From Then to Now
Reflecting on Full Circle’s Journey &
Inviting Our Community to Shape the Future
I'm Rob Trice, current Co-Chair of Full Circle alongside the fantastic Sienna Rogers.
Recently, Sienna, and our organization's Executive Director, Sam Carpenter (who joined us in January 2024), and Program Manager, Rima, and I sat down to talk. The topic? The incredible journey of Full Circle over its 25 years (!), where we stand today, and where we're heading.
It was such an insightful discussion that we wanted to share the highlights with you – our broader community, especially those who've been part of our story over the years. We believe understanding our evolution is key to shaping our future, and we genuinely want your reactions and thoughts.
🌱 The Early Days: Finding Our People (Mid-2000s)
Sienna and I landed at Full Circle around the same time, back in 2008. Why?
Rob: For me, it was about finding a community. I'd been involved with NetImpact SV, but as I looked around, I realized I needed a place for professionals my age who were passionate about engaged philanthropy – giving more than a check. Full Circle Fund felt like home, like my people.
Sienna: Exactly! It's hard to remember now, but back then, options for professionals to meaningfully donate time, talent, and treasure were scarce. FC's flexible, project-based model was pioneering. It let us dive deep with a nonprofit for a few months, provide real value, and funding. We were truly at the forefront of what's now the "social impact" sector.
🔄 Evolution & Growth: Welcoming New Energy
Fast forward to today. A key moment was our 2023 merger with YCore, an organization Sam was previously involved with. This brought in a dynamic, often younger demographic that now powers many of our project teams.
Sam: It's easy to see the age difference, but the common thread is undeniable: a shared passion for building a better Bay Area. The "how" and "what" might differ across generations, but that core commitment is the same.
Rima: I’d add that what nonprofits and the social sector need have remained consistent - they need more support - people and dollars - even if the circumstances they operate in change over time. Right now there’s a lot of concern around federal funding cuts or how to be an effective advocate in the social justice space where issues like the importance of DEI are being challenged.
💡 Adapting to a Changing Bay Area: The "How" and "What"
So, what are those differences?
Sam: More senior professionals might have less time for weekly team meetings due to family or other commitments, but they bring invaluable experience, networks, and often, greater capacity for financial support ("treasure"). They can advise teams, make crucial connections for our nonprofit partners, or mentor members.
Today's members often can dedicate time to project teams but might face different economic realities. FC started in an era of Bay Area wealth creation. The original $5,000 membership fee, while funding critical work, would be a significant barrier for many vital members of our community today.
Rima: Today’s members are also facing burnout and overwhelm - early COVID there was a surge of “I want to help” but after years of disruption people feel spent and inundated. Just five years ago a big draw of our original curriculum was taking deep dives into systems and structures that disenfranchised the recipients of our nonprofit partners work; today people are interested in that but the initial draw is just that we exist as a motivating structure and place to do SOMETHING.
Rob: Reducing that financial barrier wasn't just practical; it was part of a conscious push towards greater diversity and inclusion. Repositioning our strengths recently helped rebuild and reshape our community.
Sienna: Absolutely. Driven by passionate members, we re-evaluated everything – from making our grant selection process less burdensome for nonprofits, to how we run our board, even our events. We replaced our fancy fall gala with an annual celebration of our community, UNITE, which feels more aligned with who we are now.
Rob: That shift included becoming leaders in understanding Power & Privilege. Our 2019 community retreat focused on this, providing a crucial space for learning and dialogue around DEI for me and many others. This unique space to learn continues in our robust curriculum all volunteers actively participate in today.
🌐 Navigating the Present: Virtual Shifts & Deeper Connections
Sam: The pandemic accelerated trends. While virtual meetings offer accessibility, motivating folks to connect in person takes more effort (though everyone who rallies says it's worth it!). We're still learning how to best foster connection in this hybrid world.
Crucially, the reason people engage has shifted. While professional networking happens organically, it's not the primary driver. Today, it’s about finding a community rooted in shared values – people wanting to collaborate, learn, and meaningfully support nonprofits to strengthen the Bay Area.
🚀 The Constant Thread & Our Future
Sienna: Through nearly a quarter-century of change – economic booms and busts, a shifting social landscape, a global pandemic – the core desire remains: connecting with like-minded people to learn and do, together, for a better Bay Area.
That's the essence of Full Circle Fund – then, now, and tomorrow. It requires the combined time, talent, treasure, and understanding of our incredible community to make it happen.