About Kaleo
Kaleo Giving Circle exists to transform lives and multiply Kingdom impact.
The mission of Kaleo Giving Circle is to practice shared generosity and invest in gospel-centered ministries that transform lives and communities in Central Indiana.
Our Mission
Why it Matters
We believe generosity is not just financial—it’s formative.
When Christians give together with shared purpose:
Ministries are strengthened and sustained
Kingdom impact is multiplied beyond what any one person could do alone
God’s mission to love and serve others is advanced
Communities experience deeper restoration
Givers are formed in generosity and discipleship
How It Works
Kaleo Giving Circle is built on the power of collective giving. Each year, gifts to Kaleo’s Grant Fund are combined and awarded to ministry partners through a thoughtful grant process. Gifts of any amount are welcomed and valued, and one hundred percent of every gift designated to the Grant Fund goes directly to our ministry partners. Those who give a total of $1,000 or more to the Grant Fund are eligible to vote on how the grant funds are distributed.
Our Focus Areas
Kaleo strategically invests in ministries across Central Indiana, including organizations supporting:
Biblical Restoration
Mental Health & Addiction Recovery
Discipleship & Mentorship
Poverty Alleviation
Human Trafficking & Sexual Exploitation
Sanctity of Life
Our Leadership
Stephanie Patterson
BOARD PRESIDENT
Stephanie Patterson, MBA, CFRE, is the founder of The Generosity Collective, which helps nonprofits inspire generosity and build sustainable funding for the future. With more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience, she has led multimillion-dollar fundraising initiatives and brings expertise in strategic planning, donor engagement, and communications.
Stephanie participated in the 2016–2017 Kaleo Urban Workshop and has served in Kaleo leadership since 2017, including as President of the Leadership Management Team and Chair of the Grants and Communications Committees. She is passionate about helping people practice generosity and seeing God multiply its impact throughout the community.
Cathy Bainaka
TREASURER
Cathy brings decades of professional experience and a heart for service to Kaleo. After careers in the computer and sports licensed apparel industries, she retired and began investing her time and talents in serving others.
She participated in the 2016–2017 Urban Workshop and has served in a variety of leadership roles, including Urban Workshop Lead, Treasurer, and member of the Board of Directors.
Cathy is committed to strengthening Kaleo’s mission through thoughtful stewardship and servant leadership and is passionate about creating opportunities that empower individuals and build stronger communities.
Margot Denger
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Margot Denger has been involved with Central Indiana nonprofits since 2009, with a particular focus on communications, marketing, and ministry support. Earlier in her career, she worked in information technology for a food broker.
Margot’s involvement with local ministries has included providing communications and marketing support for Outreach, Inc. and Restored Creations, a social enterprise of Wheeler Mission’s Center for Women & Children. She also played a key role in launching Kids Against Hunger of Central Indiana’s Million Meal Marathon, an annual event that continues today.
Margot participated in the 2015–2016 Kaleo Urban Workshop and has served on Kaleo’s Communications Committee. She believes we are not saved by good works, but saved for good works, and is grateful for the opportunity to use her gifts to share the story of Kaleo’s mission and impact.
Linda Gilmore
GRANTS
Linda Gilmore has served her local church through women’s ministry and community outreach for many years. She was a member of the 2014-2015 Kaleo Urban Workshop and has volunteered with several ministries, including Safe Families and The O’Connor House, where she has supported women and families through practical care and encouragement.
Linda has served on the Kaleo Leadership Management Team in Membership Engagement and as chair and member of the Grants Committee.
She is excited for the opportunity to reach beyond her own family and come alongside ministries that are sharing God’s love and compassion.
Hollyn Swider
OUTREACH
Hollyn Swider, LCSW, REAT, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Expressive Arts Therapist, and founder of Mosaic Minds, a creative counseling and wellness practice. She brings more than ten years of experience serving individuals, families, and communities, along with a background in nonprofit fundraising and donor stewardship.
Hollyn was introduced to Kaleo through her mother’s participation in the Urban Workshop. She is passionate about building meaningful community and believes God is glorified when people come together through connection and shared purpose.
Lesa Rae Wood
MINISTRY PARTNERS
Lesa Rae has a diverse professional background spanning sales, nonprofit fundraising, and healthcare administration. She currently works in mental health billing and volunteers with Youth for Christ’s Juvenile Justice Ministry.
Lesa Rae completed the 2016–2017 Kaleo Urban Workshop and has served in Kaleo leadership since then, including as President, Vice President, Urban Workshop Committee Lead, and Board member.
She is passionate about partnering with local ministries to share the hope of Jesus and strengthen lives throughout Central Indiana.
Our History
Founded in 2005 by Cindy Palmer and Barb Tait, Kaleo began when they sensed God calling them into a new season of purpose and generosity. Inspired by the Greek word kaleo, meaning “to call,” they invited friends across Indianapolis to put their faith into action through collective giving, service, and learning. Rooted in 1 John 3:18, the mission of Kaleo was to be the hands and feet of the gospel, loving not only in words, but in action.
What started as a simple gathering quickly became a movement focused on supporting ministries serving women, children, and vulnerable communities throughout Central Indiana. Members pooled financial gifts, volunteered alongside ministry partners, and learned from ministry experts about the challenges facing their city through the eight-session Urban Workshop.
From 2008–2026, Kaleo granted more than $2 million to local ministry partners and partnered with 20 organizations serving vulnerable individuals and families throughout Central Indiana.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Today, Kaleo carries that legacy forward as Kaleo Giving Circle—a community united in collective generosity. Through strategic grantmaking and trusted ministry partnerships, members give together to multiply Kingdom impact throughout Central Indiana.
