Cleveland Colectivo

About a year ago I started circulating around an email that basically said, hey, I'm tired of talking about changing things in Cleveland, I want to take some direct action - anyone else feel that way? Well, the response was pretty amazing. I got a ton of emails. And eventually, some of the people who had emailed met, talked it over, and the Cleveland Colectivo was born. It's not such a big deal - just a group of friends and acquaintances who have decided to pool money and resources and then did some research on how to set up an informal charitable organization, or Giving Circle. We've attracted about 25 members and made regular donations and now we have $5000 to give away, or invest. We don't have much in the way of formal funding criteria, and the application process couldn't be easier - just answer three questions and send in via email on our website, and the first part is done. The second part would be getting invited back to present your idea to the group.

The deadline is mid-January to send the email, and the website is:

http://www.clevelandcolectivo.org/

Individuals, organizations, start-up businesses and non-profits are all welcome to apply, and we plan to make awards ranging from $500 to $5000.

Oh yes - we'd like to have more new members too - either fully contributing members who join for $100/quarter (people can pair up to join also); or volunteer members who do everything the others do but who do not have a final vote on funding. Also members can bring their own projects to the table for consideration, but must abstain when the vote is called.

We meet on the third Wednesdays of the month. I will post the next meeting time and location here as well. But in the meanwhile, visit the site and figure out a way to spend our money - doing something really, really cool.