Giving Circles and Collective Giving

Chances are, the roots of philanthropy began with the first humans who shared a meal with an ill neighbor or a group banding together to build a communal well.

In its simplest definition, philanthropy is the act of one person giving up assets for the common good. That evolved, of course, to service groups, PTOs and local committees determined to improve conditions, services or opportunities for others.

Big gifts measured in thousands, millions and billions are important in philanthropy, but there is also need for small gift-givers, too.

Philanthropists in all stages of life are engaging in more than 2,500 giving circles worldwide, which are groups of people who:

• come together because of who they are or who they seek to support

• pool their gifts together

• award grants to a specific nonprofit or project

Some giving circles are grassroots programs created by its members. Others are affiliated with specific organizations or hosted by community foundations. Many identify with specific qualities, such as race, LGBTQ interests, gender or residence.

Sara Lomelin, CEO of Philanthropy Together, was interviewed by Glenn Gamboa for the Chronicle of Philanthropy in 2022 and said her organization seeks to increase the number and diversity of giving circles to 3,000 by 2025.

“It’s about involving more voices and involving more people taking action to support their communities,” Lomelin said.

The Collective Giving Research Group’s study in 2017 described giving circles as “highly flexible, democratic, do-it-yourself vehicles for giving” and noted that 84% of their grants are to local entities.

The Women’s Philanthropy Institute’s 2018 report showed that while a host organization incurs costs for activities and support, giving circles contribute to a community’s culture of philanthropy, reach out to new and diverse donors, and increase an organization’s visibility in their community.

The Philanthropy Together directory of giving circles can help you find one near you.