The Founding Circle

The Founding Circle is La Ristra’s first community of supporters ⎯ the people who believed in this work from the very beginning. Every person who gives during our founding year becomes a Founder, regardless of the amount.

Our guiding principle:

  • The circle has no top.
  • The person who gives $10 a month and the person who gives $500 are equally Founders.
  • What matters is that you chose to be part of this.

This is not a donor hierarchy. There are no gold, silver or bronze levels. There is one circle, and everyone in it matters equally. La Ristra was built on the belief that every person has inherent dignity and worth ⎯ our fundraising must reflect that same belief.

How It Works

The Founding Circle is open during La Ristra’s first year. Anyone who makes a gift ─ of any size, one-time or monthly ─ becomes a Founding Circle member.

Monthly giving

The most powerful way to support La Ristra. Provides stable predictable funding.

  • $10/mo = $120/year
  • $25/mo = $300/year
  • $50/mo = $600/year

One-time gift

A gift of any amount during our founding year makes you a Founding Circle member.

  • Every gift matters.
  • There is no minimum.
In-kind support

Donate supplies for our programs:

  • Art supplies
  • Gift cards for families
  • Office supplies
  • Professional services (legal, accounting, design)

Why monthly giving matters most:

30 people giving $25/month = $9,000/year of stable, predictable income. That’s enough to cover Rosa’s salary support for six months. Monthly givers are the backbone of every strong nonprofit.

How Founders Are Recognized

Recognition is about belonging, not ranking. Every Founder is honored equally:

  • Listed by name (with permission) on La Ristra’s Founders Wall ⎯ displayed at events and in our annual report. Names are listed alphabetically, never by amount.
  • A handwritten thank you note from La Ristra.
  • A small piece of original artwork created during a La Ristra session (with participant consent) ⎯ a tangible connection to the community you’re supporting.
  • Quarterly updates sharing how your support is making a difference ⎯ stories, photos, and transparent financial reporting.
Donate & Volunteer