Erin Rickel, Steering Committee

What are your hopes for the future of our community?

As a transplant to the area with growing roots, I hope we can continue to build a community of engagement in philanthropy that impacts the world around us. The more time I've spent here, the more I've found people with a hunger to volunteer and engage with like-minded people. I know that our future is bright and we'll continue to grow in not only philanthropic giving, but teaching others how to make an impact with their time and money.

How is your engagement with JewGood impacting your hopes?

By being a member of JewGood Hartford, I've been so grateful to see in a short amount of time the drive we have to create meaningful and lasting change. We have created a space for people to learn about philanthropy, volunteer and make friends. For me, an outlet to give back to the community was missing and it turns out I wasn't the only one who felt that way. I've been so inspired getting involved more with our community and watching my peers do the same. I know we're building a foundation for our generation and the following generations to continue to be leaders of philanthropy and volunteerism even at a young age.

It is a group of like-minded individuals who donate their time and money to a pooled fund and decide together what organization and cause will receive their grant. Every circle member has an equal voice in these decisions.

Collaborative grant-making allows members to affect greater change on social issues and celebrate their positive impact together.  Members also attend educational, social and volunteer events while they deepen their knowledge of philanthropy and endowment.

In addition to JewGood Hartford, the Foundation offers another giving circle: TheLillian Fund. Launched in 1999, The Lillian Fund is a group of women helping women in need. JewGood Hartford and The Lillian Fund each encourage a gift of $100 to become a voting member.