Our group is the first small business giving circle in the State of Rhode Island. By way of background, “Philanthropy Women” announced (see https://philanthropywomen.org/giving-circles/giving-circles-get-new-attention-rhode-island-foundation/) a novel pilot program in our state: “The Rhode Island Foundation seeks up to six informed and engaged community leaders who are interested in forming, leading, and facilitating small groups of peer networks organized around charitable giving. Giving circles are groups of people who pool their donations and decide together how to distribute them. Groups typically have a shared interest or connection, but it’s not required. Individual giving circles will have the ability to set their own member requirements and giving levels. Each circle will identify its own needs and design the appropriate goals and structure. This initiative is meant to inspire philanthropy throughout the community and to provide an opportunity for groups of people that might not otherwise come together around a fundraising effort – to do just that. It is not about giving to the Rhode Island Foundation. Likewise, the Rhode Island Foundation will not solicit gifts for your giving circle.” Our group is one of the six selected for this pilot program and the only one consisting entirely of small (micro, really) business owners as members.  Our big picture goal is to mobilize resources to support climate resilience.