Key Term

What is Giving Circle?

Definition

A giving circle is a form of collective philanthropy where individuals pool their financial resources and collectively decide how to distribute funds to charitable causes. Members typically meet regularly to learn about community needs, review grant applications, and make joint decisions about which organizations or initiatives to support. These groups often combine social interaction with strategic charitable giving, allowing members to amplify their impact through shared resources.

Significance

Giving circles represent a powerful democratization of philanthropy, making strategic charitable giving accessible to donors at all levels while building community among participants. They are particularly significant because they help educate members about effective giving practices, leverage collective resources for greater impact, and often lead to more informed and engaged philanthropists. Research shows that giving circle members tend to give more, give more strategically, and become more involved in their communities than individual donors, making them an increasingly important force in modern philanthropy.