Masala Giving Circle is delighted that you are visiting our website.  As our name indicates, Masala is that delicious blend of spices—the whole of which is richer and more amazing than each of its individual parts. Our circle is a diverse group of African American women who have a passion for giving back by creating positive change in underserved communities.  We serve Sarasota, Manatee, Desoto and Charlotte Counties.  By pooling our resources, we enable our members to achieve a much greater impact with their charitable giving than they might achieve on their own.

 

Originally established in 2013 through the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Masala Giving Circle has grown from 7 initial members to over 115.  From awarding our first grant in 2014 of $5,000, we have awarded over $250,000 in grants to organizations that promote economic and personal empowerment in areas such as, healthcare, housing, nutritious food, education, and the arts, among other causes.  We have also donated tens of thousands of dollars in gifts and support to local organizations that have immediate needs, such as supporting victim of hurricanes, food for those struggling through the pandemic of 2020, holiday gifts for children, and shoes for children going back to school, through our philanthropy initiatives, 

 

We hope you enjoy visiting our website and learning about how Masala Giving Circle is promoting economic and personal empowerment in our communities. Our giving philosophy has been to carry on the traditions of support through our African ancestry and to do our part to make our communities more self-sustainable.  We believe as Maya Angelou elegantly stated, “I have found among other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver”.  We are grateful to share our blessings with others.