Finding Purpose Together: How Community, Giving, and Clubs Shape Meaning

We often search for purpose as if it’s a treasure hidden far away. But more often than not, meaning is found right beside us—through the people we walk with, the passions we share, and the moments we give back together. At DEMINT, we believe purpose is not a solo journey but a community oneaa.

When Giving Becomes Belonging

Philanthropy is more than writing a check—it’s planting seeds in a shared garden. The organization Thousand Currents shows what happens when funders trust communities to lead. One partner put it simply:

“It felt radically different to have a funder listen, defer, and adapt to our community priorities—not tell us what to do.”

Similarly, research on place-based philanthropy across North America shows that when local communities set the agenda, the impact goes deeper and lasts longer.

Small Circles, Big Impact

Clubs may seem small, but they create powerful connections. In Haiti, peer support groups for youth living with HIV helped teens stay healthy and resilient (study here). One member shared:

“Because of the club, I learned why medicine is important and felt less alone. I speak up more now—and my health has never been better.”

Even in tough times, connection matters. During COVID-19, virtual Clubhouses for people in mental health recovery helped members feel less isolated, leading to better overall health.

And in Turkey, a grassroots rugby team, Sivas Kangals Rugby FC, turned a niche sport into a movement by building pride, identity, and community from the ground up.

Finding Belonging in the Digital Age

Purpose doesn’t just grow in physical spaces. Online platforms are helping people connect in new ways. On Strava, runners and cyclists form their own clubs, set challenges, and celebrate milestones together.

And on Bookstagram, readers have built vibrant micro-communities where engagement is up to 10x higher than on broader platforms. As one reader said:

“Here, I’m not posting for views—I’m part of a reading family. We recommend, rave, rally, and celebrate together.”

The Threads of Purpose

When we give, when we share passions, when we belong to a circle—purpose grows.

• Community gives us belonging.

• Philanthropy reminds us to lift others.

• Clubs—online and offline—ground us in passion.

At DEMINT, this is why we’ve built not just a network, but an ecosystem of human connection. Because purpose isn’t found in isolation—it’s cultivated when we walk together.

The journey is more meaningful when it’s shared. And together, we can weave a tapestry of purpose that touches every life it reaches.