VOA News - Average Americans Become Philanthropists Through Giving Circles

VOA News - Average Americans Become Philanthropists Through Giving Circles: "Average Americans Become Philanthropists Through Giving Circles
By Maura Jane Farrelly
New York
19 April 2005

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There is strength in numbers. More and more Americans are discovering the truth of that adage as they look to 'give back' to their communities. They are forming what are known as 'giving circles,' and these circles are changing the face of philanthropy in America.
Timothy McIntosh is a barber in Durham, North Carolina. In his early 30s, he makes a decent living cutting people's hair, but he is by no means 'wealthy.' Nevertheless, he has come to think of himself as a philanthropist. 'For me, it's been a journey of really valuing what I have to give,' says Mr. McIntosh, who belongs to a giving circle called the Next Generation of African-American Philanthropists. 'The popular notion is 'if I have $ 1 million, then I can give,' but if you have $ 2, you can give, and it all makes a difference to someone.'"