Inspired by the belief that together we can do more, Kaitlynn Roark, and her sister, Amy, launched Huntsville’s first giving circle in 2017. Amy had learned about giving circles during her Leadership Greater Huntsville closing retreat in Louisville, and together the sisters, rooted in a strong family tradition of generosity, ventured into the power of giving.
In partnership with the Community Foundation, Amy and Kaitlynn launched give256 with the hope of making philanthropy accessible to all community members.
Springing forward with the idea that even a small monthly contribution could make a substantial impact, the sisters felt compelled to bring this model to Huntsville. The sisters recognized that collective giving has the power to amplify individual contributions, enabling them to achieve greater outcomes and address community needs more effectively.
By pooling their resources and knowledge, give256 members become catalysts for change, combining their passion, expertise, and financial contributions to support local causes.
The giving circle creates a platform for collaboration, enabling members to learn about diverse community needs and make informed decisions about where their funds can have the most significant impact. Through give256, Kaitlynn and Amy hope to foster a culture of giving and engagement which will inspire individuals, families, and businesses to invest in their community’s future.
For Kaitlynn, making the greater Huntsville/Madison County area a better place for its residents is a top priority. She is deeply passionate about contributing her time and resources to uplift the local community. By engaging with various nonprofit organizations, Kaitlynn seeks to understand their missions and identify avenues where she can directly help or connect them
with others who can provide assistance. Her approach to giving reflects a pledge to supporting local initiatives and fostering meaningful change where it matters most.
Kaitlynn Roark’s commitment to making her community a better place has led her on a remarkable journey in generosity. By establishing give256, she and Amy have harnessed the power of collective giving and transformed it into a force for positive change in Huntsville. Through their efforts, give256 aims to empower individuals to become philanthropists and
demonstrates that generosity has the power to change lives, communities, and the future.
