What is a Giving Circle?

The concept is as simple as it is powerful. A giving circle is formed when individuals come together, combine their dollars in a shared fund, decide collectively where to give the money, and learn about their community and philanthropy. 

• Donors pool their money 
• Donors decide, together, where that money is given 
• Donors learn about their community’s needs, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropy.

Giving circles are good for the community and empowering for members. Most people don’t consider their relatively small donations to be philanthropy.  It’s exciting to leverage your money and be part of a group that is giving away $10,000 or $20,000 or $400,000 a year. 

• It’s fun to come together with like-minded friends and acquaintances.  Giving circles have a social and networking function beyond their immediate task of giving away money.
• Learn about your community:  Most people don’t really know what the most pressing issues are in their communities, nor do they know which organizations are out there doing good work.  This is a chance to find out. 
• Demystify Philanthropy – learn about giving and grantmaking:  giving circles go through careful processes to make decisions about their grants.  It’s enlightening to be part of those conversations and deliberations. 

Want to learn more about Giving Circles?  Visit The Giving Circle Knowledge Center.