Frequently Asked Questions
What is a giving circle?
Giving circles are a form of democratic and community-based philanthropy. Giving circles consist of groups of individuals, often organized with friends and colleagues, who pool their funds and other resources to donate to their communities and increase their awareness and engagement in the process of giving. Giving circles expand economic assets and build social consciousness. The Devata Giving Circle is a member of the Asian American and Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) National Giving Circle Network and is the only circle led by Cambodian-American women in the United States. Visit their website to learn more about other circles.
"We see giving circles as a model for empowerment. Giving circles are a very concrete expression of civic participation. We are trying to inspire that spirit of volunteerism... gathering and sharing resources, participating in strengthening our community. That's the kind of society we're trying to build through giving circles... where everyone builds together, and where everyone takes responsibility."- Peggy Saika, President & Executive Director, AAPIP.
Giving circles are a form of democratic and community-based philanthropy. Giving circles consist of groups of individuals, often organized with friends and colleagues, who pool their funds and other resources to donate to their communities and increase their awareness and engagement in the process of giving. Giving circles expand economic assets and build social consciousness. The Devata Giving Circle is a member of the Asian American and Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) National Giving Circle Network and is the only circle led by Cambodian-American women in the United States. Visit their website to learn more about other circles.
"We see giving circles as a model for empowerment. Giving circles are a very concrete expression of civic participation. We are trying to inspire that spirit of volunteerism... gathering and sharing resources, participating in strengthening our community. That's the kind of society we're trying to build through giving circles... where everyone builds together, and where everyone takes responsibility."- Peggy Saika, President & Executive Director, AAPIP.
Why Cambodian-American women and girls?
Cambodia has a gruesome history, one that has paralyzed survivors and the community at large. Under the Khmer Rouge regime, an estimated 1.7 million people perished as a result of executions, forced labor, malnutrition, starvation, torture, and disease. Thousands fled to refugee camps and then resettled to receiving countries, like the U.S., in the 1980s.
As a result of their experience, many survivors suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and struggle with depression, high poverty rates, low academic performance, domestic violence, and vices such as a gambling and alcoholism. Young Cambodian-Americans are more likely to drop out of high school and/or go to jail than they are to graduate from college. However, despite these overwhelming challenges, there is a strong survival spirit of resilience and vibrancy that runs through Cambodian communities across the U.S.
The Devata Giving Circle was born out of this resilient spirit to not only survive but to build thriving families and communities. Like the devata, a female guardian spirit, women and girls are divine and powerful change agents and are the cornerstones of their community. Improve the lives of women and girls, and communities will improve. A commitment to the advancement of women and girls is progress toward thriving communities where everyone benefits.
Cambodia has a gruesome history, one that has paralyzed survivors and the community at large. Under the Khmer Rouge regime, an estimated 1.7 million people perished as a result of executions, forced labor, malnutrition, starvation, torture, and disease. Thousands fled to refugee camps and then resettled to receiving countries, like the U.S., in the 1980s.
As a result of their experience, many survivors suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and struggle with depression, high poverty rates, low academic performance, domestic violence, and vices such as a gambling and alcoholism. Young Cambodian-Americans are more likely to drop out of high school and/or go to jail than they are to graduate from college. However, despite these overwhelming challenges, there is a strong survival spirit of resilience and vibrancy that runs through Cambodian communities across the U.S.
The Devata Giving Circle was born out of this resilient spirit to not only survive but to build thriving families and communities. Like the devata, a female guardian spirit, women and girls are divine and powerful change agents and are the cornerstones of their community. Improve the lives of women and girls, and communities will improve. A commitment to the advancement of women and girls is progress toward thriving communities where everyone benefits.
How does the Devata Giving Circle work?
The Devata Giving Circle is led by an Executive Council comprised of Cambodian-American women. Along with an annual financial contribution, executive council members meet monthly, engage in ongoing fundraising, regularly outreach to present and past allies and donors, and have fun with like-minded people.
The Devata Giving Circle makes grants annually to community organizations that benefit and support Cambodian-American women and girls. It is a serious commitment proudly taken on by the Executive Council.
The Devata Giving Circle is led by an Executive Council comprised of Cambodian-American women. Along with an annual financial contribution, executive council members meet monthly, engage in ongoing fundraising, regularly outreach to present and past allies and donors, and have fun with like-minded people.
The Devata Giving Circle makes grants annually to community organizations that benefit and support Cambodian-American women and girls. It is a serious commitment proudly taken on by the Executive Council.
Is the Devata Giving Circle a 501(c)3 non-profit organization?
Members of the Executive Council are experienced professionals in a variety of fields and are from the Cambodian diaspora community. Through research, referrals, and collective knowledge of the community, the Executive Council members identify organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of Cambodian-American women and/or girls.
Once identified, potential grantees are invited to submit a proposal. Whenever possible, site visits are conducted. After this process, the Executive Council selects organizations to receive grants.
The Devata Giving Circle does not accept unsolicited applications.
Members of the Executive Council are experienced professionals in a variety of fields and are from the Cambodian diaspora community. Through research, referrals, and collective knowledge of the community, the Executive Council members identify organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of Cambodian-American women and/or girls.
Once identified, potential grantees are invited to submit a proposal. Whenever possible, site visits are conducted. After this process, the Executive Council selects organizations to receive grants.
The Devata Giving Circle does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do groups use Devata Giving Circle grants?
Devata Giving Circles annual grants are used towards both general operating support as well as project-specific support depending on the organization and its work.
Devata Giving Circles annual grants are used towards both general operating support as well as project-specific support depending on the organization and its work.
What happens to my donation?
One hundred per cent of your contributions go toward Devata Circle grants to the community.
Executive Council members underwrite all administrative expenses related to running the Devata Giving Circle, including a 1% fee to be hosted by the Asian Pacific Fund. Contributions made via credit cards are subject to credit processing fees which is a standard practice.
One hundred per cent of your contributions go toward Devata Circle grants to the community.
Executive Council members underwrite all administrative expenses related to running the Devata Giving Circle, including a 1% fee to be hosted by the Asian Pacific Fund. Contributions made via credit cards are subject to credit processing fees which is a standard practice.
Do you have to be a Cambodian-American organization to receive grants?
No. But the organization must demonstrate that they serve Cambodian women and/or girls in their constituent population. For example, if a local YMCA has a program that specifically targets Cambodian-American girls, then that YMCA is eligible. A Cambodian-American organization will not necessarily qualify if they cannot demonstrate that they serve women and girls.
No. But the organization must demonstrate that they serve Cambodian women and/or girls in their constituent population. For example, if a local YMCA has a program that specifically targets Cambodian-American girls, then that YMCA is eligible. A Cambodian-American organization will not necessarily qualify if they cannot demonstrate that they serve women and girls.
Why should I donate through the Devata Giving Circle instead of just giving directly?
Your donation through the Devata Giving Circle reflects your commitment and belief in democratic and community philanthropy. Your support to our giving circle empowers us to take a leading role in making collective and thoughtful decisions that positively affect the Cambodian-American community. Moreover, your support strengthens the leadership capacity of Cambodian-American women, deepening our investments in the community.
In addition to financial support, Devata Circle members give their emotional and moral encouragement to organizations and, if possible, volunteer our time and skills when needed.
Thank you for supporting the Devata Giving Circle! We also encourage additional support directly to the organizations we choose through our grantmaking!
Your donation through the Devata Giving Circle reflects your commitment and belief in democratic and community philanthropy. Your support to our giving circle empowers us to take a leading role in making collective and thoughtful decisions that positively affect the Cambodian-American community. Moreover, your support strengthens the leadership capacity of Cambodian-American women, deepening our investments in the community.
In addition to financial support, Devata Circle members give their emotional and moral encouragement to organizations and, if possible, volunteer our time and skills when needed.
Thank you for supporting the Devata Giving Circle! We also encourage additional support directly to the organizations we choose through our grantmaking!
