Fostering social connections by establishing and maintaining giving circles
Hali Lee: A Pioneer in Collective Giving for Equity and Inclusion
Hali Lee, a trailblazer in the world of philanthropy, is the founder of the Asian Women Giving Circle (AWGC) and co-founder of the Donors of Color Network. Both organisations aim to democratise philanthropy and amplify the impact of donors of colour.
The AWGC, established during Lee's graduate studies at NYU, currently has about 200 women contributing annually. This nonprofit funds art projects for Asian-American women and gender-expansive artists and art communities, often addressing social issues. Notable projects funded by the AWGC include the documentary film "The Muslims Are Coming," the theatrical production "Claiming Our Voice," and the public art project "Here to Stay."
Lee started the AWGC with the intention of making friends with Asian women, but it has since evolved into a sisterhood that she relies on. She believes that having community with others and communities helping one another is important, rather than relying on external help.
In addition to the AWGC, Lee is also a member of the Downtown Nasty Women Social Group, one of several State's Project Giving Circles in New York City. This group aims to raise money towards flipping state legislatures from red to blue, with donations sometimes going to states outside of New York.
Lee's involvement in giving circles extends beyond the AWGC and the Downtown Nasty Women Social Group. She is also the co-founder of the Donors of Color Network, a broader collective giving initiative focused on mutual aid and diversifying philanthropy.
In an interview, Lee discusses her experiences as a philanthropist and how they could help solve the nationwide loneliness epidemic. She emphasises the importance of community and collective impact in her work.
Lee's work promotes a more inclusive, culturally rooted philanthropy model. This is evident in her book The Big We and various podcasts where she discusses her philosophy and the impact of her initiatives.
In summary, Hali Lee is involved in at least two significant giving circles:
- Asian Women Giving Circle (founder)
- Donors of Color Network (co-founder)
These roles illustrate her broader engagement beyond the Asian Women Giving Circle to other collective giving efforts centered on equity and inclusion in philanthropy.
In the realm of Hali Lee's philanthropic ventures, she not onlydevoted her time to empowering Asian women through the Asian Women Giving Circle, but also extendedefforts to promote a more inclusive philanthropy model within the home-and-garden of giving circles, such as the Donors of Color Network. Thus, her lifestyle is deeply embeded in the home-and-garden of collective giving for equity and inclusivity.
