was an increase from 2022 , when 85 % of contributing fellows matched or exceeded their prior-year donations in 2022 ). And we were able to exceed our fundraising goals despite having a slightly lower rate of participation , which is a function of emeritus fellows that have left the practice .
The Third Circuit continues to amaze us by bringing in donations from 83 % of their fellows , including Emeritus donors . The First Circuit was not far behind , with a 75 % donation rate . We should also highlight the creativity of our Circuit fundraisers . The 11th Circuit launched a “ Make an 1111b Campaign ” which resulted in 33 fellows ( over half of their contributions ) donating $ 1111 . The Fifth Circuit marked year two of their “ Five for the 5th Circuit ” campaign . The 10th circuit did a final year push to push past its goal due to the hard work of its leaders . Four-Figure Club donations of $ 1,000 or more increased once again . Sixty eight percent of fellows in the 2nd Circuit donated $ 1,000 or more , which resulted in $ 101,500 in donations . Fifty-three percent of donors in the 11th Circuit were four-figure donors as well . Below is a chart showing participation by circuit and as you can see , most either made their goals or missed by a hair !
Now collecting the money is only part of the story . While Norm in his report will fill you in on the details , the Foundation and College Boards approved the grant funding proposed by the Committee of $ 518,024 in pro bono grants ( an increase of $ 61,437 over 2022 ) to 44 organizations and $ 66,675 in DEI initiative grants . But that committee is not one to rest on its laurels , they are already hard at work preparing for this year ’ s grants . All of us at the Foundation Board urge each of you to help the Grants Committee give your money away . Please identify organizations in your community that have worthy projects to fund and share our grants page with them . Our pro bono grants application period is open now and closes on May 15th this year . Remember we award grants up to $ 15,000 per year with one especially noteworthy program receiving the Cook Award for $ 20,000 . And we award DEI grants in various amounts on a rolling basis year-round .
The spring meeting is when we say goodbye to some of our hardworking board members and welcome new members . This year we bid farewell to Jeanne Darcey , Bill Wallander , Frank Childress , David Warfield , Prof . Elizabeth Tashjian , Isabel Balboa , Pat Nash , and our resident poet laureate , Scott Victor , who motivated all of us but especially his circuit with his stirring prose ! Each of these directors helped us grow into our mission throughout their terms and we are forever grateful . We have joining us Christopher M . Candon , Christine E . Devine , Laura Davis Jones , Warren A . Usatine , Travis Torrence , Julie B . Teicher , Felicia Gerber Perlman , Caroline A . Reckler , and Eric L . Johnson . Marjorie Kaufman has agreed to join us in a new role as treasurer for this term . I know that each of them will help us
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