Michael Chatman, Founder of Association of Maverick Philanthropists

There's a new breed of philanthropists in town, and they're doing BIG things; just in smaller amounts. These maverick philanthropists give from their hearts and consistently contribute $5,000 to $50,000 every year. They are the lifeblood of charitable organizations.

It's one of the most refreshing clubs anywhere, which is why the group is gaining popularity. Members are fun, down-to-earth and some of the most admired philanthropists in the charitable sector.

Many are small business owners and high-income professionals making a big impact on society and represent the largest segment of the donor pool, but receive very little (if any) recognition.

The point of the club: to create a network for individual philanthropists with smaller resources to make impact change, make more risk-taking grants that leverage greater change than the size of their donation and provide non-profits with support that not only improves lives -- but inspires systemic change.

"Most of our members, say exclusive philanthropist circles, forums and clubs that offer membership fees at $10,000 to $25,000 annually are out of their financial reach, attract people that are sometimes 'stuffy' and waste money on fancy dinners, galas and unnecessary bells and whistles to attract the rich," says Michael Chatman, Philanthropy Consultant and member of Anheuser-Busch Corporate Social Responsibility Speakers Bureau.

"Philanthropists who donate smaller resources based more on sacrificial giving and not out of abundance are left on the outer fringes," Chatman continues.

The Association of Maverick Philanthropists (AMP) is the brainchild of Michael Chatman, Founder of Philanthropy Speakers Agency, which is a leading talent agency for executives, authors, celebrity humanitarians and experts in the charitable sector.

While it's common for philanthropists to join circles and clubs, Chatman's group is the first to build a respectable network of philanthropists donating as little as $5,000 annually. He recognized early on that small donors make up the largest segment of the donor pool and bring financial stability to non-profits who would struggle without their support.

Chatman saw a need for an organization for philanthropists who are not necessarily rich and although their financial contributions are smaller, they can still have a BIG impact.

The group is not into swanky settings and celebrity sightings. There is no question members have fun, but they are in it for the philanthropy and want to make a difference.

The AMP is a combination of Southwest Airlines (no frills) and Walmart (low cost leader) in a sea of dozens of overpriced forums and clubs aimed at attracting the Gates, Rockefellers, Fords and people who appear on Forbes list of wealthiest people in the world. The AMP provides a way for philanthropists donating smaller amounts to share their successes and learn from one another's mistakes as they wrestle with issues that transcend their financial giving capacity. The group offers a no holds barred, content-rich newsletter packed with updates, tips, case studies and networking opportunities and its annual Maverick Philanthropist Summit and Barbeque Throw Down.

The AMP believes small philanthropists, much like small business owners, are the backbone of the economy and account for a large percentage of charitable funding. While members do not have the financial capacity to pour millions of dollars into causes, they can consistently provide charities with gifts of $5,000 to $50,000 to maintain its operation, launch smaller initiatives and be the difference between an employee keeping a job or being let go due to lack of funding.

Editor's Note: Chatman is available for interviews. For more information about the Association of Maverick Philanthropists or to schedule an interview, call (305) 735-1246, or visit: www.michaelchatman.com

Association of Maverick Philanthropists

Association of Maverick Philanthropists

The Association of Maverick Philanthropists is a global network for individual philanthropists with smaller financial resources who contribute $5,000 to $50,000 annually. The point of the club is make impact change and contribute funds that leverage greater change than the size of the donation - and provide non-profits with support that not only improves lives - but inspires systemic change.

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