Aspire Community Giving Fund

The Aspire Executive Team is excited to announce the 2021 kickoff of the Aspire Community Giving Fund. We are establishing this fund, built from employee donations, with the intent to apply the funds to critical agency needs. These needs will be considered by a committee made up of a diverse group of Aspire employees and individuals, who will lead the decision–making about how to manage and disburse the funds.  

In advance of the May 2021 kickoff week, we seek to build the committee now. The committee will plan the festivities of the kickoff week and will then, over time, formulate their operations to manage and distribute the funds. 

We are seeking nominations for the committee. All Aspire staff and individuals, are eligible for nomination. You can nominate yourself or someone else. Before nominating you should check in with the person’s manager or your own if this is a self-nomination. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I nominate more than one person? 
Yes. Feel free to nominate up to three people. 

How will committee members be selected? 
The Advancement Team will consider all nominations with an eye toward diversity, including Aspire location, staff role, length of employment or association with Aspire, gender, ethnicity, age, life experience, and work experience. We anticipate forming a group of about 8-10 people. 

I might want to nominate myself, but I’m not sure I have much to offer. 
If you are considering nominating yourself, ask yourself two questions. 
1. Is this something I want to participate in? 
2. Is this something I have the time and capacity for, considering my current obligations? (If you are a staff person nominating yourself, please touch base with your supervisor before you nominate yourself.)  

If you answer yes to both of these questions, we welcome your nomination. 

How will the committee decide what critical needs get to utilize the funding? 
The committee will be determining their own process for when and how to disburse the funds, using basic team building and team facilitation tools. Early stages will be guided by members of the Advancement team, but the ultimate goal is for one of the committee members to become the team lead, with the Advancement team members playing an ongoing supporting role. 

How much time will I need to devote to the committee? 
It’s hard to say at this point, but consider a commitment in the ballpark of 4-6 hours per month in March, April, and May (prior to kickoff) and 1-2 hours per month after kickoff.