Home | Spark

Spark Your Passion

Spark is an affinity group of Greater Toledo Community Foundation designed to develop the next generation of young community philanthropists in northwest Ohio. It is a curated experience designed to help ignite your philanthropic passions. As a member of this new wave of philanthropists, you will have the chance to make a measurable impact in our community while being equipped with the tools and insights to create a lifetime of transformative change.

How you can get involved:

Join us for the free launch event on Tuesday, December 3, 2019.
Consider becoming a member of the first Spark 2020 affinity group.

Event

Join us on GivingTuesday!

We are at the heart of Toledo’s resurgence, driving progress throughout the region and supporting many worthy nonprofits that are making a difference in our community.

But where have we been and where are we going?

Join us on GivingTuesday 2019 to learn more about Spark's impact in our community and enjoy a new experience of history, collaboration and vision at a never-before-seen space in Downtown Toledo.

On Tuesday, December 3, 2019, we will launch Spark with a look back at the history of Toledo through the lens of acclaimed Toledo photographer, Ben Morales. This exhibition will also trace the work of Toledo’s past philanthropists to see the impact of their efforts that endures to this day and introduce you to a new opportunity for you to impact our community for years to come.

Spark Kickoff Event

December 3, 2019 – GivingTuesday

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Secor Building, 2nd Floor

144 N Superior St. Toledo, OH 43604

Enjoy food, spirits, and entertainment

Membership

Ignite Your Inner Philanthropist

Join Spark 2020, a new Toledo affinity group

Even as the fortunes of some in our community have increased, many Northwest Ohioans continue to face serious and sometimes life-threatening challenges. Learn more from the 2019 Community Needs Assessment. We need your help to improve the lives of our neighbors.

Participation requires a personal investment of $750.

This year-long commitment gives you the opportunity to:

1. Follow your investment through a real-world grant cycle.

2. Learn the business of philanthropy from Spark's curriculum as well as experienced community leaders.

3. Connect with passionate local philanthropists who are a part of Greater Toledo Community Foundation's network.

What to expect from Spark 2020

This year-long commitment gives you the opportunity to participate in a full grant cycle—from ideation to selection to impact. All while gleaning from the expertise of passionate local leaders and connecting with local philanthropists affiliated with Greater Toledo Community Foundation.

Experience Details:

Session 1 - Workshop: Philanthropic Passions Meet Community Needs
Session 2 - Spark Tank: Live presentations from nonprofits vying for Spark grant dollars.
Session 3 - Immersion: Site visit to chosen nonprofit
Session 4 - Panel Discussion: Exploring philanthropic models and strategies that create change
Close out - This 2020 Spark event will showcase the community impact of the inaugural year’s grant. We will also kick off the cycle for the next membership year.

Curriculum:

The Savvy Philanthropist’s Guide to Impacting Northwest Ohio

As a Spark member, you will receive Spark’s Curriculum which will become your go-to resource for understanding the business of philanthropy, how to best impact a community, and the current community needs of northwest Ohio.

The curriculum includes:

Philanthropy 101: The history of charity, current best practices, and what makes a great nonprofit
Grant Making 101: The grant cycle process and success factors for sound funding decisions
Community Needs & Transformative Change: The sharing of research-based community needs and strategies for transformative change

Join Spark 2020!

Kickoff Event

Spark 2020 Membership