Invest directly in a local, socially conscious business or project—that's what giving circles such as the Cleveland Colectivo are all about. Launched last year, the Colectivo is a group of friends, neighbors and colleagues who pooled funds and decided to invest in good ideas that are still under the radar: An urban learning garden, a family refuge center, a carsharing business, and a student mural project.

The group is seeking proposals for its second round of funding. If you have a project that you would like to make a reality, visit www.clevelandcolectivo.org and answer three simple questions.