Global Philanthropists Circle

Who We Are

The Global Philanthropists Circle (GPC) is a dynamic network of leading international philanthropists dedicated to eliminating poverty and increasing equity worldwide. It brings together many of the most respected individuals and families from every part of the globe who are committed to using their time, influence and resources to address some of the world's most significant problems.

The Circle provides exceptional opportunities for members to advance their own philanthropic projects by drawing on the advice, experience, relationships and collaboration of other members. In addition, the Circle supports initiatives to work together with international development agencies, foundations and other philanthropic organizations.

Founded in 2001 by Peggy Dulany, Synergos' Chair, and her father, David Rockefeller, the Circle now includes more than 70 families from 23 countries who recognize the increased impact they might have, as individuals and collectively, on initiatives to reduce poverty globally.

The Circle is also intergenerational. The Next Generation Group, formed in 2003, focuses on successor generations -- family members between their teens and early 30s -- to promote their involvement in philanthropy and build a strong community of future social investors and philanthropists.

Why We Exist

In an era of vastly increasing, yet disproportionately distributed wealth, poverty and inequity are two of the world's most complex challenges. The GPC is committed to encouraging and supporting the essential role that private philanthropists can play to resolve these problems.

To play this role, many philanthropists are eager to learn with and from each other how they can make a difference. The Circle provides a platform to explore solutions and a network of support to play this important role. The international diversity of the members brings to the Circle a wealth of experience and relationships supported by social and financial resources and a motivation to leverage them for the greater good.

What We Offer Our Members

The GPC network is an energizing, safe space for learning, discussion and collaboration. Organized and staffed by Synergos, activities and services are tailored to member needs and time availability.

We can help you articulate and realize your vision.

The Circle provides each family with a relationship manager, a dedicated professional who can help to develop a membership program suited to the family’s needs. Drawing on the exceptional resources of the Circle and the larger Synergos network, this person will help create a personal networking plan to build connections to help leverage your efforts. The Circle also offers a strategic planning expert who works with members to develop strategic plans, review current goals and objectives, and evaluate current activities.

We organize focused and meaningful experiences with your peers.

Throughout the year, the Circle holds a variety of events and activities to bring members together. Those listed below are intended to offer the maximum value and flexibility for each member:

Learning visits to developing countries
These trips include:

• Exposure to innovative philanthropic approaches and strategies to complex global problems and their application to the participants' own work
• Private meetings with local leaders of civil society, business and government
• Professional briefings on the social, political and economic context of the country and its relationship to other parts of the world
• Interaction with other prominent international philanthropists, including those from the host country or region.

Working Dinners and Dialogues
These events are hosted by Circle members in various part of the United States and other countries throughout the year. Schedule, location, and topics for discussion will be provided in advance to all members. Meetings on topics such as the impact of private philanthropy on international development have taken place in Buenos Aires, London, Madrid, Mumbai and Beirut.

Annual Meetings
The Annual Meeting in New York City consists of a series of small interactive workshops and plenary sessions during the day, followed by The Synergos Institute's University for a Night in the evening. In addition, the GPC yearly retreat at the Rockefeller Estate in Pocantico Hills, New York encourages members to address issues in a more relaxed and intimate setting.

Effective Philanthropy Workshops
Twice a year, the Circle holds workshops about increasing the effectiveness of member philanthropy. Previous and future workshops include discussion of family foundations, strategic planning, and evaluating impact.

Wilderness Retreats
Each year, a small, diverse group of members participates in a week-long retreat at Peggy Dulany's ranch in Montana to explore their personal philanthropic purposes and future intentions.

Tailored Program Visits
Tailored to meet member needs, visits are arranged to selected countries in order to review successful projects and philanthropic opportunities in the member's field of interest.

We foster new opportunities for collaboration and engagement.

Members learn from one another about ways they can act as individuals or in partnership to leverage the work they are doing. The relationship manager and other Circle staff can help to develop and support:

• Peer partnerships
• Regional and issue working groups
• Next generation and multigenerational projects
• Guided access to Synergos' global network of philanthropic organizations
• Organized participation in key global conferences and events
• Individual meetings with key civil society, government and private sector innovation leaders.

Annual membership contribution

A contribution of $25,000 per family helps Synergos develop and conduct this and other programs. These include building and strengthening community development foundations and an effort to create breakthrough systemic solutions to critical societal problems through multi-stakeholder partnerships.

For More Information

Vist the GPC Events, Activities & Services site or contact Global Philanthropists Circle program staff:

Beth Cohen, Senior Director
tel + 1 (646) 963-2104
bcohen@synergos.org

Daniel Domagala, Manager, Networks
tel + 1 (646) 963-2135
ddomagala@synergos.org

Mary Olushoga, Coordinator
tel + 1 (646) 963-2165
molushoga@synergos.org

Shannon St. John, Director, Networks
tel + 1 (646) 963-2118
sstjohn@synergos.org

The Synergos Institute   
51 Madison Avenue, 21st Floor
New York, NY 10010
USA
fax +1 (212) 447-8119

Updated April 2008