If giving back is high on your list of New Year’s resolutions, local giving circles can help you bring those intentions to fruition.
Started in 2015, 100+ Women Who Care Tucson is among the largest giving circles in the nation, according to Desha Bymers-Davis, founder of the organization that boasts 420 members.
“This says so much about Tucson women and the giving spirit we have. We know that if we chip in a little bit, it can make someone else’s life a lot easier,” Bymers-Davis said.
Giving circles are built around the idea of pooling individual donor funds in order to maximize charitable impact. Bymers-Davis originally intended to started the organization by gathering 100 women to gift $100 each (or $10,000) four times annually to different community nonprofits that are proposed by members and vetted by members.
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The concept has proven wildly successful: the organization attracted 155 members for its initial “Big Give” and has grown steadily ever since.
“In 10 years, we have given nearly $1.3 million in gifts to 38 Tucson nonprofits, $100 at a time," Bymers-Davis said. "The nonprofits love these gifts as they are unrestricted funds that they can use to best impact our community."
She credits the appeal of the giving circle to its ability to provide a philanthropic voice for those of diverse ages, backgrounds, income levels and life stages. It engages everyone from young professionals and parents to retirees, including those with limited means and time constraints — the commitment is just four hours and/or $400 a year — as well as those with the ability to give more.
“It is good for women who are busy with children, families and careers and it is also good for retired women who want to learn more about nonprofits in our community where they might want to volunteer," Bymers-Davis said. "No matter what point in life you are at, it can feed your spirit. If you have an hour a quarter and 100 bucks, you can leave feeling you did something bigger than yourself."
The list of of approved nonprofits runs the gamut, from health and human services to animal welfare, arts and culture, education and more. Recipients range in size from small, grassroots organizations to larger, well-established nonprofits.
At its most recent Big Give, the organization gifted $42,000 to Roots & Roads Community Hospice Foundation.
“I continue to be inspired by the compassion and thoughtfulness of our members," Bymers-Davis said. "At each Big Give, they listen to three local nonprofits and make the decision together. For our 10-year anniversary, they collectively chose Roots and Roads, recognizing the profound importance of ensuring that our most vulnerable neighbors receive dignity, comfort and compassionate end-of-life care."
“This gift reflects the very heart of our mission: Women coming together to create meaningful, immediate impact in our community.”
Guests are welcome to attend the next Big Give at 5:30 p.m. (social hour and 6:30 p.m.meeting) on Thursday, Jan. 22, at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, 3800 E. Sunrise Drive.
The impact of giving circles is not restricted to women: 100+ Guys Who Give Tucson is also making a difference for local nonprofits.
Inspired by 100+ Women Who Care Tucson, the men’s giving circle will celebrate its sixth anniversary at a Big Give from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ, 1801 N Stone Ave.
Since inception, it has donated more than $155,000 to various causes, including a November 2025 gift to Therapeutic Ranch for Animals and Kids (TRAK), which provides a variety of animal-therapy programs for children and adults.
“One of my favorite parts about this group is learning about local nonprofits," said Jon LePage, founder of the group. "It is a good group for guys who want to start to give back but don’t really know where to begin."
He said that the men’s giving circle provides information and promotes awareness about a wide range of local nonprofits.
“It can be tough to search through nonprofits yourself, and here it is given to you on a platter,” LePage said.
He also enjoys the camaraderie of the diverse group, which boasts members from the ages of 24 to 75-plus.
“It is perfect for guys who don’t have a lot of time since it doesn’t take a lot of time. And it can provide good connections,” LePage said.
Moving forward in 2026, LePage hopes to continue to grow 100+ Guys Who Give.
“As far as my resolutions ... I would say be relentless, which is a book I am reading right now. It is about being relentless in whatever you choose to do in life,” he said.
