We’ve all been there before sitting around with friends tossing out ideas to change the world in the midst of hysteria, but not actually going out and executing it. What would you say if there was an organization in your neighborhood made up of your neighbors that were coming together to execute an agreed upon idea by the community. Would that interest you?

This should interest you…

Giving Sum, a not-for-profit organization creating the next generation of philanthropic leaders working together to improve Indianapolis and central Indiana. By combining members’ resources – time, talent, and finances – Giving Sum is able to multiply the impact that members have on the community and on each other.

Established in 2008, Giving Sum (Founding members Ryan Brady, Darrin Brooks, Lindsay Doucette, and Marty Posch) was based on a common desire to do more for the community. The founding members realized their impact would be significantly greater if they pooled their resources, and worked together to address community needs. This equation of the power of many working as one became the formula for Giving Sum. At the end of each year, Giving Sum members’ give a grant to a deserving, local organization that has a project that needs to be addressed based on Giving Sum members elected issue concentration. Early in the year, members vote on the issue that will focus the year’s education, volunteer efforts, and grant engagement.

Here is a list of past grant recipients:

2008: Coburn Place, community playground

2009: Starfish Initiative, leadership camp

2010: Noble of Indiana, community garden

2011: Indy Reads, community bookstore

2012: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, mentoring PROGRAMS

2013: Paws & Think, youth literacy

2014: Indy Parks Foundation, Indy Urban Acres

Check out this testimonial video on previous grant recipients and Giving Sum’s impact in Central Indiana.

This past years grant recipient was Indy Parks Foundation, Indy Urban Acres. Giving Sum’s plan is to build an urban farm system. The first location is at Indy Urban Acres which can be found at 7700 E 21st St, Indianapolis, IN 46219. The urban farm will produce organic eats to be given to local food pantries. Additionally, they are going to start a program called ‘Teen Works’ which will hire teens and teach them valuable life skills, and educate them on where their food comes from. Lastly, Indy Urban Acres plans to develop other sites in the greater Indianapolis area in the upcoming years.

A little more background to what Giving Sum does.

Vision: Giving Sum members share a vision of our community in which everyone participates to create positive change.

Mission: Giving Sum inspires and engages the next generation of leaders by mobilizing their passions, talents, and resources to support innovative community initiatives.

Objectives:

1. Engage members in diverse volunteer opportunities, learn about innovative not-for-profit organizations, and raise awareness for critical community needs.
2. Provide significant financial resources and volunteer support to organizations operating innovative programs in the community.
3. Educate members through highly interactive opportunities with leaders that are making a difference in the community.
4. Encourage social and professional networking through fun and rewarding member functions.

The next time you and your friends have that one idea to better the community, do something about it. Bryan Roesler, Vice President of Giving Sum said, “The organization acts as a mechanism for young people to come together to make Indy a better place to work, live and play.”

Just think to yourself for a minute, your one idea can have an exponential impact on Indy.

Upcoming events:

Tue Jun 02: All Member Meeting 6:00PM – 8:00PM

Wed Jul 08: Pints for Parks 5:00PM – 8:00PM

Looking to get involved? All events and programs are free and open to the public. For more information on Giving Sum or considering membership contact Bryan at givingsuminfo@gmail.com.

Written by: Lawrence Don

Photo Credit: Giving Sum