Masala Giving Circle, a group of more than 100 philanthropically minded African American women in the Sarasota area, recently awarded $52,200 to six nonprofits, strengthening efforts to reduce hunger, repair the homes of low-income residents, increase literacy in young students, provide leadership training for teenagers and more.

Contribution of $5,000 from Masala Giving Circle helped to defray expenses of WBTT's Stage of Discovery musical theatre intensive.

The BEE Learning Center at The Jacquelyn Paulk Campus in Sarasota is a free math and tutoring program for disadvantaged students grades K-3.

Masala Giving Circle: Living the legacy of Black women's philanthropy

Sarasota, FL - Award recipients included Habitat for Humanity in Manatee and Sarasota Counties; the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition; Meals on Wheels; Minorities in Shark Sciences, ASALH Freedom School; All Faiths Food Bank; Take Stock in Children; and Good Samaritan Pharmacy & Health Services. 

The last 10 years have seen the creation of a number of giving circles—organizations that require an annual minimum donation and work together on a membership basis.

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On Tuesday, August 30, 4 pm - 5 pm learn about the LEGO Robotics and Coding programs coming soon to the library for kids in grades 2 - 8. Join us at the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library located at 2801 Newtown Blvd. Sarasota. FL 34234 to learn more,

Caryl Shefield discusses the impact Masala Giving Circle has had in the community with the Suncoast View. 

Masala Giving Circle's Marilyn Thompson discusses the history of blank philanthropy and the significance of August 28th to black philanthropy with Empowering Voices host Renee Gilmore. 

Masala Giving Circle discusses Black Philanthropy Month.

On December 19, 2020, the Masala Giving Circle partnered with Dollar Dynasty to distribute toys, books, school supplies as well as other items to children in the Newtown community. 

Marilyn Thompson was a newcomer to the Sarasota area in 2013. Like many moving here, she knew she wanted to get involved in the community but wasn’t sure where to put her time and resources. 

The Masala Giving Circle, a group of community-minded African American women, was established to make a positive impact on the community by presenting grants to non-profit organizations. 

Masala means spicy and this group of women are certainly spicing things up in the community. Masala Giving Circle represents 69 members who all share a common thread in wanting to create positive change in African American communities through philanthropy. 

On Wednesday, May 15, from 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m., the Masala Giving Circle, a philanthropic organization of African-American women, will hold its annual grant awards ceremony at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

At a time when many Americans are thinking harder about racial issues and equity, members of the Marsala Giving Circle and others have been commemorating Black Philanthropy Month in August.