Episode 37: Power of the Collective

The power of the collective can create lasting change. In Episode 37, Lindsay speaks with Jacob Martinez about mobilizing communities, building equity, and redefining leadership through collaboration. Jacob shares how shared values and vision can fuel nonprofit success and advance meaningful change from the ground up.

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What’s It Like to Pitch to a Giving Circle?

“We always hear philanthropy talk about keeping money in the reserves for the big emergency… well, we’re in it! It’s time to open up that vault.” Share on X

Redefining Philanthropy: It’s Not Just About Wealth

Philanthropy’s ultimate goal has always been about gathering resources, time, and energy in service to others. Although some people seem turned off by the word “philanthropy” today, I continue to celebrate its true meaning: the love of humankind.

Forget the outdated, stodgy connotations. Philanthropy isn’t reserved for the ultra-wealthy or those writing six-figure checks. Being a philanthropist can be as simple as giving meaningfully and staying involved in your community.

One great entry point? Giving circles. These grassroots groups make philanthropy more tangible, accessible, and collaborative—bringing people together to solve real issues by pooling resources and ideas.

Giving Circles: Accessible, Social, and Impactful

The concept of gathering around a cause is as old as civilization itself. But today, giving circles are seeing a modern resurgence—especially among communities prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Why are they growing in popularity? Because they’re social, transparent, fun, and deeply rooted in community. They also serve as incubators for civic engagement, helping members become more aware and connected to the issues around them.

In just two decades, the American giving circle movement has exploded. With over 1,600 active circles, they’ve collectively given out $1.3 billion. If you want to learn more, check out my episode with Sara Lomelin, founder of Philanthropy Together.

The Nonprofit Perspective: A Conversation with Jacob Martínez

In this episode, I speak with Jacob Martínez, Founder and Executive Director of Digital NEST, about how giving circles support his mission and personal approach to philanthropy.

Jacob, honored with the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award in 2020, is a trailblazer fighting for equity in rural Northern California. His organization empowers LatinX youth through tech education and training—helping them see and seize opportunities in their futures.

I was curious to hear what it’s like pitching to giving circles from the executive director’s seat. Some fundraisers mention uncertain ROI or awkward power dynamics. But Jacob’s take? It’s like sales—some you win, some you don’t, and that’s okay.

Listen in as he shares his approach to pitching, how giving circles differ from grants or major gifts, and why the process can be a powerful experience for nonprofit leaders.

Everyone Can Be a Philanthropist

Whether your passion is racial justice, healthcare, animal rights, or environmental protection—you can take action. That’s what makes this conversation so meaningful. It highlights a lesser-talked-about truth: anyone can be a high-impact philanthropist.

You don’t have to be a millionaire to make a difference or to call yourself a philanthropist. Giving at any level is your ticket to the club!

There are countless ways to get involved:

Make a small donation
Volunteer your time
Connect with a local organization
Join a giving circle
Simply spread the word

Each of these actions adds up and helps us build a better world. Because at the end of the day, philanthropy has never been about the money—it has always been about the love for humankind.

Key Takeaways:

(02:55) – How the concepts of privilege, resources and education molded Jacob’s thinking throughout his upbringing and defined his life’s work.
(05:33) – Digital NEST: Creating a resourceful space for talented young people to develop tech skills and knowledge.
(10:16) – Bringing visibility to the “next door neighbor”: The double standards of the tech industry when it comes to problem solutions and diversity.
(12:44) – How giving circles are restructuring philanthropy, and Jacob’s framework to pitch a nonprofit to a giving circle.
(17:48) – The secrets to effective and meaningful communication with clients and collaborators through remote models.
(27:18) – Three key steps everyone can do to be part of the philanthropy ecosystem and contribute towards a more just and better society.