Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Douglas.
Hi Alex, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Myself and two friends from college, Carter Munroe and Aron Hotalen, started the group in the spring of 2023. My family had volunteered at two local nonprofits and had an amazing time and enjoyed giving back and getting to know the nonprofits and the heart behind what they do. I thought there are probably more people in our community that would be interested in giving back if they knew more about what nonprofits were in our area and the work they do.
The giving circle concept is not new, but we got our friends to commit to showing up to our first meeting in March of 2023 and we had three local nonprofits present. We had 36 guys at that first meeting and awarded over $7,000 to the nonprofits. The group quickly grew from there and we now have capped the group at 100 men and we meet quarterly and award at least $10K to the three nonprofits at each meeting. Since the beginning of the group we have given nearly $200K in three years.
Last year, we started two new chapters in Clermont and Parkland, FL and will maybe look to add more chapters as it makes sense.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The group has really taken off and it’s been a great success since it’s inception. A main reason for that is we have the right 100 guys in the group. They are not looking to promote themselves or their business, it’s not a networking group and everyone knows that up front before they join. The group exists solely to build awareness about local nonprofits and to raise financial support for them. Networking does happen and is seen as a bonus.
Beginning additional chapters has been challenging. We have something very special in the Winter Garden group, so we are trying to figure out how other communities can mirror that in a way that most makes sense for them.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I worked almost 15 years in nonprofit fundraising working in the university system and then consulting for smaller nonprofits on the side. I am now in Finance and we lend to businesses who are growing and need help with cash flow. That was also partly the reason in starting the group was that I missed the nonprofit purpose side to my “day job” and this was a way to still help nonprofits in my community.
Since this summer, what I am probably becoming more known for in my community is my wife and I purchased our town’s local popular ice cream shop with another couple. We have dedicated all of the profits to go towards local and global missions.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Just that I would encourage them to look at what impact they can make with their time, talents and resources within their own local neighborhood and community. How can you get involved and help your local nonprofits or encourage others to do so. What giving component can you incorporate into your business or personal budget that can help others? It could look something like a giving circle with friends, but can look like many other things as well. I am a big believer that giving back is more fun with others so which friends can you recruit to give back with you in an even bigger way?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://100network.org
