FAQ’s

If you have more questions, Drop me an email or call me at (970) 744-3799. I look forward to talking with you.

What is a Change Gang?

A Change Gang is a virtual giving circle that organizes around a specific cause. We pool our donations of $25/month so that we can make a much larger donation to a non-profit than we could alone.

How do I meet with my group? Do I have to be in the same state?

Change Gangs are virtual. We have a private website, where we use forums to discuss issues. We have a one hour meeting once per month via conference call and web meetings to take care of giving circle business. You are always invited to attend the meetings.

How Much Time Does It Take?

You choose how much time you’d like to spend! This is a great way for super busy people to make meaningful donations, because you can trust that the giving circle leadership is doing the necessary work and research to choose good organizations and make a huge impact. If you just want to spend a minute and half to set up an automated payment from your credit card and do nothing else, we are excited to have you on board.

In addition to just donating, you can, if you’d like nominate and/or vote for non-profits. In addition, you can be an Ambassador and attend our one hour/month meetings, research organizations, and grow the circle.

At any level, we are excited to have you on board, because we know that a giving circle is a great way to make meaningful and significant donations. Donate Better. Donate With Others!

How Much Do I Donate?

All Change Gang members contribute $25 per month to their Gang. Why $25?

Change Gang is led by its members who are people just like you. They have jobs and families and responsibilities, so we do everything we can to minimize the complexity and time requirement of belonging to a Change Gang. Having a set amount going into the group’s account from each member enormously simplifies the job of the Gang’s Treasurer.

If you’re looking at your budget and wondering where you’ll find $25, here’s a couple thoughts:

  • A small Starbuck’s cappuccino costs $2.50. If you brew your own coffee three times a week, you’ll save $25 a month.
  • Save $5 by bringing a home made lunch to work once or twice per week.
  • Spend a Friday night at home watching a movie instead of meeting friends for drinks. At $8 a pop, 3 cocktails would cost you almost $25.

Don’t think you have to do it alone, either. Team up with a couple co-workers who will share contribution to a Change Gang, and once a week you get together and eat sandwiches at your desk. Or invite your favorite Aunt, Cousin, friend and share the contribution. Or have the entire family collaborate on where to find $25 in the family’s budget, and as a family, you participate in your Change Gang.

Can I Give More?

Yes. You are welcome to donate more to your Change Gang or you may consider joining another Change Gang to work towards another cause that you are passionate about. Each Change Gang member receives one vote regardless of how much is donated about the $25 minimum.

How Does My Change Gang Choose Where to Donate?

Gang members nominate non-profits for the group to consider. The Donations Committee vets the non-profits and updates the members with that information. A vote is held and donations awarded to organizations based on a simple majority rule.

How Often Does My Change Gang Donate?

We donate once per quarter. Nominations are due in February for the March donation, in May for the June donation, in August for the September donation, and in November for the December donation.

What If I Disagree With the Group’s Vote?

When you join a Change Gang, it’s important that you find one that most closely matches your interest, because inevitably, your preference will not always match up with the majority’s preference. When this happens, you can still feel good that the cause you believe in is being promoted. Remember that we are working towards the greater good here and not working to support any individual’s pet projects.

What If I Don’t Want to be Part of the Group Anymore?

You may choose to cancel your membership at any time. Future contributions will be cancelled immediately after you request to cancel your membership. Any contributions made prior to your request to cancel are non-refundable unless you’ve cancelled within the first 30 days of joining. In that case, you will receive a refund of your first month’s membership.

What If I Need to Put My Membership on Hold?

Memberships can be paused for as long as you need and you can resume contributing actively to your Change Gang at any time. During this period you do not have voting rights and you cannot be elected to a Gang Leader position; however, your continued participation in your Change Gang is welcomed.

What is the Community Coin?

10% of your monthly contribution is directed to Change Gangs’ Community Coin. This fund supports the Change Gang community providing the tools to make your Change Gang a healthy, vibrant, and effective group. These tools include things such as web development and hosting, tax and legal compliance, and bank fees. In addition, many hours of labor goes into providing services to members, and someday it would be nice if we could compensate for labor. You may view our financial information, so you know that we are responsible stewards.

Any funds collected over and above expenses are pooled together into the Emergency Relief Fund that will be donated to an organization chosen by the entire Change Gangs community. These funds are designated for emergency relief causes to help people affected by disasters. Members will nominate, research, discuss, and vote on which organization will receive these funds. Voting on excess funds will occur quarterly or by emergency motions made by and voted on by the entire community.

Tell Me More About the Emergency Relief Fund

The purpose of Change Gangs is to facilitate the donation of as much money as possible. So, any funds collected from the Community Coin that exceed expenses are deposited into the Emergency Relief Fund and are designated for emergency relief to help people affected by disasters (man made or natural). The entire Change Gangs community participates in distributing those funds by nominating, researching, voting on which organization will receive these funds.

Voting on excess funds will occur quarterly or by emergency motions made by and voted on by the entire community.

If you’ve ever watched a disaster on TV and wished you could do more, here’s your opportunity.

Are My Donations Tax Deductible?

Not at this time. 501c3 is expensive to obtain and expensive to maintain, but we will be applying for 501c3 status in the near future. If you’d like to participate, but you itemize your tax returns and need to include the $300 you donate through Change Gangs on your tax return, Drop me an email. I’ll be sure to let you know when our 501c3 is confirmed.