It was talking with one of his clients that McIntosh first learned about the "giving circle concept" and encouraged him to join NGAAP or the Next Generation of African American Philanthropy.  He's now part of that next generation.

McIntosh represents a growing movement of people who are not your typical wealthy benefactors but who gather with friends and others to help their own communities.  Their programs usually are small and as varied as their members' interests.

McIntosh and 300 others interested in such groups gathered at Research Triangle Park recently to discuss their work at a conference sponsored by NCGives, a Raleigh based initiative.

"I always wanted to give back to the community, but I didn't know how to engage," McIntosh says.  He listened to his client and other experienced philanthropists.  Then, he and 18 others came together "to pool our resources."  Out of those resources came NGAAP.

Each member contributed $300 to get the organization started, and it has worked with the Triangle Community Foundation to find small, matching grants.

With the money, they began to look for community organizations that they believed were making a difference.  One such "partner" is Durham Proud, an experienced organization that works with at-risk African American youths.

Like many "giving circles," NGAAP gives more than money.  "We give talent and time," says McIntosh.  And they recruit others to do the same.

For instance, through one of NGAAP's members, a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the organization found a campus fraternity that wanted to celebrate its 100th anniversary with a meaningful project.  NGAAP put them in touch with Durham Proud that now has a year-long commitment from the fraternity to assist in tutoring, intervention and mentoring.

Another beneficiary is the Glory to Glory House of Refuge, a Raleigh, religious based group that helps homeless women with AIDS.

McIntosh says, "NGAAP has helped me learn about community issues.  I'm working now on a partnership with the ESC (Employment Security Commission) to find a way to help ex-offenders get their barber's license."

His shop, Park West near RTP, employs three barbers and two stylists.  It's a good place to talk, and McIntosh, if you ask him, will tell you "to engage" and "find out how to volunteer; find something close to your heart."