Next Right Step Giving Circle will hold quarterly meetings in February, May, August, and November. Our meetings welcome all giving circle supporters and members. These meetings are an opportunity to meet, share a meal and receive updates on the positive impact the Giving Circle is making in our community.
Join the Giving Circle by the January 11 event to attend our first wine, cheese and planning social to be held that evening at Maggie’s home Jan 11, 2024.
Join the Next Right Step Giving Circle by February 21, 2024 to be a Founding Member. Our First Quarterly Meeting is February 21, 2024
Some Ways we’ve helped
Next Right Step (NRS) helped this single mom maintain her independence. NRS paid fees to reissue her driver’s license and for copies of her children’s birth certificates to secure housing. NRS Grant $419
One woman got behind when her broken wrist kept her off the job. NRS paid to catch up her utility bill to prevent late fees from adding up. NRS Grant $235
One NRS grant paid for specialty training resulting in a pay increase. It also paid to replace her car’s starter, fixing her transportation problem. $125 for training, $165 for car repair. NRS Grant $290
Sometimes $20 can be an obstacle to those striving for independence. NRS paid for a background check needed for employment. NRS Grant $20
One woman’s car tabs expired and her purse was stolen. NRS paid for a new key fob and the renewal of her car’s tabs, giving her a way to get to work and child care. NRS Grant $239
Zonta Club of Olympia is a proud Sponsor of the Next Right Step
Funds raised are added to the Next Right Step Fund at the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, a Section 501(c)(3) organization and disbursed upon the recommendations of the Next Right Step advisors.
Make checks payable to the “Community Foundation of South Puget Sound" with “Next Right Step” in the check’s memo line. Mail checks to:
Community Foundation of South Puget Sound
212 Union Ave SE, Suite 102
Olympia WA 98501
Please write "Next Right Step" on the Check's memo line for your payment to be properly posted.