- Community Shares is a federation of Tennessee based community groups who have joined together to raise money cooperatively for their programs.
- Community Shares was organized in April, 1985 by four East Tennessee groups, in an effort to increase their revenues from individuals and lessen their dependence upon foundation grants.
- The membership has grown each year to include groups across the state.
- Community Shares has 501 (C)(3) tax status which means donors to Community Shares can deduct their contribution on their federal income tax form.
- With Community Shares you are part of a track record of remarkable results.
GIFTS TO COMMUNITY SHARES HAVE HELPED
- Assist over a quarter of a million women and children involved in domestic violence situations
- Provide housing, food and support groups to 8000 people affected by HIV/AIDS and educate 30,000 people about the causes and effects of AIDS.
- Introduce the art, music, theater, and dance traditions of various cultures to over 100,000 children.
- Educate over 13,000 children and adults about the humane treatment of animals.
- Recycle 5 million pounds of paper, saving the equivalent of over half a million trees.
- Clean 8000 miles of Tennessee Streams and Rivers.
OUR MISSION
Community Shares is dedicated to supporting Tennessee social change organizations in order to promote a more just and caring community. Its purpose is to raise funds for its member groups, primarily through employee giving campaigns, to foster a strong and viable network of social change organizations in Tennessee, and to provide members with training and technical assistance.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
We believe there is a grossly inequitable distribution of wealth, resources and power, which leads to major gaps between rich and poor, and a poor quality of life for the majority. We believe significant change happens when we address these problems at the systems and institutional levels, as well as at the individual levels. Additionally, we believe that the people being affected by a problem should be involved in the decisions and problem-solving processes.
WHAT IS SOCIAL CHANGE?
Community Shares defines social change as work which: promotes a more equitable distribution of resources, wealth, and power; gives people the tools to act together to affect change on a systems level; eliminates the social, economic, cultural, and political barriers that keep people from fully participating in society; and promotes respect for the environment and its sustainability.
HOW TO GIVE TO COMMUNITY SHARES
Donations to Community Shares are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Upon receipt of a contribution or pledge, Community Shares will send the donor an acknowledgment notice. Direct Giving - Community Shares accepts checks, cash, or VISA/Mastercard charges. We also accept personal pledges, that we will bill on a payment schedule according to donors' wishes. Send donations or pledges to the Knoxville office of at:
Community Shares Knoxville
Suite 201
107 W. Main St.
Knoxville, TN 37902
Contributions through Workplace Payroll Deductions - Community Shares donors have options in many workplace giving campaigns,. Ask your employer if Community Shares is included in the annual employee giving drive. If not, contact the Community Shares office to find out how to get Community Shares added as an option.
HOW TO DIRECT YOUR GIFT
Undesignated Donations - If you make a contribution without designating particular member agencies, Community Shares will divide your donation equally among the Full Members.
Designated Donations - If you specify the Community Shares group(s) you want to support, we will direct your gift accordingly. Associate Members receive funding only from designated donations. If you wish to give to all our groups equally, just direct your gift to Full and Associate Members.