Photography by Wonderlily Photography | Image from 2019
For more than a decade, the Hot Springs Giving Circle has directed critical funding to a variety of nonprofit organizations in Garland County. The circle is comprised of business and civic leaders invested in the Spa City and committed to its prosperity. It’s a component of the Hot Springs Area Community Foundation. The grant application process is now open and should include the mission statement of the nonprofit organization as well as the annual operating budget and project summary that outlines projected goals.
The vision of Dorothy Morris and Don Munro, the Hot Springs Giving Circle provides a unique model for teamwork + philanthropy. Members combine resources – both fiduciary and intellectual – for the most efficient and effective results. Dorothy explains, “We review all requests promptly and make allocations as well as consultation available immediately. Our collective gifting power is remarkable. We leverage individual contributions for greater impact and have awarded $750,000 to various nonprofit organizations in Garland County. We hope to see this model replicated in other parts of the state.” Its purpose is quite simple: to remove funding obstacles for service organizations. “We identify a need, get involved and help solve problems,” Hot Springs Giving Circle Chairman Jim Elmore explains. “We hope the work of the Hot Springs Giving Circle will inspire other communities to do something like this.”
For more information: Hot Springs Giving Circle Chairman Jim Elmore hsgivingcircle@gmail.com or 501-258-3844
back row: Jim Elmore, Buddy Formby, Betty Formby, Tom Vandegrift, Nancy Vandegrift, Linda Palmer, Dorothy Morris, Don Munro | front row: Sunny Evans, Carol Scholp, Betty Millsap | not pictured: Charleen & Ed Copeland
