In the ever present effort to raise money for nonprofits in tough economic times, some in Moore County are looking outside the box to giving circles.

Aimed primarily at members of local social groups and clubs, a giving circle is a way to generate money for organizations by asking club members to pool funds and make a donation to a nonprofit in place of giving small gifts individually.

“There are hundreds of clubs here in Moore County,” said Susie Buchanan, director of community relations at St. Joseph of the Pines. “If members of those clubs all pitched in and made a decision to give money to an organization, just think what a difference they could make.”

Buchanan saw the positive impact of giving circles in other counties, and quickly realized that Moore County was “missing the boat.”

“They can make such an impact on nonprofits who are struggling to keep up with the need in the county,” she said.

To make the idea work, Buchanan knew she needed some help. She linked up with several local organizations, including the North Carolina Community Foundation and Mary Ann Howard.

Howard, the foundation’s regional coordinator, said giving circles offer a chance for nonprofit organizations to bring in another funding opportunity. The upcoming event introducing the idea of giving circles is also a chance for nonprofits to inform others about their organizations.

“You are expanding people’s knowledge, and you are making a greater impact,” she said.

The event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, in the Fordham Room at St. Joseph of the Pines. Representatives from 26 nonprofit organizations will be present to speak with guests and offer information about their respective group. Guests will be given ice cream and will also be treated to a short talk and video about giving circles.

“This event is a way for us to plant a seed and see where it will take us,” Howard said.

Buchanan said she is hoping at least 300 people attend and take information back to their respective clubs. She hopes that when the holidays roll around those groups and clubs will consider a giving circle to a nonprofit.

“It’s really a no-pressure event,” Buchanan said. “We want people to come in, have an ice cream and tour around the room to see what we have to offer. We are not asking for commitment; we are just asking them to think about it.”

Nonprofit organizations scheduled to attend include: Animal Advocates, The Boys and Girls Club, Linden Lodge Foundation, NAMI-National Alliance on Mental Illness, The Sandhills/Moore Coalition for Human Care, Moore County Literacy Council, The Arc/First in Families, The “Together We Can Do MOORE” semi, Family Promise, The Northern Moore Family Resource Center, The Junior League of Moore County, The Department of Social Services (Foster Care), The Sandhills Land Trust;

Friend to Friend, Sandhills Children’s Center, Southern Pines Library, Communities in Schools, Moore Buddies, Moore County Community Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, The Carolina Philharmonic, Drug Free Moore County, The First Tee, Meals on Wheels, Family Support Network, United Way, Sandhills Community Action Program, The North Carolina Cooperative Extension-4H, the Senior Enrichment Center-RSVP volunteer program, Sandhills Community College, Moore Free Care Clinic and MIRA Foundation USA.

For the organizations attending the program, the day is a great opportunity.

“I have been the executive director for six-and-a-half years and it has been a struggle from the beginning to make the entire county aware of what we do here in the northern part of the county,” said Clare Ruggles of the Northern Moore Family Resource Center.

Established in 1996, the center encourages the development of strong families, healthy children and caring communities in northern Moore County.

Ruggles said she has been pushing funding diversification to the center board, telling its members that in order to meet the growing needs of the community it must actively seek out new revenue sources.

“We have to go about raising money in as many different ways as you can,” she said. “Grants are not the only answer. We have to explore other options.”

Contact Tom Embrey at (910) 693-2484 or tembrey@thepilot.com.