WATERBURY BLACK GIVING CIRCLE

The Waterbury Black Giving Circle (WBGC) is a network of individuals who come together and pool their collective charitable dollars to have a greater impact and make a difference in the Black community. Here in Waterbury the WBGC is a group of changemakers leveraging resources through charitable giving, to catalyze and sustain movement toward greater economic opportunity for the Black community.

OUR MISSION

To cultivate charitable giving within the Black community, build capacity and financial sustainability of Black-led non-profits, and address the most pressing needs facing the Black community in Waterbury.

CIRCLING BACK TO AN AGE-OLD MODEL: WHY OUR GIVING MATTERS

For people of African descent – a population systematically denied wealth accumulation – collective giving has been instrumental to Black life for 400 years. Our giving carries cultural resonance and historical significance.

By joining the WBGC, through the power of cooperative giving, members pool our financial contributions in support of meaningful solutions that are for us, funded by us, and given to us. By giving, we:

  • Leverage the gifts of many to support the objectives of the Circle
  • Support Black-led initiatives in developing and sustaining solutions to economic inequities through education, resources, partnerships, and community/coalition building
  • Model effective, equitable, and trust-based philanthropy by and for the Black community
  • Organize our community to wield influence in traditional systems of power
  • Foster community infrastructure-building
  • Provide opportunity for peer learning, community building, and networking
  • Share the joy of giving – together!

The Waterbury Black Giving Circle’s 2025 grant recipients include $15,000 in awards to the following organizations:

  • Black Boarders of Connecticut was awarded a $5,000 grant in support of the Mom’s on the Mountain program, which will engage female guardians in joining youth participants to foster physical wellness, family bonding, and increased representation on the slopes.
  • Lady of Love was awarded a $5,000 grant for daily living essentials for families in need, such as hygiene products, seasonal clothing, and other personal care items.
  • North End Co-operative Market was awarded a $3,500 grant in support of their Fall Harvest which will increase awareness of local farmers and expand access to fresh, local food for residents.
  • Ungroup Society was awarded a $1,500 grant to support its Music in We: Sunday Weekend Wind Downs program which showcases original music created by Waterbury youth.

In addition, the Circle will also award $2,600 in college tuition assistance to the top five African American Waterbury Public High School graduates of 2025, through the In Search of Excellence Scholarship fund. 

Over the last three years, the Circle has awarded over $50,000 to organizations advancing opportunities for the Black community in Waterbury. 

WANT TO JOIN THE WATERBURY BLACK GIVING CIRCLE?

ANNUAL DONATION

$365, a recognition of supporting Black 365 days a year! Make a one-time contribution of $365 or a monthly contribution of only $30.42. Members make a contribution to the fund on a yearly basis. Membership runs from January 1 through December 31 of each year. You can join at any time. An annual minimum contribution of $365 is required to vote at the grantmaking meeting. Contributions are tax-deductible.

MEMBERSHIP

  • Circle Member: An individual that has made their minimum, annual contribution to the Circle and identifies as Black/ African American. As a Circle member, you are invited to attend all WBGC activities, events, and to cast a vote at an annual meeting to decide how the circle’s pooled funds will be granted to local organizations
  • Solidarity Member: If you do not identify as Black/ African American but would like to support the cause, you may contribute to the Waterbury Black Giving Circle.

The Waterbury Black Giving Circle proudly partners with Connecticut Community Foundation to manage this fund.

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