VISTA Giving Circle

giving circle

Support one of Ohio’s most effective tools to combat poverty: AmeriCorps VISTA!

WHAT IS THE VISTA GIVING CIRCLE?

Simply put, the VISTA Giving Circle is an informal group of friends, fans and alumni of the AmeriCorps*VISTA program who are working together to support the Ohio Campus Compact VISTA program through fundraising, outreach and networking.

WHAT ARE THE SHORT AND LONG-TERM GOALS OF THE VISTA GIVING CIRCLE?

The VISTA Giving Circle has a short-term goal of raising $10,000 to support training opportunities that support current Ohio Campus Compact VISTAs. These funds will fill in the gaps created by recent cuts made by the Ohio state office of the Corporation for National and Community Service which affect Ohio Campus Compact’s VISTA training. Ohio Campus Compact believes that trainings and workshops are important in making VISTA poverty alleviation efforts more effective, more efficient and inevitably more successful. Furthermore, we know from feedback from VISTAs that these trainings are important parts of the VISTA experience. Thus, raising funds to support VISTA training is a top priority.

The VISTA Giving Circle has a long-term goal of creating a mini-grant program to support VISTA-led pilot projects and innovative community-based initiatives.

HOW WILL THE VISTA GIVING CIRCLE RAISE FUNDS?

The VISTA Giving Circle is pursuing a multi-pronged approach to reaching its fundraising goal. First, we unveiled a new online fundraising campaign utilizing the website Razoo.  Second, we are planning a series of House Party Fundraisers around the state. House Parties are fun, informal ways to secure financial support and to celebrate the many achievements of the Ohio Campus Compact VISTA program. Thirdly, we are conducting outreach to VISTA alumni. Ohio Campus Compact has made a concerted effort to track down and re-connect with VISTA alumni from the past 10 years and subsequently will be asking for their financial support. Finally, Ohio Campus Compact staff has developed a document called a “VISTA Case Statement” which will be used for major donor solicitation. We’ll be writing, calling and visiting potential major donors, which includes a mix of foundations, businesses and individuals.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED WITH THE VISTA GIVING CIRCLE?

For those interested in getting involved, we’ve put together a “menu” of opportunities to support the VISTA Giving Circle. The “appetizers” are super-simple ways you can support the VISTA Giving Circle in 5 minutes or less. The “main course” list includes more meaty (or tofurky) tasks. Finally, the “dessert” list includes many things that would be icing on the cake! It’s an “all you can eat buffet” so please pick and choose as many items you—and your stomach—want on your plate. Bon appétit!

“Menu of Opportunities” to support the VISTA Giving Circle

Appetizers

  • Support VISTA every time you shop at Kroger. It’s simple: just link your Kroger Plus Card to Ohio Campus Compact through the Kroger Community Rewards program.  Kroger Rewards Program. Here’s how you do it.
  • Support VISTA every time you search the web! Simply download the GoodSearch and GoodShop toolbar, and Ohio Campus Compact VISTA earns donations for your searches and online purchases!
  • Share the link to the VISTA Razoo page on Facebook or Twitter.
  • Add a link to the VISTA Razoo fundraising page (see link above) to your email signature.
  • Forward an E-vite to friends to invite them to an upcoming VISTA House Party fundraiser in your area.

Main Course

  • Create a personal Razoo fundraising page to support VISTA. Get started
  • Make a tax-deductible contribution earmarked to support Ohio Campus Compact VISTA. Donate now
  • Serve on a planning committee for an upcoming House Party fundraiser. Download the VISTA Giving Circle House Party fundraising guide
  • Encourage friends, family, colleagues to donate to VISTA.

Desserts

  • Help identify foundations, businesses, and/or individuals that might support Ohio Campus Compact VISTA
  • Initiate a VISTA fundraiser on your own—be creative!

 For more information or to get more involved in the VISTA Giving Circle, contact Susan King, Ohio Campus Compact Program Director for Outreach & Engagement.